Kelly Spicer 
Passionflower has a long history of cultivation for the unique beauty of its blooms and delicious, tropical fruits. This fast-growing vine will reward you with beautiful blooms from spring through fall and attract pollinators to your garden. Learn how to plant and grow passionflower in your garden. Read more now.
Agaves range in size, shape, and color, from stunning emerald and white to blue-green, and they’re sure to catch the eye. They can hold their own as a focal feature, a gorgeous addition to a succulent garden, or mixed with other drought tolerant plants. Learn how to grow and care for agaves in this guide. Read more now.
Lettuce is easy to grow in the vegetable garden, but unfortunately it can fall victim to many common issues. Companion planting is a way to maximize usable growing space and help to alleviate some pest problems. Learn which crops make the best companions for lettuce to ensure a healthier harvest in this guide. Read more.
Lettuce is a delicate crop that can fall victim to a number of maladies. Just after sprouting, damping off can quickly level an entire flat of seedlings with little warning and few visible symptoms. Learn what to watch out for and how to plan ahead to avoid this common disease with our expert tips. Read more now.
Camellia has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years for uses ranging from privacy hedges and winter beauty to oil and tea. These plants can thrive for more than one hundred years with proper care in shrub, hedge, or tree form, bringing beauty to your garden when other plants are dormant, year after year. Read more now.
How do you grow cucamelons? These strange little fruits are a member of the same family as cucumbers and zucchini, and they are grown in almost the same way, with a few differences. They’re a fun addition to the garden that kids and adults alike will love to watch growing and enjoy eating! Learn how to grow your own.
Aloe vera adds natural beauty to the home, offering medicinal properties as an added benefit for healing cuts and scrapes. But did you know there are many different species and cultivars of aloe? Discover 13 of the best aloe varieties to add to your houseplant collection or succulent garden in this guide. Read more now.
Small aloe plants make gorgeous, low-maintenance houseplants, while larger species are popular in water-wise gardens. Did you know that there are hundreds of species, some ideal for cultivating indoors and others suitable for landscapes? Learn about the different types of aloe, and discover which will best suit your needs.
Learn about the top nine containers that make the cut for growing lettuce, whether your goal is to produce a bumper crop or just enough for a few fresh salads. This is one veggie that can easily thrive when grown in a container, but choosing the right type is an important part of producing healthy leaves and heads.
Fresh, healthy salads and leafy wraps taste better when they’re made with homegrown produce. Growing a small crop of lettuce is easy to do with the help of containers. You might even be able to reduce pest issues! Learn how to produce crisp, flavorful heads in a small amount of space for harvests nearly year-round.
There are so many types of vegetable fertilizer available on the market – and it can be a bit daunting to determine which might fit your needs. Each crop has its own requirements and some products might work better, depending on what you’ve planted. Discover the best types to boost production and keep plants healthy.
If you’re curious about how pineapples grow and want to learn how to plant them at home, you’ve come to the right place. The attractive plants can be cultivated outdoors in warmer climates or grown as houseplants elsewhere, and they may even reward you with a harvest of homegrown fruit! Read more now.
If you want your houseplants to do double-duty with an attractive appearance and fragrant flowers, look no further than jasmine. There are several types that grow well indoors with a bit of extra care, and they’ll add beauty and fragrance to your home in return. We’ll cover which to choose and how to care for them.
Whether you’ve noticed new developments on an aloe plant or you’re interested in knowing more before you buy one, you may be asking – do aloe plants bloom? Learn all about the flowering process of these plants, how to nurture aloe to encourage blooming, and how to care for plants during and after flowering. Read more.
Conserving water is more important now than ever before. Fortunately, cooperating with nature by installing xerophytic plants, which require less water, can create a gorgeous landscape or garden. In fact, we’ve cultivated a list of 27 of the best and most attractive options – which ones will you choose in your region?
The Sansevieria genus, now classified as Dracaena, contains many lovely specimens – with a few surprises. Some of the forms and colors available are distinctive and stunning, and many species make excellent houseplants. We’ve chosen 21 of the best snake plants to add interest, greenery, and shape to your collection.
Nowadays, we’re all concerned about natural resources and the environment – and rightly so! But there are steps that we can take to reduce our environmental impact, like landscaping with plant species that need less water to thrive. Learn how to plan a xerophytic garden and choose the best plants for your needs.
Bromeliads are more than just colorful landscaping plants. When given proper care they can thrive in containers indoors. And that’s an easy feat to accomplish – they need only minimal attention to be healthy and beautiful. Are you ready to learn more about container-grown bromeliads? We’ve got all the details you need.
