Gardening Advice

We usually treat evergreen trees as background plants, quietly doing their work offstage where they offer cover and food for wild animals, provide shade, block the wind, or mark a boundary line. Cue the dwarfs! Like the Munchkins in Oz, these small evergreen trees will steal the show!What are Dwarf Evergreens?Like large evergreens, the smaller “dwarf” evergreens hold their green needle-like…

Start an indoor herb garden! Even just a few pots of herbs grown on a windowsill or under grow lights can supply wonderful flavors at your fingertips year-round. Just be sure to select the right herbs that grow indoors in winter. Here’s how to get started!Many indoor herbs prefer the same temperatures as most people—around 65 to 70 degrees F—so it’s a cozy relationship!We…

If you grow tomatoes or other crops in the same garden bed year after year, you’re likely to notice an increase in pests and diseases. Break the cycle! Take a moment to learn about the basics of crop rotation. Your plants will thank you with a bigger, healthier harvest.In the mad rush to get the garden planted in the spring, we forget all about something as important as crop rotation,…

One of the most frequently asked questions by houseplant lovers is, “Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?” To determine what is ailing your plant, take a close look at those yellowing leaves. The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. Houseplant leaves turning yellow can be caused by several things. Random leaves that are yellow or have yellow patches on the…

Are any of these badly behaving trees or shrubs near your home? Here are the worst (and best) trees to plant close to your house. Plus, we’ll explain why you don’t want trees and shrubs closing in on your home, and some general guidelines on how far away a tree needs to be.Planting Trees and Shrubs Near the HouseWe all enjoy landscaping around our home. And it’s not…

The folklore of winter weather is fascinating. You’re sure to know some of these weather sayings passed down by generations of people who lived close to the land and nature. Which ones do you know?Winter is the harshest season. The natural world—clouds, birds, animals, and plants—all provided cues to predict what the winter will bring! Generations of hunters, farmers, and fishermen…

My two cats, Fred and Ginger, often chew on the leaves of my favorite houseplants, so I try to make sure that nothing within their reach is toxic. If your feline friends are also inquisitive (aren’t they all?), here’s a list of plants that are safe for cats.I am both a gardener and a cat lover. Unfortunately, there are a decent number of houseplants that are toxic to cats, causing…

Find out how to keep mums alive over the winter, including which types of mums can survive winter. Learn how to winterize hardy mums in the ground or inside in pots, depending on your growing zone.What is the Hardy Variety of Chrysanthemums?Which mums are NOT perennials: Those greenhouse-raised florist mums have been pampered, pinched, and pruned into tightly packed balls full of buds…

If you’re going to grow and eat healthy vegetables, why not consider which ones are nutrient-dense? So, which veggies are the nutritional stars? Here are the top 10 healthiest vegetables and fruits that you can grow at home—plus advice for growing a healthier garden.We all want to provide our families with the freshest, most nutritious meals we can, and if you are growing your own…

These days, many of us find our Christmas trees at a garden supply store or a local church, selling them as a fundraiser. Ever wonder where they get the trees? Christmas tree farms, of course! But it’s not always easy. Growing Christmas trees is similar to producing any other agricultural crop. It’s a serious business that requires a lot of hard work that lasts years! Learn more about…

Many gardeners think you can’t use pine needles as mulch because they are too acidic. This old wives’ tale has been debunked many times! Don’t be scared! Pine needles make great mulch in your garden (sometimes it is called Pine Straw). If you have access to free pine needles, by all means, rake them up and use them liberally in your garden. They not only make great mulch but are an excellent…

Imagine that moment late in a dreary winter when we’re hungry for flowers. Suddenly, dainty flowers pop their heads out of the snow near our front steps, bringing a smile to our faces. See seven bulbs to plant in autumn; all flower long before other plants have begun to stir.Snowdrops (Galanthus)January’s birth flower, snowdrops are the first to appear in my yard, even though…