31 of the Best Types of Marigolds

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There are so many different marigolds to choose from for your veggie garden or flower beds. It can be hard to know which to pick when they are all so gorgeous, but learning about features such as bloom type, color, and size can help inform your choice. Keep reading to learn about 31 of the best types of marigolds.

How to Grow and Care for Cosmos Flowers

A close up horizontal image of pink, red, and white cosmos flowers growing by a stone wall pictured in light filtered sunshine.

Cosmos flowers are gorgeous ornamentals that add beauty to the landscape while also attracting pollinators. With colorful blooms and graceful foliage, these summer annuals brighten up both flower beds and veggie gardens, and will thrive in less than ideal conditions. Keep reading to learn more about growing cosmos.

Propagating Spider Plant Babies: 3 Methods to Root Spiderettes

A close up horizontal image of a hand holding a spiderette that has formed roots ready for planting.

Propagating spiderettes, the little babies that grow on spider plants, is an easy way to grow new plants. Whether rooting them in water, soil, or through layering, these plantlets make a fun indoor gardening project. Keep reading to learn more about the three different methods you can use to propagate spiderettes.

How to Grow and Care for Pinstripe Calathea Plants

A close up horizontal image of the striped foliage of a pinstripe plant (Goeppertia ornata) growing outdoors in a tropical location.

Pinstripe plant is a charming and elegant foliage houseplant with striped leaves that can blend with almost any household decor. This prayer plant lifts its leaves every night and lowers them again in the morning. Learn more about how to grow and care for pinstripe plants in this guide. Read more now.

Propagating Tradescantia: How to Root Spiderwort Cuttings

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Tradescantias are simple houseplants to propagate. Also known as spiderworts or inch plants, they root easily and can be started in soil, water, or through layering. Propagating these plants makes for a fun indoor gardening project – even for beginners. Keep reading to learn three ways to propagate spiderwort.

How to Grow Tomatoes From Seed in 6 Easy Steps

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Want to grow tomatoes from seed? It’s easy to start these delicious summer vegetables from the comfort of home, and then transplant them to your garden. We explain when to start and what you’ll need, with step by step instructions. Learn how to start your own seeds and harvest a bumper crop of juicy ripe tomatoes now.

How to Grow and Care for Sweetheart Hoya

A close up horizontal image of a sweetheart hoya with love hearts surrounding it on a windowsill.

Sweetheart hoya, also known as wax hearts, is a darling of a houseplant with its big, succulent, heart-shaped leaves. This vining plant produces fragrant flowers, is nontoxic, and can happily live as a plant companion for many years inside the home. Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for this heart-leafed hoya.

How to Propagate Parlor Palms from Seed in 5 Steps

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Parlor palms are easy-care tropical foliage houseplants that you can grow from seed. While it isn’t difficult, your success with this propagation project will be more likely if you follow the correct steps. In this guide, you’ll learn how to propagate parlor palms from seed in 5 easy steps. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Parlor Palm Houseplants

A close up horizontal image of a potted parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) pictured in light sunshine.

With their lush green fronds, parlor palms are wonderful foliage houseplants. They are also easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. And what’s more, they’re nontoxic, and safe for homes with pets or kids. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to grow these verdant palm trees indoors.

To Repot or Not: Why, When, and How to Repot Norfolk Island Pine Trees

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Norfolk pines are beautiful, easy-care houseplants that can serve double duty as living Christmas trees. But after the holidays are over, you might wonder whether you need to repot this lovely conifer – or not. To learn when, how, and why to repot your Norfolk Island pine tree, keep reading. We share all the details.

9 of the Best Watering Cans for Houseplant Care

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When your home is full of lovely houseplants, why not choose an attractive watering can too? This tool doesn’t have to be an eyesore, it can add to your prized, chic decor. But looks aren’t everything – it has to do the job well too. Keep reading to discover 9 of the best watering cans for houseplant care.

How to Grow Stromanthe Triostar Houseplants

A close up horizontal image of a Stromanthe 'Triostar' growing indoors.

Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ is a shining star of a houseplant, with its luscious pinks and delicate patterns. This prayer plant’s colorful foliage will grab your attention, rewarding you with a gorgeous display if you provide it with the right care. Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for a ‘Triostar’ prayer plant.

How to Propagate Norfolk Island Pine

A close up horizontal image of two small Norfolk Island pine trees in pots indoors.

Norfolk Island pine trees are in the spotlight during the Christmas holiday season, but they make easy-care houseplants all year long. And if you want more of these conifers, they aren’t hard to propagate either. There are a few different methods you can use to propagate these trees – keep reading to learn more.

Tips for Watering Norfolk Island Pine Trees

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Norfolk Island pines make festive houseplants, and they will brighten your home long after the holidays have passed. But it’s important to develop a good watering routine as soon as you bring your tree home. Learn about Norfolk Island pine water requirements and how to keep them healthy all year long. Read more now.

29 of the Most Fabulous Types of Hoya Plant

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Hoyas provide beautiful foliage in a dizzying array of shapes, colors, and textures. Whether you want just one plant or you’re ready to start or expand a collection, narrow your choices by learning about the many cultivars and species available. Discover 29 of the most fabulous types of hoyas for your home now.

Worth Its Stripes: How to Grow and Care for Calathea Zebrina Plants

A close up horizontal image of a Calathea zebrina growing in a pot.

Calathea zebrina is a tropical prayer plant that’s grown for its striking striped foliage. It may have a reputation as a slightly fussy houseplant, but it’s easy to keep happy and beautiful when you know what it needs. You’ll find all the tips and tricks to growing the lovely calathea zebrina in this guide. Read more.

The Scientifically-Backed Benefits of Companion Planting

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You may have already learned many great companion plant combinations, but do you understand the science behind why they work? From controlling pests to preventing soil erosion, companion planting is a key element among organic backyard gardening practices. Read our guide on the benefits of companion planting now.

15 of the Best Native Wildflowers for the US and Canada

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Native wildflowers offer a low-maintenance and waterwise way to bring beauty into your garden or yard. Some of these plants are widespread and very adaptable, making them excellent landscaping options for many gardeners. Keep reading to discover a selection of 15 of the best native wildflowers for the US and Canada.

Harvesting Snap Beans: When and How to Pick Them

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Beans are an easy veggie to grow in the garden, even for beginners. However, it’s important to harvest this summer staple at the right size so you get the most bang for your buck, and the best texture. Read more now to learn our easy techniques for picking fresh snap beans, as well as the best time to harvest them.

11 of the Best Winter Squash Varieties

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Thinking of growing winter squash? Make sure to choose the best variety to match the length of your growing season and the size of your garden. And of course, you’ll want to pick a cultivar that will please your palate too! Keep reading to discover 11 of the best winter squash cultivars and find your new favorite.

How to Grow Broccoli Rabe

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Broccoli rabe is a cool season veggie that will spice up your spring or fall harvest with its compelling flavor profile. It’s easy to sow directly from seed and is a fast grower, so when planning a diverse assortment of leafy greens for your homestead or garden, don’t forget tasty rapini. Keep reading to learn more.

9 of the Best Artichoke Cultivars to Grow at Home

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Artichokes can become long-term perennial residents in your garden. Before you plant these thistles, make sure you pick the best variety for your climate and conditions. Whether you have a short growing season, very mild winters, or a compact garden, you have your choice among cultivars. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Plant and Grow Artichokes

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Artichoke plants can be grown in your garden or flower beds, offering a tasty and generous harvest as either annuals or perennials. Adaptable to various climates and growing seasons, these silvery architectural plants can also do double duty as ornamental features. Keep reading to learn more about growing artichokes.

How to Grow and Care for Chinese Lantern

A close up horizontal image of Chinese lantern (Alkekengi officinarum) growing in the garden in light evening sunshine.

