Figuring out how much to plant can feel like a bit of a guessing game. Plant too little, and you’ll run out of tomatoes halfway through the season. Plant too much, and you’ll be sneaking zucchinis onto your neighbor’s porch. Striking the right balance takes a little planning, but it’s worth it when your meals…
Weeds have a way of showing up uninvited and overstaying their welcome. One day your garden or lawn looks tidy, and the next, it’s dotted with stubborn intruders that seem to grow faster than anything you actually planted. Some are easy to spot, others blend right in until they take over a whole patch. Either…
If you’re looking for a plant that blends beauty with versatility, Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii) might just be your garden’s new best friend. With its graceful, arching blades and ability to thrive in sun or shade, this ornamental grass is a favorite for filling awkward spaces, softening edges, or creating elegant texture in containers and…
I used to think ponds were only for big gardens or people with loads of space and time. Then a neighbor showed me the small wildlife pond tucked into the corner of their allotment, and it completely changed my idea of what’s possible. It was full of life—frogs, dragonflies, birds stopping by for a drink—and…
The first time I topped a chilli plant, I did it with more hesitation than confidence. I’d heard people say it helps the plant grow bushier and produce more fruit, but cutting a perfectly healthy stem felt a bit counterintuitive. Turns out, that little snip made all the difference—and I’ve been trimming my plants ever…
I’ve always been curious how the Amish manage to grow so much food without relying on modern shortcuts. It’s not just the simplicity of their tools—it’s the way they work with the land, not against it. When I started paying closer attention to their methods, especially how they use space, I realized they were onto…
Growing potatoes might seem pretty straightforward—you stick them in the dirt and wait, right? That’s what I thought too, until I realized how much more potential there was hiding under the soil. With a bit of strategy and a handful of unexpected tricks, I managed to turn a small 200-square-foot space into a serious potato…
I didn’t fully appreciate asparagus until I grew it myself—and realized how low-maintenance it actually is once it’s established. The idea of planting something once and harvesting it every spring for 15 to 20 years sounded almost too good to be true. But asparagus really does deliver, if you’re willing to be patient upfront. The…
I never thought I’d spend so much time thinking about slugs, but here we are. After waking up to shredded leaves and slimy trails across my patio plants, I knew I had a full-blown invasion on my hands. I didn’t want to dump chemicals in my garden, especially with kids and pets around, so I…
Plastic pots aren’t exactly the glamorous side of gardening. They pile up fast—those black nursery containers, flimsy seedling trays, and random sizes you swear you’ll toss next season. But somehow, they keep sticking around, and if you ask someone who’s been gardening a while, they’ll tell you: that stash is no accident. There’s a kind…
Petunias start off strong—bright, bushy, and full of color. But give it a few weeks, and they can suddenly look tired, leggy, and half as cheerful as they did in the garden center. It’s a common frustration, especially when you’re doing all the basics right: sun, water, maybe a little fertilizer. Still, they sprawl and…
If you’ve never heard of a Jerusalem artichoke, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not from Jerusalem, and it’s definitely not an artichoke. This knobby little root, also called a sunchoke, flies way under the radar in most home gardens, despite being easier to grow than potatoes and surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. It’s the kind…
Thyme might be small, but it packs a powerful punch—both in the garden and the kitchen. Known for its earthy aroma, resilience, and wide range of uses, this Mediterranean herb is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow, even for beginners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to grow thriving…
Basil is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow — fragrant, fast-growing, and packed with flavor. But if your plants tend to bolt early, get leggy, or fizzle out mid-season, you might be missing a few key tricks that keep basil lush and productive for months. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow…
By July, many gardeners find themselves staring at wilted plants, empty spaces, and harvests that never quite happened. What started as a hopeful spring project often turns into a frustrating midsummer flop — but it doesn’t have to. In this article, we’ll break down 15 common reasons vegetable gardens tend to fail by midsummer, from…
