Castor oil is a versatile vegetable oil that can be used for medicinal purposes as well as in cosmetics, soaps and as an industrial lubricant. While it’s readily available commercially, you can also easily make your own castor oil at home if you’d like to have full control over the production process. Making your own … Read more
Elephant ear plants (Colocasia esculenta) are stunning tropical specimens prized for their gigantic heart-shaped leaves But these beauties aren’t problem-free Elephant ears are susceptible to several issues that can mar their appearance or even kill the plant if left unchecked, By learning to recognize and treat the most common elephant ear plant problems, you can … Read more
For tomato lovers, the end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of fresh, homegrown tomatoes. With some planning and preparation, it’s possible to grow tomatoes well into fall and enjoy their delicious flavor even as the weather cools. Why Fall Tomatoes? There are several advantages to growing tomatoes in fall: Cooler temperatures often … Read more
Lavender is a classic aromatic herb that can add beauty and fragrance to any front yard With its soft purple flowers and silvery foliage, lavender makes a gorgeous addition to curb appeal and front porch landscaping There are many creative ways to incorporate lavender into your front yard design. Read on for 15 amazing ideas … Read more
Pineapple plants thrive in warm, tropical climates but can survive short periods of cooler temperatures. As a tropical plant, cold weather can damage or even kill the plant if exposed for too long. Knowing the lowest temperature a pineapple plant can handle allows growers to take steps to protect the plants when temperatures drop. In … Read more
Grape tomatoes are a fun, tasty variety perfect for gardens or containers. Their petite size and prolific fruiting makes them a joy to grow. Follow this guide to successfully plant and cultivate a bountiful crop of grape tomatoes. Overview of Grape Tomatoes Grape tomatoes are a type of small cherry tomato. They are oval-shaped and … Read more
Growing peppers in containers is an excellent way to add beautiful, edible plants to small spaces like patios, balconies, and urban gardens. With the right variety, peppers thrive in pots and produce bountiful harvests. When selecting the best peppers for containers, choose compact prolific varieties that fit your space and taste preferences. Here are 11 … Read more
With its bright unique blooms that attract pollinators by the dozen, it’s no wonder bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a favorite for many gardeners. However this hardy perennial’s ability to spread rapidly has some asking – is bee balm invasive? While not considered invasive everywhere, bee balm can certainly act aggressively and take over sections … Read more
Growing grass in a cup is an easy and engaging science experiment for kids of all ages. With just a few basic supplies, children can experience the excitement of planting seeds and nurturing grass growth indoors. This project teaches important concepts about plants, encourages observation skills, and provides days of green fun! Follow the steps … Read more
Cauliflower is a cool weather crop that requires precisely timed planting and harvesting for optimal flavor and texture. Learning to identify the perfect harvest window is key to getting tender, sweet cauliflower heads before it’s too late. While harvested too early, the curds will be small and underdeveloped. But waiting too long leads to overmature, … Read more