Tomato Plant Care 101: Everything You Need to Know

 

Photo source: Birds And Blooms

"Juicy slicers for BLT sandwiches, cherry types for salads and snacking, Romas for homemade sauce—the tomato varieties are endless, but the amount of space in your garden and on your countertop is most likely not. One tomato plant goes a long way, so before you run out and buy the first seedling you spot, first decide how you’re going to use your harvest in the kitchen." Comment from Birds And Blooms

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article to learn all about growing tomato plants.

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How To Grow Pansies In Early Spring

 

Photo source: Old World Garden Farms

"The best time to plant pansies is earlier than most gardeners expect. In many regions, pansies can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked and daytime temperatures remain consistently above freezing. And yes, you can keep them blooming until Summer!" Comment from Old World Garden Farms

Click here to go to Old World Garden Farms article.

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Perennials You Should Divide in Early Spring

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Early to mid-spring is the perfect time to make more plants by dividing the ones you (or your neighbors, friends and family) already have growing in the garden. That is genuinely the only disadvantage I can think of when it comes to this method of propagation: you must already have a plant to divide."

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Grow Onions in Containers

 

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"You don't need a big garden to grow delicious onions at home—a bright location, the right container, and well-draining soil are all it takes to yield flavorful results. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or windowsill, growing onions in pots and containers is an easy solution for gardeners with limited space. While this method is best suited for small-bulb varieties, such as bunching or pearl onions, it still yields an abundant harvest when done properly. Ahead, experts share their tips for growing onions in containers, from planting to harvesting."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

This is an article that I need to learn from so I can grow these green onion bulbs successfully.

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

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Why Every Gardener Should Plant Zinnias This Year

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"When it comes to flowers in the vegetable garden, marigolds, nasturtiums and calendula are the first blossoms that pop into my mind. I can see them vividly, swaying in the breeze, bejeweled with yellow-orange petals, being visited by a great variety of beneficial insects.

So, for the sake of beauty, among other things, let’s bring them on over to the vegetable patch. Trust me, the zinnias will fit right in with the other flowers growing in your vegetable garden."  Comments from Rural Sprout

I have many packs of zinnia seeds that I should have already sown, but they will be the first to get started.  I love zinnias!  Some are tall, some are short . . . all with varying colors.  

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article to find out about zinnias.

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Say Goodbye To Garden Pests

 

Photo source:  Outdoor Guide

"If you frequently find yourself battling pests in the garden, you're probably willing to try anything to get rid of them. Store-bought sprays offer a chemical solution, but those can sometimes be harmful to plants. They also pose a risk to bees, butterflies, and other garden pollinators. Luckily, there are several home remedies worth trying, some of which require little more than basic kitchen scraps."  Comment from Outdoor Guide

I've had fierce battles with the slugs in my part of the world.  As an organic gardener, you must learn natural tricks other than using chemicals.  It can be done!

Click here to go to the Outdoor Guide article.

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Low-Cost DIY Garden Path Ideas

 

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"The purpose of a garden path is to make it easier to get where you’re going. But garden paths are also important aesthetically, directing the eye toward a focal point or a destination. The good news is that several options perform both functions handsomely without breaking the bank.

Here are 10 money-saving ways to create a garden path that will make a big impact on your yard, not your wallet."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

My preference is a stone path.  I've had the mulch path that ended up being a big weed farm.  If you do the mulch thing, be careful who you buy the mulch from.

Click here to go to the Better Home and Gardens article.

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Spring Jobs For Stunning Azaleas

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"When it comes to spring azalea care, three things hold true: It’s the most important time of the year for taking care of these plants.

You have a specific window of opportunity to meet their needs.

Finally, those needs are pretty easy to take care of.

So don’t sweat it. We’ll get your azaleas squared away and your spring off to a great start."

Comments from Rural Sprout

If you want a hedge that blooms like crazy and makes a bold statement, the azalea is for you.  Check out the article to learn all about the azalea and how to care for it.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

 

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The Easiest Way To Ruin Lavender

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"This plant isn’t finicky, but you do need to understand its needs and how it grows in its original native range. “Lavender is a resilient, drought-tolerant plant, native to the Mediterranean,” says Josh Geiger, propagation manager for the Southern Living Plant Collection. “It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and well-drained soil.”  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article if you are a gardener who grows or wants to grow lavender.

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Don't Start Your Spring Yard Cleanup Too Soon

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"As the weather warms and the first green shoots appear after the winter, many gardeners are eager to start tidying up their yard. Yet, starting yard cleanup too soon can do more harm than good. That's because our yards are important habitats for a wide range of beneficial insects that play a key role in maintaining the health of our garden plants."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

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Best Place to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder

 

Photo source:  Real Simple

"You’ve purchased and hung your hummingbird feeder, added the nectar, and waited for your fluttering friends to arrive… but they haven’t. “Hummingbirds are remarkably good at finding feeders,” says Noah Perlut, PhD, ornithologist and professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England. So, if you’re noticing a lack of feathery guests, it’s probably a sign your setup isn’t quite right."  Comment from Real Simple

This is an article that I need to pay attention to and learn what I am doing wrong!

