How to Use Orange Peels in Your Garden to Boost Plant Health and Deter Pests

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Oranges are delectable fruits packed with vitamin C, but believe it or not, orange peels have several benefits for your garden. The peels can act as a compost material to enrich your soil or be used in the garden to deter common pests like aphids. Rather than throwing your peels away, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for using orange peels in the garden."  Comments from Martha Stewart.com

As an organic gardener, I am always happy to learn more about using things like orange peel that we usually discard to benefit our garden.  So many benefits, but has to be done in certain ways to see the results.

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Cottage Garden Ideas for Creating a Lush, Romantic Landscape at Home

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Pristine and perfect? No, thank you. Tracie Fish has long championed a more relaxed approach, filling her family's cottage-style garden in Washington with nostalgic plants, rusted flea market finds, and moss-covered flagstone paths. "Over time, our garden became this cozy, joyful bit of chaos,” says Fish. Here are her top tips for creating a space that evokes classic cottage gardens with their freewheeling abundance of flowers and vintage structures."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Beautiful!!  Would love any of them!!

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How Often to Water a Jade Plant

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Jade plants are beautiful houseplants with thick, glossy leaves that put on a show year-round. Since they're succulents, they don't need to be watered very often, and it's not unusual for them to become overwatered by accident. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that will help you determine whether your jade plant needs water.

Here, we spoke with gardening experts about the ins and outs of watering jade plants. Follow their tips and tricks for a healthy, thriving plant."  Comments from Martha Stewart.com

Great plant to grow, but they do have certain water needs you need to learn.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article to learn about jade plants.

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Annuals, Biennials and Perennials – 3 Plant Types You Need To Know

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Say you’ve only grown houseplants, which are more beautiful than edible, in which case there are definitely a few things you should learn, before you start planting your landscape.

It is important to trust in the process, and it is more than okay to learn as you go, picking up new plant and gardening knowledge along the way."  Comments from Rural Sprout

In my part of the world, many annuals are actual perennials unless we have an active winter, like this year.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Firepit Ideas for the Ultimate Backyard Hangout Space

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Between barbecues, bonfires, and outdoor movie nights, your backyard will undoubtedly host many special moments. Create an outdoor space that's conducive to relaxation and social gatherings alike by adding a built-in firepit to your yard. These firepit ideas can help you achieve the ultimate backyard hangout for you and your loved ones."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

So many great ideas for firepits.  At one time, I had a firepit area with a beautiful terracota fireplace, but it was destroyed by the hurricane that hit my house.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.  Check out the great ideas!

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Easy Flowers That Practically Grow Themselves

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"Whether you’re a new or experienced gardener, sometimes you’re just looking for easy flowers to grow. Colorful flowers all season long not only delight humans, the also attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

If you crave color, long bloom times, and flowers you’re not going to have to coddle, there are many annuals and perennials to choose from. The standard advice is that flowers planted in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets tend to dry out fast at the height of summer, so check them daily during hot, dry spells. Not every gardener wants to face those tasks every day, so we've included a few drought-tolerant options that will do just fine without daily watering."  Comments from Southern Living

Many of my favorites!

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Easy to Grow Annuals for a Cut-Flower Garden

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

 

"When it comes to making your living space fresh and inviting, it’s hard to find anything that does the job better than plants. And while I love the creeping tendrils of my philodendron and the fuzzy leaves of my many African violets, I enjoy bringing fresh-cut flowers into my home when it’s summertime."  Comments from Rural Sprout

It is one of the reasons I love growing zinnias!

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Why Southern Grandmothers Sprayed Hydrangeas With Hairspray

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"Yes, that’s right. Your trusty Aquanet, or more modern equivalent, can be used to sneakily keep hydrangeas looking healthy, full, and alive. When my grandmother, a bonafide amateur florist, told me about the old-fashioned trick, I couldn't quite believe it. But it works!"  Comment from Southern Living

Very interesting!

