Myths and folklore are as much a part of gardening as shovels, soil, and seeds. We examine some of the most popular garden myths and analyze whether they are true, should be taken with a grain of salt, or are just plain wrong. And if they are factual, we offer our tips for using them in the garden. Read more.
For incomparable fresh flavors, a container herb garden provides a quick, efficient, and affordable way to grow your own, even in the smallest space. They’re attractive with pretty flowers and delightfully fragrant. And once planted, they’re low-maintenance, fast growing, and highly rewarding. Find our easy tips here.
Cantaloupe is a warm weather crop that’s sweet, firm, and scrumptious. If you want to harvest homegrown cantaloupe, but don’t have room in your garden (or the right type of weather) why not try growing it in containers? Planting in pots saves space in your garden and can extend the growing season. Read more now.
Some types of fungi have developed resistance to a number of the fungicides used to control them. However, by knowing how these compounds target the fungi, we can develop a plan to vary treatments and alternate between different types, making resistance much less likely. Read on to learn how to rotate fungicides.
Chamomile is boisterous in the garden, self-seeding where you least expect it. Planting it in a pot can keep this herb under control. There are just a few things you need to succeed, including the right container, soil, and location. Read more now to learn everything you need to know to grow chamomile in a container.
Raspberry fruitworms eat the leaves of raspberries and blackberries, and their larvae infest the fruit. Since this can lead to a very unpleasant surprise for consumers, it is fortunate that there is a range of control options. Gardener’s Path will train you how to monitor your populations of these pests and control them.
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.
Sex appeal comes in all shapes and sizes, but in insects, it’s often rooted in trace amounts of a pheromone. Gardeners and growers use this to their advantage by luring and trapping the males or preventing them from finding their mates. Read on to learn how to use these hormones to control pests in your garden.
Broccoli is a cool weather crop that’s nutritious and delicious. If you want to harvest tender, homegrown broccoli for your soups, quiches, and sides, but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing it in containers? Planting in pots saves space in your garden and can extend the growing season. Read more now.
Almond hull rot occurs at hull split and can limit the ability of the trees to bear fruit in the future. And the infected nuts that remain on the tree can harbor navel orange worms. This disease is much worse in well-fertilized and properly irrigated trees. Read on to learn how to prevent and control almond hull rot.
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.
It’s the perfect time to start growing your own herbs, fruits, veggies, and mushrooms at home, or to take up a new hobby like terrarium-making or succulent propagation. We’ve found the best kits to help you get started. Most include everything you need, with helpful instructions. Pick your favorite, and get growing!
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.
Planning to spend some time outdoors in the garden this summer? Learning how to work safely in hot temperatures and hours of sun exposure is essential knowledge for the gardener. It’s time to brush up on the basics and maybe even learn something new. Beat the heat and stay safe from the summer sun with this guide.
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.
Cabbage maggots are tiny insects in the soil, and often by the time the plants show symptoms, it is too late to save them. Knowing what to look for lets you monitor for them and identify their presence in time to implement control measures. Read on to learn how to identify and control these pernicious pests.
Have you tried nude gardening? World Naked Gardening Day is the first Saturday in May, and it’s time to get out there and feel the soil beneath your feet. Gardening can be a sensual, healing experience to enjoy through all of the five senses. To get our tips for celebrating this year, read more now.
Deep-green Asian, or Asiatic, jasmine is a fantastic ground cover, especially for shady areas of the garden. But like many plants, it can get out of hand. Read more now to learn about several methods for pruning and controlling the spread of this assertive vine. Your neighbors will be glad you did!
Armillaria root rot is a serious fungal infection that attacks many different plants. This fungus can devastate apples and most other kinds of fruit trees. Resistant to fungicide treatments, it is difficult to control. Learn what makes this pathogen so hard to control and how to prevent infection in your apple trees.
Stressed pecan trees can be susceptible to pecan twig dieback disease. Caused by fungi, this infection cannot be cured by fungicides. Learn how to identify pecan twig dieback and steps you can take to prevent it from taking hold and how to treat infected trees. Plus tips on how to keep your trees healthy. Read more now.
