Posts

Flowers Thinking of planting tulips this season, but aren't sure if they are annual, biennial, or perennial flowers? Tulips are a favorite early-bloomer amongst many gardeners. In this article we look at the growth and bloom cycle of the tulip, and if you can expect to replant them each season, or if they will come back each year depending on your geographic location. By Jason White Last updated: October 19, 2022 | 7 min read Tulips are beautiful spring flowers that come in many shapes, colors, and sizes....

Information Thinking of becoming a botanist or a horticulturist, but aren't sure what the difference is between the two? These two areas of study are both rooted in the study of plants, but have some distinct differences. In this article, we look at both disciplines, and what you can expect as you further your knowledge in each of them. By Jason White Last updated: September 1, 2021 | 8 min read If you are interested in gardening and plants, you may consider two professions closely: botanists and horticulturists....

There’s something crawling across the leaves of your arugula, and it looks like a little inchworm. It’s green, and it is snacking as it goes, leaving holes throughout your plants. There’s another on your cabbage and another one on your radish leaves. What’s going on here? Wait… is that a cabbage looper? Table of Contents Destructive little pests that they are in your garden, if you don’t hurry, this little cabbage worm will eat it before you ever have the chance to taste it yourself....

Question: Can you grow artichokes from cuttings? How do you take the cutting? -Tyler W. Answer: In USDA zones seven through 11, artichokes are grown as tender perennials. Artichokes grown outside of those zones are grown from seed as annuals. In areas where artichokes can be grown as perennials, artichokes can be propagated easily by rooting artichoke cuttings. Artichokes reach their peak production in their second year of growth and continue to produce well for up to five or six years....

Cichorium intybus Herbs and roots have been used in alternative medicine for centuries, and chicory is no exception. What is this mystical plant, and does it really boast legitimate health benefits? We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Here’s what’s to come in this article: What Is Chicory? C. intybus is a perennial plant related to the dandelion that blooms with beautiful blue flowers....

Crassula perforata is an impressive-looking succulent that’s great for beginners. It comes in varying shades of green, blue, grey, and pink. The chunky, triangular leaves spiral around the stem, hence the common name String of Buttons. Such a charming plant will elevate any space, including yours! Table of Contents String of Buttons is versatile in its planting locations. It’s commonly found in terrariums and rock gardens. Because of its sprawling nature though, it also grows well as a ground cover and in hanging baskets....

QUESTION: Do deer like to eat carrots? Can I grow carrots at the edge of my yard to lure deer away from my vegetable garden? – Paul R. ANSWER: Deer enjoy eating carrots so much that some people grow carrots especially for the deer if they are managing deer habitats or need a crop that’s attractive to the deer that will distract them from the rest of the garden. Deer eat both the leafy greens that grow above the soil and the carrot root itself, which they pull up from underground....

There are so many reasons to find space for brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var gemmifera) in your garden. First, this is a vegetable, with a long ‘days to maturity’, whose harvest begins in late autumn, long after most other crops are finished for the season. And, once they’re ready to pick, they hold their quality for about two months so you can harvest the crop gradually. Brussels sprout plants also very ornamental, growing two to four feet with large bright green or purple leaves, depending which variety you’re growing....

Even though they produce a rather short-lived bloom, irises remain one of my favourite ornamental plants. And I’ve found them to be pretty hardy and drought tolerant. Years ago, when I divided my first bunch, I was in the middle of overhauling my whole front yard, so they sat in buckets of water, as recommended by my neighbour (some for a few weeks!), before I was able to replant them. Once nestled safely in their new garden home, the irises all survived the winter....

By Jennifer Poindexter Do you enjoy growing ferns? I fill my front porch with them from year to year and really enjoy their simplistic beauty. If you’re in the market for a unique fern to grow, consider adding the cinnamon fern to your landscape or garden area. This fern is unique for both its texture and scent. However, before deciding to grow anything it’s vital that you understand what the plant needs from you....

Other tasters compare it to a stronger version of oregano, anise, fennel, or tarragon. It’s also been called spicy. Dysphania ambrosioides Show of hands – who’s ever heard of epazote? If you’re a fan of southern Mexican or Guatemalan food, you may be familiar with this ingredient, which is comprised of the leaves and stalks of the epazote (eh-puh-ZO-tay) plant. This plant is considered a weed by some, but proudly cultivated by others who treasure its unusual flavor, described by some as “earthy,” or as having lemony, acidic qualities....

Regardless, bay is the answer. It’s so versatile that you can grow it as a bonsai on a windowsill, or let it sprawl out into a tree for your patio in a half-barrel planter. Bay is one of those plants that attracts ornamental growers and herb gardeners alike. That’s because it serves as a beautiful addition to the garden, and it’s also one of those plants that’s essential for any serious home cook....

A well-shaped cascade requires both a consistent, steady guiding hand and an artist who knows how to shape a tree without leaving any trace of their work behind. A bonsai makes a dramatic artistic statement no matter what shape the artist chooses, but there is something so striking about the cascade style. That elegant arch and gracefully sweeping trunk evoke images of an old, wind-battered survivor clinging to the edge of a cliff....

by Bethany Hayes Elephant ears are a tropical plant that goes best in warmer weather, and they’re known for producing large leaves that can be several feet wide. The leaves can be dark green, lime green, variegated, purple, or anything in between. If you don’t have a large garden, you can still learn how to grow elephant ears in containers. Since these are large plants, you want to make sure you plant and grow them properly in the containers....

Flowers Are you thinking of growing marigolds from seed this season, but aren't sure where to start? Marigolds are a garden favorite, and with good reason! They have beautifully colored blooms, and make great companion plants. In this article, gardening expert Natalie Leiker walks through how to grow marigolds from seed in a few very simple steps! By Natalie Leiker Last updated: August 24, 2022 | 8 min read Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers amongst home gardeners around the world....

Vegetables Growing tomatoes from seed can be more of a challenge than if you buy starts from a local nursery or farm. It takes a bit longer, and quite a bit can go wrong if you do things incorrectly. In this article, gardening expert and homesteader Merideth Corhs walks through each step you'll need to follow in order to successfully grow tomatoes from seed. By Merideth Cohrs Last updated: July 29, 2022 | 16 min read Growing tomatoes is a must in my garden each year....

It’s not as daunting as it seems! Each of us has to start somewhere, right? Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? Good question – how does your garden grow? If you’re stumped on where to begin planning your vegetable plot, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to figure it out. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission....

Pothos is one of the hardiest houseplants in existence and will reward you with appealing evergreen foliage if you care for it correctly. And one of the best ways to care for it is knowing How to Prune Pothos So They Grow More! Learn how to grow pothos from cuttings here! When to Prune Pothos? Prune your pothos during its growing period, i.e., from spring to summer and up to early fall, to protect it from the sudden shock....

Calathea houseplants are as beautiful as they are sensitive, and repotting a Calathea can cause a lot of problems for your plant unless you do it carefully. This article will provide a step by step guide to help you repot a Calathea and ensure it thrives after repotting. Repot your Calathea only when rootbound and avoid disrupting the rootball unless essential. Repot in early spring, increase the pot size by only 1-2 inches (2....

Most gardeners are content to purchase seeds or plants, grow them, and then reap the harvest. An intrepid few prefer to keep the full cycle of nature going and will also save seeds from their plants in order to keep the line going the next year. Tomato gardeners are the most common seed savers of this group. Why? Because once you’ve found the right variety or even created your own that is particularly well-suited to your area and methods, you don’t want to lose it....