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Serena Manickam

Serena Manickam is a freelance editor and writer and sustainable market gardener in rural Virginia. She holds a BA in environmental science and runs Fairydiddle Farm, a small market garden in which she grows no-spray produce and herbs to sell at a local farmer’s market.

Beans are among the easiest vegetables to grow, and they’re one of my favorite garden standbys. But did you know that they also make great container plants? No matter which variety you like best, you can grow it even with limited space once you learn a few tips on how to grow beans in containers. …

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I often find gardening to be a grounding, relaxing activity. But even as it soothes and centers the mind, it can cause pain in the body, especially for individuals with arthritis. Fortunately, many companies have developed ergonomic gardening tools for people with arthritis, making it possible to continue caring for your plants with minimal pain. …

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No space for a sprawling melon plant? Good news! If you have a five-gallon pot and a sunny place to put it, you can still grow cantaloupe. This may seem like an odd plant for a container garden, but we’ll help you get started with tips on how to grow cantaloupe in containers, from choosing …

Read More about How to Grow Cantaloupe in Containers – A Vertical Growing Guide

Will those strawberry hanging baskets at the local nursery really produce sweet, juicy berries? With the right care, they might! Read our tips below on how to grow strawberries in containers and learn the simple steps to enjoying a sweet harvest. How to Grow Strawberries in Containers As with any plant, growing strawberries in pots …

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Potatoes are a surprisingly easy and nutrient-rich addition to container gardens. Here’s how to grow potatoes in containers, so you can enjoy them even when you don’t have a lot of garden space.  These Peruvian vegetables provide healthy amounts of iron, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, according to the United States Potato Board, and …

Read More about How to Grow Potatoes in Containers – A Roundup of the Best Ideas

Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most popular vegetables to grow in containers. Once you learn how to grow tomatoes in containers, you can harvest the plump red fruit from the convenience of your porch, balcony, or patio. How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers Growing tomatoes in containers requires choosing the right soil, container, …

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Terra-cotta garden gnomes have decorated front lawns and gardens since the mid-1800s. More recently, cute Christmas gnomes have become increasingly popular in the U.S. as holiday decorations both indoors and out. Cute Christmas Gnomes Before they became a whimsical garden accessory, gnomes were mythological creatures in traditions throughout northern Europe. The appearance of these creatures …

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Mushrooms in lawns and gardens provoke varying reactions, ranging from disgust at unsightly fungi sprouting through bark mulch to enchanted delight at a fairy ring gracing the yard. Regardless of your response, you may ask yourself: why are mushrooms growing in my garden? Where did they come from? Quick answer: Mushrooms are a sign of …

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After exerting a little extra effort on the assembly end, you can reap myriad benefits from a raised bed garden, the foremost being easy maintenance. Read on for an explanation of what is a raised bed garden, as well as tips and ideas for building and planting your own. What Is A Raised Bed Garden? …

Read More about What Is A Raised Bed Garden? Tips & Ideas For Growing A Successful Raised Garden