By Erin Marissa Russell and Matt Gibson Lace bugs are frequent visitors to the modern garden, and you’ll find them feeding on all kinds of trees, shrubs, and herb plants. Despite how common these pesky insects are and the fact that they consume the plants we humans cultivate in our gardens, they’re not usually a problem for gardeners. That’s because unless their population is really booming in your backyard, lace bugs don’t cause a substantial level of damage to the plants they feed on....

Before we get started, please note that azaleas are highly toxic if ingested. If you have pets or young children at home, keep these plants well out of reach, or consider a nontoxic option instead. Rhododendron simsii With their bright flowers and rich, evergreen leaves, potted azaleas can bring cheer to even the gloomiest of winter seasons. Along with poinsettias, they’re often found at florists’ shops and grocery stores around the country during the holiday season....

Reliably cold hardy, they also multiply freely, naturalizing abundantly in almost any soil type. Muscari spp. With their dazzling colors, fragrance, and easy growth, bulbs make a great addition to the garden. Take grape hyacinth, for example. This pretty, petite bulb is a perennial spring charmer with a carefree habit, and striking colors that look fantastic in small stands or big, bold drifts. They can be grown in beds or containers, forced indoors for winter growth, or naturalized in woodland settings....

Growing brussels sprouts in the home garden is easier than you might think. In this post, I’ll show you all you need to know in order to get the biggest and best yields. The unique appearance of brussels sprout plants might make a beginner nervous to try them in their garden. They do require a fairly long season and ideal conditions in order to produce a large bounty of edible heads....

The sugar apple (Annona squamosa) belongs to the Annonaceae family. Although previously it was believed that it is a native of India, but it is believed that it is of either Indian or Central American origin. These fruits are great in taste and go really well in puddings and jellies. Let’s have a look at How to Grow Sugar Apple! USDA Zones— 9 – 11 Difficulty— Moderate Other Names— anón, anón de azucar, anona blanca, fruta do conde, cachiman, saramuyo, grenadilla, qishta, ishta, shta, seureuba, fruta-do-conde, fruta-pinha, fruta-de-conde, condessa, pinha, ata, anona, aajaa thee, plae teib, Zimtapfel, Gishta, γλυκόμηλο, kachiman, foreign lychee (番鬼荔枝), hvaðerþetta, (शरीफ़ा/सीताफल), sitaphala, seethappazham, sitaphal, sitappalam, sita phalamu, Sita’s fruit, srikaya, sweetsop, sweet-sop, matomoko, conicony, buah nona, hairico, pomme cannelle, aati, saripha, fasadabur, Sharifa (شريفا), atis, Anoda, Katu Atha, sakya, pinyin, sek-khia, sek-kia, matopetope, noi-na (น้อยหน่า), ekistaferi, mãng cầu ta, Khirmish (خرمش)....

By Jennifer Poindexter Do you need a beautiful, unique, but low-maintenance shrub for your home? If so, you’ll be hard pressed to find a plant as accommodating as the Turk’s cap plant. If you’re unfamiliar with this plant, it’s a gorgeous shrub which produces reddish-orange blooms that grow in a tube shape. These blooms are frequently described to look like closed hibiscus blooms. They also resemble a “Turk’s cap” and that’s how the name was formed....

There are many different varieties, and with each comes slightly different growing requirements, and tips to keep in mind. But we’re here to help you out! Here’s what’s ahead in this guide: It’s not hard to grow lettuce, and everyone should really give it a try. You can grow it in containers, in a window box, or tucked unassumingly among flowers. It’s fast growing, and with a little planning, you can have a crop all spring, and again in fall....

In December 2015, bucolic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was the location of the first confirmed infestation of the invasive allium leaf miner in the US. Phytomyza gymnostoma Allium leaf miners are devastating pests of garlic, onions, shallots, chives, and leeks – and can destroy an entire crop. These invasive insects are spreading rapidly throughout the mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions of the US. Learn how to control then destructive pests with this guide....

The best part about growing herbs on a windowsill is the fact that you don’t need a really big dedicated garden. Just a little space that receives full or partial sun along with little pots, and you are good to go. If you have that, let’s have a look at How to Make a Windowsill Herb Garden below. Check out our article on beautiful windowsill flower ideas here How to Make a Windowsill Herb Garden 1....

