As a gardener, I’m always looking for ways to expand my flower beds, add new varieties, and fill in bare spots without breaking the budget. Purchasing perennials from nurseries or catalogs can get expensive fast. Luckily, many perennials readily produce seeds that you can collect and replant yourself. Saving perennial seeds is an easy, frugal … Read more
Crop rotation is an essential practice for any vegetable gardener. By rotating your crops each year, you can help build healthy soil, reduce disease and pest pressure, and ultimately grow a more productive garden. A 5 year crop rotation plan allows you to get the most out of this technique. In this article, we’ll look … Read more
Growing tomato plants from seed is a fun and rewarding way to get fresh, homegrown tomatoes While it does require some extra time and care compared to buying transplants, you’ll get the satisfaction of nurturing your plants from the very beginning. One of the keys to getting your seedlings off to a strong start is … Read more
Pruning is an essential gardening skill that helps improve the health and productivity of vegetable plants. Removing selective parts promotes better airflow, sunlight exposure, and directs energy towards developing delicious fruits and veggies. Learning proper pruning techniques can seem daunting at first but with the right tools and methods you’ll be snipping away in no … Read more
When cold weather strikes, every gardener inevitably faces the question – how can I protect my plants from frost damage? An unexpected dip in temperatures can wreak havoc on tender vegetation if you’re not prepared While commercial plant covers work well, you can also use common household items for frost protection in a pinch One … Read more
When caring for houseplants or cultivating an outdoor garden providing proper water is essential. Not all water sources are created equal however. The type of water used to irrigate plants can significantly impact their health, vigor and growth. As a plant parent, it’s important to understand how water quality affects your green friends With this … Read more
A leaf node is a small bump or swelling on a plant where leaves and new stems emerge and grow from. Leaf nodes are vitally important parts of plants that enable growth and propagation Understanding what leaf nodes are, where they are located, and how they work is key knowledge for both expert and amateur … Read more
A beautiful, lush lawn can really make your home stand out. But achieving that perfect green carpet in your yard takes some work. I’ve learned that one of the keys is regular mowing and maintenance. Seeing before and after photos of lawn mowing can really showcase the dramatic difference consistent care makes. When you mow … Read more
Coleus is a genus of colorful leafy plants that have become a staple in gardens and container plantings. With their diversity of foliage colors, shapes, and textures, coleus provide an easy way to add visual interest to both sunny and shaded areas. One of the most striking coleus on the market is Main Street Ruby … Read more
A pruning saw is an indispensable gardening tool for tackling thicker branches and woody stems that are too large for hand pruners but too small for a chainsaw With proper technique, a quality pruning saw makes quick work of minor pruning tasks. Here are 5 of the top uses for this versatile hand tool 1. … Read more