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Gardening Advice
The bright cheery display of spring bulbs brings color back into our lives. But when the show is over, we are left with unsightly fading foliage. What鈥檚 a gardener to do? Here鈥檚 how to care for flower bulbs after they bloom (and when to remove the leaves).From the earliest crocuses to daffodils to tulips and alliums, the flower bulbs that you planted back in the fall can go on blooming for鈥
You鈥檒l want to make a beeline to the garden after you read these fun facts about bees! The American bumblebee is the largest and gentlest of bees鈥攁nd a pollination champ! We answer some common questions about bumblebees鈥攁nd find out which flowers can attract (and help) our fuzzy friends.After reading about the drastic decline in bumblebee populations in my state, I feared I鈥
After reading about 鈥淣o-Mow May,鈥 I was inspired to investigate. Obviously, when you mow depends on where you live (it鈥檚 March in the South!), however, I discovered 5 practical benefits to mowing less frequently (or even reducing your lawn) to help early-season pollinators. Learn more.I knew delaying mowing or mowing less frequently would help pollinators, especially when it comes to habitat鈥
Short on space? One pot is all you need to grow tasty tomatoes! With a few simple tips for success, you鈥檒l be on your way to a handy harvest of summer goodness right on your sunny patio, porch, deck, or balcony.Being able to pick flavorful, ripe, homegrown tomatoes is one of the main reasons for having a summer garden. But what if you lack enough space in the garden or perhaps don鈥檛 even have a鈥
Spring is here, and this means that plant sales will be happening soon. In many states, we now need to be careful about what might be lurking in the soil in which those plants arrive. Look out for Asian 鈥渏umping worms.鈥 Learn more about identifying and preventing these highly invasive worms.You may have heard about jumping worms, also called snake worms or crazy worms for the way they writhe鈥
The days are getting longer and the light is getting stronger. Both signal to your houseplants that it is time to get growing. If your plants are looking leggy and tired after a long winter, revive them by giving them a haircut. They will reward you with healthy new, compact growth. Here鈥檚 how to prune houseplants.Prune or pinch?Basically whether you prune or pinch depends on the size鈥
Potatoes can take up quite a bit of space in your garden. One solution is to grow potatoes in containers! Gardeners have had success growing spuds in everything from trash cans to burlap bags. Learn how to plant potatoes in pots and, importantly, how to harvest these tasty little treasures!You can start growing potatoes in pots in early spring! Wait at least two weeks after the last spring鈥
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鈥檙e ready to unpack and replant your tubers, here鈥檚 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 just right.鈥
Want your seeds to germinate faster? Seedling heat mats really work! They鈥檙e 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鈥
Seeds must 鈥済erminate鈥 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鈥
Are you a fan of sugar snap peas? You鈥檙e in luck. A couple years ago, I planted a disease-resistant version of the beloved 鈥楽ugar Snap鈥 pea and the yield was excellent鈥攑lus, 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鈥檒l plant my snap peas at the first sight of the bare earth鈥
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鈥檛 love, especially if you are trying to grow broccoli, kale, cabbage鈥
