Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Dogs?

A close up horizontal image of peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) growing outdoors, many of them in bloom.

Many popular houseplants can be toxic to our canine and feline companions, but what about peace lilies? These houseplants contain calcium oxalate crystals that may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and other distressing symptoms. Learn about if peace lilies are toxic to dogs in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Crown of Thorns

A close up horizontal image of the bright red flowers on a crown of thorns (Euphorbia millii) plant growing outdoors.

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia millii) is a striking houseplant with upright stems covered in spines, sparse green leaves, and brightly-colored blooms. This drought-tolerant, easy-care succulent thrives on a sunny windowsill and can move outdoors in the summer. Learn how to cultivate crown of thorns in this guide. Read more.

How to Grow and Care for Angel-Wing Begonias

A close up horizontal image of the foliage of an angel-wing begonia with droplets of water on the surface of the leaves.

Angel-wing begonias feature attractive, wing-shaped foliage and bright flowers. They can grow outdoors in warm climates or you can keep them indoors as houseplants for year-round blooms. These cane-like begonias are appealing in hanging baskets, garden beds, window boxes, and oversized indoor planters. Read more now.

When and How to Fertilize Spider Plants

A close up horizontal image of the variegated foliage of a spider ivy (Chlorophytum comosum) growing in a pot indoors.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are low maintenance, easy-care houseplants but they can still benefit from fertilizer applied correctly and at the right time. Our guide provides tips about when and how to feed your spider ivy plants and we offer suggestions on the best products to use as well. Read more now.

25 Fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardeners

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This year, thrill the gardeners on Santa’s nice list with the best holiday gifts for green thumbs. We’ve done the legwork, so you can select top-quality gardener-recommended presents and stocking stuffers. Shop our list for the best gift ideas – and maybe pick something out for yourself too. Read more now.

Are Spirea Shrubs Evergreen?

A horizontal close up of white flowered spirea branches on a bright spring morning.

Different species of flowering spirea are perennial in USDA Zones 4 to 8, but none of them are evergreen. Instead, these pollinator-friendly shrubs bloom profusely in spring or summer, sport vibrant, multicolor foliage in fall, and are dormant in winter. Will they work in your landscape? Our guide will help you decide.

Tips for Growing Succulents in a Greenhouse

A close up horizontal image of a variety of different succulent plants growing in small pots set on a wooden surface indoors.

With suitable temperature, light, and spacing, many succulent varieties grow well in a home greenhouse. Growing in a greenhouse offers more room for an expanding succulent collection or a dedicated spot for winterizing outdoor specimens. Find tips for growing succulents in a greenhouse in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Birchleaf Spirea Shrubs

A top down close up of a clump of white birchleaf spirea flowers.

An exceptionally hardy ornamental shrub even in northern climates, birchleaf spirea offers three-season interest. Its spring blooms, summer greenery, and multihued autumn foliage are ideal for borders, mass plantings, and erosion control. Learn how to grow and care for this pollinator-friendly spirea species now.

How to Grow Begonias as Houseplants

A close up horizontal image of the colorful foliage of a begonia plant growing indoors.

Begonias are beautiful in the garden, but some types also grow as colorful houseplants. Rex, wax, cane, and rhizomatous varieties will thrive indoors in an office, sunroom, or apartment with proper light, temperature, and humidity. We’ll share the best begonia types to grow indoors and ways to keep them healthy.

How to Grow and Care for Lace Aloe

A close up horizontal image of a lace aloe (Aristaloe aristata) growing in the garden.

An unusual indoor/outdoor succulent that’s the lone species in its genus, lace aloe forms white-flecked rosettes with lacy, soft bristles. Grow it as an evergreen in Zones 7-10, especially where water is scarce. Or, pot it up for dish gardens indoors. Its flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and pollinators.

How to Grow and Care for Lipstick Vines

A close up horizontal image of the red and purple flowers of a lipstick vine (Aeschynanthus) in full bloom pictured on a soft focus background.

A vining houseplant ideal for indoor hanging baskets, lipstick plant has flowers that look like little lipstick tubes. This quirky, showy epiphyte needs a few extras to thrive and bloom indoors, including indirect light, and ample warmth and ample humidity. Learn how to keep it happy with our tips. Read more now.

How to Overwinter Begonias

A close up horizontal image of bright red wax begonias growing in the garden.

Instead of tossing begonias at the season’s end, help them survive the winter and grow the same plants next spring. Our guide will help you prepare wax begonias for winter survival and save begonia tubers to plant again. Those in Zones 6-9 can find tips for preparing cold-resistant hardy begonias for wintry weather.