Are you wondering when is the best time to plant crocus bulbs in the ground for a vibrant springtime reward? You won’t want to miss this guide. Discover exactly when to plant the three most popular crocus varieties for a late fall or early spring bounty of purple, pink, white, or yellow blooms. 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 aggravated by ants crawling around your home? If you have an infestation in your house or yard, it can be very difficult to get it under control. Discover the different methods for controlling ants, including how and when to use bait and what works best for different species. Learn how to eradicate ants now.
Thief ants get their name because they steal food and larvae from other ant colonies. These tiny ants have the dubious honor of being among the most difficult types of ants to control in your home – and they can spread human diseases. Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage a thief ant infestation. Read more now.
Collecting and sowing fresh hellebore seeds is a cost-effective way to propagate them in home gardens. If you are enjoying the blossoms of this lovely late-winter flower, why not increase its presence in your landscape by gathering seeds to plant where you like? Learn how to collect and sow hellebore seeds 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.
Argentine ants are one of the most invasive of all ant species. With multiple queens and colonies, they can quickly take over large areas, spreading disease and encouraging crop pests. Learn how to identify these insects and strategies to manage an Argentine ant infestation in your home and garden. Read more now.
Chives are wonderful for adding a light oniony flavor to any number of savory dishes, including soups, salads, and baked potatoes. It’s a cinch to grow your own, especially in pots and containers that are easy to access from the kitchen, whether that’s on the back porch or on a sunny windowsill indoors. Read more now.
You take pride in your lawn, invest time and money in it, and tend it lovingly from spring through fall. Why not give the turf some love in the winter? With our 11 winter lawn care essentials, you can discover ways to keep it healthy and avoid headaches in the spring. Read more now to learn how.
Kale is a frost hardy annual that’s grown for its nutritious, flavorful leaves in fantastic colors and fanciful shapes. And it’s just as easy to grow in pots or containers as in the ground. Learn how to plant up a few pots for the kitchen garden right now, then enjoy its beauty and health benefits well into winter.
Despite kale’s tendency to be healthy and vigorous, the plants can be vulnerable to insects, nematodes, bacteria, and fungi under certain circumstances. Read on to learn how to identify and control pests and pathogens on your kale plants.
Did you know that you can grow ginger indoors all year long? In fact, growing ginger in containers alongside your other houseplants is surprisingly easy, and will reward you with a consistent supply of fresh juicy roots. Learn tips and tricks for growing this tropical herb in containers indoors in any climate.
Don’t let your kale get overrun with pests. If you’re growing kale in your vegetable garden there’s a good chance you’ve got some insects damaging your plants. If they get out of control you’ll want to take action. Learn how to identify who’s chomping on your greens and kill these bugs naturally. Read more now.
When the thermometer takes a sudden dive, you may wake up to a vegetable garden coated with frost. Some crops can tolerate it, but others are ruined instantly. Learn about the hardiness of vegetables, what to do when frost is in the forecast, and how to deal with the damage that may occur. Read more now.
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.
The invasive spotted lanternfly is currently under quarantine in multiple states, and could easily cause billions of dollars of damage in Pennsylvania alone. It feeds on hardwood and fruit trees and vines, and is a particular threat to grape vines and hops. Read on to learn how to manage an infestation.
Want to help your garden rest well this winter? Winter mulching is a great way to prolong harvests, improve soil quality, and protect overwintering plants by insulating soil with organic materials. Learn how to use mulch to better support perennials and annual crops this winter. Read more now.
Citronella ants feed on insect secretions rather than human food. So, you might not think they are a threat. However, these ants frequently invade houses when they swarm and look like termites. Read on to discover the difference between citronella ants and termites and what to do when you are under siege.
Learn all about how and when to plant a southern fall vegetable garden, and enjoy homegrown produce well into fall and winter, when your northern friends can’t even see their soil underneath all the snow. Plus, get expert tips on which plants you’re likely to have success with in autumn.