Chinese lantern is a charming ornamental that will bring a touch of whimsy to your garden. The papery, red-orange husks of this perennial come into their full splendor in autumn, providing bright fall color, and can be used in bouquets or dried arrangements. Keep reading to learn more about growing Chinese lantern.

25 of the Best Cosmos Flower Cultivars for Your Yard

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Cosmos come in a stunning array of different varieties, but we’ve narrowed the field to 25 of the most gorgeous, colorful cultivars, many of them award winners. Discover the best and most beautiful double, semi-double, bicolored, and patterned cosmos varieties and choose your favorite for your yard and garden.

17 Unusual Fruits and Vegetables for your Backyard Landscape

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From surprisingly colored garden veggies to unexpectedly adorable berries, from teensy cucumbers to oversized beans, there are a wealth of unique edible plants you can grow in your backyard landscape. Ready to discover 17 unusual – and delicious – fruits and vegetables you can grow at home? Read more now.

Orchids 101: How to Grow and Care for Orchids

A close up horizontal image of orchids growing in terra cotta pots in a conservatory.

Orchids make striking houseplants with their novel good looks – and they’re really not that hard to keep happy. But when you bring one of these beauties into your home, you’ll want to make sure you provide it with the right light and water and give it the best care. To learn the basics of growing orchids, keep reading.

9 of the Most Beautiful Spiderworts to Grow as Houseplants

A close up horizontal image of a person holding different varieties of spiderwort in two hands, wearing a green apron.

Spiderworts are gorgeous, low maintenance houseplants and they are available in some stunning varieties. With a variety of color combinations, and solid or variegated foliage, these tropical foliage plants liven up the indoor landscape. Discover 9 of the best spiderwort varieties and choose your favorites. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Spiderwort

A close up horizontal image of Tradescantia zebrina growing in a small black pot pictured on a soft focus background.

Spiderwort (Tradescantia), aka wandering dude, is an ideal houseplant for beginner gardeners. The long, trailing foliage may be shades of green, purple, or variegated, depending on the cultivar. It grows quickly and looks gorgeous in hanging baskets. Learn how to grow spiderwort in this guide. Read more now.

Are Spider Plants Toxic to Cats?

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Some cats love to nibble on spider plants, so you may be wondering whether it’s safe for them to chew on this grass-like houseplant. You may also wonder why your feline companion is so obsessed with this particular plant. Learn whether spider plants are toxic to cats and how to protect your plant from being chewed to a nub.

Troubleshooting Yellow Leaves on Prayer Plants

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Prayer plants make enchanting houseplants with their gorgeous, patterned foliage. But sometimes their leaves can turn yellow, and the effect of those beautiful patterns is spoiled. There are many causes for yellow leaves in prayer plants. Learn about the most common problems and how to remedy them in this guide.

Troubleshooting Brown Leaves on Prayer Plants

A close up horizontal image of a prayer plant growing in a white pot indoors.

Prayer plants are gorgeous foliage houseplants that thrive in humid conditions. But sometimes brown blemishes tarnish their beautifully patterned leaves. When your prayer plant’s leaves turn brown, there is a reason. Learn about the top 7 reasons prayer plant leaves turn brown and what to do about them in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Prayer Plants

A close up horizontal image of different types of prayer plants growing in pots.

Prayer plants – including calatheas, marantas, stromanthes, and ctenanthes – are colorful ornamentals with fascinating leaf patterns. These houseplants can be a bit challenging to keep happy, but they are worth the extra effort. Ready to learn more about growing and caring for prayer plants indoors? Read more now.

21 of the Most Stunning Species of Prayer Plants to Grow at Home

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Prayer plants are cherished for their unusual habit of lifting their leaves up at night, but also for their dazzling array of colors and patterns. From highly symmetrical markings to impressionistic marbling, discover 21 of the most gorgeous prayer plants you can keep in your home. To meet these stunners, keep reading.

How to Grow Norfolk Island Pine, Your Living Christmas Tree

A close up horizontal image of Norfolk Island pine trees growing in pots at a plant nursery.

