Gardening Advice

If you saved dahlia tubers from last year, early spring is the time to see how your stored dahlias are coping and to throw away any tubers that show signs of rotting. When you’re ready to unpack and replant your tubers, here’s a refresher on how to do it! Check Tubers in Early Spring First, check your dahlias again in early spring to see if they are too wet or too dry or…

Want your seeds to germinate faster? Seedling heat mats really work!  They’re a cheap, compact alternative to a greenhouse, too. Learn more about how these warming pads not only get you a quick start but also help your plants perform better.If you are lucky enough to have a car with heated seats you understand the value of bottom heat and when trying to get seeds to germinate, bottom…

How do you start a garden in an apartment or condo without a proper yard? If you have access to a balcony, rooftop, terrace, or patio, you can still grow a wide range of veggies, herbs, perennials, flowers, and vines in containers! Here are 10 things to think about when diving into balcony gardening. 10 Things to Consider When Balcony or Rooftop Gardening 1. If you live in an…

Seeds must “germinate” for gardens to exist. But what makes a seed germinate? There are a few key things that make seeds sprout successfully, but if you ignore them, you may have poor germination. Robin helps us understand how seeds germinate.Instead of buying starter plants, many gardeners prefer to grow their own from seed. Rather than the limited selection of plants offered at your local…

Are you a fan of sugar snap peas? You’re in luck. A couple years ago, I planted a disease-resistant version of the beloved ‘Sugar Snap’ pea and the yield was excellent—plus, all the pods were the fat, crunchy ones we have come to love! Learn more about sugar snap peas and how to plant this spring crop.I always tell myself that I’ll plant my snap peas at the first sight of the…

Cabbage worms can be devastating to an otherwise-healthy garden. Here are a few things you might not know about these garden pests, as well as several ways to keep your plants safe from them. Remember: Knowledge is power!Bad News ButterfliesEveryone loves butterflies, but there is one butterfly that I bet you don’t love, especially if you are trying to grow broccoli, kale, cabbage…

Calendula does it all! This cheerful yellow and orange flower is beloved by pollinators and a great cutting flower; the more you harvest, the more she flowers—well into fall. Plus, calendula is edible, providing both food and healing medicine. Learn more about one of my favorite flowers, including growing tips.Benefits of CalendulaIncluded in a mixed bouquet, calendula (Calendula…

It’s that time of year! By starting your own tomatoes from seed indoors, you’ll have the fruits turning red earlier and a much longer harvest of tomatoes. Plus, you’ll have access to many more varieties than what you’ll find at a garden center. Check out 12 easy steps to starting tomato seeds for success.Any kind of tomato can be started from seed: beefsteaks for slicing,…

Many gardeners ask us about using Epsom salts in the garden: Which plants don’t like Epsom salts? Will Epsom salts kill plants? We’re here to tell you that Epsom salts are good for neither plants nor soil! Yes, it’s one of those gardening myths. Learn more about how Epsom salt works and also some alternatives.Most gardeners love a reliable home remedy and are eager to…

Time to replace that boring patch of lawn with a bright and beautiful flower garden! Let’s talk about how to start your first flower garden from scratch. We’re going to start small with some expert flower design tips to consider—plus advice for choosing, planting, and growing your flowers.We all dream of a lush, lovely flower bed full of colorful blooms all season long. What we…

Libraries are not just for lending books. A rapidly growing trend is for libraries to offer seeds to their gardening patrons! You may be surprised to learn that there are a multitude of things available at your local branch beyond books. Depending on the need in your community you can borrow tools, appliances, medical devices including walkers, crutches, and blood pressure cuffs,…

Have a favorite heirloom tomato or bean? Want to try saving their seeds to use again next year? If so, success depends on enough distance between plantings. If you’re prepared to do it right, you’ll avoid disappointment. Here are distances between common vegetables for seed-saving.The first rule of seed-saving is that you must select “open-pollinated” vegetables such as heirlooms…