How to Grow Sugar Beets for Food and Fodder

A close up horizontal image of a freshly harvested sugar beet root set on the ground in the garden.

Looking for a crop that can feed your animals, makes a tasty sweetener, and can be used in salads and side dishes for dinner? Meet sugar beets. This close relative of the familiar table beet has so much to offer the home gardener that it deserves a chance in the spotlight. Learn how to grow your own in this guide.

Common Broccoli Pests and How to Control Them

A close up horizontal image of two hands holding a broccoli leaf that is displaying pest damage.

Caterpillars, beetles, aphids, and more are all waiting for a chance to chomp on your broccoli plants. While some pests are just a nuisance, others can kill your broccoli before you get a chance to harvest and enjoy it. We’ll help you to identify, manage, and prevent infestation by the most common broccoli pests.

How to Grow Hostas: A Favorite Shade Loving Perennial

A close up horizontal image of hostas growing in the garden in a shady spot.

It’s no wonder hostas are one of the most popular plants to grow in the garden. They’re versatile, add color even to shady spots, and are rarely impacted by insect pests or diseases. With hundreds of cultivars, there’s an endless variety to choose from. Our guide will help you to pick, plant, and care for your hostas.

How to Harvest and Save Fuchsia Seeds

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Lots of plants can be propagated by saving the seeds and planting them the following year, and fuchsias are no exception. Did you know that those little berries that stay behind when the flowers fall contain the seeds of the plant? This guide will show you how to harvest and store them for planting later. Read more.

Why Is My Fuchsia Wilting? 5 Common Issues

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There are many reasons why your fuchsia may start to wilt and droop, like too much or too little water, hot temperatures, or various pests and diseases. Our guide will help you figure out which problem is causing your wilting woes and how to address it, so that your fuchsia can perk back up to its usual beautiful self.

How to Eradicate Tent Caterpillars (and Whether You Should)

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Wriggly masses of tent caterpillars on a tree can be a pretty scary sight. Not only can they completely defoliate a tree, but they look like something out of a horror film. This guide will help you learn how to identify and get rid of these common pests, but it also explains why you might want to leave them be instead.

15 of the Best Scented Geranium Varieties

A close up horizontal image of pink and white scented geraniums (Pelargonium) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Scented geraniums are a feast for the eyes, nose, and taste buds with their fragrant, beautiful flowers and leaves. There is a seemingly endless variety of pelargoniums out there, including ones that smell like cedar, apple, roses, and peppermint. This guide will give you 15 excellent options to grow at home.

Are Fuchsias Edible? Learn About Eating Fuchsia Berries, Leaves, and Flowers

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Have you ever looked at a pretty fuchsia plant and wondered if you could eat it? Well, you can! Our guide walks you through the ins and outs of the incredible, edible fuchsia. From the flowers and leaves to the flavorful berries, we’ll tell you when to harvest, which ones taste best, and how to use them in the kitchen.

How to Grow Thai Basil in Your Herb Garden

A close up horizontal image of the bright green leaves and purple stems of Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) growing in the garden, pictured in light sunshine.

Thai basil has a unique flavor that stands out in comparison to other types. With a spicier taste and just a hint of licorice, it’s the perfect herb to use in a huge range of dishes. Plus, you can eat the flowers, stems, and seeds! If you’re ready to plant and use this herb, our guide will help you on your way.

How to Plant and Grow Anise

A close up horizontal image of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) growing in the garden.

Anise is versatile in the kitchen, and you can use both the leaves and the seeds in a variety of recipes. It’s also valuable in the garden, attracting beneficial insects and driving away the bad ones. This guide has all the details you need to succeed at growing this uncommon, unfussy, totally wonderful herb.

How to Plant and Grow Mexican Tarragon

A close up horizontal image of the yellow flowers of Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) growing in the garden.

Mexican tarragon is a marvelously multi-purpose herb that works as both a beautiful ornamental and a tasty ingredient for your kitchen toolkit. Plus it can keep bugs away, attracts beneficial insects, and has a long history of medicinal uses. And it’s not fussy about soil! Check out this guide for more info.

Tips for Growing Caraway in Containers

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Don’t let a little thing like a lack of garden space prevent you from growing nutritious, delicious caraway plants. Carum carvi grows incredibly well in containers, so you don’t have to go without, even if you only have a little corner of a balcony available for your gardening. Read our guide to learn more.

How to Plant and Grow Galangal

A close up horizontal image of galangal (Alpinia galanga) growing in the garden with light green foliage and white flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

Tired of buying galangal at the grocery store? It’s expensive and not always as fresh as it could be. The good news is that it’s not hard to grow. Plus, the plants are beautiful in their own right. This guide helps you figure out how to plant the rhizomes, keep them healthy, and harvest and use them when they’re ready.

How to Plant and Grow Scented Geraniums

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Colorful, beautiful, sweet-smelling, and incredibly flavorful, scented geraniums are a delight for the senses. These multi-purpose plants don’t enjoy the same popularity as their garden cousins, but they’re more than worthy of a spot in the yard. With so many varieties to choose from, they’re sure to please. Read more.

Bachelor’s Button Problems: Why Are My Flowers Falling Over?

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A garden full of bachelor’s buttons is a dazzling sight, but not if those bold blossom heads are falling over. Why does this happen? And are you doomed to deal with droopy blossoms or can something be done to make your flowers stand proud? Learn why your cornflowers are falling over and how you can fix the problem.

How to Grow Horehound

A close up horizontal image of common horehound (Marrubium vulgare) growing in the garden.

Horehound attracts the good bugs like bees, wasps, and flies, while driving away the bad ones like aphids and grasshoppers. Plus, growing it is about as easy as it comes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including a simple recipe for horehound candy that everyone will love.

