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While it is true that tomatoes can split up at any phase–whether ripe or not, it could be very frustrating to see the delicious fruits crack open when you are expecting a good harvest. So, why does this happen and what can you do to prevent Splitting Tomatoes? Learn How to Stop This now! Avoid these mistakes while growing tomatoes Why Do Tomatoes Split? Not watering the plant consistently is the number one reason why tomatoes split open....

Thanksgiving cactus is a very popular plant, and easier to care for than you might think. In this post, I’ll tell you all you need to know about growing them, so you can enjoy the beautiful flowers for decades to come. Thanksgiving cactus is a popular plant to grow because it shows off its gorgeous blooms when most others are done for the year. The fall flowers make them fun to have during the holiday season, and a popular gift....

It’s all about learning the correct methods for each type and variety of plant. There are distinct differences and the answer lies in what all good gardeners already know: Understand each and every one of your plants and what they need to thrive. When to prune, how to prune, where to prune? There’s no other task that strikes fear into the heart of most amateur gardeners as does the subject of pruning plants....

by Matt Gibson About Bacterial Canker Bacterial canker is a bacterial disease that can affect tomato plants in both the home garden and in greenhouse environments. Once bacterial canker has infected a tomato plant, it can spread throughout the garden or greenhouse, resulting in a full-on epidemic that can drastically affect young tomatoes in the garden or every plant within a contained environment, such as a greenhouse. Bacterial canker disease is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis....

We didn’t hold much hope for it, because after we lopped off the top, all that was left was a crazy array of lateral branches radiating out from what was left of the center trunk. I don’t know if we’re cursed or what, but we’ve had two trees exhibit a strange, disfiguring phenomenon wherein the top part of the trunk — the “leader” — has died, taking with it numerous scaffold branches and leaving an unsightly, shortened trunk surrounded by perfectly healthy branches....

QUESTION: Why are my eggplant leaves turning yellow? Is the plant in trouble? – Emily L ANSWER: There are several different reasons for eggplant foliage to turn yellow. We’ll explain the other symptoms for each reason so you can identify the problem with your eggplant plants, and we’ll also tell you what to do to address each problem. Just keep reading to learn the problem behind your eggplant foliage discoloration and what to do about it....

By Jennifer Poindexter Are you tired of purchasing your garden supplies? Are you interested in making your own seed starting mix? Then allow me to help you with your DIY gardening needs. Whether you’re trying to garden more organically, or your goal is to save money, these seed starting mix recipes should help you. I’m also going to share with you a few reasons why you might consider making a seed starting mix instead of soil....

These Fuzzy Foliage Houseplants have delicate hairs on the surface that is soft to touch. The leaves have a velvety feel, which also makes the plant stand out. Here are the best rainbow foliage plants you can grow Fuzzy Foliage Houseplants 1. Purple Passion Botanical Name: Gynura aurantiaca The gorgeous green foliage has a velvety surface and deep purple hairy edges. It’s trailing pattern makes it perfect for hanging baskets....

Plants Looking for a cold hardy ground cover plant to dress up your garden in cooler weather? There are plenty of different options to choose from, even in colder hardiness zones. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at her favorite cold hardy ground cover plants, with names and pictures of each! By Laura Elsner Last updated: December 17, 2022 | 9 min read The secret to a great garden is creating layers....

All of the following cultivars will work well for naturalizing, and all of them have simple (rather than double) blooms, making them pollinator friendly. If your garden to-do list includes planting drifts of naturalized daffodils, carefully arranged to look like they popped up and spread of their own accord, it’s important to choose the right varieties. Cultivars that will work for this purpose might be described as “good multipliers,” “vigorous,” or “suitable for naturalization....

Vegetables Do you live in a hot and arid desert climate? If so, growing vegetables of any type can be a challenge! But having the right information before you attempt it can drastically help along the way. In this article, gardening expert and former organic farmer Sarah Hyde gives you her top tips for growing carrots in desert climates! By Sarah Hyde Last updated: October 10, 2022 | 12 min read Carrots are one of the most popular garden crops to grow in home gardens but can be one of the most challenging to grow, especially for beginning growers....

1. DIY Plastic Bottle Herb Garden Where to grow herbs, if you don’t have space ? Even a wooden plank is enough, with some plastic bottles, hooks, nails and hammer, you’re all set to grow your own herbs. Nail the plank on wall, mount some cut bottles and insert something to clog the bottom so that it’ll restrict the soil from spilling out. Now plant seedlings of your favorite herb in them....

Most models designed for outdoor use have a shower nozzle that just won’t cut it for use in the living room, not to mention, most of these are too large for tending to small specimens such as succulents. When it comes to keeping your cherished houseplants hydrated, not just any old watering can will do! There’s no reason to settle for some unattractive plastic model that needs to be hidden out of sight....

They also reduce or eliminate the need for synthetic fertilizers, which has a significant, beneficial effect on our backyard flora and fauna, and the environment at large. Unlike the plants we sow for harvesting, cover crops are grown for the soil, not our tables. Widely used by organic and conventional farmers, they’re planted in rotation with cash crops to sweeten the soil, or for winter protection. But they’re equally beneficial and easy to use in the home garden as well....

Beyond Your Basic Gardening Books: Our Favorites From Niki Jabbour – Savvy’s expert on growing edibles year-round High-Yield Vegetable Gardening: I’m a huge fan of Colin McCrate and Brad Halm, the founders of The Seattle Urban Farm Company, a business that designs and builds urban farms and teaches people how to grow food. When I heard they were writing a book, I knew it would be awesome. And it is! High-Yield Vegetable Gardening shows home gardeners how to think like farmers and dramatically increase their yields....

QUESTION: Can you keep a Christmas tree alive all year? Is there a tree that I can plant afterwards? -Tom B. ANSWER: Indeed, there are Christmas trees available which can be kept alive and planted in the yard after the holidays are over. If you want a living Christmas tree that will look beautiful all year long, look for a potted, living Christmas tree instead of a cut tree to decorate your home this year....

There’s lots of confusion out there about citronella grass versus lemongrass. So much confusion, in fact, that in India the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra citronella was blended into tea instead of lemongrass until a young naturalist realized the mistake. The naturalist, Pranay Ade, reported to Times of India, “I collected the so-called lemongrass leaves in Gorewada [a nature trail nearby] and cross-checked with experts and farmers planting them. They said that it was citronella....

by Lisa Washington The beefsteak tomato is by far the most popular type of home garden tomato plant grown in North America. These delicious tomatoes grow fairly easily and quickly, and produce large fruit, up to 2 pounds! They aren’t often available in the grocery store as they are not well-suited to mechanized growing on a large scale. There are many varieties of these. From heirloom beefsteak to hybrids, from big beef tomatoes to Brandywine....

When covered in an elaborate display of its scarlet flowers, it’s easy to see why Aeschynanthus radicans gets its common name Lipstick Plant. Provided proper growing conditions and care, this easy-to-grow houseplant will grace indoor spaces with its robust growth and colorful blooms for years to come. We have outlined a quick summary of Lipstick Plant care below. How To Care For A Lipstick Plant: Pot your Lipstick Plant in fertile soil that drains well and water when the top quarter of soil becomes dry....

There are three different types of peonies, all of which are long-lived perennials: The first summer I lived in Alaska, my neighbors brought over a bouquet of enormous, lush pink flowers that I had never seen before. Set in vases against the green walls in my home, I could’ve stared at them for hours. I soon learned that peonies (Paeonia spp.) are a big deal here in Alaska. Lots of Alaskan gardeners grow these cold-hardy blooms, which thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8....