Gardening Advice

Did you know that there are Easter, Thanksgiving, AND Christmas cacti? How can you tell the difference between these holiday cactuses? Look at when the flowers bloom, the way the flower blooms, and the shape of the stems and leaves. See photos and learn more. Holiday cacti such as the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus are hybrids of Brazilian forest cacti. The…

Healthy soil is fertile soil. Late fall is the time to show your soil some love—before winter sets in. Learn three simple ways to ramp up your soil’s health to set the stage for next season’s growing success! We’ll let you in on a little secret that it take many gardeners a few years to figure out: Soil is the bedrock of any successful garden and late fall is the best time for…

How did a tropical plant become an unlikely symbol of the Christmas holiday? The history of the poinsettia begins with an old Mexican legend and, later, a major American business venture. Discover the legend of the poinsettia! You say poin-set-ee-uh, I say poin-set-uh—but let’s call the whole thing off because the name of the ubiquitous holiday plant can be pronounced either way. America's…

Ferns are among the oldest living plants on Earth, having appeared over 350 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs. Despite their ancient age, they make gorgeous houseplants, adding elegance, rich green hues, and interesting texture to any indoor environment. Discover a few ferns for your indoor garden! Fascinating Ferns Ferns existed before there were flowering plants, which…

Paperwhite narcissus, with their clusters of fragrant, small, white flowers, have to be the easiest bulb to force into bloom. In fact, there is really no forcing necessary—just plant, and they'll be blooming in three to four weeks! Here's how to do it. Unlike other spring-flowering bulbs that need a cold period before they blossom, paperwhites are native to warm Mediterranean regions and need…

Why not try your hand at creating a terrarium? These miniature gardens under glass have been experiencing a revival—and we can see why. It’s a mini ecosystem at work. An entire forest in a jar! Learn how to make a terrarium in five steps—to bring joy all winter long. What Are Terrariums? Originally popularized during the Victorian era, terrariums have made a big comeback. A…

These days, many of us find our Christmas tree at a garden supply store or a local church selling them as a fundraiser. Ever wonder where they get the trees? Christmas tree farms, of course! But it’s not always easy. Growing Christmas trees is similar to producing any other agricultural crop. It’s a serious business that requires a lot of hard work that lasts years! Learn more about our…

Move over, poinsettia! There are many more great flowering houseplants that can brighten your winter days. These plants are practically bulletproof and will blossom indoors for weeks. Here are a few of our favorites. Kalanchoe Kalanchoe are rugged succulents that will grow well on a south-facing windowsill. They come in a wide range of crayon-bright colors. If you want…

If you are short on space (or energy) for a large Christmas tree, why not try a Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla)? These are smaller, potted trees found around the holidays that can also remain through the year as wonderful houseplants! Here’s more information about the Norfolk Island pine and how to care for this tiny indoor tree. This time of year they are easy to find…

We have two new kittens at our house—Fred and Ginger—and they seem to be doubly curious about everything! If you face similar challenges, here is a naughty list from the ASPCA of holiday plants that could be harmful to your cat or dog. Fred & Ginger take a well-deserved rest from attacking the houseplants. They egg each other on and nothing is sacred. I have had lots of cats over the years…

Many gardeners ask us about using Epsom salts for plants: Which plants don’t like Epsom salts? Will Epsom salts kill plants? We’re here to tell you that Epsom salt is not good for plants nor the soil and one of those gardening myths. Learn more about how Epsom salt works and also some alternatives. Most gardeners love a reliable home remedy and are eager to embrace a magic…

To conserve water and save yourself some money, consider adding a rain barrel to your yard. Rain barrels are positioned to catch rainwater from your roof, which cuts down on the water bill. Plus, rainwater is great for plants! Water is a precious resource. In many areas of the country, water bans are becoming an annual occurrence as summers get hotter and drier and populations increase.…