Chemicals should be a last resort when tackling garden pests and weeds. Start with proper identification, then works through cultural, mechanical, and biological controls before chemicals enter the picture. Learn how to apply garden chemicals safely plus organic alternatives in this guide.
Certain species of hydrangea have the unique ability to change color from blue to pink and vice versa. With a bit of patience and diligent application of certain soil amendments, you can encourage your hydrangea flowers to change color. Learn why hydrangeas change color and how you can do it at home in this guide.
Carrots, and cabbage, and collards, oh my! Fall is here and it’s time to head back to the garden to plant your autumn vegetable crops. For a bountiful harvest from your fall veggie patch, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll need before you sow your seeds and transplant your seedlings. Ready to learn more? Read on!
Interested in learning how to grow plants? It’s essential to learn the fundamentals before diving into this fun new hobby. This introduction to growing plants covers the basics of gardening and touches on what plants need to live. After reading it, you’ll be ready to begin your gardening journey. Let’s begin!
Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made from garden compost that can feed your plants and help to ward off some pathogens. The microbes in the solution can improve your soil while making your plants grow big and healthy. Learn more about compost tea and how to brew your own batch in this guide. Read more now.
Awareness of soil metrics such as pH and macronutrient concentrations can make a huge difference in your gardening efforts. In our roundup of the best soil test kits, we go over 11 of the top options currently available on the market and explain how to make the best selection for you and your plants. Read more now.
Who hasn’t had a hard time at some point with trying to keep their plants watered appropriately? If you regularly forget to water or you keep giving your plants too much, get yourself a soil moisture meter. These garden tools take the guesswork out of watering, and this article will show you how to use a hygrometer.
Want to grow a winter feast for wild birds? Pick shrubs and trees that fit your growing conditions and available space, but also select those with the most benefits for wildlife, providing cover and habitat as well as food. Learn about 21 of the best trees and shrubs with winter berries for wildlife in this guide.
Raised bed gardening is an efficient way of growing an abundant vegetable harvest, reducing the need for back-breaking labor and the use of synthetic fertilizers. Learn more about this simple but elegant growing practice and discover 9 top benefits of raised bed gardening in this guide. Read more now.
A septic field is a necessary evil but it doesn’t need to be an eyesore. Most people opt for a lawn to cover their field, but there are many other options. While you don’t want to plant any trees or shrubs over the area, you can plant something pretty. This guide gives you 21 options for dressing up your drainage area.
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.
If you love the blossoms and fruits of the beautiful elderberry but don’t have space in the garden, why not grow it in containers instead? Elderberry is a vigorous grower and will thrive in pots as long as you keep a few tips in mind. Learn how to grow and care for elderberry shrubs in containers. Read more now.
Want to use eggshells in your garden? Learn the best techniques for breaking them down in your compost and using them as a soil amendment. And find out the truth about whether eggshells really repel garden pests. To learn more about turning eggshells into garden amendments instead of landfill waste, read more now.
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.
Looking to learn a new gardening skill? Collecting and replanting flower seeds is a fun and economical way to enjoy your favorite flowers year after year. Though collecting seeds for saving only takes a few minutes, it can also become something of a hobby all on its own. Learn how and when to harvest flower seeds.
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 more than a few days. Learn seven useful tips for keeping your blossoms first-day fresh in this guide. Read more now.
Are you short on backyard space, or simply looking to add some zest to your patio display? Try growing shrubs in containers! Versatile and fun, your options for potted bushes are virtually endless. Learn all about growing and caring for shrubs in containers, and add a whole new dimension to your garden. Read more now.
Are leafy greens with bug holes okay to eat? They might be, but this is not the case if mammals have been nibbling on your crop. Shockingly, eating a raw slug or snail can also impact your health in rare cases. Read more now to learn when it is okay to eat greens from the garden that have been damaged by insects.
If you have only a small outdoor space and want to grow your own vegetables, container gardening is the perfect solution. Not sure where to begin? This guide will give you all you need to get started, including choosing and prepping containers, selecting appropriate plants, and routine care of your crops. Read more now.
