Gardening Advice

Though they are pretty foolproof plants, the most common problem gardeners have with their hydrangeas is failure to bloom. Need hydrangea help? Here are 5 common reasons for hydrangeas not flowering—and what to do about it! 5 Reasons Hydrangeas Don’t Bloom Note: If you’re not sure what variety of hydrangea you have, reference our article with photos on hydrangea varieties…

Mulch, mulch, and mulch! Just by mulching, you increase soil moisture, reduce weeds, improve crop quality, and feed the soil. Learn how to mulch, when to mulch, and about the many different types of mulch to use in your garden. Mulch has been called the gardener’s friend—and for good reason. In spring, mulch locks in moisture, suppresses weeds, and feeds the soil. In winter…

There are a few key tricks to keeping that midsummer gardening going full tilt! By now, you should have harvested some goodies. But to keep your vegetable plants healthy, finish up that harvest strong, and start new plantings for fall, here is a basic “to do” list. Growing a garden isn’t just about getting plants started—it also involves tending to your plants and giving them the TLC that…

Home canning is experiencing a resurgence of interest. Imagine preserving the taste of vegetables and fruit at their peak to enjoy all year long. From homemade pickles to tomato sauce and jams, canning captures the best flavors. Read our introduction to canning for beginners and learn what canning is all about! What Is Canning? Think of canning as a form of cooking. Instead of cooking one…

A week-long heat wave and a recent question—concerning what green beans to grow in a hot climate—got me thinking. Which vegetables grow well in exceptionally hot weather? Keep these plants in mind. Top Veggies for Hot Weather Peas, spinach, and lettuce will certainly not make the list but some vegetables actually need the heat to grow well and develop the best flavor. When…

Growing herbs in containers or a small space is so easy—and who likes springing for a package of herbs from the grocery market every time you need a few sprigs or leaves? See the best way to grow herbs, which herbs to plant for a beginner, and a few handy gardening tips. If the meals at your house have been a little bland, fresh herbs can make a huge difference in flavor; they are…

Summer means fresh garden veggies to bring good taste and good health to the table! Ever wondered which ones are the nutritional stars? Here are the top 10 healthiest vegetables and fruit that you can grow at home—plus advice for growing a healthier garden. We all want to provide our families with the freshest, most nutritious meals we can and if you are growing your own vegetables you…

Summer is here, and with it come more flowers to enjoy. But don’t forget deadheading—the removal of spent blossoms. Regular deadheading encourages many plants to flower for longer. Here are four reasons to keep up with this chore—plus, tips on how to deadhead flowers.  1. Prolong the Bloom Removing spent flowerheads is one of the best ways to extend the show. By not…

Don’t let a lack of garden space keep you from growing the foods you crave! Look for vegetables and fruit bred for small spaces and containers. Here is a short list of small plants with big yields, including cherry tomatoes, Little Gem lettuce, peppers, eggplant, and more.  If you lack enough gardening land in a sunny spot, no worries. There are so many choices for…

This past May was “No-Mow May,” which inspired me to think more about the benefits of mowing less frequently—both for pollinators and the lawn’s health. In fact, maybe you’ll even want to say goodbye to grass and downsize your mowing. Here’s why—and how to get started. I knew delaying mowing to late spring would help pollinators, especially when it comes to habitat and…

Once vegetables are up and growing, some of them need a little support, especially tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, peas, and peppers. This avoids problems and gives plants more sun exposure. A trellised plant can also provide shade for a crop like lettuce. See different ways to support your plants! We provide plants with support for many reasons: keep the fruit clean, avoid breakage under…

When it comes to hanging baskets for flowers, choose wisely. Here are the most reliable trailing flowers for sun and shade. Plus, we’ll explain how to create your own hanging baskets for half the amount—or less—and how to keep birds out of baskets! This time of year the garden centers are loaded with expensive hanging baskets just begging to be taken home and enjoyed but the price…