Snake plants are an old standby with houseplant lovers, but despite their popularity, some of their most unique and dramatic forms have flown under the radar. In fact, some are so different that they may seem unrelated! We’ll look at the various forms available on the market today and discuss what makes them special.
Prickly pear cacti earned their name because of the edible, tasty, pear-shaped fruits they produce. These colorful fruits are tasty, nutritious, and easy to process! If you’ve avoided trying them because of their unfriendly-seeming spines, don’t worry – we’ll cover everything you need to know for a safe harvest.
Tropical plants like the bougainvillea aren’t able to withstand freezing temps, frost, or snow. As winter approaches, they’ll need to be protected from damage in cooler zones, whether they’re planted outdoors or growing in containers. Winterizing paperflower is easy! Learn how to keep yours safe when temperatures drop.
Are you looking for a blooming, vigorous vine that’s also super versatile? Well, look no further than bougainvillea. This brightly-colored beauty can be grown as a cascading vine, shrub, or tree, but it can do so much more. Read more to discover your options and learn how to keep paperflowers healthy and gorgeous.
Tiger aloe is a compact succulent that offers enormous appeal. Learn how to bring it home as a houseplant where it’ll thrive on neglect while still offering beautiful color and an interesting pattern. Or, make it part of a xeriscape where it can spread and fill in a bed or planter. We’ve got the details that you need.
Though they may be just a tad fierce-looking with their large spines and strange shape, prickly pear cacti are not only edible, they’re delicious! It’s a little tricky to harvest nopales without being poked, but we’re going to discuss just how to do this so you can painlessly enjoy this treat at home for years to come.
Tropical hibiscuses are gorgeous, but these plants can be targets for a variety of pests – like caterpillars and other larvae. A few of these can dole out venom with a sting to warn you to stay away! Learn how to identify and control caterpillars on your tropical hibiscus plants in this guide. Read more now.
In many hot, humid climates, fancy tropical hibiscus has become a symbol of the local culture. Incorporating one of these stunning plants into your landscape may make you feel like you’re on island time, and the good news is, they’re not difficult to grow and care for. We’ll cover everything you need to know.
The complex, musky, lightly sweet flavor of muskmelons can take the place of a sugary dessert on a hot summer’s day. It’s easy to plant and grow them, and with proper caretaking, each productive vine will reward you with several melons. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make it happen! Read more now.
Even though canna lilies prefer warm, humid climates, they can also be grown as annuals in zones where seasonal temperatures plummet. If you’re prepared to lift or cover the rhizomes, you can enjoy their beauty throughout the summer each year. Or, if you live in a tropical or subtropical region, enjoy them year-round!
Plumeria is a flowering tree that produces clusters of lusciously fragranced blooms at the end of its structured branches. The large leaves create a canopy of lush foliage dotted with blossoms from spring through fall. If you’re considering adding frangipani to your garden or landscape, read more now.
Grouping flowers together in mass plantings based on color, texture, height, or bloom season is a great way to make a big impact. Create borders or fill in expansive areas to break up wide stretches of lawn for a lush, appealing look. Learn about 21 types of flowers that make excellent choices for planting en masse.
Potted peas, please! These plants were practically made for container growing. Their vertical growth habit, shallow roots, and low space requirements make them easy to plant and care for. It’s easy to get started, and with little effort, you’ll be harvesting fresh peapods throughout the growing season.
If your yard or garden has a soggy spot where the shade from trees or structures prevents many types of plants from growing, then consider planting jewelweed. This wildflower is the perfect addition for borders and mass plantings, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that can also pollinate your crops.
Cosmos are an excellent choice for container growing for many reasons. You can have a pollinator-friendly display of blooms that needs little maintenance, grows quickly, and may return year after year from tubers or seeds. Prepare that pot and start reading to learn all about growing cosmos in containers.
A healthy diet is just as important for our vegetable crops as it is for our own bodies. When nutrients are lacking, our crops may fail to bloom, drop buds and fruit, and display visual distress signals. Learn how to enrich your garden beds using a variety of fertilizers, including some DIY options in this guide. Read more.
Whether you live in an arid region or a temperate climate, there is a prickly pear species suitable for your landscaping needs. Many Opuntias also come with the added bonus of edible pads and fruits. It’s super easy to get started and caretaking is a breeze. Learn how to grow prickly pear cactus in this guide. Read more.
As much as you might love gardening, some of the challenges that come with it can be frustrating. Potatoes are one crop that may present problems, but you can solve many issues by planting them in containers instead of the ground. Learn how to grow potatoes in pots and planters in this guide. Read more now.
