From the coast to mountains and from mild climates to nearly arctic conditions, Maine encompasses more than a hundred types of habitats, home to some 1,500 native plants. Unfortunately, these varied habitats also provide ideal conditions for a wide range of non-native invasive species. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry lists 125 invasive …
Serena Manickam
Bright, colorful petunias bloom all summer, whether planted in a flower bed, container, window box, or hanging basket. These easy-to-please annuals come in a wide range of colors and fit almost anywhere. Petunias even have a place in the vegetable garden, where they attract beneficial insects and might even help with pest control! Pair petunias …
Have you ever a noticed an anthill in your garden and started to panic? Don’t worry. Red ants might not be the garden pests we believe them to be. If you see them swarming around an unhealthy plant, you will likely be eager to learn how to get rid of red ants in the garden. However, …
Growing new plants from cuttings is the closest thing to garden magic. With just a snip of fresh growth and a bit of patience, you can turn one plant into many—no seeds required. Place a stem in water or tuck it into soil, and soon it sprouts roots of its own, ready to flourish. It’s …
Tomatoes, peppers, and many other popular vegetables take a long time to mature, but there are also a lot of fast-growing vegetables you can plant to harvest sooner (no need to wait half the summer or feel like you missed the chance to grow them!). Many of these quick-maturing plants even grow well in containers …
Late summer tastes like heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, and sweet corn- if you planted it with good companions in the spring, that is. Corn is a popular vegetable garden crop, though pests can make it difficult to grow. Whether you’re trying to fit many plants into a small space or would like to interplant for the …
Keeping plants alive can be hard. Maybe you forgot to water that shriveled-up thing in the pot, or maybe you gave it too much water. Maybe, despite your best efforts, it just failed to thrive. While some plants require careful, attentive care and droop at the slightest offense, others can handle our negligence or inexperience …
When updating your landscape, don’t forget about the pathways! An attractive walkway design can do wonders in improving the overall appearance of an outdoor space by adding visual interest or simply blending in smoothly with the rest of the landscape. It can tie a space together and take all the elements from mismatched and blah …
Depending on who you ask, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is either an excellent turfgrass or a terrible weed. It spreads aggressively and tolerates drought, heat, and foot traffic, making it perfect for filling in a lawn and staying lush and green throughout summer. But if Bermuda grass ends up where you don’t want it, it …
Succulents are wonderful low-maintenance houseplants and drought-tolerant garden plants. Plus, they are an eye-catching addition to any home. Many of them also produce beautiful flowers! These flowering succulent plants add cheerful bursts of color to xeriscapes and brighten up rooms and porches. Most succulents prefer full sun or minimal shade and well-draining soil. If you live …