As gardeners, we can find ways to tuck plants into almost any space and turn just about anything into a flowerpot. One way to save money and upcycle what might otherwise end up in the landfill is to repurpose old tires in the garden. You can, of course, simply throw a tire on the ground,…
While some parts of the world receive increasing amounts of rainfall every year, others experience longer and more intense dry periods. One great landscaping option for gardeners in areas with limited water is a rock garden. Or perhaps, as is common in my area, you struggle to beautify a yard filled with jutting rocks you’d…
Water features add soothing sounds, wildlife habitat, and an opportunity to include a broader range of plants in your garden. From tabletop gardens to built-in ponds, gain some inspiration for creating your own lush water garden with the following creative water garden ideas. Creative Water Garden Ideas If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere…
It sometimes seems like all of the most beautiful plants require full sun, especially if all you have is shade. Before you despair over your tree-filled yard, though, take a moment to admire that leafy canopy, the textured trunks supporting it, and most importantly, the blank canvas of soil beneath it all. Envision a lovely…
I love growing root crops. The foliage only provides hints at what is happening in the soil as you tend to the plants throughout the season, leaving the harvest a surprise. I have laughed out loud in the garden upon unearthing a sweet potato the size of my face. Of course, this can lead to…
I recently planted a bed of fall broccoli, collards, and kale, carefully covering the young transplants with row cover to keep out cabbage worms. But when I removed the cover to water the plants a day or two later, a few leaves and even an entire kale plant had been cut clean through the stems….
Sometimes a striking weed will capture our interest, and instead of yanking it out by the roots, we decide to let it grow for the sake of beauty or to see what it becomes. I do this with wild violets, valuing their delicate purple blossoms in spring as well as their medicinal and culinary uses….
Occasionally when working in my garden I will feel a tickle or the sting of an ant bite on my leg and look down to realize I’m standing on an ant nest swarming with tiny black specks. I’ve also noticed larger black ants congregating on the undersides of my sunflower leaves. But are they harmful?…
Although commonly known for being indoor pests, mice can be a nuisance in the garden, too! But they can climb just about anything, swim, jump a foot in the air, and squeeze through any opening larger than a quarter of an inch – so how do you keep them out of your vegetable patch? We’ll…