Posts

In our guide to growing agapanthus, we discuss how to cultivate these elegant plants in the garden. But what if you don’t have space? Try growing them in containers instead! Have you ever grown agapanthus flowers? The blue, purple, white, or bicolored blooms grow on three-feet-tall stems above the lance-like leaves, and these plants a garden fixture in places like Mexico, Jamaica, and warm parts of the United States – though they’re native to South Africa....

Sometimes called zygocactus or holiday cactus, this houseplant typically blooms just in time for the end of year holidays. Schlumbergera spp. Ah, the Christmas cactus. Perhaps you received one of these as a holiday gift, wrapped with a red ribbon or nestled in a festive planter. Maybe you forgot about it, sitting on your mantle, after the holiday frenzy. And yet, to your surprise, your neglect failed to do it in....

Plus, it returns year after year as a perennial in some circumstances, without becoming invasive. And it’s pretty hard to beat the intensity of color that these blossoms show off for most of the summer and fall. Tagetes patula There are marigolds, and then there are French marigolds. The mounding, full, and frilly display of these fantastic flowers is a staple in gardens across the country – and no wonder, because it would be hard to find a flower this bold that is easier to grow....

To learn more about growing lilacs, check out our guide. Syringa reticulata There’s a house on my street with a large Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) growing in the middle of the yard. It produces the most beautiful clusters of fragrant, cream-colored flowers each spring, and it’s a dream to catch a whiff of them when you walk by. If you love lilacs and you want to add a lilac tree to your garden instead of – or in addition to – a shrub, this is the guide for you....

This calathea makes an excellent foliage houseplant that will blend with many different styles of decor. Goeppertia ornata (aka Calathea ornata) While some prayer plants are known for their almost outlandishly patterned leaves, the pinstripe plant has a quieter beauty that’s subdued and elegant. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. It’s also easy to take care of once you have a good understanding of its needs – and that’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this article!...

It offers all-season interest with its lovely blades and small flowers on striking plumes. With many different types to choose from, this plant is adaptable and easy to grow. Pennisetum spp. Not ready to commit to hardscaping by adding a fountain to your garden? If so, fountain grass might be the perfect compromise. A mounding ornamental, Pennisetum is a garden favorite that offers all the beauty of a fountain without the water....

Shrubs Are you planning on growing lilacs this season, but aren't quite sure where to start? Lilacs are a popular shrub that can survive and thrive in many different hardiness zones. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros walks through how to plant, grow, and care for Lilacs in your garden space. By Liz Jaros Last updated: July 5, 2022 | 17 min read With a sweet, intoxicating scent that triggers nostalgia for a simpler time, lilacs occupy a special place in most of our hearts....

But there’s no need to sound the alarm. While it may take a bit of effort, it’s easy enough to control Asian jasmine plants. Asian or Asiatic jasmine, Trachelospermum asiaticum, is a somewhat aggressive ground cover that utterly disregards the well-considered edgings you carefully construct to contain it. Its greatest feature – the ability to quickly cover a patch of bare earth where nothing else will grow – is also its greatest liability, for it grows and grows and grows, and before you know it, it’s taken over half your lawn and is steadily marching toward the neighbor’s....

Repotting indoor plants is beneficial and fun. In this post, you’ll learn everything there is to know, including how to tell if it needs to be repotted, when and how often to do it, and get tips for choosing the best pots and soil. Then I’ll show you exactly how to repot houseplants step-by-step. Repotting is beneficial, and an important part of growing houseplants that are healthy and happy. But you should only do it at the right time, and for the right reasons....

Jade plants are easy to care for, and they make great houseplants. In this post, I’ll show you all you need to know about growing jade plants. Including tips for water, fertilizer, pruning, flowering, soil, sunlight, and much more! Jade plants are a staple in my indoor plant collection, and are super easy to care for! I get tons of questions from readers asking for details about how to grow a jade plant, so that’s why I wrote this post!...

Finding mold on seedlings is frustrating! In this post, I’ll show you step-by-step how to get rid of mold growing on your germinating seeds, starts, soil, and pots, and prevent it from coming back. When mold starts growing on your carefully cultivated seedlings, it can be very disheartening. It’s definitely one of the most annoying things about caring for seedlings, and something I get asked about a lot. But the good news is that it’s easy to fix!...

What are perennial sunflowers? These members of the daisy family (Asteraceae) are types of sunflowers that live for many years. Most species are native to North America where they live in wild plant communities such as prairies and woodlands, depending on the specific species. They look so lovely growing in partnership with native meadow grasses and other flowering plants. Like all members of the Asteraceae family, perennial sunflowers have daisy-like flowers with a central core of multiple tiny blooms surrounded by brightly colored petals....

Information If the leaves on your strawberry plant have started to turn red, you may be wondering why it happens and if there's any reason to be concerned. In this article, gardening expert and former organic farmer Logan Hailey walks through why your strawberry plant's leaves may be turning red, and how to address it. By Logan Hailey Last updated: December 10, 2022 | 6 min read Strawberries are one of the easiest and most gratifying fruits to grow in your garden....

Companion planting is an age-old agricultural practice that makes a garden thrive when it’s used correctly. By incorporating companion plants into a garden, you provide a well-rounded system of plant life to boost the growth of the space overall. Some of the most interesting examples of these are sweet potato companion plants! Table of Contents A sweet potato plant is prolific, fun, and easy to grow. You may be thrilled to know there are plenty of companion plants for sweet potatoes....

And one thing is for sure – if you’ve never bitten into a sweet, juicy ear of homegrown corn (best smothered in butter, in my humble opinion), then you’re missing out! Corn is one of the most popular vegetables, and for good reason. Cultivated from a native plant which has become an American tradition, this fun, easy to grow crop comes in a range of colors, shapes and sizes, and it makes a perfect addition to any garden....

The term “deadheading” is sometimes extended to include the removal of seed pods, which can provide many of the noted additional benefits, but comes too late to energize further bud setting. Are you familiar with deadheading? This is the practice of cutting flowers off a plant after they finish blooming, and before they set seed. Its main purpose is to extend the growing season by energizing plants capable of reblooming, so they will produce as many flowers as possible....

When should you start seeds indoors? This is one of the most common questions I get from new gardeners. There are lots of different planting charts out there, and they can be helpful to use as a guide for starting seeds. But, there are so many factors involved, that it’s best to create your own personal timetable. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult to do, and I’ll walk you through it all step by step....

Question: I thought I planted more carrot seeds. Why are my carrot seeds not germinating? -Sam R. Answer: Carrots and other crops from the carrot family, such as parsnips and parsley, can be very slow to germinate, typically taking two to three weeks before sprouting begins. Dry or windy weather can slow and even halt germination as well. Pre sprouting your carrot seeds can short-cut the germination period and ensure your carrot crop....

Vegetables Comparing Zucchini vs. Summer Squash as your next garden plant, but aren't sure what the difference is between them? Maybe you are curious why you've heard the two terms used interchangeably? In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton goes through the basics between these two plants, and what you can expect from both if you plant them in your garden. By Madison Moulton Last updated: November 14, 2022 | 7 min read When it comes to summer vegetables, the bright yellows and greens of zucchinis and summer squashes take the cake....

Vines Thinking of planting some vines this season but want to make sure they have purple flowers? The good news is you have plenty of options, as many vines and climbers have purple flowers. In this article, you'll learn all about our favorite purple flowered vines, and where they can grow! By Jason White Last updated: June 9, 2022 | 7 min read Looking to add some vines or climbers to your yard, but want to make sure they have purple flowers before you start planting?...