For bird lovers, seeing a variety of feathered friends flocking to backyard feeders brings joy. But cats also know that feeders draw birds in as easy targets. Keeping birds safe from prowling cats takes a bit of clever thinking and proactive measures. With some simple techniques, you can outsmart cats and maintain a safe haven … Read more
Annuals are popular flowering plants that complete their entire lifecycle in one growing season. With proper care, they provide nonstop color from spring through fall frost. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the key techniques for keeping your annuals thriving all season long. Watering Annuals Frequent watering is crucial for annuals to look their best. … Read more
Germination is an exciting time for any gardener. After patiently waiting for your seeds to sprout, seeing those first little green shoots poke up through the soil is incredibly rewarding. However, the work is not done after germination. There are several important steps to ensure your seedlings grow into strong, healthy plants. In this comprehensive … Read more
Keeping your pond clean and healthy is essential for maintaining a thriving ecosystem for fish, plants, and other wildlife. But when debris, muck, and algae accumulate, your pond can become an unsightly mess. Cleaning out a pond thoroughly is a job that requires some work, but following these key steps will have your pond sparkling … Read more
Japanese sweet potatoes, also known as satsumaimo, are a delicious and nutritious vegetable to grow. Their creamy texture and sweet, chestnut-like flavor make them excellent for roasting, mashing, or adding to soups and stews Here is a comprehensive guide on how to plant Japanese sweet potatoes so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest Overview of … Read more
Oak trees are majestic trees that can live for hundreds of years and grow to massive sizes. Transplanting an oak tree properly is crucial to ensuring its health and longevity in its new location. The timing of transplantation is one of the most important factors for success. Transplanting an oak at the wrong time of … Read more
When crabapple trees start fruiting in late summer and fall, most people don’t know what to do with the tart little fruits other than let them litter the ground. But there are so many delicious ways to use crab apples! Crab apples are the smaller, wild predecessors of our modern cultivated apples. They have an … Read more
With their vibrant flowers and hardy nature, oleanders are a popular ornamental shrub. However, oleander’s beauty belies a deadly secret – all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. This makes disposing of oleander clippings after pruning a risky affair. Proper precautions are crucial when handling cuttings to avoid … Read more
Growing plants indoors can be challenging, especially when it comes to providing the right environment. A grow box allows you to control lighting, temperature, humidity and more to help your plants thrive. The best part is you can build your own DIY grow box on a budget using common materials and basic tools. What is … Read more
A wire trellis is a classic garden accent that adds beautiful vertical interest to any outdoor space. Wire trellises are commonly used as a support structure for vining plants, letting them climb up the wires in an attractive crisscross pattern. But beyond function, a wire trellis makes a chic decorative statement on its own, bringing … Read more