Your garden soil is a living mixture of organic matter, minerals, air, water, and countless microorganisms. This guide covers the six basic soil types, pH levels, soil structure and texture, and how to match the right plants to your existing conditions. Learn how to make the most of what you have in this guide. 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.
Have you considered planting native wildflowers in your garden or yard? Using a palette of well-adapted plants, you can design and grow a local wildflower landscape to fit your gardening style and growing conditions. Find the best tips on how to plan and plant your own unique, native wildflower garden in this guide.
Need an alternative to grass under a shady tree? Do you have a slope that’s hard to mow? Ground cover plants offer a low-maintenance alternative to the carpets of lawn to which we have become accustomed. Learn about 15 of the best flowering ground covers for your unique property in this guide. Read more now.
You may have already learned many great companion plant combinations, but do you understand the science behind why they work? From controlling pests to preventing soil erosion, companion planting is a key element among organic backyard gardening practices. Read our guide on the benefits of companion planting now.
Before you can enjoy the spring and summer bounty, you have to do the preparation work. Laying mulch, pruning, building and repairs, preparing the beds, and cleaning your garden tools are all important tasks. Learn how to prepare your garden for spring so you can enjoy all the wonderful summer abundance in this guide.
Spring is a busy time for the gardener. And to get everything done in a timely manner, it’s easiest to plan maintenance, propagation, and growing projects for early, mid-, and late season. Then relax and enjoy, knowing everything’s in place for a pretty and productive year. Here’s your spring garden checklist.
Herbs are wonderfully low maintenance plants. And with just a little bit of care and attention in the spring, these aromatic, tasty, and healthful edibles will flourish for your enjoyment. From top-dressing to propagating, join us for all the details you need on how to care for your herb garden!
If your spring forsythia display isn’t up to par, it could be because the shrubs have suffered cold weather damage. Unusually low temperatures and frozen precipitation can wreak havoc on plant tissue. Read on to discover the warning signs and steps you can take to try to restore your forsythia to its former glory.
Are you still watering plants from the top with a watering can? Maybe it’s time to try bottom watering. Also known as reverse watering, this technique has some advantages that can result in healthier, happier plants. This guide helps you learn when and why you should use bottom watering, and how to do it the right way.
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.
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 about forcing spring blooms in this guide.
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.
Do you have a garden? If so, the makings of beautiful foliage arrangements are at your fingertips. Learn simple techniques for arranging flowers and greenery grown in your own backyard. From selecting containers to cutting focal flowers, this simple guide introduces the basics of creating your own arrangements. Read more.
If you’re looking for unique perennial flowers, hybrid hellebores are for you. Also known as Lenten roses, they’re perfect for moist, shady locations in the garden, and reward with cheerful blossoms in late winter and early spring. Learn how to cultivate these evergreen early bloomers in this guide. Read more now.
Myths and folklore are as much a part of gardening as shovels, soil, and seeds. In this guide, 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 tips for using them in the garden. Read more.
Gardening naturally reduces stress and anxiety. Time spent tending plants engages attention, promotes mindfulness through rhythmic tasks like weeding and digging, and exposes you to beneficial soil bacteria that improve emotional wellbeing. Discover the science-backed mental health benefits of gardening in this guide.
Unsure of what to do with that growing heap of ashes by the fireplace? Why not try composting them. Composting wood ash is an easy and effective way to increase the pH of acidic soil and add nutrients such as calcium and potassium. Read on to learn how and when to use wood ashes in the compost and in your garden.
Are you looking for a vibrant new plant for the house or garden that’s a cut above the rest? Consider Persian shield, a unique tropical variety with amazing, iridescent purple leaves. Learn all about this exceptional tropical plant in this guide. Read more now.
Have you marveled at ideas for immaculate holiday decor and wondered how to make your own? We have a simple and easily customizable design for a holiday centerpiece for you to use in your own home. Learn how you can craft your own wonderful winter arrangements to dazzle your holiday guests in this guide. Read more now.
Norfolk Island pine trees offer elegant symmetry with tiered branches of soft, bright green needles forming a classic pyramid shape. This tropical conifer adapts beautifully to indoor life, growing five to eight feet tall in containers. Find out how to grow Norfolk Island pine indoors in this guide. Read more now.
Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens created in transparent containers using layers of gravel, charcoal, moss, and soil. These self-contained ecosystems support moisture-loving plants in closed containers or cacti and succulents in open vessels. Learn how to create your own themed arrangements in this guide. Read more.
It takes more than just food to create a welcoming location for birds during the winter. As well as bird seed, our feathered visitors also need water, shelter, and clean, safe conditions. To learn more about creating a wildlife-friendly stopover, find 19 tips for feeding wild birds in winter in this guide. Read more now.
Many of our spring-blooming flowers sprout from bulbs planted in the fall. Favorites like crocus, daffodil, and tulip must spend the winter beneath the cold ground, storing energy for their debut when warm weather returns. Read on to find out how late you can plant bulbs in the fall for a spectacular spring display.
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.
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 in this guide. Read more now.
The glory days of summer may be over but there are still a few things to do in the garden before winter arrives. Take the time now to get these tasks done and your plants will be protected from freeze and frost, the soil will be nourished, and your garden will be ready for action when spring arrives. Get the list here.
Your lawn may be dormant during winter’s coldest months, but proper care can save you time and money come spring. Even when growth slows, grass still needs protection and nurturing to emerge healthy and vibrant when warmer weather returns. Learn 11 essential winter lawn care tips in this guide. Read more now.
Cover crops are easy, low maintenance plantings that help to improve your garden soil. Among the many benefits, they prevent erosion, cycle important nutrients, improve soil texture, provide mulch, break pest cycles, and suppress weeds. Learn about 15 of the best cover crops for the home garden in this guide. Read more.
Cover crops aren’t just for farmers. They’re easy, economical, and efficient for the home garden too. With many benefits, they’re a smart, natural method of protecting the soil, improving its structure, and increasing nutrients all at the same time. Learn how and when to plant cold weather cover crops. Read more now.
Prayer plants are cherished for their unusual habit of lifting their leaves up at night and spectacular foliage patterns. From geometric designs to artistic marbling, these houseplants showcase incredible variety in colors and textures. Discover 21 of the most stunning prayer plants in this guide. Read more now.
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. Learn about this easy-to-grow, long-lived plant in this guide. Read more now.
Do you want to spice up your Halloween display this year? Why not grow your own? Try decorating your home and yard with a collection of mysterious and scary plants just spooky enough to make your skin crawl. Read on to learn about 13 of our favorite creepy and bizarre plants to make Halloween extra chilling. Read more.
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.
Add some funky fresh flora to your indoor decor with Tillandsia, or air plants. They need indirect sunlight and no soil. Arrange and rearrange them as often as desired using creative supports such as crystals, driftwood, metal stands, and terrarium globes. Read on and discover 17 of our favorite Tillandsia species now.
If your crops are stunted, yellowing, or failing to thrive, the problem might be happening below the surface of the soil. False root-knot nematodes are microscopic pests that invade roots and cause galls to form, disrupting water and nutrient uptake. Learn more about false root-knot nematodes in this guide. Read more now.
Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is a vigorous, sprawling legume with fine, silvery foliage and vibrant purple flowers. Often grown as a winter-hardy cover crop, it fixes nitrogen, suppresses weeds, improves soil structure, and supports pollinators. Learn how to use hairy vetch as a cover crop in this guide. Read more now.
Composting is an easy, low-cost way to recycle kitchen scraps, garden trimmings, and fallen leaves into a nutritious garden amendment. Whatever method you use, you’ll be able to feed your plants, improve soil structure, and conserve water in no time. Learn how to get started with composting in this guide. Read more.
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.
Are you struggling to combat a squash bug infestation in the garden? Anasa tristis is a pesky insect that resembles a stink bug in its adult stage, and these pests can cause damage and wilting in your squash plants and other edibles. In this guide we offer tips that can help to save your cucurbit harvest. Read more now.
Are you eager to expand your blueberry patch? You could go to a nursery and buy potted plants, but why not try propagating your own? You can do this by taking cuttings, collecting and sowing seeds, via layering, or transplanting suckers Learn how to propagate your own blueberry plants using these methods. Read more now.
If you are growing bay laurel in containers indoors or out in the garden and it’s getting too big for its current home, it may be time to transplant. If you need to move your bay tree, check out this guide to learn when and how to transplant bay laurel and ensure it thrives in its new location. Read more now.
