Robby

Nitrogen is the nutrient most vital for healthy, vigorous plant growth. While nitrogen makes up 78% of our air, plants cannot utilize nitrogen gas. They can only take up nitrogen in its solid, soluble form. That’s why choosing plant foods with ample nitrogen content is key to flourishing gardens and maximum yields. In this article … Read more

The croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a popular houseplant. This leafy, ornamental plant is native to tropical areas but adapts well indoors. But if you have a cat, this isn’t a plant you want in your home. All croton varieties—including evening embers, gold dust, and Zanzibar—are toxic to cats. You can have pet-safe plants in your … Read more

With its vibrant, tropical blooms and bold foliage the bird of paradise plant provides unique beauty to gardens and indoor spaces. While often propagated from divisions, the bird of paradise can also be grown from seeds. Starting these exotic plants from seed requires patience and care but enables you to add stunning bird of paradise … Read more

Not all glasses of H₂O are created equal. Sometimes it may taste metallic, or it may smell like chlorine. But what if your water has a sweet aftertaste? This could mean that it has a lot of naturally occurring minerals in it or that the alkaline (pH) levels are off. No matter what, you need … Read more

What attracted me to this story initially isn’t the funny title, it was actually the hosta-hater in me. I’ve always wanted to know how to kill hostas. Let me explain. When we moved into our house a few years ago, I could tell that the previous owner loved hostas. She had done a wonderful job … Read more

A Comprehensive Guide to the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue Plant The mother-in-law’s tongue plant, also known as the snake plant or Sansevieria, is an extremely popular and versatile houseplant. With its distinctive upright leaves and minimal care requirements, it’s easy to see why this plant has been a favorite for decades. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover … Read more

When I started gardening as a “hobby,” I was broke and in college. I quickly learned that pre-made seed starting mix was way too expensive for me (sigh), even though I was getting a discount because I worked at a hardware store. With a small or large garden, it can feel like you’re losing money … Read more

We really want everyone in the family to get along, but our dogs and plants can’t keep the peace. When our pets get too close to poisonous or sharp plants, they can get hurt. Dogs can also do a lot of damage in the garden. It’s enough for dogs’ pee to burn or kill many … Read more

Pepper plants are a warm-season crop that produce flavorful fruits perfect for spicing up meals. However, overcrowded seedlings can lead to reduced yields and stunted growth. Knowing when to thin out excess pepper seedlings is one of the keys to growing a productive crop. This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying when … Read more

Good soil is the foundation of healthy plants. There are several different soil types, including sandy, loam, clay, or silt. Some soils are better for plants than others, with most native soils needing some sort of amending. Before you put plants in your yard, you need to know what kind of soil you have and … Read more