Celery is not the easiest plant to grow. The seeds are tiny and have to sit on top of loose, organically-rich soil to germinate in sunlight. And sometimes, the crunchy ribs you’ve been waiting for turn out to be thin and dry instead of plump and juicy. Read on for 7 reasons for skinny celery and how you can avoid it.
Cabbage black rot is a devastating cruciferous vegetable disease that begins subtly. Its signature foliar discoloration starts at the leaf margins, and usually goes unnoticed until it is so extensive that an affected plant cannot be salvaged. Read on for all you need to know to recognize and manage cabbage black rot.
Parsnips are frost-hardy white root vegetables that resemble carrots. They grow with full sun in moist, sandy loam. The seeds are slow to germinate and the growing season is long. Read on to discover 9 companion plants that share similar cultural requirements with parsnips, and aid the vegetables by being near them.
If you have ever grown parsnips, you know how disappointing it can be to wait all season only to discover that your crop is tasteless, stringy, and tough. It’s time to try again. Read on for all you need to know to harvest this nutritious root vegetable at the peak of flavor, for a sweet and tender harvest every time.
Whether it appears alone, in groups, or as part of an expansive hedge, the burning bush is an autumn sensation. With its scarlet leaves burning brightly under the late season sun, it usually makes a dramatic statement. However, sometimes it isn’t as colorful as we’d like. Read on for seven reasons why this may happen.
Bok choy, or pak choi, is a Chinese cabbage with green or white stalks and green leaves that is a staple of Asian-style cooking. Choose from dwarf and full-size varieties, and harvest young for tender microgreens. Read on to learn how far apart to space seeds and nursery seedlings, and bring in your best harvest yet.
Want to spruce up your indoor decor? Houseplants are the way to go! Enhance living spaces with pet-safe varieties that are easy to maintain – and that may help to eliminate airborne toxins. Discover five potted beauties that are sure to refresh your surroundings – read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Cauliflower is a cabbage relative that may be grown alone or with other plants. However, not all plants grow well together. The best flower, herb, and vegetable choices for companion planting share similar cultural requirements and aid in pest management. Read on for 13 exceptional cauliflower companions.
Vines like Chinese wisteria and evergreen Boston ivy may give a home a stately and elegant appearance. However, one can’t help but wonder if their winding ways are secretly causing damage to a home’s outer surfaces, like shingles and siding. Before you plant, read on to learn how vines may affect your home’s facade.
Smuts are fungi that ruin crops like corn, rice, wheat, and onions, as well as lawns and ornamentals. They are characterized by growths called galls, and foliar and fruit disfigurement. In this article we discuss different types of smut fungus and ways to avoid them in the home garden. Read on for all you need to know.
Climbing annual morning glory vines are synonymous with summer, covering fences and trellises with their classic heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-like blue, pink, purple, and white blossoms. Read on to learn how to collect and store seeds from this vigorous self-sowing flower and enjoy cheerful blooms year after year.
Perennial asters bloom in late summer, bringing masses of blues, pinks, purples, and whites to the landscape until the first frost. In addition to growing in beds, borders, drifts, and meadows, they grow well in pots. Read on for 5 tips on aster container gardening, and take your outdoor living space to the next level.
Want to get your child interested in gardening and eating healthy early in life? If so, read our tips that will help you establish your child’s own garden.
Are you planning your next garden project? Summer snapdragon is a perennial flower for beds, borders, and containers that you need to know about. Angelonia angustifolia is a must-have where summers are hot and humid. Discover what makes this plant unique, where to buy it, and how to grow it in this guide. Read more now.
Perennial asters, in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, refresh late season gardens for a beautiful transition to fall. Have you been hesitant to plant them because of their somewhat unkempt natural growth habits? Read on for 7 tips that will help you keep them in shape, and make them the pride of your landscape.
Virginia stock (Malcolmia maritima) is a summer flower that blooms in a profusion of pink, purple, and white blossoms, for a carpet of pastel color. Tolerant of salt, low moisture, and dry soil, it’s perfect for those hard-to-plant locations. Learn all about this easy-to-grow annual in this guide. Read more now.
If you’ve always wanted to grow houseplants but lacked the space, you need to read our review of certified professional horticulturist Leslie F. Halleck’s new book, Tiny Plants. Packed full of how-to’s, species descriptions, and colorful photos, you’ll discover a world of miniature indoor gardening you never imagined.
Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro) features whimsical pom-pom flowers atop stems that grow to over three feet tall. Ideal as a background for smaller foreground plants, small globe thistle is a striking addition to the garden. Learn how to plant and grow this exceptional perennial in this guide. Read more now.
Satin flower is an annual native wildflower that blooms in early summer with poppy-like blossoms in a variety of colors ranging from pink and purple to orange and red. Ideal for growing in beds, borders, and containers, they attract a variety of pollinators. Learn how to plant and grow satin flower in this guide.
Turmeric is a flavorful spice that has long been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Prized for its tangy flavor, golden color, and healthy, anti-inflammatory benefits, this perennial is easy to grow in the home garden. Learn how to cultivate turmeric for a homegrown harvest in this guide. Read more now.
National Audubon Society Trees of North America contains over 540 species and is a valuable resource for landscapers, home gardeners, environmentalists, and botany students. With almost 2,500 color photos and descriptive text, it’s the Society’s most authoritative work on trees to date, and we review it for you here.
If the thrumming sound of summer cicadas seems to start early this year, it’s likely because your region is experiencing a springtime emergence of a 17-year periodical species. Rising from the ground in droves, cicadas may pose a threat to the trees in your landscape. Read on to find out if you need to take action now.
National Audubon Society Birds of North America is an exciting new version of a classic field guide that hasn’t been updated since 1994. Read on for our review of this comprehensive new resource with more than 3,500 color photos of over 800 birds. You’ll want to keep it handy for identifying the species you observe.
Forsythia is a low-maintenance shrub that grows in full sun and average, well-draining soil. It’s famous for its bountiful yellow spring blooms. Depending upon the age and condition of yours, it may be beneficial to do a hard pruning. Read on to learn how to decide when this practice is the appropriate action to take.
Forsythia is a deciduous woody shrub with bright yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. The foliage is lush and green, and for some varieties, the color bronzes in autumn. However, leaf yellowing during the growing season may signal trouble. Read on to find out what may be wrong and what you can do.
Looking for a good investment for your summer garden? Plant globe amaranth. Its clover-like flowers come in a range of attractive colors and bloom all summer long. And, they dry beautifully for floral arranging projects. Learn about this pretty and practical annual right here on Gardener’s Path.
Sweet fennel is aromatic and delicious, especially when you harvest it fresh from your own garden. Choose from bulb and bulb-less varieties, and enjoy bulbs, foliage, and seeds for nutritious and tasty additions to your menus. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow fennel plus we share some favorite recipe ideas.
Birdhouse gourds (Lagenaria siceraria) are fun plants for the whole family. Learn how to start them from seed and train the twisting vines on arbors and trellises for a homegrown hideaway, then watch blossoms give way to hard-shelled hanging fruit that’s perfect for making decorative homes for the birds. Read more now.
Are you shopping for backyard playground equipment and feeling overwhelmed by your options? From safe clearances to customization, you’ll find everything you need to know in this informative article. Plus, we share 17 of our top picks, with favorites based on age group and materials. Enjoy years of outdoor fun!
The bright yellow blossoms of arching and upright forsythia varieties are springtime favorites. To keep yours in top form, it’s important to know when and how to prune them. Read on to discover 5 tips that will help you hone your skills and have bushes that are healthier and more attractive than you thought possible.
Forsythia is a spring-blooming shrub that is best known for its profusion of bright yellow blossoms. While they are generally quite healthy, this sturdy and fast-growing shrub sometimes develops knobby bumps along its stems. Read on to find out what these unattractive growths are and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
Not just a holiday houseplant, tropical amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is easy to grow in the garden in Zones 9-11, with eye-catching blooms the size of your hand and colors ranging from pinks and reds to yellows and oranges. Learn how to cultivate amaryllis in your garden for a showy springtime display. Read more now.
Citizen science is an open invitation to record your observations of the natural world for the greater good. Organizations ranging from conservation societies to universities offer opportunities for lay people to submit data for analysis by scientists in a variety of fields. Read on to learn how you can contribute.
Tropical Christmas cactus is a relatively easy houseplant to grow. Native to the rainforests of South America, it thrives with indirect sunlight in organically-rich, well-draining potting medium. The fleshy stems are green and segmented, but sometimes they turn brown and become woody. Read on to learn what this means.
Tropical Christmas cactus is a rainforest epiphyte with beautiful blooms that has become a popular houseplant. It thrives in indirect sunlight, and organically-rich, well-draining potting medium. It has green segmented stems that sometimes turn yellow. Read on to find out why this happens and what you can do about it.