When you bring home a Norfolk Island pine for the holidays, this is one Christmas tree you won’t have to take out to the curb when the festivities have ended. These evergreen conifers make excellent houseplants – however, there are a few tricks to preventing them from outgrowing your home. Keep reading to learn more.

How Cold Hardy Are Poinsettia Plants?

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Poinsettias are colorful tropical plants that add vibrant color to your holiday decor. But how cold-hardy are they? Whether you want to grow these winter-blooming plants indoors or out, you’ll need to know their cold limits. Learn more about poinsettia cold hardiness and in what areas you can grow them outdoors.

35 Favorite Poinsettia Cultivars for Your Home

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From red to pink to green to yellow, poinsettias are available in a wide array of vibrant hues and a dazzling choice of intriguing patterns. We’ve made a list of 35 of our favorite poinsettia varieties including those in traditional holiday colors, and others that offer unique alternatives. Read more now.

How to Propagate Poinsettia Plants from Cuttings

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Want to grow your own poinsettias at home? Start with a live poinsettia plant and then follow seven steps for a brand new batch of beautiful, baby Christmas flowers. By taking cuttings from your established plant, you can grow others just like it. Learn how to propagate poinsettias from cuttings in this guide. Read more.

Are Poinsettia Plants Poisonous?

A close up horizontal image of a curious gray and white cat nibbling at a leaf of a Euphorbia pulcherrima plant on a dining room table. In the background is a windowsill with houseplants in soft focus.

Poinsettias have a reputation for being toxic, but are they really? These holiday plants are no longer considered poisonous, but they come with some serious safety concerns. Learn more about how to keep yourself, your kids, and your pets safe when these potentially irritating plants are in your home in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Poinsettia Plants

A close up horizontal image of a colorful poinsettia with red and white variegated bracts and tiny flowers in the center, with white specimens in the background in soft focus.

When a bright poinsettia arrives in your home for the winter months, it’s time to celebrate! Not sure how to keep your plant happy? Whether you enjoy it just through the holidays, or you want to keep it as one of your cherished houseplants, your poinsettia needs proper care – and a little understanding. Read more now.

15 of the Best Daffodil Cultivars for Naturalized Plantings

A close up horizontal image of white daffodils with orange centers growing in the garden surrounded by foliage with yellow flowers in soft focus in the background, pictured in light sunshine.

Are you designing a landscape filled with drifts of naturalized daffodils? Make sure you choose the best cultivars for your planting to succeed. You’ll need vigorous bulbs, and varieties that you’ll be happy to see each spring for decades to come. To discover 15 of the best daffodils for naturalizing, keep reading.

How to Create a Naturalized Daffodil Planting

A close up horizontal image of bright yellow daffodils growing in a lawn, blooming in the springtime.

Naturalized daffodils are great for hard-to-landscape areas and can last for decades, providing springtime color year after year. To make these drifts of flowers look like they were designed by nature’s hand rather than your own, you’ll want to plan your layout before you plant in the fall. Keep reading to learn more.

Composting Autumn Leaves: How to Use Leaves for Compost and Mulch

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When life gives you leaves, why not make compost? Autumn’s falling leaves are perfect for making a well-balanced compost bin. Often treated as “waste,” dead leaves are a valuable natural resource that you can turn into black gold for your garden. To learn how to create compost and mulch with fall leaves, keep reading.

What Is an Heirloom Tomato?

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They’re colorful, juicy, and oh so tasty – we know an heirloom tomato when we see one. Heirloom tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes, have been grown in gardens for centuries, and often have charming histories attached to them. Want to know what makes these tomatoes worthy of handing down? To find out, keep reading.

25 of the Sweetest, Juiciest Watermelon Varieties You Can Grow

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Ready to discover 25 of the best watermelon varieties you can grow in your own garden? This refreshing summer staple comes in all sizes – from single serving fruit to hefty giants – in a range of colors and with seedless options too. Learn more about some of the sweetest, juiciest watermelons around. Read more.