Lemongrass might not be the first plant that comes to mind when you’re thinking about what to grow in pots, but it’s surprisingly practical—and not just for cooking. It’s low-maintenance, looks great on a patio or balcony, and brings a lot more to the table than just its citrusy scent. From keeping mosquitoes at bay…
Summer has a way of drawing everyone outside, and it’s usually around this time that you start noticing what your backyard is missing—or what could use a little update. Maybe the lighting’s not quite right, the seating’s seen better days, or the space just isn’t as inviting as you’d like it to be. The good…
It doesn’t take much for a backyard to start feeling cluttered—garden tools, outdoor cushions, bags of soil, and random odds and ends tend to pile up fast. A small shed can make a big difference, but the key is making it work harder for the space it takes up. From clever layouts to smart storage…
It’s easy to assume that anything labeled “pollinator-friendly” is a guaranteed hit with bees, but that’s not always the case. Some popular garden center picks have the right marketing, but not much to offer when it comes to actual nectar or pollen. Bees know the difference—and they tend to skip right over them. If you’re…
Hanging baskets are usually packed with flowers, but there’s no rule saying they have to be. If you’re short on space or just want something a little more useful than petunias, edible plants can look just as good—and you get something to snack on, too. From trailing herbs to strawberries and even compact veggies, there…
Hydrangeas get a lot of love—and when they bloom well, they absolutely deserve it. But if you’ve ever had a summer where they barely showed up or seemed to sulk for no clear reason, you’re not alone. They’re known for being a bit unpredictable, and depending on your soil, weather, or pruning habits, they might…
There’s something about sunflowers that just works—they’re cheerful, unapologetically bold, and somehow manage to make a space feel a little more alive. If you find yourself looking forward to their bright faces every summer, you’re definitely not alone. They’ve got a way of showing up and stealing the spotlight in the best possible way. The…
Gardening in the summer can feel like a guessing game, especially when your yard doesn’t get full sun all day. If you’ve got trees, fences, or a building nearby, chances are you’re dealing with some shaded spots—and that’s not a bad thing. Some vegetables actually prefer a break from the heat and do better with…
Nasturtiums are beloved for their vivid color, peppery flavor, and effortless charm — but they’re just the beginning when it comes to beautiful, edible blooms. If you love the way nasturtiums brighten both your garden and your plate, it’s time to explore flowers that offer flavor, fragrance, and visual drama, all in one. In this…
Some plants may be beautiful in the garden, but they become a daily nuisance when planted near walkways. Overgrown foliage, thorns, messy blooms, or slippery leaves can turn a charming path into a frustrating — or even hazardous — area. In this article, we’ll reveal 9 plants best kept away from high-traffic edges, along with…
Drought is often seen as the ultimate test for any garden — and while many plants wilt or fail, some actually bounce back stronger once the dry spell ends. These resilient varieties don’t just survive drought; they often respond with better blooms, deeper color, or more vigorous growth. In this article, we’ll explore 15 plants…
At first glance, lemon balm seems like the perfect herb—fragrant, cheerful, and supposedly easy to grow. It doesn’t ask for much in terms of soil or water, and it bounces back quickly if trimmed. But spend a season or two with it, and you’ll probably notice it has a way of taking more than it…
Tomatoes have a way of becoming the star of the summer garden. They take up prime real estate, get the best sun, and usually demand the most attention. But if you’re already setting up a spot for them, it makes sense to think about what else can grow well alongside them—and maybe even make your…
Perennials promise to come back year after year, but not all of them hold up their end of the deal equally. Some show off for one good season, then fade into the background—or worse, disappear altogether. It can be frustrating to give space in your garden to a plant that peaks early and never quite…
Boxwood hedges have been the go-to choice for neat borders and formal structure for years. They’re reliable, easy to shape, and have that classic look. But lately, more gardeners are moving on. Issues like disease, pest problems, and a general sense of overuse have made these once-loved shrubs feel more like a chore than a…