Christmas cactus is a popular gift at holiday time that makes an attractive and long-lived houseplant. By manipulating its growing conditions, you can enjoy an abundance of blooms every year. Generally low-maintenance, sometimes a plant is troubled by pests. Read on to learn which ones they are and how to manage them.
Christmas cactus is a relatively trouble-free, easy-care houseplant that puts on a show of abundant tropical blooms during the holiday season. Sometimes you may notice that the segmented stems are no longer green, but purplish-red. Read on to discover what may cause this to happen, and what you can do to prevent it.
If you’re an indoor gardener, there’s a good chance that you have a Christmas cactus that bursts into a profusion of blooms every year. In caring for it, have you ever noticed hair-like growths sprouting from between the stem segments? These are aerial roots. Read on to learn what they can tell us about plant health.
The Christmas cactus is a rainforest plant that’s easy to grow at home in indirect sunlight and well-draining potting medium. Did you know that you can encourage it to bloom every holiday season with a few simple steps to mimic the natural dormancy process? Read on for instructions, and get set for a profusion of flowers.
To have healthy, beautiful roses, you need to grow varieties suited to your growing zone. And if you live where the ground freezes during the coldest months of the year, you may have to provide winter protection to get those beauties safely through to spring. Learn how to winterize your roses in this guide.
If you’re growing vibrant geraniums, like cranesbill, garden, and ivy, learn how to propagate new plants from stem cuttings. Whether you just need more plants or want to keep your favorite annuals from year to year, taking cuttings is an easy and cost-effective propagation method. Get started now with easy how-to instructions.
Garden, or zonal geraniums are popular herbaceous perennials in Zones 10 and 11 that grow as annuals in colder regions. Instead of letting them die at season’s end, you can overwinter your plants indoors for planting out the following spring. Learn all you need to know to winter over garden geraniums in this guide.
Garden geraniums are easy to grow and come in an array of colors, bi-color combinations, and double-petal varieties. If you have a sunny spot, slightly alkaline, moderately rich soil that drains well, you can grow your own. Learn how to plant and grow this classic summer flower in your garden. Read more now.
Strawberries are suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. With the proper winter care, hardy varieties can come back year after year and yield abundant harvests of sweet and juicy berries. Learn how to prepare and protect your strawberry plants during the winter months in this guide. Read more now.
If the feathery, spiked blossoms of astilbe plants adorn your gardens in late summer, you need to know how to prepare them for a good winter’s sleep. While they are cold-hardy, they benefit from a little TLC to ensure that they return each spring with vigor. Learn how to winterize your astilbe plants in this guide.
Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that’s challenging to grow. It takes an ideal combination of temperature, moisture, and nutrients for pristine heads to form. Sometimes, even with best practices, plants fall victim to disease. Read on to learn how to avoid, recognize, and address 12 common cauliflower conditions now.
Dame’s rocket has naturalized in almost every state. This pretty phlox-like flower that grows along highways and in meadows is considered invasive. However, its leaves and seeds have culinary and medicinal applications. Should you grow it in your yard? Learn how to plant, grow, and control dame’s rocket. Read more now.
Late season asters provide a colorful bridge between summer and fall. Their impressive heights and masses of tiny blossoms make a striking statement, especially when paired with other tall late season bloomers. Read on for 13 exciting companion plants for asters, and get ready to grow your best transition garden yet.
If you love purple flowers, asters make a cheerful addition to the outdoor living space. Choose from early or late blooming annuals and perennials ranging from low-profile plants with a single flower per stem, to tall bushy ones with clustered masses of blooms. Discover 11 of our favorite purple aster varieties now.
Late season perennial asters are known for having masses of small, daisy-like flowers and a somewhat shrubby growth habit. They add color to fading summer gardens and attract beneficial pollinators until the first frost. Read on to learn about 11 different species and how they can play a role in your landscape scheme.
Wellness-through-gardening instructor and writer Stephanie Rose’s new book, Garden Alchemy, is a handy DIY manual of organic gardening solutions. Eighty step-by-step recipes provide natural alternatives to chemicals, and a sustainable approach to having a healthy garden. Read on for our in-depth review of this book.
Asters are transitional flowers that bloom from summer to fall. There’s an array to choose from that includes dwarf and tall, as well as annual and perennial types, best known for their multiple daisy-like blossoms that attract a host of beneficial pollinators. Read on to find 11 of our favorite blue varieties now.
