Robby I recently got an email from an Epic Gardening reader with a familiar question. When I first started gardening and didn’t know how to start seeds, I had the same question: Sally, that’s a great question! Knowing the answer will help you learn more about gardening and starting seeds in general, because it depends on … Read more
If you’re like me, you love blackberry everything – jam, cobbler, pie, glaze, you name it. But fresh blackberries are only available for a short time, and they can be pricey if you don’t buy them from a trustworthy local farmer. It costs a lot because blackberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow, … Read more
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for roses. Roses need to be pruned regularly to keep them neat and disease-free, unlike shrubs like hydrangea and forsythia that don’t need as much care. This also helps them produce more flowers. If you’re new to growing roses, you may have heard that pruning is an important … Read more
Brown Recluse spiders are light brown in color and are the most common house spiders. Their cephalothorax, which is the front part of their bodies where the legs connect, is shaped like a dark brown violin. You should never get too close to a brown recluse to see its eyes, but if you do, you’ll … Read more
As someone with both American and Irish roots, you have a rich cultural heritage to celebrate. Your family likely has traditions and values from both sides of the Atlantic that have shaped who you are. I wanted to share some fun ways to honor your dual background. Exploring Your Family History Start by doing some … Read more
You might think of pea sprouts and pea shoots as vegetable twins, but they are very different from one another. First off, pea sprouts are the babies of the family, just starting their green lives. Think of them as the infants in the pea world. Pea shoots? They’re more like the lively toddlers, a bit … Read more
The exotic bird of paradise plant is a popular favorite among indoor gardeners. With its vibrant tropical blooms and architectural foliage, it’s easy to see why. However, these striking plants can sometimes take a turn for the worse and start dying. If your bird of paradise is showing signs of decline, don’t panic. There are … Read more
There are many things to think about when putting up new shed siding, such as how much work it will take and how much the different materials cost and how long they last. It can be hard to decide when there are so many options available. Shed siding keeps out moisture, pests, and extreme temperatures … Read more
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and beloved flowers. With their big, cheerful faces and height, they bring joy and make beautiful cuts. When choosing sunflowers for cutting gardens, look for varieties that have strong, straight stems and good vase life. Both branching and single stem types can make excellent cut flowers. Here are … Read more
The Regal Beauty of Pink Diamond and Queen of Night Tulips As a gardener who loves unique flower forms and rich, vivid colors, I’m always seeking out tulips that make a dramatic impact in spring. Two of my long-time favorites are the deep purple ‘Queen of Night’ and soft pink ‘Pink Diamond’ tulips, which combine … Read more