Apricot soft rot caused by Rhizopus is a very serious infection that can destroy all your ripe peaches, apricots, nectarines, or plums . However, you can take steps to minimize the chances of your stone fruits from being infected. Read on to learn how to prevent Rhizopus rot in your harvest.
Pharaoh ants are highly difficult to control. While they are extensive problems in Florida and Texas, they also infest buildings in cooler climates. These aggressive ants will even attack the skin of burn victims in hospitals. Read on for tips on controlling these foreign invaders.
While you may think of potatoes when you think of soft rot, these bacterial diseases destroy a range of plants – from broccoli to tomatoes. There is no cure once your produce is infected, but there are steps you can take to prevent infection. Read on to learn how to protect your stored crops against bacterial soft rot.
Odorous house ants are native to the entire continental United States and are one of the most common types of ants that infest houses. They prefer warm, moist places like hot water heaters and will even nest behind paneling. Read on to learn how to eradicate these invasive creatures.
An incurable grapevine disease that is spread by very common insects threatens grapevines in warmer parts of the United States. However, there are steps you can take to prevent your plants from becoming infected by both tackling the insects that spread it and implementing cultural methods to protect your plants. Read on to learn how to prevent Pierce’s disease.
White spot fungi are selective in the crucifers they infect and cause disease on the leaves of turnip, rutabaga, canola, mustard, radish, and horseradish. The fungi overwinter on volunteer plants and cruciferous weeds. Read on to learn how to control white spot fungus on crucifers.
Turnip and rutabaga plants can be severely infested by several types of insects. While row covers can prevent some of these infestations, wireworms are soil-borne threats that can cause the end of the season’s crop in an infested field. Read on to learn how to manage cabbage aphids, root maggots, flea beetles, sawflies, and more.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens colonizes plant roots and stimulates plants to both grow and to activate their immune systems, resulting in resistance to pathogens. These bacteria also outcompete other microbes and inhibit both bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Read on to learn more about this biocontrol agent.
From its initial discovery in California in 2009, the spotted wing Drosophila spread throughout the US wreaking havoc on raspberries, blueberries, and many other types of fruits. This fly is very difficult to control, but you can do so organically. Read on to learn how to control this pest in your home garden.
Bacterial leaf spot on turnip can be caused by two different types of bacteria. This disease spreads easily and can be very difficult to control. Preventing the pathogens from becoming established is the best way to protect your turnip crop. Read on to learn how to protect your plants from these bacteria.
Want to start growing your own vegetables but you don’t have much space to spread out? Is it your goal to make the most of every nook and cranny of your small garden, balcony, or windowsill? Learn more about the best varieties of vegetables to grow in pots and containers, now on Gardener’s Path. Read more.
Cool, wet conditions favor downy mildew infection on turnips. Not only can the pathogen destroy the leaves, but it can also spread into the root and cause the turnips to crack. Fall crops are particularly susceptible to this fungus-like organism. Read on to learn how to prevent and control this disease.
Species of the fungus Alternaria can infect your turnips, causing leaf spots and spreading to the seed pods. There are a number of methods to prevent this disease, and both microbial and synthetic fungicides that will control it. To learn how to prevent and control this disease, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Black rot of turnips caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is a devastating bacterial disease that is easily spread. Since it is very difficult to control, preventing it from becoming established is your best bet. Read on to learn how to keep your turnips from becoming infected with black rot.
Cotton root rot infects more than 2,300 plant species in the southwest, including apples, peaches, almonds, and most other fruit and nut trees. While the disease is usually fatal, there are some steps you can take that might save your tree. Read on at Gardener’s Paths to find what to do if your tree has this disease.
The bacteria Streptomyces lydicus colonize plant roots and protect them against fungi and bacteria that cause disease. They can also be sprayed on plant leaves to control foliar pathogens. These bacteria are safe for people and beneficial insects. Read on to learn how they work and how to use them in your garden.
Wet soils encourage the development of fatal Phytophthora infections on fruit trees. However, you can take measures to prevent these infections. Read on to learn how to avoid collar and crown rot on your trees.
