Few things are more satisfying than walking through the garden on a hot summer day and biting into a juicy sun-ripened tomato plucked straight from the vine. Or harvesting fresh veggies and herbs for a homegrown meal, you can be proud of because you produced the ingredients yourself. There is an unparalleled joy in growing …
Gardening
If you’ve joined the urban farming movement but your garden gets more shadows than sunlight, don’t worry—you’re not out of luck. It turns out that plenty of vegetables actually prefer a little shade, and with the right choices, your low-light garden can still be productive and delicious. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale thrive …
Have you ever wondered: What do earthworms eat? Most of us learn in school that earthworms are good for the soil and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. They are also food for a wide range of animals, from birds to raccoons. But what do they actually consume for nourishment? TLDR: Lots of Things Earthworms eat …
There’s nothing more disappointing than going to pick a yummy squash and instead finding your squash plants in distress, destroyed by some unwelcome bug. But don’t worry: we’re looking at ways to prevent. Plus, how to get rid of these nasty little creatures if they’ve already invaded. See which of these 5 suggestions might make …
Transform your backyard into a breathtaking oasis with these stunning ground cover ideas! If you’re stumped on how to revamp that neglected patch of land, we’ve got you covered – quite literally. Whether you’re looking to add some color to a shady spot, fill in gaps between stepping stones, or create a living carpet in …
If you have a garden, even a small one, you’re probably growing a couple of tomato plants. When you get it right, they’re such a rewarding fruit (yes, fruit!) to pick and enjoy. Unfortunately, growing tomatoes isn’t always easy. Some are self-inflicted and easily fixable, but others might need a bit more attention. Let’s look …
A cut flower garden brings joy to the grower—that’s you!—and to anyone lucky enough to receive one of your homegrown bouquets. It’s a simple, soul-nourishing way to add beauty, fragrance, and color to your home, both inside and out. Whether you’re dreaming of mason jar arrangements on your kitchen table, thoughtful gifts for friends, or …
Why do some years bring relentless droughts, unseasonal snow, or back-to-back hurricanes, while others don’t? As a Colorado Master Gardener and expert in agricultural engineering, I hear this question often. Weather unpredictability can make gardening the ultimate challenge. You’ll question why your tomatoes were successful one year but not the next, or be left wondering …
Whether it is the redbuds around Lake Michigan in late April, the saucer magnolias in Northern California in late April, or the American dogwoods that grace the South in early spring, chances are that there are some spring flowering trees that will do well near you. Treasured trees, the results of hundreds of years of …
With their tall, elegant spires and bell-shaped blooms, foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) bring a touch of fairytale magic to any garden. They are beautiful on their own, plus they create a lovely backdrop for shorter flowers and plants. Native to Europe and now in many parts of the U.S. (zones 5–9), these striking biennials (or short-lived …