It can be incredibly frustrating when ants seem to target and swarm you more than other people. No matter what you do they keep coming back and crawling all over your skin clothes, and belongings. What is it about you in particular that attracts ants? Understanding some key facts about ant biology and behavior provides … Read more
Amaryllis bulbs are a popular gift around the holidays for their ability to bloom brightly indoors during the winter. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers come in stunning shades of red, white, pink, salmon, and more, instantly brightening any space. But what do you do with amaryllis bulbs after they are done blooming? Many people discard them … Read more
Lavender’s a hardy plant, but it’s not invincible. If you grow a lot of lavender, you will lose plants every year, either when they are dormant in the winter or when they are growing. We lost lavender plants this summer, as many have. This isn’t only true for large-scale growers, though. Even home gardeners can … Read more
Pinching out your tomatoes is an essential part of tomato plant care. That’s because tomato plants naturally grow bushy, and if you let them grow the way they want, they’ll focus on growing leaves instead of fruit. Naturally, no one wants that; the goal is to grow lots of beautiful tomatoes. By pinching out the … Read more
Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowering bulbs, lighting up gardens with their cheerful blooms in shades of red, yellow, white, pink and purple. Many gardeners treat tulips as annuals, planting fresh bulbs each fall. But did you know you can dig up and replant tulip bulbs for many years of beauty? Learning … Read more
Thyme seeds are tiny, mysterious little things. Even experienced gardeners often wonder – what do thyme seeds actually look like? This common herb is a staple in kitchens around the world. Dried thyme leaves add woodsy, aromatic flavor to soups, stews, meat dishes, and more. The essential oil from thyme has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. … Read more
Mushroom grow bags are an essential tool for cultivation, both for the professional cultivator and the enthusiastic hobbyist. Alternatively, they can be used as spawn bags, which are used to germinate grain and spread mushroom cultures, or they can be used to make mushroom growing blocks with added sawdust. Mushroom fruiting bags have become an … Read more
With their delicate, papery blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors, poppies bring joy to any garden. And the good news is – yes, you can absolutely grow poppies successfully in Michigan! Poppies thrive in the cool conditions of spring and early summer across most of the Midwest. But as a Michigan gardener timing is everything … Read more
The drooping star of Bethlehem, also known by its scientific name Ornithogalum nutans, is a bulbous perennial plant that produces graceful nodding flowers in spring Native to parts of Europe and Asia, it has been introduced to North America as an ornamental garden plant With its dangling white blooms and grassy foliage, the drooping star … Read more
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are popular indoor plants with graceful, sword-shaped fronds and air-purifying qualities. This lovely pet-safe plant comes from tropical areas and does best in places with high humidity and steady indirect sunlight, whether you plant it inside or outside. Boston ferns prefer moderate to high levels of bright, indirect light. They can … Read more