Unlike typical desert cacti, Christmas cactus is native to the tropical rain forest. The weather is damp for most of the year, but the roots dry out quickly because the plants don’t grow in soil but in tree branches with dead leaves. Christmas cactus problems are usually caused by improper watering or poor drainage. The … Read more
For gardeners in USDA zone 7 knowing when to plant cucumbers is key to getting a prolific harvest of delicious, fresh cukes. With proper timing and care it’s easy to grow boatloads of cucumbers in zone 7. This guide will cover the optimal planting times and other tips to help ensure your cucumber vines stay … Read more
As a vegetable gardener, you likely know that cucumbers are a warm-season crop that bear crunchy, refreshing fruits perfect for salads, pickling and more. But if you’re new to growing cukes, you may be wondering – how long do cucumber plants actually live? The simple answer is that cucumbers are annual plants. This means they … Read more
Catalpa is a large deciduous tree with a wide-spreading habit. It can grow to 50 feet (15m) tall and wide. Catalpa bear mid-green leaves that are ovate and heart-shaped at the base. White flowers are borne in upright panicles in summer. Slender bean-like pods follow the flowers. Catalpa are well adapted to extremes of heat … Read more
For that reason, clay soil can be hard to work with if you don’t know what plants to put in your garden. However, planting in clay soil is not as limiting or challenging as you might think. Having knowledge about the plants that do well in clay soil will help you make a garden that … Read more
Kale used to be called the peasant’s cabbage. Now, it’s more like a wealthy Hollywood superstar’s cabbage. Kale is a super healthy and nutrient-dense leafy green that can be grown easily indoors with the right conditions. Growing your own kale inside allows you to have fresh greens year-round Choosing Kale Varieties for Indoor Growing When … Read more
Hostas are a classic shade garden staple known for their showy foliage and ease of care. While the most common hosta varieties sport green leaves you can also find many cultivars with beautiful purple foliage that will add striking contrast and dimension to your landscape. If you’re looking to add a pop of regal color … Read more
As temperatures drop in fall, a common concern for home gardeners is whether their unharvested butternut squash can survive frost. While butternut squash vines are quite sensitive to frost, the fruit itself is surprisingly hardy when it comes to cold temperatures. With some simple protective measures, you can increase the odds of your beloved butternut … Read more
Its tricky to know when to harvest garlic (Allium sativum). If you pick the bulbs too early, the cloves will be small and not store well. If you leave them in the ground for too long, the cloves will burst out of their skins, making them more likely to get sick and reducing their storage … Read more
Ferns are a widely varied group of plants. Their native habitats range from the tropics to the Arctic and from deserts to swamps. They can be rough or smooth, juicy or filmy, crown-forming or creeping, lime-loving or lime-intolerant, invasive weeds or almost impossible to grow. Ferns were one of the first plant groups to learn … Read more