With its vibrant colors and remarkable height, pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is hard to miss, and you might even think it beautiful. This striking native of eastern North America also serves as an important food source for songbirds and other wildlife. However, pokeweed is toxic to both people and pets, and in some western states, it …
Gardening
If you grow tomatoes in your garden, you’re probably familiar with huge quantities of ripening tomatoes during the months of July and August: so much so that it’s impossible to use them all up. If you find yourself unable to eat them all before they go bad, preserve them for winter. Here’s how to freeze …
Getting the most from your garden means maintaining your garden as perfectly as possible. Don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you’ll have to spend every waking hour outside tending to your garden. Adding a few things to your daily gardening routine will help to ensure that you get as much as possible out of your garden. …
Nothing beats the anticipation of waiting for your homegrown tomatoes to reach that perfect, sun-kissed ripeness. Yet as any gardener knows, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our timeline. Whether you’re racing against an early frost or simply eager to enjoy the fruits of your labor, understanding how to accelerate tomato ripening can make the …
Cooling weather doesn’t mean you should abandon your garden. There are many vegetables and herbs that do really well in the colder temperatures. The best herbs to grow in the fall depend on which area of the country you reside in and where it falls in terms of climate zone. Take a look and see …
What are those brightly colored, shield-shaped insects in the vegetable garden? Are they friends or foes? Looking something like a fancy stinkbug, harlequin bugs suck the nutrients out of plant leaves and can devastate an entire crop if not controlled. This invasive pest spread to the United States from Mexico soon after the Civil War and …
As autumn approaches and nighttime temperatures begin their inevitable descent, gardeners face a crucial decision: which beloved container plants deserve a cozy indoor sanctuary for the winter months? The difference between a thriving plant collection and a pile of frost-damaged regrets often comes down to timing and preparation. Many gardeners make the mistake of waiting …
With the cold season right around the corner, I’m looking for some indoor gardening ideas that will keep my garden addiction alive. So, I invited Jacki, an expert in succulents, to share how to grow succulents indoors. This way, we can enjoy “gardening” even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Succulents are so versatile and adaptable that …
A garden space full of bell-shaped flowers is the perfect way to add wonderful curb appeal to your home. These beautiful ornamental flowers add a stunning visual to any garden area or flower bed space. The great part about adding these flowers to your space is that they come in a wide variety of colors, …
Imagine walking through your garden, admiring vibrant blooms and lush foliage, knowing you haven’t lifted a watering can in weeks. This dream becomes reality when you choose perennials that actually prefer a hands-off approach. These resilient plants have evolved to survive harsh conditions, making them perfect for busy gardeners, weekend warriors, or anyone who loves …