As summer winds down, many of us have gorgeous annuals that continue to put on a show. However, some annuals may be winding down as the summer heat takes its toll, resulting in plants that look tired. In recent years, many gardeners have extended the growing season by adding fall container displays. These plantings consist of annuals, perennials, branches, and even artificial décor to add color to the late-season landscape. You don’t have to remove all your summer plants to create a fall display. It’s good to leave the ones that are growing well and make them part of the […]
Category: Gardening Tips
Fall Gardening: September Garden Checklist Zones 3-6
For many of us, September is a transition month from summer to fall. We can get a head start on the cooler weather by accomplishing a few tasks in the landscape. Here are a few tips to get you started. Veggies and Herbs Trees and Shrubs Annuals and Houseplants Perennials and Bulbs Special Notes Also, less visible soil in the garden means less sunlight for weeds to germinate. However, there’s a difference between full and overgrown. A full garden bed will have plants that fill in the extra space without crowding out each other. Remember, there’s still time to enjoy […]
Tips For Gardening Success: Healthy Soil
Did you know a handful of soil contains billions of microorganisms? These tiny beings are responsible for improving soil structure and providing vital nutrients for our plants. Healthy Garden Soil A healthy garden begins with healthy soil that provides our plants with the right amount of water, nutrients, and air. As you examine your garden, you may notice that some plants haven’t grown as expected, causing you to look for the source of the problem. Before we add plants to a garden, we should check the soil. Soil is made of several materials, including sand, silt, and clay. A balance […]
5 Fruit Trees You Can Easily Grow
Fresh Produce at Your Fingertips Isn’t it amazing to wake up to the sweet smell of nature, the rustling of leaves, and the anticipation of biting into a juicy, ripe fruit plucked straight from your own backyard? There’s something magical about plucking a sun-kissed fruit straight from the tree and taking that first, delicious bite. Imagine having that experience right in your own backyard! In today’s post, we’ll be sharing with you five fruit trees you can plant to transform your backyard into a bountiful oasis. So grab a trowel and put on your gardening gloves. Let’s turn your outdoor […]
Broccoli Gardening Guide
Updated: February 6, 2025 Welcome to the world of broccoli gardening, where vibrant green heads of nutrition and flavor flourish in your own backyard! This gardening guide is your gateway to cultivating these wholesome cruciferous gems, whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a budding green thumb. Discover the secrets to nurturing healthy seedlings, and creating an optimal growing environment. From essential care tips to pest management and harvest techniques, our guide equips you with all the knowledge needed to grow bountiful broccoli crops. Get ready to embark on a delicious and rewarding journey of cultivating this versatile superfood! Broccoli Care […]
Easy Tips For Vegetable Harvest & Storage
If you are like me, your garden is full of produce ready to be picked, and you may find yourself overwhelmed with everything that is ripening at once. Fortunately, most vegetables can be stored or preserved until you are ready to eat them. Preserving The Vegetable Harvest If you are hoping to keep vegetables longer, consider preserving them by freezing, drying, canning, or pickling. The steps to preserving them are more complex than simply storing them, but you can have a stable supply of vegetables all winter! You can freeze nearly any vegetable to keep them good for eating. Blanching […]
Carrot Gardening Guide
Carrots, with their vibrant orange hue and crisp, earthy flavor, have long been a beloved staple in kitchens and gardens around the world. These versatile root vegetables not only add a burst of color and crunch to salads, stews, and stir-fries but also boast an array of health benefits. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice enthusiast, cultivating your own carrots can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. From selecting the right varieties to nurturing them through each stage of growth, the journey of growing carrots allows you to connect with the earth, witness nature’s wonders, and ultimately enjoy […]
Perennial Planting: How To Overcome Difficult Planting Sites
As gardeners, many of us have that one spot in the yard where no plant will grow except the weeds. It may be a dry site under a tree or a sandy area in full sun. While frustrating, this dilemma allows us to explore plant options we may not have considered. Perennials may appear delicate, but they can be problem solvers in challenging areas of the landscape. Let’s examine some difficult sites and the perennials that will thrive in them. 3 Types Of Challenging Plants Sites Dry Shade The term “dry shade” refers to an area primarily shaded with soil […]
An Easy Guide For Planting Trees & Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can bring structure and beauty throughout the year if you’re starting a new landscape or adding to your existing property. These plants also provide ecological benefits for your landscape and the planet. Before planting, it’s crucial to understand planting techniques to ensure long-term success for your landscape. Why Proper Planting Is Essential Before we examine the specifics, let’s focus on why proper planting is essential for trees and shrubs. A common problem in landscapes is trees that are planted too deep. As a result, these trees often deteriorate from excess moisture around the stem or develop circling […]
7 Growing Tips For Begonias
Begonias are renowned for their vibrant, colorful blooms and distinctive foliage. With over 1,800 species, begonias come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, but can also be grown indoors as houseplants. Begonias are valued not only for their stunning appearance but also for their ease of care, making them an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden or add some color to your indoor space, begonias […]