How to Save Pumpkin Seeds from Your Garden to Roast and Eat

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Whether you grow field, pie, or hull-less pumpkin varieties, saving the seeds to eat is a bonus! Here’s how to pick the best varieties to grow if you want to roast the seeds, and how to spot the winter squash with the most seeds. Follow these selection and collection tips for a nutritious harvest ready to roast.

11 of the Best Fall Annuals for the South

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When summer ends, gardeners in the south can still grow pretty annuals for fall color. Discover the best choices for borders, cutting gardens, or containers with this list of 11 of the best autumn annuals for southern growers. Our top picks include cheery sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Rex Begonias Indoors

A close up horizontal image of the variegated foliage of rex begonia plants.

With whorls of appealing colors and artistic patterns on its leaves, rex begonia is one of the prettiest houseplants. Our guide provides the basics of keeping this foliage-first begonia happy and healthy indoors. It’s a bit picky, but the beauty is worth the demands of providing the necessary humidity and bright light.

17 of the Best Onion Varieties to Grow at Home

A close up horizontal image of different types of onions, red, brown, white, and bunching, set on a wooden surface.

Homegrown onions have a place in every vegetable garden, from the scallions harvested in spring to the large bulbs cured to store for the winter. We help you choose with this list of 17 of the best onions to grow at home, from ‘Parade’ bunching onions to fresh ‘Walla Walla’ to the ‘Red Creole’ storage variety.

How to Plant and Grow Kohlrabi

A close up horizontal image of a green kohlrabi growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

A fast-growing cool-weather vegetable, kohlrabi forms a globe-shaped stem above ground. The crisp, white flesh has a sweet, turnipy tang and the leaves are edible too. It’s a foodie favorite with ornamental value in the garden. We share growing and harvest tips for this quirky-looking cabbage relative. Read more now.

How to Prevent Southern Blight on Your Tomato Plants

A close up horizontal image of the dying foliage of a tomato plant infected with Sclerotium rolfsii aka southern blight.

A scourge that can kill homegrown tomato plants in days, southern blight is caused by a fungus that multiplies in hot, humid weather. It can survive for years in garden soil. In our guide we cover preventive measures that include keeping the garden debris-free, properly spacing plants, and rotating crops. Read more now.

How and When to Harvest Pears from the Home Orchard

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Timing is everything when you harvest homegrown pears. European varieties ripen after picking and Asian pears reach juicy perfection on the trees. Here’s how to know when pears are ripe for harvest from the home orchard, and how to pick them at the peak of ripeness and store some for later use. Read more now.

7 Tips for Growing Vining Vegetables

A close up horizontal image of cucumbers growing on metal wire trellis in a raised bed garden.

Vegetables that grow on vines produce bumper crops for gardeners who want to grow their own food. The cucumbers, pole beans, tomatoes, and squashes need fertile soil, ample water, and plenty of sun. Our guide shares sowing as well as trellising and other aerial gardening tips to ensure the best harvest. Read more now.

How to Keep Rabbits Out of the Garden

A close up of a small rabbit with autumn foliage in the foreground, and grass in soft focus in the background.

Sure, they’re cute, but bunnies can wreak havoc on your flowers and vegetable harvest. To discourage garden damage by rabbits without making like Elmer Fudd, follow these tips. Savvy plant selection, fences, and yard maintenance can all help keep Peter Rabbit out of your space. Quit growing rabbit food, already!

How to Grow Native Swamp Sunflowers

A close up horizontal image of yellow swamp sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) growing in the garden.

Fall-blooming perennials, swamp sunflowers have narrow leaves and masses of bright yellow, two-inch flowers. The plants reach five feet or taller, ideal for native plantings and borders. They thrive in soggy soil, coastal areas, or near ponds. We share tips for sowing and growing this beautiful pollinator magnet.

How to Make Tomatoes Turn Red When They Refuse to Ripen on the Vine

Close up closter of red tomatoes growing on the vine.

It’s so sad when tomatoes won’t ripen on the vine. Stay one step ahead of the coming frost with these tips to make homegrown tomatoes turn red. Temperature, cultivar selection, and stress all come into play. And sometimes you can bring green fruit inside to ripen. Our motto: No tomato left behind. Read more now.

How to Identify and Control Mexican Bean Beetles

A close up horizontal image of an orange and black Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) devouring foliage.

Mexican bean beetles may look like ladybugs, but these orange-red, polka-dotted pests can plague bean plants in the home garden. They do the most harm to foliage, especially in late summer. In this guide, you’ll learn to identify, control, and prevent this top bean plant foe – whether larval or adult.

How to Grow and Care for Hyacinth Bean Vines

A close up of a Lablab purpureus vine growing in the garden, with large green leaves, purple flowers, and green seed pods, in bright sunshine.