For an attractive indoor hanging plant, choose a variety of asparagus fern. Appreciated for its delicate and feathery leaves, this vigorous grower is easy to maintain and adds soft green color and textural interest to your indoor decor. Learn how to plant and grow this South African beauty. Read more now.
Are you looking for a perennial native flower to naturalize in your yard? Anise hyssop is the answer for sun-filled border gardens, where its lavender spikes create a showy swath of color throughout the summer months. Learn how to grow and care for this easy-to-grow, deer-resistant plant. Read more now.
China aster is a late summer flowering annual with colors ranging from vibrant, vivid tones to subtle pastels. Tall varieties make the perfect anchor for beds and borders. They brighten the landscape and make attractive and sturdy cut flowers. Discover 13 of our favorite varieties of China aster for your garden.
Calico aster is a daisy-like native perennial suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8 that adds cheer to the garden from summer to fall. It needs little care once established, and readily naturalizes, especially in moist woodland settings. Read on to learn all you need to know to cultivate calico aster in your landscape.
Canna, often called canna lily, is a rhizomatous perennial with spikes of bright blossoms, and ample, tropical-style foliage. Under less than ideal conditions, it may fall victim to a condition called rust. Learn what this is, how to treat an infection, and what preventative measures you may take to avoid an outbreak.
Are you longing for color in the late winter garden, when most plants are still dormant? Hardy flowering hellebores fit the bill. Easy to sow, they reward with an abundance of sweetly nodding blossoms in an array of colors. Chase the winter blues away with these 7 tips for planting hellebore seeds. Read more now.
Early and late-season leek varieties provide an abundant supply of nutritious, oniony flavor. From careful sowing and working hard to keep your crop moist to blanching the stems to a snowy white, now it’s time to bring in your best leek harvest ever. Enjoy sweet success with our expert tips. Read more now.
The hellebore is an early-blooming perennial that is best known for having nodding flowers that grow through the snow. It is propagated by three methods. Discover what all three methods mean to the home gardener, and which two can be done at home with our guide to understanding hellebore propagation. Read more now.
Are you a bird lover looking for a feeder to attract your favorite species to your yard? Bird feeders are available in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Join us now as we take an in-depth look at 13 of the best bird feeders and how they stack up against each other. Choose your favorite from our top picks.
China aster is a flowering annual for late summer to fall color. Many cultivars are available in vibrant, colorful tones. Sow seeds in spring and enjoy lush foliage all summer long. Then, just when other flowers are winding down, China aster bursts into bloom. Learn all you need to grow this beauty. Read more now.
Interior stylist Clare Nolan’s book, “In Bloom,” is a creative guide to growing, harvesting, and arranging flowers. Illustrations, photos, and descriptive instructions make it fun and easy to confidently add color to your decor. Read our in-depth review of this essential garden resource, here on Gardener’s Path.
A macadamia tree is a spectacular addition to the home landscape, with its towering, shady branches, spring blossoms, and crop of tasty nuts. Some cultivars drop nuts and others require harvesting by hand. Learn how to manage both, and discover some handy tools to help you reap the sweet rewards with our guide.
Do you have a petite garden plot or collection of pots on the patio? Gardener’s Guide to Compact Plants: Edibles & Ornamentals for Small-Space Gardening is for you. Discover over 150 plants with blossoms and harvests as robust as full-sized varieties. Read our in-depth review of this book now!
If you’re growing caraway in your herb garden this year, you may have to deal with insect pests or diseases that are common to this plant. Read on to learn about preventative measures, how to recognize signs of trouble, and methods for addressing an infestation or infection, in this concise guide.
Caraway is a biennial herb for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10. In the first year, enjoy its tender leaves in salads. And in the second, reap an abundance of seeds for use in breads, slaws, and savory dishes. Learn all you need to know to cultivate this edible plant in your garden this year,
Okra is a flowering annual that bears edible pods in shades of red and green. Famous for its use as a thickener in gumbo, it’s not just for Southern gardens, but all USDA Hardiness Zones. Discover 13 of our favorites, and choose from dwarf varieties suitable for containers to tree-sized plants, here on Gardener’s Path.
