You tuck cucumber vines into the soil while dreaming of the fresh, crunchy fruits and tart pickles to come. And then one day you walk into the garden to find holey, sickly plants in place of the lush foliage you expect. Upon closer inspection, you might notice the tiny insects infesting your beloved plants: cucumber …
Serena Manickam
Gardening is so much more than a hobby. It can provide us with food, beautify our outdoor and indoor spaces, improve our mental health, and even serve as a form of exercise. On June 6, we specifically celebrate this last benefit by observing National Gardening Exercise Day – and why shouldn’t we? Gardening is way …
Here we are at the end of the alphabet! Many of the zesty flowers that start with Z come from tropical areas, yet nearly all of them can find a home in your garden with the proper care. Let’s dive in and finish off our colorful exploration of alphabetical flowering plants with zeal. Annual Flowers …
Although the history of the day is unknown, apparently someone decided that we all need a reminder to water our flowers, because May 30 is National Water a Flower Day! Celebrate National Water a Flower Day We all know that watering is good for the plants, but did you know that it provides benefits to …
People in the U.S. throw away 167 million tons of garbage each year, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). That’s a lot of trash! The good news is that we can cut the amount of garbage being set out at the curb by half, just by composting. And not only does composting keep …
They pollinate wildflowers and crops, contributing to biodiversity as well as human food supplies, and produce the sweet honey we love to stir into tea or drizzle on warm buttermilk biscuits. Although we fear their sting, there is far more to love about bees. The Republic of Slovenia recognized the importance of bees and the …
Strawberries are among the first fruits to ripen in spring, with sweet juiciness that proves irresistible as the weather warms and fresh produce becomes increasingly available. Although its history is unknown, Pick Strawberries Day occurs on May 20, right in the middle of the strawberry season for many parts of the country, making it a …
Although citrus trees seem reserved for the southern part of the U.S., where temperatures remain mild throughout the winter, even those of us who see snow in the colder months can grow a lemon tree. All it takes are a large pot and proper care. And with Plant a Lemon Tree Day coming up on …
Many holidays and other occasions are celebrated by the giving of flowers, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, May Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, and more. But did you know that there is a day dedicated just to giving flowers? This May 15, spread a little joy by observing Bring Flowers to Someone Day. When people …
After the daffodils and tulips fade, irises send up their stalks topped with showy, ruffled plumage. These low-maintenance bulbs come in nearly every color except bright red, allowing gardeners to enjoy a lush rainbow of color from late spring through early summer where multiple varieties are planted. Although we don’t know when a day was …