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Beautiful Greenhouse Ideas for Year-Round Gardening

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Often, we can only enjoy our favorite flowers, veggies, and herbs for a few months out of the year. However, greenhouses can create a bountiful garden year-round, keeping plants and seedlings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

There is a wide variety of greenhouse options, from farmhouse-style A-frames to modern geodesic domes. A bonus? They're a special way to spend time outdoors—and grow unique plants—no matter the weather. Here, we’ve gathered some expert-recommended greenhouse ideas that can accommodate a variety of spaces and flora so you can enjoy gardening rain or shine."  Comments from Martha Stewart.com

My favorite greenhouse is the one pictured above, although I would take any of them.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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How to Use Epsom Salts for Stronger, More Vibrant Rose Bushes

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Roses are a popular flower amongst gardeners. The perennial fills a landscape with a sense of timelessness that other flowers have a hard time replicating. But despite their appeal, roses have a reputation for being difficult to maintain. If your roses are looking a little worse for wear, there is one cure that gardeners swear by: Epsom salts. The compound contains elements that are known to reduce the risk of disease, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve flower quality."  Comments from Martha Stewart.com

Although I have tried to grow roses in the past, I would always kill them.  But I didn't know what I was doing.  Learning about the plants you grow is so important.  This article has excellent information to give you better luck with growing roses.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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How To Revive An Orchid That's Stopped Blooming

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"If the last time you saw your orchid bloom was when you brought it home from the garden center, it doesn’t mean it will never bloom again. With a few tweaks to its care, you’ll see its elegant blooms again in no time. The first step is making sure your orchid is healthy and free from pests and disease. More light, cooler night-time temperatures, and the right balance of water and nutrients can help. Read on to learn how to give your orchid the right care and get it back on track for re-blooming."  Comment from Southern Living

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When Is The Best Time To Plant Dahlias?

 

"While brightly colored dahlias have been a part of Southern gardens for hundreds of years, social media and the wedding industry have made these stunning blooms popular stars in the garden. If you are growing dahlias for the first time, knowing when to plant the tubers will make a difference in their successful growth. Learn more about planting dahlias and what they need to produce gorgeous flowers."  Comment from Southern Living

I wish I could grow them in my zone, need to be a little further north.  Those are beautiful flowers.

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How To Fertilize Hydrangeas Before Spring For Bigger, Better Blooms

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"With their showy blooms, hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs in gardens across America. With so many varieties, there is sure to be a hydrangea that appeals to your sensibilities. Proper fertilization is a key component to those blooms, and timing is critical. Learn more about fertilizing all types of hydrangeas for bigger blooms."  Comment from Southern Living

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How to Propagate Monstera Successfully

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Monstera deliciosa, aka Swiss cheese plant, gives any space a tropical, modern look. If you want to expand your indoor jungle for free, this houseplant is easy to propagate into more plants. Here's how to create more plants from your monstera via stem cuttings or air layers. Keep the new plants for yourself or share with friends and family. And if you happen to have a rarer variety, perhaps you could even make a little money on the side."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Love this plant and never tried to propagate.  Hope to get another chance.

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Climbing Plants That Practically Grow Themselves

 

Photo Source:  Southern Living

"Whether they're trailing across a fence or delicately covering an arbor, climbing vines and flowers add a cottage charm to gardens. But while these plants may look like they require hours of care and attention, there are actually a number of climbing plants that thrive in Southern gardens with little to no effort.

Whether you love the continuous colorful blooms of clematis or the sweet scent of jasmine, here are nine low-maintenance climbing plants for your garden."  Comment from Southern Living

The climbers have such a dramatic appearance.  My favorite to grow is bougainvillea.

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Hummingbird Myths You Should Stop Believing

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"There's a lot of bogus ideas out there about these brilliant birds. Learn the truth behind these common hummingbird myths."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

There is so much to learn about hummingbirds.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article to learn more.

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