gardenig

Growing a vertical vegetable garden is a fantastic space-saving solution that optimizes vining crops like tomatoes, beans, peas, squashes, and cucumbers, as well as some fruit trees. Various trellis types are available to support plants, but the best vegetable trellis ideas also add an attractive feature, making the garden feel more three-dimensional. Training crops to … Read more

Coleus stands out among foliage plants with its intricate and vibrant leaf patterns. While commonly grown in containers, it thrives just as well, often larger, when planted in garden beds. In its native range, coleus is an herbaceous perennial, but it is typically treated as an annual in most gardens. Recent breeding efforts have produced … Read more

Embrace the Ruth Stout Method: A Lazy Gardener’s Dream If you are a lazy gardener like me, you might benefit from the Ruth Stout method of no-till gardening. Ruth Stout was a savvy gardener who decided she wasn’t going to till her land before growing her garden. She pioneered the perpetual mulch concept, which enriched … Read more

The warm, humid environment typical of bathrooms is precisely what many tropical plants crave. If your houseplants are struggling elsewhere, consider relocating them to your bathroom. However, note that not all species can thrive in low-light conditions typical of windowless bathrooms, so you may need to supplement with additional lighting. Brighten a shelf or corner … Read more

You’ve planted your tomatoes with anticipation, imagining the delicious dishes they’ll enhance. But then, disappointment strikes as you notice a problem: your tomatoes are splitting. This common issue, where the skin around the stem end of ripening tomatoes cracks open, is known as fruit splitting or side splits. It’s particularly problematic during hot, humid weather, … Read more

If you’re a cherry lover, you’ve probably spit your share of cherry pits…or maybe that’s just me. At any rate, if you’ve ever wondered how to grow cherry trees from seed, you’ve come to the right place. Planting pits from store-bought cherries is possible, but it’s not quite as easy as you may hope. Thankfully, … Read more

Spring’s cool days offer perfect conditions for growing delicious, nutritious lettuces, but recognizing when lettuce starts to bolt signals it’s time for your final harvest. In cooler, damp weather, lettuce grows rapidly, yielding succulent, tender leaves with a flavor often superior to bagged greens from stores. However, as temperatures rise, lettuce plants begin bolting—a process … Read more

When you notice 3-5 inch raised ridges crisscrossing your lawn and small soil volcanoes scattered about, you’ve got a mole at work. These small mammals can wreak havoc quickly, damaging plants as they tunnel underground. Their activity disrupts roots, turning the vibrant green ridges of their tunnels brown. On the upside, moles aerate the soil … Read more

Bitter cucumbers can be deceiving, resembling the crisp, slightly sweet cucumbers you crave until you take a bite and encounter an unpleasant flavor. Understanding why cucumbers turn bitter and how to prevent it can ensure your garden produces enjoyable cucumbers for salads and snacks. Follow these five straightforward tips to avoid growing bitter cucumbers: Why … Read more

Knowing the optimal grass cutting height can significantly contribute to a healthier lawn. The correct lawn mower height settings depend on various factors, such as grass type and seasonal conditions. While it’s common to maintain a consistent 3½ inches for cool-season grasses throughout the year, adjusting the mowing height according to grass species and environmental … Read more