Not just a beauty, the hyacinth bean produces glorious blooms as well as showy purple pods and edible shoots. It grows fast as an arbor or living privacy fence, and avoiding its potentially toxic tendencies is simple. This guide will tell you how to tap all that purple power, and there’s nothing tough about growing it!

How to Grow and Care for Torenia (Wishbone) Flowers

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Torenia, aka wishbone flower, blooms in fun colors including purple, magenta, and yellow, and has flowers shaped like little clown faces. Thriving in partial sun to full shade, they make an easy-care addition to woodland gardens, borders, and walkway edges. Learn to care for this happy-face flower in this guide. Read more.

Can You Freeze Fresh Tomatoes? Tips for Freezing Your Homegrown Crop

A close up horizontal image of tomatoes in various shapes, colors, and sizes, some sliced and others whole, set on a wooden surface.

When life gives you a bumper crop of tomatoes, you’re in luck if you have room in the freezer. But you need to be savvy. Make the most of a tomato glut without wasting time or energy, and try our tips for making sauce or concasse, freezer jam, and salsa, as well as freezing plain, unpeeled tomatoes. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Spanish Flag (Firecracker Vine)

A close up horizontal image of red and white firecracker vine (aka Spanish flag) flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

Also known as firecracker vine, Spanish flag can grow 10 feet in a month and produces abundant, multicolored blooms from summer until first frost. A favorite of bees and hummingbirds, it can act as a living privacy fence. Our guide provides tips for growing this easy-care annual, from sowing to fertilizing.

How to Grow and Care for Swan River Daisies

A close up horizontal image of a light purple Swan River daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia) pictured on a soft focus background.

With colorful flowers and a spreading habit, the Swan River daisy hails from Australia and is a natural choice for annual ground cover and brightening borders. The most distinct variety has blue petals, but all the color options are cheery in containers and mass plantings. Follow our tips for the healthiest blooms.

How to Plant and Grow Zucchini Squash

A close up of the ripe, dark green fruits of a summer squash, growing in the garden, surrounded by foliage with soil in soft focus in the background.

A traditional home garden favorite, zucchini is popular as a zero-carb spiral noodle standout. A few plants can supply the whole family! But with so many wonderful cultivars for edible blossoms, stuffing or pickles, why not plant a bunch and harvest all summer long? Follow these tips for zucchini bliss.

Causes and Solutions for Floppy or Wilting Zucchini Plants

A close up horizontal image of zucchini plants wilting and flopping in the garden.

Are your zucchini plants flopping over instead of producing the bumper crop these summer squash are famed for? The cause could be squash vine borers, too much moisture, or bacterial wilt via cucumber beetles. Here’s how to identify the issue, treat it if possible, and prevent garden-grown zucchini from falling over.

How to Grow and Care for Tomatillos

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With tart, round, green or purple fruits encased in papery husks, tomatillos are tomato relatives that grow quickly in summer gardens. Our tips will help you grow a bumper crop of tart orbs, harvest them properly, and enjoy them in dishes ranging from the traditional salsa verde to casseroles and jams. Read more.

How to Plant and Grow Snap Peas

A close up horizontal image of snap peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon) growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

Cool-weather snap peas are one of the first vegetables ready to harvest in spring. Sweet and crispy, they’ll encourage kids to eat their veggies. A short row will yield pounds of edible pods for snacks and salads, or you can grow these legumes in containers. Maximize your harvest and minimize the work with these tips.

How to Plant and Grow Golden Zucchini

A close up of a golden zucchini growing in the garden, with bright yellow fruits in various stages of maturity, pictured in light sunshine.

Grow a super food summer squash in a fresh yellow color! Golden zucchini are a bit sweeter than green varieties and nearly as productive. The shape makes them superior for zoodles, and their color’s a benefit in the kitchen and garden alike. Have some fun, follow these tips, and you’ll soon be harvesting summer gold.

Tips for Growing ‘Dwarf Grey’ Snow Peas

A close up horizontal image of a single Pisum sativum 'Dwarf Grey' snow pea growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

‘Dwarf Grey’ snow peas are compact and easy to grow for shoots, edible blooms, and a bounty of crisp green pods. Ideal for spring and fall planting, this cultivar yields pea shoots in just 10 to 14 days, followed by flat, tasty pods. Learn how to grow and care for ‘Dwarf Grey’ peas in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Four O’Clock Flowers

A close up horizontal image of colorful four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Four o’clocks bloom in the late afternoon, which is just part of their appeal. They also thrive in poor soil, resist drought, and sprout easily from seed. Our guide explains how to tend this old-fashioned cottage garden flower, from selecting cultivars to overwintering to saving seeds. It’s time to grow four o’clocks.

