Landscape irrigation accounts for roughly one-third of all residential water use in the United States, and according to the EPA, about half of that water is wasted through runoff, evaporation, or poorly timed systems before it reaches a single root. Xeriscaping is the practice that changes all of that. And no, it does not mean …
Gardening
The most popular product sold to stop weeds is actively making your garden worse. Landscape fabric — that black sheeting lining the beds of so many frustrated homeowners — leaches microplastics into the soil, blocks water from reaching plant roots, and, within a few seasons, still allows weeds to grow. The methods that actually work …
The garden may look asleep right now, tucked under frost and fallen leaves, but this is when good growers start thinking ahead. While the usual tools sit in a corner and the trusty trowel gets all the love, there are a few quiet helpers that rarely get noticed (or aren’t even on the radar of …
Daisies are some of the most beloved flowers for gardeners, and it’s easy to see why. With their cheerful blooms and low-maintenance nature, daisies add a touch of whimsy and brightness to any outdoor space. Originating from the diverse and versatile Asteraceae family, these flowers thrive in a variety of climates and conditions. More than …
Fun DIY Christmas gift alert! And there’s still time. Imagine creating a tiny, self-contained garden. This is what a terrarium is: a miniature garden housed inside a clear container, designed to mimic natural ecosystems on a small scale. It typically includes layers of drainage material, activated charcoal, soil, and carefully chosen plants suited to either …
Tomatoes are the quintessential garden crop, celebrated for their vibrant flavors and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a fresh salad, whipping up salsa, or canning sauces, the right tomato variety can make all the difference. Below, we’ve compiled 15 of the best-tasting tomatoes for gardens and kitchens. From classic heirlooms to sweet cherry …
Most people buy a grocery store bouquet the week before Easter and call it a day. But the gardeners who started planting last fall, or who are filling containers right now, in March, are about to have something those grocery flowers can never replicate: a garden that blooms as if it planned itself, timed to …
That urge to grab your pruners the moment temperatures rise is one of the most natural impulses in gardening, and one of the most destructive. Every March, well-meaning gardeners pick up their loppers and go to work on the very plants that most need to be left alone, and then spend June wondering why their …
If you’re already reaching for your tomato seedlings after seeing that your region is “green” on the new Almanac frost map, stop. That map isn’t telling you what you think it’s telling you. For 234 years, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has published the same frost date tool: a ZIP-code calculator built on three decades of …
Weeds sprouting through driveway cracks are more than just an eyesore they’re stubborn intruders that can weaken your driveway’s structure over time. While sprays like Roundup or glyphosate are often seen as the easiest solution, they come with significant long-term effects on the environment, including soil contamination and harm to pollinators. Opting for alternative methods …