With so many uses, mint is well worth planting, so long as you curb its tendency to spread. It’s also super easy to start from seed, even for beginner gardeners. But how do you know when to start seeds or set transplants out in the garden? In this guide, we’ll cover how to propagate mint from seed. Read more now.
A successful vegetable harvest takes some forethought to produce. Every gardener must plan which crops they’re going to grow and lay out their space in advance. Several important factors must be considered before you ever press seed to soil, but don’t be intimidated – it’s easier to figure out than you might imagine.
Dramatic, hardy, long-blooming, and low-maintenance – the flowering clematis vine is a popular choice for container planting, often selected to beautify a plain mailbox, hide an ugly fence, or attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the patio. Learn how easy it is to add a potted clematis to your yard. Read more now.
While tropical Nepenthes pitcher plants make stunning conversation pieces when grown in our homes, caring for them may prove to be a challenge for some houseplant enthusiasts. Watering appropriately is a common struggle, but it needn’t be! Read more now to learn the best practices to keep them thriving.
Tropical pitcher plants may have caught your interest, whether you’re obsessed with houseplant keeping or planning to select just a few to bring home. As long as you understand their specific needs and you’re prepared to provide a moderate level of maintenance, you can learn to keep them healthy and thriving indoors.
Perhaps you’ve considered adding a soilless hydroponic growing system to your home but you don’t want the cold pipes-and-fittings look to intrude on your interior design. Read our review of “Home Hydroponics: Small-Space DIY Growing Systems” and learn how to build compact, attractive units that complement your decor.
Most of us are accustomed to the red pomegranates seen in the grocery store, but a variety of colors and flavors are available to grow aside from the old standby. There are over 500 known cultivars in existence, so which one is right for your yard? Discover 9 of the best pomegranate varieties to grow at home. Read more.
In spring and summer, your healthy, actively growing Ficus elastica, or rubber tree, may send up a red sheath that appears to be a bud. While the rubber tree can produce a type of inflorescence, this is rare for plants grown indoors. So, if it’s not a bud, what other purpose could that sheath possibly serve?
Hydroponics setups have advanced over the years. Most were once large, bathtub-like greenhouse units, but simple space-saving kits are now available that fit on a countertop. AeroGarden manufactures several options, and we had the opportunity to test their Harvest model and grow a mini garden in the kitchen. Read more.
Carnivorous pitcher plants are incredible in both form and function. Are you considering adding some to your landscape? Once you understand their distinctive needs, you’ll be ready to propagate and plant a few, whether in a naturally occurring wetland area or as part of your very own bog garden. Read more now.
Sundew is a carnivorous plant that has adapted to bog environments all over the world by sourcing nutrients in an extraordinary way. You’ll need to replicate the necessary growing conditions and learn its special requirements to keep it as a houseplant – but it’s worth it if you enjoy truly distinctive plants.
Winter jasmine was cultivated in China for hundreds of years before becoming a common landscaping plant in many other parts of the world. Not only does it bloom in the winter when most other plants are dormant, it is very tolerant of neglect, so even inexperienced gardeners find it easy to grow. Read more now.
The Venus flytrap is a marvel of the botanical world. While most plants feed from their roots and require nutrient-rich soil, this plant chooses to lure and devour insects to get what it needs. This incredible evolutionary trait has made it a favorite for those who collect and grow distinctive plants. Read more.
Pomegranate plants are native to arid regions where soil can sometimes lack nutrients. While they can withstand poor, deficient soil, they’ll be healthier and more productive when the soil they grow in is healthy and nutrient-dense. Learn how to improve soil fertility to grow productive pomegranates that thrive.
Whether your goal is to grow just one tree or enough to fill an orchard, like most fruit trees, pomegranates grow best via certain propagation methods. Learn which tried and true techniques can produce plants that are clones of the parent plant, and how results may vary. Then give them a try at home! Read more now.
It can be challenging to tell when pomegranates are ripe and ready for harvest. While the exteriors may not appear to change much, there are some subtle hints. We’ll discuss the clues to look for, and cover best practices for handling the fruits to protect them from damage so they’re ready for fall and winter storage.
Want to grow your own fresh fruit, or are you looking for a fun project to do with the kids? Pomegranates can be grown from seed, producing variable but potentially worthwhile results. In the right climate, they can be grown outdoors in the ground or a container, or brought inside to overwinter. Read more now.
Pest infestation and disease are unfortunately common among fruit trees, though pomegranates manage to dodge a large number of both. While you’ll need to remain vigilant for signs of distress, you can treat many common issues that may arise. Learn what to look for and how to intervene to help your pomegranates thrive.