Tips for Growing Hawaiian Pineapple Tomatoes

A close up horizontal image of ripe and unripe 'Hawaiian Pineapple' tomatoes growing on the vine.

One of the prettiest, most flavorful beefsteak heirloom tomatoes, ‘Hawaiian Pineapple’ has yellow and red flesh and a sweeter than average flavor. The vigorous vines reach seven feet tall and produce fruits weighing one to two pounds each! With our tips, you can grow your own supply for recipes and to preserve.

How to Plant and Grow Peas

A close up horizontal image of pea pods growing in the garden, ready for harvest, fading to soft focus in the background.

From the traditional English shelling pea to the snap peas first introduced in 1979, peas offer home gardeners a reliable source of homegrown food and a crop to grow in the chilly months of early spring. Learn ways to enjoy the harvest and how to keep the plants productive and healthy with tips from our guide.

Tips for Growing Banana Peppers

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Both hot wax Hungarian and mild, sweet varieties are commonly called banana peppers. Either type will produce an abundance of tapered, yellow peppers in record time. From soil prep to sowing, harvest to cooking, our guide covers the best techniques for planting and growing banana peppers in the home garden. Read more.

Tips for Growing Heirloom ‘Kellogg’s Breakfast’ Tomatoes

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Solid orange slicing tomatoes, ‘Kellogg’s Breakfast’ grow on tall vines that need strong cages or stakes. The flavorful heirlooms produce one- to two-pound fruits in mid- to late summer. Our guide covers the traits that make this beefsteak a home cook and gardener’s favorite, and we share growing tips for top yields.

How to Plant and Grow ‘Costoluto Genovese’ Tomatoes

A close up horizontal image of a pile of freshly harvested, ripe red 'Costoluto Genovese' tomatoes in a wicker basket.

‘Costoluto Genovese’ offers intense flavor in an Italian canning tomato you can enjoy fresh in BLTs or caprese salad, too. This heirloom has a distinct lobed shape and bright red fruits with a high acid content. With our guide, you can harvest dozens of tasty tomatoes from each plant in your home garden.

How to Grow and Care for Red Rubin Basil

A close up horizontal image of the deep purple foliage of 'Red Rubin' basil growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

An ornamental and culinary basil, ‘Red Rubin’ is easy to grow as an annual in containers or in the herb garden. It requires warm weather, full sun, and consistent moisture to produce coppery-purple foliage for tea, marinades, salad, baking, garnishes, and bouquets. Our guide explains how to sow and grow ‘Red Rubin.’

How to Plant and Grow Tomatoes in Clay Soil

A close up of small tomato seedlings growing in dense soil amended with organic material.

Think tomatoes won’t thrive in clay soil? Here’s where we shatter that gardening myth. Even clay can’t stop a determined vegetable gardener from growing a bounty of tomatoes. The strategies for producing top yields and great flavor from tomatoes grown in heavy soil start with soil prep, and end at harvest. Read more.

19 of the Best Gardening Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

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Forget the stress and feel the love when you give a Mother’s Day gift perfect for mom gardeners. We’ve done the legwork, so you have plenty of practical, fanciful, huge, or modest options to choose from. Only the best for mom! All our best gift picks will warm a gardener’s heart, the same way her great kids do.

Here Comes the Sun: 15 Popular Sunflower Varieties

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Selecting the best sunflower cultivar to grow in your garden is a labor of love. This guide introduces many of the most popular, including mammoth seed-producers, sweet dwarfs for container gardening, and mid-size favorites in a range of colors. Discover 15 of the most popular sunflower varieties to choose from now.

11 of the Best Companion Plants to Grow With Okra

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Okra is easy to grow, but you can increase its yield and keep the plants healthier by sowing it next to compatible flowers and vegetables. We present 11 top okra companion plants, including basil, oregano, beans, snap peas, and cayenne peppers. Try companion planting now for better yields and fewer pests.

How to Grow Joe-Pye Weed in Your Landscape or Garden

A close up horizontal image of pink joe-pye weed flowers growing in the garden.

Joe-pye weed is a tall, easy-to-grow native wildflower that shares its name with a Mohican chief. With vanilla-scented flowers, it draws hummingbirds, songbirds, and pollinating insects. Read our guide now to learn how to propagate, care for, and maintain this late-fall bloomer in a border, meadow, or cottage garden.

How to Grow and Care for Gardenias

A close up horizontal image of a white Gardenia jasminoides flower growing in the garden pictured in light filtered sunshine.

Prized for their fragrant white flowers, gardenias grown outdoors need extra attention but will respond with multitudes of blooms and a spicy scent. Our guide explains how to grow traditional types and newer cold-hardy hybrids. Start with healthy plants and water, fertilize, and prune your way to a bonanza of blooms.

