Favas have certainly passed the test of time, but this is only one of the reasons why more gardeners should give them a try. Vicia faba Fava beans are a cool-weather crop that will provide a bountiful harvest of plant-based protein – while also fixing nitrogen in your garden! As a legume grown long enough that it’s often described as ancient, its extensive track record should give you confidence that it can be cultivated with ease....
You can eat this healthy vegetable raw or cooked. Kohlrabi is a fascinating and delicious member of my favorite vegetable family: the brassicas. Also known as “German turnip” in English, this veggie looks like an above-ground turnip, but it’s actually a cultivated form of wild cabbage, and a member of the same species as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. The botanical name for kohlrabi is Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, which means it’s part of the Gongylodes Group....
Don’t feel weird because you want the birds, squirrels, and the like to only be interested in eating sunflower blooms after you’ve had a chance to enjoy them. Are you struggling to protect your sunflower blooms from squirrels and birds? This is one of those ironies that confronts gardeners. You may grow sunflowers because they’re so beautiful, but many of us also choose this particular type of flower because they’re beneficial to pollinators and attract wildlife....
Shrubs Pruning your hyhdrangeas is more of an art than science. These beautiful flowering shrubs are quite common all over the United States, and the world. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago takes you through each step of properly pruning your hydrangeas. By Jill Drago Last updated: November 24, 2022 | 9 min read How to prune hydrangeas is one of the most common questions I get from friends and family about their plants....
By Matt Gibson Herbaceous peonies are one of the most popular perennial flowers in the world for many reasons. They are absolutely beautiful when in bloom, they require very little care, and they last a lifetime, literally. With the proper care and placement, peonies can last up to 100 years in a single spot. Peonies are available in many different varieties and colors and are cultivated and appreciated all over the world....
If you choose a deciduous plant, you’ll need to consider how to make the display look appealing during each season. Bonsai are living art. I think that’s one of the things that makes them so intriguing for so many people, and certainly for me. It’s not just about trying to grow your favorite tree in miniature. Instead, it’s about capturing the beauty of nature in a living, breathing sculpture. Beginners are often surprised to learn that there’s a lot more to it than feeding and pruning a tree to keep it small....
A quick introduction to lemongrass The scent and flavor of lemongrass leaves and stems is an essential ingredient in recipes from around the world. There are two common species of lemongrass. One is edible, the other is not. West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is indigenous to Southeast Asia but has been introduced to various tropical growing regions around the world. It is grown as a commercial food crop in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and other tropical regions....
Flowers If you've considered adding some Jasmine to your garden this season, you are not alone! Many gardeners are attracted to the sweet smell of this fast-growing plant. But did you know there are many different types of Jasmine to choose from? In this article, we examine our favorite Jasmine varieties to help you pick the perfect plant for your garden. By Jason White Last updated: April 8, 2022 | 9 min read Jasmine is known for its delicate flowers and beautiful scent....
Edible Landscaping If you find yourself wondering why you’re out there mowing again and again and again, consider turning some or your entire yard into an edible landscape. Edible landscaping, which is gaining in popularity, is simply incorporating food-producing plants, shrubs and trees into your yard. This can be done simply or you can go to elaborate means to create a growing space in which you can raise food to eat....
Poinsettia care can be tricky, but they aren’t difficult to grow once you know what they need. In this post I’ll tell you all you need to know in order to keep them alive after Christmas, and for many years to come. Poinsettias are bright and beautiful symbols of the holiday season. Their mere presence in a room transforms the space into a more festive and merry place. Though they are commonly sold as gift plants, you can keep them growing year-round....
7 of the Best Vegetable Gardening Books: The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible With over 563,000 copies in print, Edward C. Smith’s, The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible has become a modern classic. For someone new to food gardening, this is a great place to start. Smith’s advice is practical and helpful, and he demonstrates many ways to boost production with his high-yield growing system. For me, I found the large section on organic soil care invaluable and Smith’s tips on creating quality compost made a big difference in my yields....
Vegetables If you are thinking of hilling potatoes this season but are wondering if you are too late in the season, you've come to the right place! In this article, gardening expert and former organic farmer Sarah Hyde examines at what point in the season it's too late to hill potatoes, and when it's optimal to do it! By Sarah Hyde Last updated: October 25, 2022 | 5 min read Potatoes are a staple crop across cultures and are adaptable enough to grow in many different climates....
Fruit Are you thinking of adding some fruit trees to your Tennessee home or garden? The state of Tennessee gets plenty of rain, so it's no surprise that certain fruit trees can flourish in this southern state. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton looks at the best trees for your gardening area if you reside in the state of Tennessee. By Madison Moulton Last updated: January 10, 2023 | 14 min read Gardeners in Tennessee are lucky to have one of the best growing climates around....
Flowers Thinking of planting some Dahlias in pots or containers, but aren't quite sure where to start? Getting your Dahlias to grow in pots is a bit of an art form. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros takes you through her top tips for beautiful dahila blooms in pots or containers this season! By Liz Jaros Last updated: October 25, 2022 | 8 min read Known for their whimsical color palette and impressive bloom size, dahlias deliver a major dose of cottage charm wherever they’re grown....
1. Site Selection The perfect site for a kitchen garden receives plenty of sun and has a reserved area that is partially shaded so that you can grow all your shade-loving herbs and vegetables there. Also, it should have good drainage and quality soil. One way to check drainage is by checking the area after a downpour. If puddles form, it’s not suitable for a kitchen garden, but if the water seems to seep in or flow away rather quickly, it’s fine....
These container water pond ideas can inspire you to create a miniature water garden in the container. 1. Pond in a Pot Use large tubs or containers to create a pond in a pot with the help of this DIY tutorial. 2. Outdoor Pond Select any container that can hold water to build your container pond. This informative article also explains the variety of aquatic plants you can grow in detail....
A moss pole supports the vining plants to trail upright and provides the essential micronutrients to the aerial roots, thus boosting their growth and appearance. Keeping that in mind, we bring you the best ideas on DIY Moss Pole for Plants! Check out some amazing DIY water globe ideas here! DIY Moss Pole for Plants 1. Plastic Mesh Moss Pole Dedicate a corner to your Philos by trailing them around a plastic mesh moss pole made from sphagnum moss, PVC pipes, and a plastic mesh....
Knock knock! Who’s there? Honeydew! Honeydew who? Honeydew you want to hear some gardening jokes? We’ve sifted through what’s out there to bring you the funniest gardening jokes on the web. Almost all garden gnomes have red hats. It’s a little gnome fact. I don’t buy flowers from monks. I like to do my bit to prevent forest friars. I just bought some potting soil on sale. It was dirt cheap....
1. DIY Mini Copper Planters Replace ordinary miniature pots with these shiny copper planters. For the tutorial, check out the link here! 2. DIY Succulent Wine Cork Planters If you love wine, incorporate your love for wine and plants by creating these succulent wine cork planters. Check out the DIY here! 3. DIY Toy Elephant Succulent Planter Turn any old toy into these cute little toy succulent planters. DIY for this project is here!...
There are over 2,500 species of palm trees that exist in a range of height, shape, size, and leaf color! Before you move ahead and pick one to grow, you have to keep in mind the Sunshine State’s subtropical and tropical climate! We have compiled a list of Florida Palm Tree Species and the Best Palm Trees in Florida that are perfectly suited for the common occurrence of the weather in the state!...