When you’ve already waited six months or more for pomegranates to ripen, it can be disheartening to see them cracking or splitting open before harvest. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to coax those long-season fruits through to maturity! Learn what factors lead to cracking and how to prevent it.
Wild pomegranate trees originated in the Middle East, and came to be cultivated as a nutritious food source and medicine. Regarded once as status symbols, they’re more commonplace today, but no less delicious. And many varieties of this fruit are available to choose from. Read more now to learn how to grow your own.
Most onions are cold hardy, but some are known to withstand very low temperatures and freezing, powering through the winter chill for a more robust spring harvest. With a well-chosen planting site, you can easily produce a crop from seeds or sets, and avoid losing your crop to many types of pests and disease.
If you’re growing lettuce for fresh salads, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding your crop has been ruined by disease. From bacteria to viruses, there are a number of potential pathogens to contend with. In this guide, we take a look at some common lettuce diseases and offer tips for prevention. Read more now.
Any pests in the garden can be a real pain, but especially those that target cabbage, as they can destroy your crop and spread to other brassicas and garden plants. The list of animals and insects to be on the lookout for is quite lengthy, so it’s best to be prepared to deal with them expeditiously once they appear.
Gorgeous, lavishly scented jasmine is sensitive to low temperatures and winter weather conditions. Keeping your jasmine thriving through the winter months may require some extra effort to protect and winterize the plants, including moving them indoors in regions where seasonal die-off can occur. Read more now.
The beloved ornamental camellia has been cultivated globally for ages and bred by experts so some varieties can withstand harsh winter conditions. But camellia types that thrive in warmer climates will need protection prior to the onset of winter temperatures and cold winds, to avoid dieback and damage. Learn more now.
Have you noticed that your potted camellia is losing leaves, dropping blooms, or generally looking unhealthy? There are several potential causes, but fortunately, most are easy to address when caught early and dealt with quickly. Learn about the most common problems and how to fix them fast. Read more now.
While Japanese honeysuckle is a favorite for pollinators, and known for being tolerant of neglect, it also has a reputation for unbridled growth and spreading out of control. In some areas, planting is discouraged or outlawed, but if you’re in a “safe zone,” this vine can bring the fragrance of summer to your garden.
The “rose of winter,” camellias are well known for their winter blooms. But when you lack space in your yard or temperatures in your region dip too low, you might miss out – unless your camellia is in a container that can be moved indoors in cold snaps and pruned to keep it compact, opening up some new possibilities.
If you’re growing lettuce it can sometimes feel as though all the animals and insects in the neighborhood want to share your homegrown harvest. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common lettuce pests, both large and small, and provide tips on how to identify the culprits, prevent, and control them. Read more now.
Ask any gardener what they’re growing this season, and more than likely, that list will include lettuce. Buttercrunch is one of the most popular varieties for the home garden, with a soft, buttery texture perfect for wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Learn how to triumph over pests and pitfalls when growing buttercrunch.
If you’re growing passionflower and your vine isn’t productive or is looking mediocre, it may need feeding – but how can you tell? In this guide we look at the basic needs of passionflower and cover when and how to fertilize your vines for optimum health, glorious blooms, and tasty fruit. Read more now.
Camellias add fall, winter, and spring color to the landscape and shrubs have a variety of blossom forms and growth habits. There are six main methods of propagating these plants at home, including from seed, cuttings, layering, air layering, and grafting. Learn how to propagate camellias in this guide. Read more now.
Centuries after camellias were first brought from the wilds of Asia into the home garden, thousands of cultivars have been selectively bred for stunning blooms, cold hardiness, and specific growth habits. Which one will be a good fit in your garden? Discover 11 of our favorite camellia varieties and choose your favorite.
Rubber tree is often chosen as a houseplant, with its structured branches, colorful varieties, and big, glossy leaves lending interest to modern decor. This tropical tree can reach towering heights of over 100 feet in the wild, but with a little pruning and some mottled sunlight, these robust plants can thrive indoors.
Broccoli is the perfect candidate for saving seed from the home garden, and a healthy specimen can produce hundreds of tiny seeds. Learning how to collect and store seeds from this vegetable garden favorite can help you to save money and more sustainably grow nutritious, productive plants for generations.
Growing asparagus at home is worth some extra effort. One way to increase productivity and improve plant health is to cut back dead foliage in the fall. Before the freezing temperatures of winter take hold, you can prepare your asparagus plants to survive and thrive, ready to grow in spring. Learn more now.
Store bought avocado seeds can be turned into a simple, fun project that you can do with children, at home or in the classroom. This educational activity extends learning opportunities through the summer. Demonstrate the plant life cycle and spark a love of gardening by growing a lovely tree to enjoy for years to come.