In every garden, some plants just have chemistry.They grow better, bloom longer, and protect each other in quiet, surprising ways. These natural friendships, known as companion plantings, can turn a bed of individuals into a living ecosystem that’s more beautiful, more balanced, and a whole lot less work for the gardener. Below are five pairings …
My Favorite Tough, Beautiful Perennials Most gardeners don’t start with perfect conditions. Many of us are planting in poor soil—the kind that resists improvement—but there are plenty of plants that thrive in poor soil if you know where to start. We wish that creating our dream garden was as simple as “plant it and it …
How many times does your plan of a relaxing, enjoyable evening on the patio get ruined by mosquitoes? Instead of lathering yourself up in chemicals, or lighting a dozen citronella candles that may or may not be effective (not to mention costly,) try planting some tried-and-true plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. When choosing plants to …
I don’t know about you, but while pumpkins are easy to grow, what’s not easy is keeping the critters away from them! I need help to keep animals from stealing pumpkins. I have seen squirrels abscond with tennis-ball size pumpkins year after year. They just take them off the vine and run off with them. …
Kitchen Scraps That Will Supercharge Your Garden Growth Don’t toss all that garbage just yet! In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to repurpose common kitchen and household scraps to create nutrient-rich natural plant fertilizer that will help your garden thrive. Not only are these natural fertilizers great for your plants, but they also …
Neem oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to India and other parts of South Asia. The uses for neem oil are well known to medicine and agriculture for centuries. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. In gardening, neem oil is commonly used as a …
Imagine having a beautiful backyard garden that requires minimal time and effort to maintain, leaving you more free time to relax and enjoy your outdoor space. That’s the magic of low maintenance backyard gardening! Whether you’re a busy professional, a novice gardener, or simply someone who prefers a fuss-free approach to gardening, low maintenance gardening …
Dealing with Garden Slugs One of the most notorious pests in moist climates is the slug. These slimy creatures can wreak havoc on your garden by munching on your plants and leaving behind unsightly trails of slime. But don’t worry, there are many natural slug prevention steps you can execute. Couple these steps along with tried-and-true strategies, …