As an amateur botanist, one of the most common dilemmas I face is telling apart plane tree leaves from maple leaves. While both belong to completely different genera – Platanus for plane trees and Acer for maples – their leaves can look frustratingly similar at first glance. However, with some knowledge of key identification features, … Read more
Bare root strawberry plants are a great way to start a new strawberry patch or expand an existing one. They are inexpensive, easy to plant, and establish quickly But bare root plants are perishable and need to be planted soon after receiving them So how long can you actually keep bare root strawberries before getting … Read more
This is my 3rd time trying to grow rhubarb. Each time one by one the leaves turn yellow, dry up and die. This continues until the whole plant is dead. Related Stories: I think that yellow leaves on some plants mean they need too much water. Is that also true for rhubarb? As a cool-weather … Read more
Growing onions and shallots organically from seed is easy, cheap and fun. In this post, I’ll explain every step, from the seed packet to the plate. You can grow with me! Enter your email address to receive updates on this and other grow-along posts. I used to grow onions from sets, but I stopped a … Read more
Please add your homegrown tips to this thread if you have any . I’ve had a fig tree in my backyard for 10 years and haven’t eaten a single ripe fruit. The birds ate each and every single ripe fig. And the unripe ones were too astringent for my taste. We have a colony of … Read more
Cousin of the monstera deliciosa, the Monstera adansonii is a unique, easy-to-care-for vine houseplant. It is nicknamed the “Swiss cheese plant” for its pointed perforated heart-shaped leaves with big holes. This elegant plant adds character and personality to any space while requiring minimal attention to thrive. This beautiful lacy plant is easy to take care … Read more
It is best to add compost to the soil in order to make it healthier. A healthier lawn starts with healthier soil. Compost has a lot of different micronutrients and the main nutrients that a lawn needs, which are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. But there are many other benefits as well. Adding compost to the … Read more
Growing garlic is easy, but many people wonder when to harvest and how to store garlic. I share my tips in this article. As any garlic lover knows, fresh garlic just tastes better. And the good news is that with some simple harvesting and storage tips, you can enjoy farm-fresh garlic for months after pulling … Read more
Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant that brighten up any space with their festive red, white, or pink blooms. However, their delicacy makes them prone to wilting, leaving many wondering if their poinsettia can be saved once it starts drooping. The good news is that with some TLC and troubleshooting there’s a good chance you … Read more
As a passionate passion flower grower, it can be worrisome when your prized vines and plants start looking lifeless and barren. Especially after a harsh winter or sudden cold snap, determining whether your passion flower is dead or just dormant can be tricky. But with a few simple checks, you can get a definitive answer … Read more