Growing tomatoes successfully hinges on one of a few critical factors: one of them being location. Where you plant your tomatoes determines how much sunlight they receive, if their roots stay healthy, and whether they can avoid pests and diseases. Choose the right spot, and your plants will reward you with sweet, plump fruits. But …
Gardening
Help! I’m drowning in zucchini! How can I preserve some for later? If you ask me, freezing is my favorite method of preserving my harvest. Wondering how to freeze zucchini? You can freeze zucchini whole, sliced, shredded, and spiralized. It’s so easy! See below for details on every method of freezing zucchini. Zucchini is a …
Not a common color among flowering plants, blue adds a unique beauty to the garden. Its calming hue invites wanderers to pause and take notice. Blue annuals are especially versatile, offering bold pops of color that refresh your garden design from season to season. Whether you want to accent a serene cottage border, enhance a …
Have you noticed that people who spend their golden years fussing over petunias and pruning tomatoes often look like they’ve stumbled on the fountain of youth? It may be hidden behind the compost pile, but it’s undeniable. It’s more than grandma’s garden lore; researchers have been snooping around the science of it, and the results …
When you think of garden pests, raccoons probably rank high on the list—those masked little bandits are famous for raiding bird feeders, knocking over compost bins, and digging through garden beds. But before you set up traps or block every potential entry point, take a breath. Raccoons aren’t always the villains they’re made out to …
Growing native plants is a great way to support pollinators like butterflies and bees, songbirds, and other wildlife. Even the smallest patio garden can provide much-needed habitat for native creatures. And it doesn’t have to be difficult! Many beautiful native wildflowers, such as those listed here, are incredibly easy to grow. 1. Lupine (Lupinus spp.) …
Gardens buzz with life, especially when they host flowers that attract bees. These industrious pollinators are drawn to blooms that provide rich nectar and pollen sources. The dance between flowers and bees is critical, as pollination is essential for plants to produce fruits and seeds, ensuring the continuation of various plant species. Certain flowers are …
Tomatoes are the crown jewel of the summer garden—bursting with flavor, glowing in the sun, and showing off their juicy charm in salads, sauces, and sandwiches. But with all the advice out there, it’s easy to get tangled in tomato-growing myths that do more harm than good. Should you prune every sucker? Water daily? Only …
Deadheading—removing faded blooms—is often touted as a must-do gardening chore to encourage more flowers. And for many annuals and perennials, it really works! But not every plant benefits from this snipping ritual. In fact, some flowers are self-cleaning, meaning they drop spent blooms on their own. Others have an indeterminate bloom pattern, and cutting their …
Dreaming of a garden that plants itself? Imagine low-maintenance perennials that spread gracefully, fill empty spaces, and bring a buzzing, fluttering wildness to your backyard—all with minimal effort. These elegant and eco-friendly garden champions range from sun-lovers to shade heroes, and each one plays a vital role in supporting bees, butterflies, birds, and your peace …