13 Flowering Plants Rabbits Will Leave Alone

A close up of a rabbit nibbling on a plant, pictured in light sunshine on a soft-focus background.

Want to close down the bunny salad bar in your garden? Grow flowering plants rabbits don’t like to eat! These annuals and perennials are beautiful, colorful, and rabbit-resistant. A few, like thyme and chives, are also delicious – to humans. Hop along, bunny, the flowering plants in this garden taste bad to rabbits.

How to Propagate Anthurium Plants from Seed

A close up horizontal image of an anthurium plant with deep green leaves and bright red flower spathes growing in a pot indoors.

You can grow anthurium plants from seed, but first, you must encourage the flowers to produce seed you can harvest to sow while it’s fresh. Our guide shares tips for manually pollinating the flowers and sowing the seeds. This method is cost-effective but requires patience and discipline from an indoor gardener.

How to Grow and Care for Petunias

A close up horizontal image of purple and white bicolored petunia flowers pictured in bright sunshine.

With eye-popping colors and an extra-long blooming season, petunias are popular annuals. The blooms can be blue, purple, yellow, or even striped. Plant petunia seeds or starts to grow in hanging baskets, borders, and containers. Our guide provides the best step-by-step instructions to care for these flowering beauties.

How to Grow and Care for Oleander Shrubs

A close up horizontal image of bright pink Nerium oleander flowers pictured growing in the garden on a soft focus background.

Evergreen oleander shrubs add tropical flair to the garden, blooming for months in vibrant shades of pink and red or delicate white. These low maintenance beauties thrive in poor soil, drought, high heat, and salt air and are suitable for cultivation in Zones 8-10. Learn how to plant and grow oleander in this guide.

11 of the Best Culinary and Ornamental Oregano Varieties

A close up horizontal image of oregano growing in a raised bed garden.

Which type of oregano should you grow? We have narrowed the choices, presenting 11 of the best oregano varieties for home gardeners. Each species or cultivar highlighted is fragrant and beautiful, but some enhance foods and others brighten the landscape. Find a new favorite for your herb garden now. Read more.

Tips for Growing Red Burgundy Okra

A close up horizontal image of 'Red Burgundy' okra pod and flower growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine, fading to soft focus in the background.

Prolific and terrific, ‘Burgundy’ heirloom okra grows fast and produces bushels of edible red pods in a single season. Our guide shares ways this variety differs from green types and how to care for the plants from sowing to harvest and cooking. Eat the pretty yellow blooms, too, or grow red okra as an ornamental.

How to Plant and Grow Cucumbers

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Cucumbers have long been depended on to add a satisfying crunch to summer meals. This summer crop is easy to grow when you pick the right varieties for your growing zone and keep your plants healthy and high-yielding. Learn how to plant and grow cucumbers in your garden with this guide – we’ve even got recipe ideas too.

9 Fast-Growing Vegetables and Herbs to Pep Up Your Pantry Menu

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Impatient for a homegrown harvest you can serve or snack on? Opt for quick-growing vegetables and herbs that yield tasty, fresh ingredients, some in just 14 days. These early-season homegrown shoots, microgreens, and even a flower will perk up your end of winter, pantry-based meals. Forget slow and steady! Read more.

7 of the Best Citrus Basil Varieties for Your Herb Garden

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Some of the best basils to grow at home have a citrus scent and flavor. We’ve evaluated the options to save you some legwork, and the result is our list of seven top lime or lemon basils for home gardeners. All are easy to grow and have aromatic blossoms for a summer’s worth of citrus basil delight. Read more now.

Learn How to Plant and Grow Crookneck Squash

Top down view of two yellow, crookneck squash fruits on a rustic wooden table.

An ideal crop for beginners or gardeners who want to grow more of their own food, bush-type yellow crookneck squash grows fast in the summer heat. The plants yield bushels of tender fruits with curved necks. Harvest a bumper crop in your first season with our best tips for sowing and harvesting this heirloom vegetable.

Tips for Growing Citrus Basil

A close up horizontal image of freshly harvested citrus basil set on a dark gray surface.

What is citrus basil? Home gardeners have discovered the delights of growing basil varieties that have a hint of lemon or lime flavor in their leaves and scented flowers. Are these tangy, aromatic plants a good pick for your herb garden? What types of cuisine are they suited to? Read our guide now to find out.

How to Grow and Care for Mother of Millions (Chandelier Plants)

A close up horizontal image of the succulent foliage and tiny plantlets of a mother of millions (Kalanchoe delagoensis) plant.