Do your shade, nut, or fruit tree limbs and trunks have unsightly growths on them? If so, they are probably burr knots or crown gall. One is due to roots growing on the stems, while the other is a bacterial infection. Prevention is the best bet for these disorders. Learn how to prevent and, in some cases, control them.
Walnut husk flies are damaging pests, particularly in California and Washington State. The flies pupate in the ground for 1-2 years and spend their larval stage hidden inside the husks. However, by monitoring the adults, you will know when to treat these pests before they lay their eggs. Read on to learn how to control these voracious insects.
Since southern blight can infect hundreds of plants and live in the soil for years, it is a severe threat to apple and crabapple trees. Especially if you live in the south, learn how to prevent this disease and keep it at bay with rigorous sanitation.
The complex of apple black rot cankers, black rot on fruit, and frogeye leaf spot can cause serious losses on apples and crabapples. However, you can minimize the damage by removing dead tissue and mummified fruit. Read on to learn the details of controlling these diseases.
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.
The fungus Armillaria attacks trees and shrubs in a wide variety of soils around the world. It can cause a fatal root rot on all fruit trees, including apricots. Read on to learn how to prevent this tree killer from infecting your apricot tree.
Crown gall bacteria can infect apples, crabapples, peaches, pears, nectarines, apricots, and plums throughout the world – causing unsightly growths that can girdle the trees and kill them. Read on to find out how to prevent this soil-borne disease from attacking your fruit trees.
Bot rot (white rot) can result in cankers on the limbs and twigs and fruit rot that may not show until your apples or crabapples rot after storage. Fortunately, this fungus only infects trees that are stressed. Read on to learn how to prevent infections from occurring.
Sago palm makes a sturdy addition to the garden in warm climates. But what should you do if pests and disease plague your cycads? Whether you’re dealing with scale, rot, yellowing, or mold, a nutrient deficiency, or a simple case of overwatering, we’re here to help with our pro tips! Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
California is trying to avoid Florida’s fate of the destruction of its citrus industry due to citrus greening. Homeowners are the focus of preventing the spread of this lethal disease because all of the infected trees in California have been residential trees. Read on to discover what you can do to protect your tree.
Soil is naturally full of beneficial microbes and nematodes that can help to prevent or even control plant diseases. Did you know you can increase the numbers of these useful organisms and improve the health of your garden by adding them as soil inoculants? Learn more about these fungi, bacteria, and other beneficials.
While you may have heard of mosquito-repelling plants, and while there are some that contain substances that do indeed repel the dreaded pests, it’s a bit more complicated than simply adding new plants to the landscape. At Gardener’s Path now, learn the best way to keep mosquitoes from biting at backyard barbecues.
Apricot, peach, nectarine, and plum fruit are susceptible to the unsightly scab disease. Wet weather triggers its spread, but the fungus can lurk on your trees undetected until the tree starts producing fruit. Read now to learn how to control this disease using cultural methods and, if necessary, fungicides.
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.
Constructing your own container of showy annuals and perennials is an easy and fun project to welcome the springtime weather. Following just a few core design principles, you can create your own eye-catching arrangement of flowers and foliage. Read all about spring container gardening and design now on Gardener’s Path.
Do you have a shady area that you’d like to brighten up, with a minimum of annual maintenance? Try layering some perennials into the area. Learn about our favorite suggestions now 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.
Put out the welcome mat for spring with an array of flowering bulbs and branches. Learn what forcing means, and how to select, prepare, and cultivate an indoor profusion of daffodils, forsythia, hyacinths, and branches like pussy willow. Learn everything you need to know in this guide. Read more now.
Trying to attract more butterflies to your backyard? Read our suggested 6 options to learn how to experience the beautiful presence of these winged wonders.
Are you itching to get into the garden, but it’s still too cold outside? Satisfy your craving to play in the dirt by starting seeds indoors. With an egg carton and potting medium, you can grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables to transplant outside when the weather warms. Learn how on Gardener’s Path.
Have you heard of adding bone meal to the soil when planting flowers and vegetables? This organic fertilizer is rich in phosphorus and calcium, nutrients essential for healthy roots, foliage, flowers, and produce. Is it the right amendment for your garden? Learn how to be sure, right here on 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.
