With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to find advice. However, this also makes it easy for myths to spread. A wide range of gardening myths have been around for a long time. And while these myths are common, the horticulture industry continues finding answers to these claims. Let’s dig in! Myth: You can add pebbles or rocks to the bottom of a container to help with drainage. Truth: At first glance, this idea sounds good. During the last 100 years, studies have shown the extra material makes it harder for water to move through the soil. There […]
Category: Gardening Tips
Spring Garden Planning: Landscaping & Vegetable Garden Tips
What are your garden plans for spring? Perhaps you’re filling the landscape of a new home or starting your first veggie garden. Today, we’ll look at some tips to make those plantings successful! Tips For A New Home Garden If you’re a new home owner, you might be starting with a clean slate or updating the existing landscape. This allows you to be creative and make the landscape your own. Before you dive in, think about your goals for the property. Almost 20 years ago, my family moved from a wooded lot to a home on the prairie. We missed […]
Vertical Gardening Tips: Smart Strategies To Train And Support Climbing Plants
Planning a garden makeover sometime this year? Instead of spreading out, think about adding more climbers to your backyard as vertical gardening is going to be a huge trend in 2025. Using vertical space is a great way to make the most of your garden. While most people put up structures to support climbing vegetables like peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers, gardening experts say that planting flowering vines can also help to beautify your outdoors. In an interview with Real Simple, landscape designer Cate Singleton said that vertical gardens “can be used to screen unsightly views and add color to a […]
Tips for Growing Root Vegetables
Looking for a head start in the garden this spring? Root crops are tough veggies that like cool weather and allow you to plant early. But that’s not all! You can add another round of crops in midsummer for a fall harvest. Many of these plants are extra hardy and let you harvest beyond the first frost to extend your season. Essential Tips for Root Crops Root crops are easy to grow but have a few requirements. Check out these tips before planting: How to Grow Popular Root Crops: Vegetable-Specific Tips Beets Have you ever roasted beets in the oven? […]
Solving Common Winter Garden Issues
Do you look forward to winter? On the one hand, the quiet days and fresh snowfalls can be wonderful. However, those cold conditions create challenges for our gardens. Let’s check out some common problems and how to prevent them. Winter Burn Have you ever noticed brown leaves on your evergreens in spring? This problem, known as winter burn, is caused by the leaves drying out. Winter burn mainly affects evergreens like boxwood, yew, and junipers. Several factors can impact the severity of winterburn, like a plant’s age. New transplants have smaller root systems that are prone to drying out. In […]
Plant Now for a Beautiful Spring: Tips for Fall Bulbs
When is the best time to plant? For spring blooming bulbs, it’s fall. From tulips to daffodils and crocus, these colorful plants lead the transition from winter to spring. And if you crave variety, bulbs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. There are over 26,000 varieties of daffodils in the world! Today, we’ll focus on different types of bulbs and how they add color to the garden. Fall Bulb Types In my home state (Wisconsin), winter holds its grip on spring. And that’s why these early bloomers are such a welcome sight! While each bulb only blooms for a […]
Composting Basics for Beginners
Experienced gardeners understand that the foundation of a thriving garden lies in the quality of the soil. Properly made compost acts like a potent elixir, enriching the garden with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. It enhances the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, stabilizes its pH levels, and even fortifies plants against pests and diseases. Given its significant benefits, the term “garden gold” for compost is truly fitting. Composting is a natural process that occurs continuously as bacteria and other soil organisms decompose organic material. A stroll through the woods reveals this phenomenon; beneath the leaf litter, you’ll find […]
Summer Gardening: June Garden Checklist Zones 3-6
As we turn the calendar to summer, it’s time to focus on garden maintenance. However, it’s not too late for planting if you got off to a delayed start, so take the time to get those last-minute veggies or annuals in the ground or containers. Fertilizing In The Summer As your container annuals get settled in, you can feed them with all-purpose fertilizer to provide an extra boost. You can also fertilize in-ground annuals. And depending on the fertilizer, it’s usually recommended to fertilize every 7-14 days. You can also fertilize other landscape plants, but one key to healthy growth […]
Spring Gardening: Managing Invasive Species
Hiking is one of the best ways to see native plants. Still, as you explore the woods, you may encounter invasive species that are overtaking the existing natives. These invasives can spread to your property and cause problems, especially if you have any wooded areas near your home. Let’s take a moment to examine these plants and how to manage them. What Is An Invasive Species? You may have heard this term before, but what does it mean? An invasive species is a living species that is non-native to a specific region and causes harm to the environment. Invasives can […]
How To Create A Pizza Garden
Happy National Pizza Day! Each year on February 9th, the United States celebrates our love of pizza. According to National Today’s pizza survey, over 57% of Americans love pizza and 30% eat pizza at least once a week. There are many ways to celebrate this delicious food including creating and growing your own pizza garden. Select Your Favorite Pizza Toppings Pizza preferences vary widely among individuals. While some delight in the savory combination of mushrooms and peppers, others find solace in the comforting familiarity of tomato and garlic. The first step to creating a pizza garden begins with selecting the […]