Are Hostas Toxic to Dogs? Identification, Symptoms, and Treatment

I just discovered hostas are toxic to dogs. How did I not know this before? One website even said, “Instead of Hostas, buy Butterfly Ginger.” Their bright and showy flowers will quickly make you forget your Hosta!” AAARGHH!!!!. Houzz uses cookies and other similar technologies to make my experience more personal, show me more relevant … Read more

The Best Bagged Composts for Topdressing Your Lawn

Turf experts often recommend “topdressing” lawns with a thin layer of compost. Depending on the weather and soil in the area, the material is spread out a quarter to half inch thick in the spring or fall. *. Compost improves the moisture-holding capacity of the soil, adds nutrients, and feeds soil microbes. These microbes are … Read more

Demystifying Black Spots on Rhododendron Leaves

Banish black spots from your Rhododendron and safeguard its lush beauty with our expert guide! If you’ve noticed dark splotches marring the foliage of your prized rhododendrons, you’re not alone. Black spots on rhododendron leaves are a common issue for gardeners growing these ornamental shrubs. While the spots can be unsightly, the good news is … Read more

When to Harvest Butternut Squash in Zone 5: A Complete Guide

  Growing big, beautiful butternut squash is so rewarding but knowing exactly when to pick them can be tricky. Waiting too long risks exposure to frost or rotting on the vine. Picking too early means less flavorful poorly-storing squash. So when is the optimal time for harvesting butternut squash in cooler growing zones like zone … Read more

Using Rock Salt as an Effective Weed Killer

For gardeners and homeowners fed up with pesky weeds rock salt can be an affordable and effective weed killing alternative to commercial herbicides. But before you swap out your Roundup for a bag of rock salt it’s important to understand the pros and cons of using salt as a DIY weed control option. What Type … Read more