Easy to propagate and low-maintenance, mother of millions produces baby plantlets on its leaf tips. Also known as the chandelier plant, it’s a favorite for beginners and indoor gardeners on a budget. Learn how to grow and care for these unique succulents both indoors as a houseplant or out in the landscape. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Plants

A close up horizontal image of the dark green, with white-veined foliage of Alocasia plants growing outdoors.

The Alocasia genus includes numerous tropical species including those commonly known as kris plants, African mask, and giant taro. Also known as elephant ears, these dramatic foliage plants will add a touch of drama to your indoor decor. Learn how to grow and care for Alocasia houseplants in this guide. Read more now.

13 of the Best Crassula Varieties to Grow at Home

A close up horizontal image of a jade plant (Crassula ovata) in full bloom with light pink and white flowers fading to soft focus in the background.

The Crassula genus includes the classic green jade plants as well as a diverse range of other succulent species and cultivars. The leaves may be fingerlike or shaped like coins, variegated, silver, or pink. With fun names like ripple jade and worm plant, our roundup showcases 13 top Crassula picks to grow at home.

How to Grow and Care for Anacampseros Succulents

A close up horizontal image of the succulent green and pink foliage of Anacampseros plants.

Compact, colorful anacampseros succulents grow as perennials in Zones 9-11, and they are easy-care container plants to overwinter indoors in colder growing areas. They grow just six inches maximum and spread to create ground cover or as filler in succulent container gardens. Learn to care for anacampseros in our guide.

How to Force Flaming Katy Kalanchoe to Flower

A close up horizontal image of bright orange flowers and buds of a flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) plant growing indoors.

You don’t have to toss florist’s kalanchoe after it’s done blooming. Our guide provides step-by-step instructions for forcing new blooms from the flaming Katy ornamental succulents. If you have a place to keep this houseplant in the dark and a little patience, it will reward you with another show of beautiful flowers.

How to Grow and Care for Jade Plants Indoors

A close up horizontal image of a jade plant (Crassula ovata) growing in a white pot set on a wooden window sill.

One of the most popular houseplants, succulent jade retains water in its leaves, stems, and roots. This trait allows these plants to thrive on infrequent watering and with little other care. But they do require plenty of bright light and well-draining soil. Our guide shares tips on growing jade indoors.

A Review of Edible Flowers by Monica Nelson

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Need some inspiration to add flowers to your menu? “Edible Blooms” by Monica Nelson presents the lore and botany of over 100 edible flower possibilities, along with recipes and a quick guide to harvesting them to eat. Read our review now to look inside this compendium of edible blooms from acacia to zinnias.

How to Grow and Care for Crassula Succulents

A close up horizontal image of a silver jade plant growing in a terra cotta pot outdoors.

A succulent that thrives in low humidity and bright light, crassula is easy to care for as a houseplant or outdoors in Zones 11-12. Species in this genus include the common jade tree, silver dollar plants, baby’s necklace, and worm plant. Learn more about growing and caring for popular crassula varieties in our guide.

How to Grow Flaming Katy Kalanchoe

A close up horizontal image of the delicate flowers of flaming Katy (florist's kalanchoe) pictured on a dark soft focus background.

Flaming Katy is a blooming succulent you can grow indoors, or outside in Zones 10 to 12. Learn how to propagate and care for florist’s kalanchoe in our guide, whether you’re growing it as a houseplant or as an outdoor perennial in warm regions. The flowers are cheery and plants are easy to start from cuttings to share.

How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe

A close up horizontal image of colorful kalanchoe plants growing in pots.

The Kalanchoe genus includes a range of perennial succulents that are hardy in Zones 9-12, depending on the variety. Our guide explains how to grow kalanchoe outdoors in warm areas or indoors as a houseplant. And it’s easily propagated from cuttings, seeds, or plantlets produced on leaf edges. Read more now.

How to Overwinter Oleander Shrubs

A close up horizontal image of white oleander flowers growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a blue sky background.

Oleander shrubs withstand heat, drought, and extreme humidity, but they can’t handle harsh winters. These perennial shrubs thrive in Zones 8 to 11 but must come indoors to survive colder winters. In this guide, we’ll cover how to prepare oleander plants for winter, and cold-weather care tips. Read more now.

Tips for Growing Green Beans in Fall

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You can grow green beans to harvest in autumn, and the tips from our guide will improve your odds of success. Fall-grown beans need more time to grow, protection from harsh temperatures, and a carefully-selected planting site. Learn to grow a bumper crop of fresh beans for tailgates and fall festivals in this guide.

How to Protect Zucchini from Frost

A close up horizontal image of a zucchini plant damaged by frost.