If you have a pile of bricks left over from a building project, you’ll love these 15 ideas for using them in the outdoor landscape. Durability and traditional style make bricks a timeless choice for pathways, edging, and so much more. Find functional and decorative design inspiration, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Have you ever seen hummingbirds in the wild? Tiny and fast, they’re hard to spot. Wouldn’t it be great to slow them down for a good look? You can, with a hummingbird feeder filled with the sweet nectar they crave. Read on to learn about 5 products that are perfect for attracting these tiny wonders to your yard.
Aphids are a nightmare, leaving plants shriveled and dying after an infestation. Learn natural ways to keep them from making your backyard their home, plus ways to manage an onslaught without resorting to potentially dangerous chemical preparations. We’ve got gardening solutions you can use, here on Gardener’s Path.
Check out the updated version of Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening for the latest on plants, growing techniques, and natural pest control. Since its debut in 1959, the name Rodale has become synonymous with eco-friendly practices. Read on for a review of this essential guide, here on Gardener’s Path.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 40th Anniversary Edition has over 900 pages of instructions, recipes, and resources for self-sufficiency and simple living. Practical and fun topics include growing nut trees, raising goats, beekeeping, soapmaking and wood harvesting. Read our review of the book, on Gardener’s Path.
Are you looking for an affordable way to xeriscape with succulent plants? Create an enchanting low-maintenance array of colors, shapes, and textures by purchasing one of each of your favorites, and propagating the rest yourself. Learn how with easy instructions from your friends at Gardener’s Path.
Arranging fresh flowers for the table is easy when you follow these instructions for our festive holiday sparkle centerpiece. Choose flowers from your local market, make a container from an everyday item, and use your garden’s off-season treasures to craft glittering accents. Let’s get started, here on Gardener’s Path.
Nothing says Halloween like jack-o’-lanterns, but what good are they if they rot before you can say trick-or-treat? Before you go to the farmers market, read 9 quick tips to make carved pumpkins last longer. From selecting the best to inhibiting moisture, we’ve got ideas you can use, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Succulent plants are not just for desert landscapes. Cluster them in bright containers to energize a patio, or among river rock for a serene garden bed. Set pots around the house for eye-catching color, shape, and texture. Easy and fun, they add style to any decor. Meet eleven beauties, here on Gardener’s Path.
Are you living in the city and wondering how to create a mini garden oasis with a just few square feet of ground, a balcony, or even a stairwell? It’s time to check out a comprehensive practical guide called The Urban Gardener, by popular UK garden design expert Matt James. Read our review now on Gardener’s Path.
Ready to add some classic heirlooms to your vegetable patch? We explain this often misunderstood gardening term, and share some of our favorite varieties and where to find them, from pink tomatoes and purple beans to rainbow carrots and a variety of delicious options in between. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Before you begin your next landscaping project, read this book review. Essential Native Trees and Shrubs of the Eastern United States is an expert compilation of top performers that provide much-needed habitat for wildlife. Discover this go-to gardening guide now, as recommended by your friends at Gardener’s Path.
Do you enjoy the excitement of buying or receiving fresh cut flowers, then throw them away in disgust when they wilt in stagnant water? It’s time to learn how to make vase and dish arrangements last. Read on for 7 useful tips from the pros at Gardener’s Path, and keep your blossoms first-day fresh.
Need to energize a ho-hum space? Do it with tillandsia. These unique air plants require no soil, and add color, interest, and texture to any décor. Create exotic tropical arrangements and vary them to suit your mood. Learn about this intriguing flowering species from your friends at Gardener’s Path.
If you are a gardener in the Midwest, this book is for you. It’s Adelman and Schwartz’s Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees: Gardening Alternatives to Nonnative Species. Read our review on Gardener’s Path now to learn why this illustrated guide is a must-have horticultural resource.
Pursue a fresh approach to gardening with naturalist Nancy Lawson in her new book, The Humane Gardener. Dare to be different. Savor profiles of gardeners whose compassionate practices create thriving habitat. Read our review of this humanitarian approach to backyard wildlife here on Gardener’s Path.
Are you looking for a quick and easy holiday decoration? Make this Blooming Heart Centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day table. All you need is a visit to your local produce market for flowers, a run to the craft store for floral foam and ribbon, and about half an hour to put it all together. Read on for easy directions from your friends at Gardener’s Path.
Are you gardening with children? You’ll love this guide from Gardener’s Path. From seeds to harvest, there are suggestions for kid-friendly flowers, veggies, supplies, methods, and activities that will please the children at your house, and teach them a few things about mother nature in the process.