Nothing says “tropical” like the colorful foliage of garden croton, with its leathery evergreen leaves and bright red and yellow accents. If your climate zone is a cool one, you can grow it in a sunny indoor location for a lush island vibe. Read all about this easy-to-grow, long-lived plant now on Gardener’s Path.
Building a bat box is an easy DIY activity, with a functional and beneficial outcome that provides a home for the nocturnal wildlife in your area. With just a drill – no other power tools required – you can produce a fully functional bat house. Keep reading to learn how to build your own now 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.
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.
Looking for the best way to support your tomatoes? Using the Florida Weave, all of your plants can be supported with the same trellis. It’s easy to set up, requires very few materials, and can be used for both determinate and indeterminate varieties. Read more now on Gardener’s Path and learn how to make your own.
For vertical gardens, leafy greens, and especially root crops, or if you simply want improved soil and drainage, a raised bed is the best option. But buying these from the store can really make you question the frugality of gardening. Check out this simple plan to build a small, economical version. Read more now.
Whether you’re a seasoned hen-raising expert or a newbie about to embark on this egg-producing hobby, Kathy Shea Mormino’s “The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens” will teach you all about raising these generous birds in your garden. Read our review of this easy-to-read and humorous book now at Gardener’s Path.
Did you know the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones have changed? This introduces a new array of plants that can grow comfortably in your garden while also denying a few old favorites. Read on to learn about why these changes have taken place, and how they may affect new plantings as well as seasoned perennials.
Need a creative DIY project? Garden paths can add interest and practicality to the landscape, and they’re useful and attractive whether you have multiple acres or a small suburban lot. If you’re ready to make some design-savvy changes to your outdoor space, learn how to add walkways to your yard now at Gardener’s Path.
Cut out the guesswork and do things the right way when it comes to garden pests! Prepare yourself for a primer on all things pesticide, and read about why applying chemicals is always the last-ditch solution. Read more now on 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.
Like many of your other landscape plants, trees need a little extra attention as winter prepares to rear its chilly head. Get the best tips now on Gardener’s Path for preparing your beauties for the arrival of Jack Frost.
It is frustrating and alarming when the top part of an otherwise healthy tree dies inexplicably. Want to learn why this happens, how you can treat this odd problem, and how to prevent it from happening to other trees in the future? Our expert tips can help. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
If you love to make your own Christmas decorations but don’t have a lot of free time to handcraft a wreath, make a swag for the door instead. Fast, simple, and easy, they add a gorgeous splash of fresh seasonal color that will look good for weeks. Join us now for a step by step tutorial!
Have you flipped and scrolled through magazines and web pages, marveling at immaculately presented winter decor? It’s tempting to imagine these stunning pieces as out of reach, something of a rarity for the average gardener. But fret not! We here at Gardener’s Path have a simple and easily customizable design for you to use in your own home. If you want find yourself endlessly enjoying winter centerpieces and you hope to dazzle your holiday guests, read on to learn how you can craft your own piece from scratch.
Let’s put our hands together for the bats! These flying critters are vital in the backyard and offer their services as bug catchers of the highest caliber. By offering bats a place to roost in your garden, you can encourage them to make regular appearances, offering their mosquito-catching skills. To learn the benefits of bats, plus tips to build your very own bat box, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Don’t give up yet – there’s hope for your houseplants! Tropical greenery cures our indoor doldrums, but many of us are fearful that we are agents of black-thumbed death, forever doomed to a plant-less lifestyle. Gardener’s Path has the solution – our guide to basic houseplant care, plus a selection of excellent houseplants that can take one heckuva beating. Keep reading to learn all about it!
Did you know your flock of chickens will provide tastier and more nutritious eggs if you provide them with fodder or sprouts? Learn how delicious and healthful greens can also make your birds happier — read more now on Gardener’s Path.
“Ish” gardening is a perspective that encourages more awareness while in the garden. From old-fashioned tricks to planting with purpose and even making friends with the plants outside (no, really!), “Ish” gardening offers a fresh approach to getting our hands dirty. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.