When frost or freezing weather threatens zucchini plants in your garden, there are steps you can take to protect them. From row covers and other protective strategies to planning your plantings ahead of time, growing suitable varieties for your area, and starting seeds indoors. Learn frost protection tips in this guide.

11 of the Best Hens and Chicks Varieties

A close up horizontal image of a variety of different hens and chicks (Sempervivum) growing in a succulent garden.

All types of Sempervivum are easy-care, drought- and deer-resistant succulents suited to growing in containers or as ground cover. But which is best for you? Simplify the selection with our roundup of 11 of our favorite hens and chicks in various colors including lilac, red, and black, and one with a cobweb texture.

Do Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) Plants Bloom?

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Can you expect your hens and chicks to bloom? Our guide explains how aging or stress causes succulent Sempervivum plants to form dainty flowers that are usually pink. After blooming just once, the plant dies. We also share tips for recognizing developing buds and keeping offsets alive once the parent plant passes on.

How to Grow Sunflowers as a Cover Crop

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Home gardeners can grow sunflowers as a cover crop that will prevent erosion, build soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. This atypical choice provides flowers and seed heads for the birds while building your raised bed or garden soil. This guide explains how to grow the flowers for maximum benefit and beauty.

Tips for Growing Black Oil Sunflowers in the Home Garden

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Best uses for black oil sunflowers include native and wildlife plantings, flower gardens, and microgreens. The disease-resistant plants have striking blooms that produce seeds that appeal to songbirds and pollinators alike. Our tips make it simple to grow your own supply of birdseed for the winter. Read more now.

17 of the Best White Rose Varieties for the Garden

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White roses you grow yourself can be elegant, dramatic, or sweet and fresh. They look beautiful in flower arrangements and bridal bouquets, or planted to contrast with more colorful flowers in gardens and borders. Need inspiration? Learn about 17 of the best white rose varieties right here. Read more now.

Are Pansy Flowers Edible? Tips for Harvest and Use

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Tasty, easy-care edible flowers, pansies come in an array of patterns and colors. Grow them in cool weather to yield edible blooms for garnishes, herb butter, and salads. Our guide provides important safety recommendations for growing flowers to eat, and tips for harvesting pansy blossoms all season long. Read more.

When and How to Prune Zucchini Plants

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Zucchini plants may need pruning to get rid of damaged or diseased leaves, or to discourage crowding and shading. Our guide tells how and when to prune zucchini without harming the vines or bush plants. It also shares ways to avoid this garden chore with ample spacing and by choosing compact varieties to grow. Read more.

How to Prevent and Manage Common Mustard Green Pests and Diseases

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While mustard greens grow quickly and are easy to care for in the home garden, they’re also susceptible to a number of pests and brassica diseases caused by pathogens like fungi and water molds. Our guide explains how to prevent the most common ailments, like downy mildew, and ways to cope with insect pests. Read more.

How to Harvest and Use Edible Nasturtiums

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All parts of the nasturtium plant are edible with flowers available in dozens of appealing shades, from pastels to deep purple, bright orange, and red. Both vining and compact varieties yield blooms for salads or garnishes and seed pods to pickle. Learn how to harvest, and discover tips to encourage the most blossoms.

Why Zucchini Blossoms Drop and What to Do About It

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When zucchini drop their flowers without producing squash, don’t panic. It could be the male flowers dropping after they release pollen, which is harmless. Or the zucchini could be suffering from poor pollination or cutworm damage. Address the root causes and learn to prevent them in the first place with our guide.

How to Grow Sweeter Tomatoes in Your Garden

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Want to grow juicy, sweet tomatoes with the best flavor? Our guide tells you how to select the sweetest varieties and encourage sugary flavor with proper growing conditions. Rich soil, supplemental water, and vine pruning are all important. Grow the best tasting cherry, plum, and beefsteaks in your summer garden.

How and When to Harvest Scallions

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When you grow scallions in your vegetable garden, you can harvest the stalks to use like chives, pull full-size green onions for salads and recipes, or pick edible blooms for garnishes and flavored oils. Our guide tells when and how to pick bunching onions for peak flavor and to keep the perennial plants productive.

How to Plant and Grow Wild Garlic Chives in the Garden

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One of the easiest edible plants you can grow, wild garlic chives are also one of the most useful. They add a light garlic flavor to fresh and cooked recipes, are simple to preserve, and have edible blooms that attract pollinators. We share the best ways to grow this herb out in the garden, in a container, or indoors.

Tips for Growing Perfect Yellow Pear Tomatoes

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A vining heirloom tomato that grows tall and produces loads of tiny fruits, ‘Yellow Pear’ is a vintage favorite for the home garden. Our guide shares top tips for growing a bumper crop of these uniquely-shaped, mild-tasting yellow tomatoes. They’re ideal for eating straight from the vine, roasting, or sun-drying.

