With their wide, lush leaves and versatility in shady spots, it’s no wonder hostas are a staple of many gardens But when it comes to soil pH, are hostas acid loving plants that require more acidic ground to thrive? Or can they tolerate more neutral pH levels? Understanding hosta’s preferred soil pH range and making … Read more
Starting seeds is one of the most exciting parts of gardening Seeing those first sprouts emerge from the soil never gets old! But to get seeds off to a strong start, it’s important to use the right growing medium. When it comes to potting soil vs. seed starting mix, which is better for starting seeds? … Read more
Spring bulb flowers are some of the most anticipated sights in the garden after a long winter. Their cheerful colors and sweet scents are a welcome reminder that warmer weather is on the way. With hundreds of spring blooming bulbs to choose from, you’re sure to find some favorites to grow in your own garden. … Read more
It is very important to use nutrient-poor soil to grow Venus Flytraps. Regular potting soil or enriched soil will burn the roots and kill your Venus flytrap very quickly. We do not recommend fertilizing Venus flytraps. The fertilizer can burn the roots and likely kill the plant. Some expert growers use extremely diluted fertilizer. In … Read more
If you love fruity flavored mints, berries and cream mint is a must-try variety for your herb garden. This compact, floriferous mint combines a sweet, berry-like taste with classic minty notes. As a beginning gardener, berries and cream mint is an easy-care herb that will thrive with just a bit of attention. Here’s everything you … Read more
Beets are a cold-weather crop that I look forward to growing in both spring and fall. Not only are beets a hearty root vegetable, but the tops are edible as well. They also grow quite fast, so you can enjoy beets before many other crops. If you want to grow beets in your garden, here’s … Read more
Want to grow fresh lemons on your patio in the winter? With a few easy precautions, lemon trees can grow outside all year in cool northern climates. As a gardener living in a cold climate, you may be wondering if it’s possible to grow lemon trees outdoors year-round. While lemon trees thrive in warm climates, … Read more
Nandina has long been a mainstay in Southern landscapes, and for good reason. Nandina is a very flexible plant that grows well in both sunny and shady spots, in wet or dry soil, and in both modern and traditional garden designs. This tough plant needs little pampering and performs beautifully in our hottest and coldest … Read more
Spring in Holland is ideal with glorious sunshine and nice temperatures. Unfortunately, of course, sometimes it can be rainy. Many fun things to do can be found in Holland during the Tulip Festival, even if it rains. You can still enjoy the tulips. It is usually a lot quieter in Keukenhof Gardens and the tulip … Read more
Nothing beats the stunning beauty and sweet fragrance of lilies in full bloom These elegant flowers are always a welcome addition to gardens as well as fresh flower arrangements. But did you know you can collect and grow lily seeds from the spent blooms of cut lily stems? With a little know-how, those discarded floral … Read more