35 of the Best Bush Bean Varieties

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Ready for a tour of 35 of the best bush bean varieties? Whether you are growing in planters, worried about bean diseases, or dealing with unusually hot or cool summer conditions, there’s a variety for every garden. Discover the best classic snap, stringless, filet, wax, purple, and Romano bush varieties. Read more now.

How to Harvest and Store Carrot Seeds

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Saving seeds from your homegrown carrots now can ensure a bounty of garden vegetables in future seasons. If left to flower, each plant produces over a thousand seeds, so saving them is a no-brainer in terms of cheap food production. Learn how to harvest and store your own carrot seeds with this guide. Read more now.

21 of the Best Japanese Eggplant Varieties

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Japanese eggplant is a delight on the plate and you can grow this veggie right in your own backyard. When choosing seeds, you’ll find an incredible selection, in shades that are dark black, bright purple, lavender, pink, and even green. Read on to discover 21 of the best Japanese and Asian eggplant varieties.

Vegetable Seeds: Which to Sow Outdoors vs. Indoors?

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Some vegetable seeds should be sowed directly in the garden – while others are more successful when started indoors, and transplanted later. Find a list of which veggies are which, understand the reasons behind these guidelines – and learn about some exceptions you should know about, too. Read on to learn more now.

29 of the Best Lettuce Varieties For Your Garden

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Lettuce is an easy to grow, nutritious addition to your vegetable patch. There are lots of cultivars available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. From the classic crunch of the crisphead to the delicate, tender oak leaf, there’s sure to be one to suit you. Discover 29 of our favorite lettuce varieties.

Kale Spacing: How Far Apart to Plant for the Best Harvest

Neat rows of large, mature kale plants, intercropped with cabbage and other vegetables. In the center of the frame is a light green curly variety, and to its right a large purple variety.

Curious how much space to leave between each of the kale plants in your garden? By spacing these leafy green vegetables just right, it will be easy to care for and harvest your crop throughout your growing season. To find out the best spacing recommendations for your kale varieties and harvesting plans, read more now.

Is Kale an Annual or a Perennial?

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A vegetable garden favorite, kale is a reliable producer of healthy leafy greens. But is this cruciferous vegetable an annual or a perennial? We’ll have to go back to the birds and the bees to fully understand kale’s life cycle. To find out when to expect flowering and seed heads from your kale plants, keep on reading.

7 of the Best Cold Hardy Apricot Trees

Ripe fruit on a cold hardy apricot tree.

Ready to grow flavorful homegrown apricots in your chilly northern climate? If you plant the best cold-hardy varieties, you’ll be sure to harvest a bounty of sweet fruit. Discover the best cold tolerant apricot cultivars to ensure a bumper summer crop, and defy the dreaded late frost. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Care for Poinsettias After the Holidays

A close up of a Euphorbia pulcherrima plant with bright red bracts contrasting with the dark green leaves on a soft focus green background.

Don’t throw your fading poinsettia out after the holidays! With the right care, these showy plants will thrive in your home all year long. Under the right conditions, they will produce vivid color again just in time for the holidays. Learn all you need to know about growing poinsettias indoors.

How to Grow and Care for Christmas Cactus

With its bright and colorful blossoms, Christmas cactus is a gorgeous houseplant to have around during the holidays. To make sure this succulent plant produces vivid flowers to brighten your holidays year after year, it will need the right conditions. Learn more about growing and caring for Christmas cactus.

Spice Up Your Garden with Fall Decor: Decorating Ideas for Autumn

Straw bales with a display of autumn vegetables and fruit. A curved wicker basket with the fresh produce cascading out of it. In the background are flowers, yellow and red.

Spice up your fall garden with seasonal decorations, ranging from the classic (pumpkins and straw bales) to the whimsical (lanterns and fairies). Whether elegant or rustic, bring hints of harvest season warmth to your outdoor landscape this autumn. Read on for ideas to complete your very own fall garden decor.