Tips for Growing San Marzano Tomatoes

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Grow a taste of Italy in your home garden with ‘San Marzano’ heirloom plum tomatoes. With thick, flavorful flesh, minimal seeds, and thin skins, they’re ideal for sauce, canning, or freezing, but you can enjoy them fresh, too. Read our guide to learn more about their volcanic history and gain some top growing tips.

Tips for Growing Supersweet 100 Tomatoes

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Want to pick hundreds of cherry tomatoes from a single homegrown plant? Grow ‘Supersweet 100’ to harvest a bounty from midsummer to first frost. The hybrid plants are disease-resistant, and yield sweet fruits for fresh eating, cooking, and preserving. Our tips will help you grow a bumper crop of ‘Supersweet 100.’

19 of the Best Pansy Varieties to Grow at Home

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Pansies are a favorite for many flower gardeners, available in a wide selection of colors, trailing or mounding growth habits, and small, medium, and large flower sizes. But what type should you choose for your garden? Learn more about 19 of the best pansy series and cultivars and discover your favorites. Read more now.

What Are the Different Types of Petunia Plants?

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Colorful and long-blooming petunias come in many types, with different growing habits and flowers of various sizes. Our guide explains 5 common categories of petunias, including one with oversize blooms, ground cover options, and self-cleaning varieties that don’t require any deadheading. Discover your favorites now.

How to Harvest Collard Greens

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Collards are delicious, nutritious greens you can grow in the home garden, but they taste best when you pick them at the right size and before the plants bolt. This guide explains how to time the collard harvest for maximum flavor and optimal texture, with tips for picking baby leaves and full-size greens.

How to Grow ‘Mortgage Lifter’ Tomatoes

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Indeterminate ‘Mortgage Lifter’ tomatoes grow tall and produce glorious, meaty fruits over a long period. They got their name from a 1930s mechanic, Radiator Charlie, who paid off his mortgage with the proceeds. These heirlooms won’t pay the bills, but they’re a priceless way to enjoy real tomato taste all summer long.

How to Plant and Grow Scallions

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Scallions are easy to plant and care for in the garden, and they’re one of the most versatile homegrown ingredients. These upright, perennial onions don’t form bulbs, but multiply by bunching. Our guide explains how to plant and care for scallions, and how to harvest them to enjoy in your favorite dishes. Read more now.

All About Edible Pod Peas

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Plant peas with edible pods in your garden to yield an abundant supply of sweet, fresh-from-the-vine snacks and salad ingredients. Both snap peas and snow peas thrive in cool spring and fall weather and are easy to care for. Learn about edible pod peas to grow in your veggie garden or containers here. Read more.

How to Plant and Grow Spring Onions

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Grow spring onions in your garden for an early harvest without much work. Pick immature bulbs in spring to eat fresh and add to savory dishes. We’ll guide you through sowing seeds or planting onion sets, keeping your plants healthy, and pulling these cool-weather garden veggies at the proper time for maximum flavor.

15 of the Best Canning Tomatoes You Should Grow

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Want to grow your own canning tomatoes for year-round deliciousness? Heirloom or hybrid, huge or snack-sized, each of our favorite varieties has its own unique taste and texture. Discover 15 of the best tomatoes to grow and preserve and to fill your pantry with sauces and salsas to see you through the rest of the year.

How to Manage Gardenia Winter Cold Damage

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Unexpected bad weather or long periods of low temperatures can cause cold damage to outdoor gardenias. Will your flowering shrub survive? This guide tells how to assess the damage, when to prune, and how long to wait for new growth before giving up on your plant. It includes ways to prevent frost damage, too.

How to Plant and Grow Pigeon Peas

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Pigeon peas are a multipurpose legume to plant in your garden or containers. The seeds are edible fresh or dried, and the plants also fix nitrogen, provide a source of mulch, and attract beneficial insects. Learn how to grow pigeon peas as annuals in colder regions or as self-seeding bushy perennials in Zones 9 to 12.

17 of the Best Shelling Pea Varieties to Grow in Your Garden

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Grow a bumper crop of shelling peas to eat and freeze when you choose the best variety for your home garden. Different types of English peas offer early harvest, heat tolerance, or short vines. One hybrid produces 13 seeds per pod and others are purple! Learn more about 17 top shelling peas to plant in our roundup.

How to Plant and Grow Snow Peas

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Snow peas are cool-weather vegetables that even beginning gardeners can succeed with. They taste great in stir fries and salads, and veggie-hating kids love to eat them fresh from the vine.This guide shares growing tips for top yields, picks for the best varieties, and recipes for enjoying snow peas in your cooking.