If you’re new to the world of vegetable gardening, you’re in for a treat! Fresh veggies have a flavor that can’t be beat, and they’re healthy and nutritious. Plus, growing your own is friendly on the budget, and gardening is an excellent way to reduce stress. Learn all about these positive benefits right here on Gardener’s Path.
Perennials provide long-lasting garden beauty. To get the best performance and value from these landscape stalwarts, the simple task of plant division serves many purposes. Learn more about the plant health, garden design, and budget-boosting benefits of dividing perennials – read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Lace bugs, with their intricately designed wings, feed on trees, shrubs, and grasses, and are mainly a cosmetic concern. But when it comes to ornamentals, their damage can be ugly. This guide covers everything you’ll need to know about these strange looking pests, including the strategies you can use to control them.
You don’t need lots of space, or a garden even, to grow and enjoy your own homegrown blueberries. You can grow these bushes in containers and keep them on your patio or balcony where they provide ornamental interest as well as delicious fruit. Learn how to grow your own blueberries in pots in this guide. Read more now.
Are you sick and tired of always having to mow the lawn? Instead, save time, money, and water by converting your grass yard to low-growing chamomile. Chamomile lawns improve the soil and attract pollinators while greatly reducing maintenance. Continue on to learn how to grow chamomile as a lawn alternative.
Armyworms descend on your lawn or garden like an invading army. The hungry caterpillars march across your property devouring plants and ruining your vegetables and ornamentals as they go. And cold weather in the winter won’t stop them. Learn how to identify and control armyworms in this guide. Read more now.
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.
If you love the bright, elegant flowers of azaleas but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing them in containers instead? You can also liven up your porch, deck, or patio with the luxurious bursts of color. Learn how to grow azaleas in pots and discover our top container-friendly cultivars in this guide.
If you seem to spot aphid congregations every time you look at your rose bushes, you’re probably feeling frustrated. How do you keep them under control? Can you do this without harming beneficial insects? And can beneficial insects help get rid of a bad aphid infestation? Find out in this guide. Read more now.
You’ve waited all season, your blueberry plants are finally bursting with ripening berries, and your mouth is already watering. Don’t turn your back for too long, because birds love those ripe, sweet blueberries too. Read more now to learn all the different ways you can protect your blueberries from birds.
If you’re wondering how and when to prune your pumpkin vines to keep them healthy and productive, you might feel confused. By trimming your pumpkin plants, you’ll grow an abundant harvest of gourds, and minimize pest and disease issues. In this guide, you’ll discover which vines to trim, and how and when to do it.
Forsythia is a deciduous shrub for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, best known for its yellow blossoms and for being one of the earliest spring bloomers. These grow best in locations with full sun and well-draining soil. Read on to learn how to propagate more from the ones you have, and fill your yard with springtime cheer.
If you live in a climate that tends to be hot and humid, Septoria leaf spot can be a devastating disease of tomatoes. This fungal infection can be very persistent, so you may need to use fungicides to keep it under control. Read on to learn how to prevent, identify, and control this disease in the garden.
If you’ve ever shopped for bay trees at the nursery, you know they can be pricey. No need to shell out the green – if you’re up for a challenge, why not propagate one at home via cuttings? This comprehensive guide will walk you through taking and growing bay tree cuttings the right way for the best chance of success.
A garden favorite, irises add elegant beauty and fragrance wherever they’re planted. Upright and clump forming, they look terrific in beds, borders, and containers. But to keep plants vibrantly flowering, they benefit from regular division every three or four years. Learn how to divide and transplant irises now.
Mealybugs are notorious pests of indoor flora, including your precious houseplants. They suck the sugary juices from the leaves and stems, excrete honeydew and can even vector diseases. Learn all you need to know about these insects, their biology, identification, and available control options in this guide. Read more now.
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.
Bring the pungent evergreen foliage of rosemary onto your deck or patio by growing it in containers. If you don’t have room in your garden, this versatile, easycare herb grows happily in pots and planters and provides ornamental interest in addition to its culinary uses. Learn how to grow rosemary in containers now.
