Many gardeners have to deal with pests, weeds, and dry soil in their early years of gardening in raised beds. As we learned more, we found that adding a layer of mulch fixed all of these issues at the same time. Now we would never garden without it. In the past few years, raised garden … Read more
Blackberries are a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed fresh in pies and cobblers or made into jams and jellies. Growing your own blackberries allows you to harvest fresh berries at peak ripeness, but buying new plants each year can get expensive. Propagating blackberries from cuttings is an easy, effective way to get new … Read more
Looking for ways to get rid of bugs in your home? Carnivorous plants might be an eco-friendly way to help you deal with your bug problem. Because most of these plants live in places that are very different from a home garden, there aren’t any common garden plants that eat other plants. Additionally, some of … Read more
The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Bamboo is gaining popularity across the United States for its versatility, eco-friendly properties, and visual appeal. But does this iconic plant grow in the Prairie State? The answer … Read more
Like when you’re picking out a house, the most important thing to think about when adding a rose to your garden is where to put it. Too many times, gardeners say roses are too fussy when they really just put them in the wrong spot. Hey, you’d be miserable, too, if someone plopped you somewhere … Read more
I want to collect seeds from my Phlox paniculata Nora Leigh. But Im not sure what to collect and store. There is a buff colored roundish capsule that can be cracked to release a single black oblong seed. How do I plant it? Should I leave the buff capsule in place or break it open … Read more
Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile) is a delightful annual flower that produces lovely blue blossoms in spring and early summer. Though easy to grow, getting forget-me-not seeds to sprout can be tricky. Here are some tips for successfully sprouting Chinese forget-me-not seeds. When to Plant Seeds Chinese forget-me-not thrives in cool weather. In most regions, seeds … Read more
Ferns look lovely indoors, but they can be fussy to grow. Whats the secret of success? Scientists tell us that ferns have been around for as long as 400 million years. Eons ago, before much of anything interesting existed, ferns covered much of the prehistoric terrain. Along with club moss, horsetails, and other old plants, … Read more
As a cat owner and gardening enthusiast, I understand the struggle of finding beautiful flowers that are safe for furry friends. While cats love to play and explore, some common garden plants can be toxic if ingested. The good news is many gorgeous perennial flowers are totally cat-friendly. In this article, we’ll explore 12 of … Read more
In this guide, we’ll explore the rewarding experience of cultivating prickly pear cactus in containers. Our focus will be on two beginner-friendly propagation methods: germinating seeds and rooting pad cuttings. Both techniques offer a gratifying journey into plant care. It will teach you how to choose the best soil mix for cactus growth, how to … Read more