Besides being one of the first available when you’re longing for homegrown vegetables, these legumes are crispy, crunchy, and nutritious. Pisum sativum var. macrocarpum Part of the joy of growing Pisum sativum var. macrocarpum in the garden is right there in the name: snow pea. This vegetable thrives in cool – even snowy – weather, producing well ahead of other garden favorites like squash, tomatoes, and green beans. This crop is best planted at the tail end of winter, about a month ahead of the last frost....

Whether you are indulging in a new-found passion for indoor plants or you have plants older than your pets, here are some ideas for your houseplant shopping list. Indoor gardening supplies for houseplant care In the summer, I lug a big watering can or a hose around my gardens to water. Indoors, it’s possible to display a more ornamental watering can. An indoor model will generally have a slim spout to more easily direct the water to small pots without spilling....

by Matt Gibson and Erin Marissa Russell Coconut Coir, the widely-used hydroponic growing medium, is in recent years rising in popularity as a soil conditioner, in many cases replacing the use of peat moss, as both are very similar products. So, the question is, which one is the best for modern gardeners? This argument usually comes down to a discussion about sustainability and effectiveness. Sphagnum peat moss and coconut coir are both great soil additions....

The snake plant is one of many well-known houseplants, due to its ability to purify air quality and adorn domestic spaces with its lovely dark green leaves. It’s a succulent plant that is easy to propagate and care for. If you don’t already have an indoor snake plant, you can easily take leaf cuttings from a healthy one, and make a new snake plant. There are variations on the basic snake plant that can add a bit of flair to any area of your home with bright indirect light....

You know that feeling in the fall and winter that makes you want to hunker down, stay inside, and relax for a good long time? Plants go through a similar experience known as plant dormancy. Your favorite plants may be looking a little rough around the edges, but this period of rest during plant dormancy helps them gear up for a season of growth. What Is Plant Dormancy? Plant dormancy is simply a period of rest or metabolic inactivity that most plants go through to conserve resources, survive weather extremes and stress such as winter or drought, and to prepare for the next season of growth....

Houseplants Not sure why your Monstera leaves or splitting, or perhaps why they aren't? Maybe you are unsure when it should happen? In this article, gardening expert and houseplant enthusiast Madison Moulton takes you through everything you need to know about splitting leaves with your Monstera plant. By Madison Moulton Last updated: January 12, 2023 | 5 min read Monstera is a genus of tropical plant native to Central and parts of South America....

You might be wondering when to start tomato seeds indoors. Well, right now in January is the time!… at least, for much of the southern portion of the United States, that is. Timing the start of your tomato plants is an essential part of growing healthy tomatoes. Knowing how to do it properly within the parameters of your situation will make young plants even healthier. Table of Contents A lot goes into starting seeds indoors....

In case you’re worried this dear, sweet human that I call my husband is something of a tyrant, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I regret to inform you of this, but I can’t keep it to myself any longer: My partner thinks cantaloupe isn’t any good. There. I said it. This dirty little secret is one that I’ve carried with me and fought against for years, often depriving myself of the (imagined) juicy delights of a sweet and perfectly ripened orange-fleshed melon – for fear of bringing one into the house that might be less than perfect....

Shrubs Camellias are a fall gardener favorite. With their colorful blooms and vividly colored flowers, these plants can make a statement in any garden. In this article, gardening expert and camellia enthusiast Melissa Strauss walks through her top tips for beautiful camellia blooms in your garden up through first frost! By Melissa Strauss Last updated: November 17, 2022 | 8 min read Camellias have earned the nickname “winter roses,” and with good reason....

Growing plants at offices, hotels, and homes are very common, but having a variety of them at a gym is the new trend. They not only provide fresh air but have several other benefits on offer too. Since every type of plant has its own qualities and benefits, read about the Best Plants for Gym that you can grow in commercial and home gym, both. Check out our article on the best plants for the bathroom here....

Long-blooming perennials are the best way to get as much joy from your flower beds as possible. There are tons of great options that you can choose from too. No matter where you live, you’re sure to find plenty of great choices on this list. If you’re tired of perennials that only bloom for a few weeks and they’re done, then this list is for you! Perennials that have long flowering seasons will give you the stunning colors and textures that you desire....