Spider mites are common unwelcome pests that suck on foliage, leaving light-colored spots and covering plants with ugly webbing. Luckily, there are a lot of mites and insects that love to snack on them. Learn all you need to know about these arachnids, how to identify them, and the control options available to you now.
Looking to grow bay laurel from seed? This guide will help you through the process of harvesting the seeds, encouraging them to germinate, and transplanting seedlings to the garden. We’ll also help you figure out what went wrong if you run into trouble. All you need is a little patience and this article to get started.
Three types of aggressive microbes can cause tomato blight. Early blight and Septoria blight are fungal diseases, while late blight is caused by a water mold. The symptoms of these diseases all differ slightly, and this guide will show you how to prevent, identify, and treat these insidious infections in your crop.
Trap crops are plants that are more attractive to pest insects than your crops are, luring the bad bugs away from your vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and preventing damage. Once on these decoys, the pests are easy to find and kill, meaning less insecticides are needed. Read more about trap cropping in this guide.
Shady areas in the garden don’t have to be bland and boring as there are many perennials that will bloom reliably even in low light. By choosing your plantings carefully you can brighten up your gloomy garden corners with some color and texture. Learn about 33 of the best perennials to grow in the shade in this guide.
Coconut coir is a fibrous material used to manufacture products like brooms and mats, as well as a host of soilless growing products. In its various forms you can use it to line planters, improve soil water retention and aeration, and support tropical plants like orchids. Learn its pros and cons now on Gardener’s Path.
Have you seen these scary looking nocturnal crawlers? While earwigs can sometimes be beneficial visitors, they do like to snack on many common garden plants, and can become significant pests. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to monitor for and effectively deal with problem pincher bugs. Read more now.
Cauliflower is a cool-weather cole crop that can be temperamental, even under the best of circumstances. When insects feed on it, a whole new set of challenges arises. Read on to discover nine of the most common cauliflower pests that feed on foliage, heads, and roots, and learn about effective treatment options.
Want to bring the prairie beauty of echinacea to your patio? Coneflowers are a sturdy staple of flower gardens across the US, with their stand-out shape and color. We’ll help you learn how to grow coneflowers in containers so you can enjoy these fetching flowers even if you only have a tiny spot on a balcony.
Woolly aphids are plant-sucking insects that cover themselves with a fluffy, waxy coating, making them look like little cotton balls. They feed on shrubs and trees, and are mainly a cosmetic concern. This guide covers everything you need to know about these pests, including the strategies you can use to control them.
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.
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.
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.
Garden slugs and snails are known as gastropods, and an infestation can decimate tender seedlings and mature plants in short order. Join us here for a look at the most effective natural methods to banish the slimy bandits for good!
Did you know that like the berries, elderflowers are both edible and medicinal? These tiny aromatic blossoms have a myriad of interesting uses. Head to Gardener’s Path for harvesting tips, as well as suggestions on ways to prepare and use elderflowers. Read more now.
Have you heard of juglone toxicity? This side effect of keeping black walnut trees may be killing your other plants. Learn what fruits and flowers can withstand living near the tree and how to properly treat sensitive plants with our guide on Gardener’s Path.
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.
Peace lilies are typically easygoing houseplants, but occasionally they may come down with a disease. Most common peace lily diseases occur in nurseries, but certain root rots can strike houseplants in loving homes. Learn more about how to protect your peace lilies from disease now in this guide. Read more now.
A garden full of pollinators like butterflies is important for the ecological balance of your landscape. Cultivating host plants to provide vital food sources as well as places for them to lay eggs is crucial for their survival. Discover 21 of the best flowering perennials to attract butterflies in this guide. Read more.
Cats that have eaten peace lilies may show symptoms ranging from sudden yowling to an upset stomach. If your cat is pawing at its face after eating your houseplant, it’s important to know what to do! While less harmful than true lilies, the toxicity of this plant is not to be taken lightly. Read on to learn more.
Grape hyacinth bulbs add bright splashes of color to the early spring garden, and a sweet fragrance. Easy and dependable, they’re striking in beds, containers, and naturalized settings and multiply readily so you can quickly expand your collection. Learn all about grape hyacinth propagation for bulbs and seeds now.