David Feldman sent us this question: “My basil has been doing great all spring, but now that summer is here, the leaves have a lot of holes in them and some are half gone.” What can I do about that?”. Without a photo, David, it can be hard to tell what’s eating your basil. But … Read more
Want to get your dahlia plants ready for the season ahead of time? Need to make sure your tubers will grow? A pre-sprout test is the way to go. First, I will talk about the fastest way to test for tuber viability. Perform a pre-sprout test for viability if you are not sure that your … Read more
Trumpet vines, which are also called Campsis, are strong vines that have bright orange and red trumpet-shaped flowers from midsummer to fall. They are native to the United States and grow quickly as climbing plants. They do need to be pruned regularly to keep them in good shape and working at their best. If you … Read more
Controlling humidity is crucial for providing your reptile or amphibian with a healthy habitat. But what if the moisture levels are too high? Here are the top tips and techniques for lowering humidity in a terrarium when needed. Why Lowering Humidity May Be Necessary For tropical species like dart frogs and crested geckos, high humidity … Read more
Landscaping with plants that hug the ground, rather than tower overhead, offers many advantages for today’s busy homeowners. Low to the ground shrubs, also called groundcover shrubs, are an ideal choice to simplify yard care while achieving a polished, welcoming look. Benefits of Low Growing Shrubs Compared to large shrubs and trees, groundcover shrubs offer … Read more
In the spring, many of us buy those tried-and-true annuals that provide floral interest all summer long. Think geraniums, violets, marigolds, and of course, petunias. A trip to the nursery in the spring would not be complete without a hanging basket or three full of bright flowers. When we take those hanging baskets down and … Read more
Seed Savers Exchange is offering seven varieties of garlic for sale this year. Garlic orders open on July 1, 2024!. Garlic is one of my favorite ingredients to cook with. I use it in everything from pasta sauce to stir-fries. But garlic can be expensive to buy at the grocery store, especially if you use … Read more
Slender, low to short softly hairy plant, often only 2 to 5 cm tall. Basal leaves in a rosette, lanceolate, stem leaves oblong, unstalked. Flowers bright blue, 2 to 3 mm the petals scarcely exceeding the calyx. Similar Species. The calyx has hairs that stick out and are either hooked or curved. The flower stalks, … Read more
Hostas are prized primarily for their foliage but they also have attractive, often scented, summer flowers. These hardy perennials grow in clumps and are popular with people who garden in containers. In the spring and summer, they have the best low-growing foliage. Thriving in light and medium shade, they’re incredibly useful plants. Hosta foliage is … Read more
With their long blooming season and irresistible flowers, butterfly bushes are a garden staple for many. Their fast growth means mature plants often need dividing or transplanting to keep them thriving. But when is the ideal time to transplant a butterfly bush? This complete guide covers the ins and outs of transplanting butterfly bushes successfully. … Read more