9 of the Best Moisture Meters for Your Garden

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Not sure when to water your plants? For serious gardeners, moisture meters are a must-have tool. But there are a lot of different options out there, from digital to analog, and Bluetooth enabled to simpler, basic meters. Check out 9 of the best soil moisture meters and choose your favorite in this guide.

How to Grow Your Own Curry Leaf Tree

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Curry leaf tree is a tropical bush that has incredibly delicious leaves with a bright citrus flavor that kicks up dishes from all kinds of cuisines. It happily grows in containers, indoors or out, so there’s no reason not to give it a go. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to grow your own.

How to Grow Fuchsia as an Indoor Houseplant

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If you admire the beautiful blossoms of fuchsia, did you know they make fabulous houseplants? With the right care, they will provide you with radiant blossoms for months on end. Learn all about growing and caring for these beauties indoors, plus our top recommended cultivars in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Mitsuba

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Mitsuba is an herb, vegetable, and ornamental all wrapped up in one easy-to-grow wonder. It isn’t troubled by many pests or diseases and thrives in a variety of growing conditions. Along with its striking flavor, it’s destined to become a garden staple. Learn how to plant and grow mitsuba in this guide. Read more now.

How to Use a Soil Moisture Meter

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Who hasn’t had a hard time at some point with trying to keep their plants watered appropriately? If you regularly forget to water or you keep giving your plants too much, get yourself a soil moisture meter. These garden tools take the guesswork out of watering, and this article will show you how to use a hygrometer.

Growing Roses 101: Getting Started

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Love roses? Even though you’ve probably heard all about the diseases, pests, and other problems that gardeners face, growing roses doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll provide the foundation you need to care for your flowers like a pro. Read more to learn the basics of growing these stunning blossoms in your garden.

How to Grow Belgian Endive

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Belgian endive offers a bit of fresh, crunchy brightness in the middle of the winter. It takes a bit of patience, as a two-step process is required to grow the creamy, torpedo-shaped heads. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant and grow Belgian endive, including how to force and blanch the tasty heads. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Curly Endive and Escarole

A close up horizontal image of Cichorium endivia curly frisee growing in the garden ready for harvest. To the center of the frame is a small black plant label.

Endive is a crispy, delicious, and slightly bitter leafy green that can either be eaten raw or cooked into a variety of dishes. There are two types available, curly frisee and broad-leafed escarole. In this guide, learn how to plant and grow endive in your garden, plus we share some recipes and cooking tips as well.

How to Grow Asian Persimmon Trees

A close up horizontal image of orange Diospyros kaki fruits ripening on the tree in the pictured on a blue sky, soft focus background.

Asian persimmons are different from any other type of fruit out there, with a complex flavor all their own, and the trees are relatively problem-free in the garden. If you’re ready to plant your own or you’re looking for tips to keep your existing tree healthy, read our guide now for expert growing advice.

Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts in Winter

A close up horizontal image of Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera in the snow pictured on a snowy winter landscape.

Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and their flavor is improved by a light frost. But what about if a heavy freeze is in the forecast? Learn how to protect your brussels sprouts and enjoy a fresh winter harvest in this guide. Read more now.

How to Prepare Your Fuchsia Plants for Winter

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Do you love the long-lasting vibrancy of fuchsia flowers but hate to see them go when Old Man Winter ambles into town? There’s no reason to give up on your plants just because it’s cold. Learn how to protect your plant, whether it’s in the ground or in a container, so you can enjoy it year after year. Read more now.

How to Winterize Hardy Garden Mums

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You’ve enjoyed their vibrant autumn color and now winter is creeping in. But what if you’re not ready to say goodbye to your mums? Rather than tossing them out, our helpful guide will show you how to overwinter your plants so you can enjoy them year after year, from fall prep to spring care. Read more now.

How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat Common Beet Diseases

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Dealing with beet diseases is frustrating, and some of them can destroy your harvest. From bacteria to viruses, there are lots of potential pathogens you may face. With the right knowledge, you can tackle most problems before they get out of hand. Read more now to learn how to identify and tackle your garden woes.

How to Grow Bay Laurel In Containers

A close up of a bay laurel tree growing in a whiskey barrel container, surrounded by small purple flowers and a lilac Burmese cat sitting beside it. The pot is situated by a brick wall in the background.

Ever wondered if you can grow bay in a container? Yes, you can! It isn’t fussy if you miss a watering or let it get root-bound. Plus, growing it in your kitchen garden or indoors means you will have a ready supply of this pungent herb at hand. Bay leaf is ideal for growing in pots, and we’ll show you how. Read more.

How to Grow Chives from Seed

A close up of a clump of Allium schoenoprasum growing in the summer garden, pictured in bright sunshine, with green stalks and light purple flowers on a soft focus background.

Looking to grow chives from seed? You’re in luck! They’re easy to propagate and before you know it, you’ll be cooking with your own homegrown herbs. This article will give you everything you need to know, from seed saving tips to advice for getting seedlings started, whether you’re growing them indoors or out.

How to Plant and Grow Ramps

A close up picture of bunches of ramps at a farmer's market with the roots removed, the bulbs cleaned, held together with elastic bands, on a soft focus background.

Ramps are an incredibly delicious treat in the kitchen, but they’re overharvested in the wild. The solution? Grow your own. Ramps are a fuss-free plant once they’re established, with a flavor that can’t be imitated. Our guide to growing Allium tricoccum includes everything you need to get started. Read more now.

How to Regrow Lettuce from Kitchen Scraps

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Did you know you can turn lettuce scraps into more delicious, leafy greens with nothing but a container, some water, and a little bit of time? We’ll show you how to grow your own hyper-local greens for free, with minimal effort. It’s also a fun project to do with the kids. Learn more now.