Why is figuring out how to get rid of slugs in the garden so challenging? Let’s start with the obvious: slugs have a major ick factor. They’re slimy and pretty darned disgusting. Most species are decomposers who feed on decaying plant and animal wastes. But, there are a handful of slug species that prefer to feed on living plant material, making them the bane of many gardeners. If you’re here to figure out how to get rid of slugs in the garden, these are definitely the species you’re dealing with....

Also known as wishbone flower, bluewings, and clown flower, this compact plant will grow in Zones 2-11. Torenia Fournieri If your shady spots are looking a little dull and uninspired, you may want to consider Torenia fourneiri, which blooms generously and brightly in shade. Another mark in the “wow” column for this lovely annual comes from its velvety bicolored or tricolored trumpet-shaped flowers with their delicate throats of contrasting color....

Drought, shade, and salt barely phase it. It’s totally happy in somewhat sandy, rocky, heavy, or depleted soils. But unlike some tough and adaptable plants, this one doesn’t become invasive and spread into places where you don’t want it. Ilex vomitoria If a plant ever had a botanical name that could drive people to run far, far away from it, it’s this one. I can’t help but wonder if the species epithet vomitoria is part of the reason why this plant isn’t far more popular than it is....

Asparagus is a plant that has been places, with a history that dates back to the dawn of man. Primitive hunter gatherers seeking something fresh after a long winter were likely the first to chance across asparagus spears. Now, anyone from the health conscience to people looking for a quick, delicious meal can enjoy asparagus straight from the supermarket. But why settle for store-bought spears when you can grow highly ornamental and nutritious plants in your own yard?...

There’s no shortage of choices for what to plant at this time of year. Spinach, lettuce, carrots, garlic, and more are all fair game. Beta vulgaris As summer winds to a close, the weather starts to cool off and the gardener’s thoughts shift toward other things. The past month or so has been all about staying on top of weeds, keeping pests away, watering your garden during dry periods, and harvesting some of your well-earned veggie bounty....

by Jennifer Poindexter Don’t you love planting flowers around your home that make you smile every time you look at them? Bloodroot is one of these flowers. This plant has traditional white flowers with a yellow center. It makes it a great choice for brightening up a dull space or for adding a little cheer to your landscape. If you could use a flower around your home that brings a little cheer to the situation, bloodroot could be for you....

Whether you’ve grown chamomile before and are just looking to make it thrive indoors, or if you’re new to the whole situation, this guide aims to leave you feeling well-informed and ready to grow. Chamomile, with its lovely scent and cheerful flowers, really deserves to be enjoyed all year long. It’s lovely brushing up against it while you’re walking through the garden, but you know what’s even better? Being able to pinch off a flower and pop it in your mouth – or your drink!...

One of my favorite ingredients in fresh herbal tea, this often overlooked herb is easy to grow, with a breadth of medicinal, culinary, and other uses. And it is certain to fill your garden and kitchen with the loveliest of lemony aromas. Melissa officinalis Nothing reminds me of summer quite like the fresh, citrusy scent of lemon balm. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission....

Also popular as the Sensitive Plant and Shameplant Plant, this specimen is popular for its ability to fold its leaves when they are touched, which is a plant’s safety mechanism to defend itself from harm. Let’s have a look at How to Grow Touch Me Not Plant! Other Names: Sensitive plant, sleepy plant, shy plant, humble plant, shameful plant, touch-me-not, chuimui, amourette herbe, herbe sensible, pinahuixtle, quecupatli, mori vivi, chui-Mui, Lojjaboti, Morivivi plant, tickle me plant, Sleeping Grass....

Since it’s so easy to propagate, basil (Ocimum basilicum) earned a spot in my treasured little garden. Every morning that summer I’d leap out of bed and grab my watering can. Watching those tiny green seedlings grow and thrive gave me an unmatched sense of accomplishment. One of the most exciting moments of my childhood was the sweet summer’s day when my mom gave me an entire raised bed in her square foot garden....

There are both early- and late-season varieties, making it possible to plant in succession for multiple harvests. Onions are a vegetable garden favorite. They are members of the large and diverse Allium genus that includes garlic and leeks, and are staples in recipes from countries around the globe. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission....

In this article, we introduce seven pests common to Christmas cactus and how to manage them. Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera spp., is an umbrella term for species and hybrids of epiphytic tropical flora that grow on trees and rocks, under the canopies of South American rainforests. As houseplants, they are easy to care for, and can be manipulated to bloom each year at a particular time, for many enjoyable holiday seasons....

Here are some great Old Wooden Boards Used to Create Brilliant Vertical Gardens ideas for you to add a beautiful appeal to your home and garden! Have a look at some really eye-catching vertical macrame planter ideas here Old Wooden Boards Used to Create Brilliant Vertical Gardens 1. Hanging Pots on Wooden Planks Create a wooden wall by nailing wooden planks on the wall and hang pots. 2. Mini Wooden Ladder Made from Boards A mini wooden ladder is a great option to hang mini pots and grow herbs....

The moniker potato bug refers to several insects. The Jerusalem cricket is one such insect, which has a striking appearance and a nasty bite. There are also pill bugs, and three-lined potato bugs. However, today, we’re discussing the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Table of Contents Just like the Jerusalem cricket, these bugs feast upon potatoes. The Jerusalem cricket prefers the subterranean tuberous roots of potatoes, whereas the potato beetle dines on the leaves of plants....

I’m on a mission to get my pantry organized, and pretty things up with bright and colorful custom canning labels. So, I decided to try my hand at making my own printable canning labels, and I wanted to share them with you too! Once the busy food canning season is over, my pantry is filled with jars and jars of yummy home grown food… but it’s not very pretty. I’ve always just written on my canning jar lids with a permanent marker, but that’s ugly and boring....

If you are a true gardener, buying flowers, fruits, and veggies as starts just isn’t an option for you. You want to start your own garden from scratch, and that means starting all of your plants from seeds. Table of Contents But you’re going to need some seed starting equipment if you’re going to do it right. There are a lot of things needed to ensure that the seeds you plant can grow into strong seedlings and young plants....

Information Do you have a Venus Flytrap plant in your home and aren't sure if you should let it flower or not? There are several different opinions on whether letting this plant grow its full flowers will actually help, or harm it. Gardening expert Madison Moulton walks through a little history of this popular plant, and if you should let yours flower or not. By Madison Moulton Last updated: December 20, 2021 | 6 min read The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is perhaps the most famous carnivorous plant....

For half a moment I looked at the sky above and decided that I might luck out, that the weather would hold. A grumble on the horizon drew my gaze and a wall of incoming storm clouds dashed away my hopes. Good trees do a lot more than offer shade. They act as miniature ecosystems while defining areas of the landscape, and they also provide the benefits of cleaner air....

Flowers Thinking of growing chrysanthemums in pots or containers this season? Garden mums can be a welcome addition to any fall garden. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her top tips for beautiful blooming mums in containers or pots. By Liessa Bowen Last updated: October 28, 2022 | 6 min read Nothing says “fall” like colorful foliage, pumpkins, hay bales … and Chrysanthemums. There are hundreds of varieties of Chrysanthemums, or “Mums,” each with their own unique characteristics....

As twilight ebbs into darkness, are you peering out into a pitch-black yard? If you don’t want to use a flashlight (or worse, your cell phone) to navigate the yard at night, you need the best outdoor solar lights to guide your way. Table of Contents But which are the best ones, and what makes them the best? More importantly, how do you decide which ones are best for your specific garden layout?...