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Ready to get started? I’ll explain everything you need to know to grow vigorous bird of paradise plants in your own garden in Zones 9-12. Strelitzia spp. If you are looking for a plant with large, show-stopping blooms, look no further than the bird of paradise. With its orange, blue, and white flowers that look like a bird in flight, this plant just cannot be ignored. And this South African native will grow happily year-round throughout warmer parts of the US....

by Matt Gibson The mighty cayenne pepper is a chili pepper plant from South America that can grow to heights anywhere from two to four feet tall. Immature pepper pods are green, but they gradually build in spice level as they ripen, finally turning red when the peppers are ready for harvesting. Cayenne pepper pods also sometimes grow in yellow or orange shades, and cayennes usually grow to be around four to six inches in length....

So, when I’m formulating my vegetable garden plan each year, potatoes are pretty much universally on my list of crops. Are they a staple of yours, too? Let’s talk about the top five creative ways to grow potatoes in containers, as well as the benefits of using this method, and what’s required. When I think about my favorite way to enjoy homegrown potatoes, I’d have to say that mine is au gratin style, but a hot, buttery baked potato can’t be beat either....

By Jennifer Poindexter Rue is a classic herb with many old-fashioned uses. This herb is bursting with green foliage, vibrant yellow flowers, and a bitter flavor. It was once a popular culinary and medicinal herb. Rue was used to treat common ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and earaches. However, it was discovered if you use too much of the herb it can be toxic and cause severe stomach pain. It’s also thought to cause miscarriages, so it’s definitely not recommended for pregnant women and should be avoided....

Continue on to learn all you need to know to grow shrubs in containers. There are a number of reasons gardeners choose to plant shrubs in containers. A common one is limited space, but potted plants can also be useful if you are looking to grow species that are not well suited to your climate, or simply want the flexibility to move your plants around. They can also create a nice aesthetic on a patio or deck....

Honestly, the idea of growing sweet corn can be daunting. How tall does it grow? Will it create shade over your entire garden? How is it pollinated? When do you harvest it? Zea mays var. saccharata or Z. mays var. rugosa The first year I moved to Alaska, I threw some sweet corn seeds down in my flower bed halfway through the summer, gave them some water, and blew them a kiss goodbye....

Yet another nickname, hemp tree, stems from the appearance of plant’s leaves, which resemble those of the cannabis plant. Fortunately, the DEA has never beat down my door. Vitex agnus-castus Vitex is one of the most liberally reseeding plants I have ever grown. In an interesting twist, it got a couple of its nicknames – chaste plant and monk’s pepper – from old beliefs that utilizing potions made from the plant’s berries helped maidens remain maidenly, and helped monks adhere to their vows of chastity....

As if its versatility in the kitchen wasn’t enough to recommend it, the plant has also been shown to repel garden nasties like cabbage worms and root knot nematodes. Pimpinella anisum Lots of herbs – such as dill and fennel – have that gorgeous anise-like flavor, but anise is the OG. A member of the Apiaceae family, this plant is usually the source of that anise flavor that we know and love in liqueurs, gum, candy, and baked goods....

Allium cepa var. aggregatum and A. oschaninii Lacking the sharpness of onion or the aromatic spice of garlic, the shallot somehow takes the best of both of those beloved alliums and blends them into one beautiful, sweet yet savory flavor. This unassuming bulb is used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It’s a staple in Sri Lanka, Iran, India, France, and Ethiopia, while in the US it’s something of a fine-dining delicacy....

How good would it be if a part of the food you eat comes from your garden? But what if you don’t have a garden–a backyard to grow food. Not enough space even to start a container garden? People living in cities have this problem. BUT, still, this can’t stop you. You can create a salad bowl garden, and for this, you just need a tiny little space that receives some sun....

I once moved a rose that was in full bloom in the middle of summer, and it kept right on flowering like nothing had happened. On the off chance that the plant is impacted, it will likely only be for the short-term. Every time you walk down the sidewalk, that formerly petite rose you planted seems to reach out and grab you. Pruning can only go so far: It’s officially time to move that overgrown plant....

One of the most effective and controversial materials to garden with is peat moss. Effective because it works well in tons of situations, and controversial because of how it is sourced. Many gardeners buy it on the regular without even knowing what it is or what it’s doing in their practice. Table of Contents Peat moss is sometimes maligned among eco-conscious gardeners. While they’re not wrong to question the origin of peat moss sold in stores, the truth is more complicated than one might think....

We all love our pets and do everything to make sure they are safe from harm’s way. Keeping that in mind, you might be surprised to know that various plants can pose a threat to your dog’s health. Here is an exclusive list of Plants Toxic to Dogs! Poisonous Plants for Dogs 1. Yew Yew is a species of coniferous evergreen trees that belong to Europe, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and Western Asia (Caucasus)....

Size Arguably the most important aspect of purchasing your outdoor storage unit, size is a key aspect to consider. Outdoor tools, cushions for chairs, and your garden supplies can easily turn into a disorganized mountain of stuff that’s ready to spill over into your yard at any time. But there is a solution to your woes: The deck box. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission....

What went wrong? It’s heartbreaking when your turnip plants look perfectly healthy above ground, but underground, something sinister is happening. You have an image in your mind of the picture-perfect roots that you’re about to dig up, after all those weeks of working and waiting. You can already imagine the earthy aroma as you pull the roasted vegetables out of the oven. But when you lift your prize out of the ground, the darn things are split or rotting!...

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....

Flowers Are you looking for a little advice on growing tulips in containers this spring? Tulips are well-known garden flowers, as well as great border plants. But they are also fantastic container flowers in just about any location. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros provides her top tips for growing beautiful tulips in pots or containers. By Liz Jaros Last updated: October 19, 2022 | 7 min read Few sights are as welcome in spring as a sprawling bed of bright, beautiful tulips waving hello in the front yard....

Keeping your room fresh with natural elements elevates mood and senses. Here are the best Houseplants that are Literally Fragrant Air Fresheners that will help to keep your home naturally perfumed all the time! Here are the most Fragrant flowers you can grow Houseplants that are Literally Fragrant Air Fresheners 1. Snake Plant Botanical Name: Sansevieria Yes! Snake plants do bloom! Though seeing it flower indoors will be a rare sight, once it does, the plant will fill up your home with its intense fragrance in no time!...

Herbs that grow in shade are excellent for those of us with sun-challenged gardens. The good news is that there are lots of options to choose from. In fact, many of the herbs in this list actually prefer the shade! If your yard doesn’t get a lot of sunshine, you might think that you can’t plant herbs. On the contrary! I’ve been growing herbs in the shade for several years, and I’ve had great success....

These Indoor Plants with Fanciful Cut Foliage are the perfect way to add character to your rooms with other colorful or patterned houseplants! Have a look at some awesome fuzzy foliaged houseplants here Indoor Plants with Fanciful Cut Foliage 1. Monstera Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa The large glossy deep green leaves have a distinct cut and perforated, whereas the young foliage is small and uncut. You can grow monstera in water as well....