Simply Bloom Apples are a beloved fruit that can be enjoyed year-round with proper storage techniques Storing apples in cardboard boxes in a cool, dark location is an affordable and effective method for home storage. The cardboard boxes help protect the apples while allowing airflow, and the cooler temperature slows ripening and spoilage. Follow these tips for … Read more
Rhubarb is a popular perennial vegetable grown for its tart, red stalks that are commonly used in pies, jams, and other desserts. As the rhubarb plant grows, it produces large, green, toxic leaves that contain high levels of oxalic acid. This leads many gardeners to ask – can I compost rhubarb leaves safely or should … Read more
Outdoor corner benches make excellent use of yard space and provide comfortable seating for relaxing or entertaining. With simple designs using common lumber, you can DIY a corner bench yourself without advanced woodworking skills. Follow these beginner-friendly plans to construct a sturdy, attractive outdoor corner bench for your patio, porch or deck. Planning Your Corner … Read more
‘Queen of Hearts’ is a popular variety of heartleaf brunnera featuring silver-frosted leaves veined in deep green and forget-me-not-like blue flowers in spring. This carefree perennial thrives in shady spots, is deer and rabbit resistant, and adds striking foliage contrast to the garden. Read on for tips on successfully growing and caring for ‘Queen of … Read more
As a gardener, dealing with pesky birds that invade your mulch can be incredibly frustrating. Birds love pecking through mulch to find seeds, insects, and other tasty morsels. Unfortunately, this can leave your garden mulch looking like a disaster zone. The good news is there are several effective techniques you can use to deter birds … Read more
As the gardening season progresses a common question arises is it too late to plant cucumber seeds? With their love of warm weather, some gardeners worry the window for planting has passed. However, under the right conditions it may not be too late to sow cucumber seeds and still reap a harvest. When to Sow … Read more
Nectarines are a delicious stone fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into recipes when ripe, But what if you pick or purchase nectarines before they reach peak ripeness? The good news is that nectarines will continue ripening off the tree under proper conditions Follow this guide to understand the ripening process and how … Read more
The front yard is the first part of your home that greets visitors. Using small flowering bushes in the front yard landscaping is an excellent way to boost curb appeal. These compact, decorative shrubs add visual interest while being low maintenance. With the right selection, they can provide multi-season color, interesting textures, and structure. Benefits … Read more
If you’ve grown tomato plants, you may have noticed odd bumps or growths forming on the stems. These protrusions are actually aerial roots that form as part of the tomato plant’s normal development. Below we’ll explore what aerial roots are, why tomatoes produce them, and what to do about these strange stem growths. What Are … Read more
Crab apple trees can be a huge boost to pollination and fruit production in an apple orchard. Their blooms provide pollen that is compatible with most apple varieties, making cross-pollination more successful. But not all crab apples are created equal when it comes to maximizing your yield. Selecting the right crab apple tree is key … Read more