Succulents are not just tough and beautiful; they create stunning displays that can easily capture your gardening heart. With their diverse forms and vibrant colors, succulents rank high on the list of photogenic plants. They’re favored by gardeners seeking low-maintenance, stylish greenery, whether showcased at the front of a garden, arranged in a bowl on … Read more
Passionfruit cultivation is highly favored in Australia, offering abundant yields under optimal conditions. Before starting your passionfruit venture, understanding the distinction between grafted and non-grafted vines is crucial. Grafted passionfruit plants involve grafting leaves and stems from one plant onto another’s roots. This technique often enhances resistance to pests, diseases, and varying climates. However, a … Read more
Here’s a refined version of your text: Growing shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) at home is surprisingly straightforward, though it involves unique upfront preparation not typical of other crops. The process begins with gathering suitable hardwood logs, inoculating them with shiitake spawn (a fungus), and sealing them to maintain moisture. After that, the logs are left … Read more
The number of watermelons each plant can grow depends on various factors, including the variety, plant spacing, and available water. Your goals also play a significant role. If you aim to produce a single large watermelon for a county fair exhibit, removing extra fruits focuses the plant’s energy on developing one impressive fruit. However, … Read more
For many children, the directive to “eat your broccoli” often feels more like a threat than an invitation. However, for an increasing number of adults, judging by the rising traffic to our broccoli recipes, it’s a delight to take that age-old advice literally. Whether you enjoy this versatile cruciferous veggie raw or cooked, starting with … Read more
Rock gardens can introduce a rugged, natural beauty to any landscape, even on challenging terrain like steep hillsides. Explore these inspiring rock garden ideas to infuse your yard with color and design that thrives in less-than-ideal conditions. Consider the size of your landscape, desired colors, plant sizes, and the types of rocks and boulders you … Read more
Are your houseplants reaching for the sky or needing rejuvenation without the hassle of replanting? Air layering offers a practical solution. By Lynn Coulter | Updated on December 4, 2023 | Reviewed by David McKinney Over time, some houseplants outgrow their spaces or lose their lower leaves, becoming leggy and untidy. Rather than parting with … Read more
Compost is a well-known soil amendment, but the concept of compost tea might be unfamiliar. Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping organic compost in water. It’s akin to a “quick-release” compost, rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. These elements support plant health, improve soil structure, and can … Read more
Growing root vegetables like sweet potatoes can be challenging in rocky or poor garden soil, where pests like wireworms and voles can quickly damage crops. However, cultivating sweet potatoes in containers offers a solution, conserving garden space, warding off pests, and yielding a plentiful harvest even with less-than-ideal soil conditions. Follow these straightforward steps to … Read more
Squash bugs (Anasa tristis) are notorious pests that target cucurbit vegetables such as summer and winter squash, pumpkins, melons, gourds, zucchini, and cucumbers. These pests are challenging to control as they overwinter in plant debris and reemerge seasonally to cause damage in gardens. However, with effective organic methods and careful management, you can prevent and … Read more