Click here to go to the Real Simple article.

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How To Use Stone As A Mulch

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"When it comes to using stone as a mulch in the landscape successfully, it all comes down to knowing where stone will work well, and where using it may cause more problems than it solves."  Comment from This Is My Garden

This article speaks to me since this is what I want to do in my gardens.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article.

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Christmas Cactus Annual Care

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

The editor for Rural Sprout gets questions from gardeners  around October about their Christmas Cactus and what to do to make their plant bloom.  He has the unfortunate task to answer the following.

“Well, these plants have specific needs that must be met throughout the year for them to have enough energy to bloom. At this point in the cycle, there isn’t a whole lot you can do. However, I’ll happily walk you through what you need to do next year to ensure you have plenty of blossoms come Christmastime.”

Check out the article at Rural Sprout to get the answers.

Click here to go to there.

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Tips for Designing a Nature-Inspired Garden That Looks Beautiful Year Round

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Maybe you're thinking about replacing some lawn with something more sustainable. Perhaps you have a shady spot where nothing grows. Or you may be looking to create more habitat for wildlife such as birds and butterflies. A natural garden or landscape is an increasingly popular solution for all of these situations, but perhaps you're worried it will look too weedy or messy. Here are five design tips that will help you create a space that appeals to both people and wildlife."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article for some great advise.

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How To Plant & Grow Hanging Baskets From Seed

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"We use a lot of hanging baskets all over the farm - and because of that, we started growing all of ours directly from seed.  And one thing we have found out is that not only is growing all of ours directly from seed.  And one thing we have found out is that not only  is growing from seed easy and cost effective, it also allows us to start and grow all kinds of amazing and unique plants from seed that we could never find at local stores."  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

Excellent article, very detailed and informative . . . check it out!  I plan on learning from their experience.

Click here to go to the Old World Garden Farms article.

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Small Patio Ideas That Level Up Your Outdoor Space

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"If you have a small patio, you might be tempted to skip decorative elements and stick to the essentials. But these small patio ideas can significantly impact even the tiniest spaces. With the right know-how, you can transform your petite patio into a dreamy getaway.

Sometimes all it takes is placing furniture in a space-maximizing arrangement or the clever use of color to help a patio feel larger. Read on to create your tiny backyard oasis."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Great ideas and I love all of them!  

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

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March Gardening Jobs

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

In my part of the world, March brings the excitement that Spring has arrived.   The trees come alive with squirrels running around and birds singing their happy tunes.  It is a happy time of the year for me.  

This article from Rural Sprout leads us to the jobs that need to be done in the garden.

Happy gardening!

https://www.ruralsprout.com/march-gardening-jobs/

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Ways to Reuse Nursery Pots

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Nursery pots are incredibly useful. With a little creativity and just the tiniest bit of hoarding, you may find yourself grateful for that growing stack in the corner of the basement.

Here are some of my favorite ways to reuse nursery pots around the garden and home. Grab your stash, and let’s put those pots to work."

Comments from Rural Sprout


Since I am a hoarder, I never throw away nursery pots. I have used them in many ways, but these articles gave me more ideas. 

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

MORE IDEAS!

Check out this post for some garden design inspiration using your nursery pots.

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How Often to Water Succulents—and the Right Way to Do It

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Succulents are known for being low-maintenance plants that can withstand periods of drought. But like any plant, succulents need the occasional watering to stay lush and healthy. While watering too often can lead to mushy leaves and root rot, watering too little will cause the leaves to turn brown and shrivel up. Striking the perfect balance will ensure these heat-tolerant plants stay happy. To keep you from over or underwatering your succulents, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for how often to water succulents—and the best way to do so."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

I hope to grow succulents this year and need to read this article to learn about some of their needs.

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

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This Potting Soil Mistake Is Secretly Ruining Your Houseplants

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"If you care for houseplants for long enough, you'll start to notice they fall into two categories. "[They] need soil that dries out quickly, or soil that holds some moisture while staying airy,” says Adrian Aviles, owner of Athletic Club Flower Shop.

The catch? All-purpose soil doesn't do either, despite its name. It holds onto moisture for too long, leading to root rot and eventual failure. One of the biggest mistakes people make with their soil is simply using the wrong one. Here, we spoke to experts about the repercussions of using incorrect soil and how to choose the best kind for your houseplants." Comment from Martha Stewart.com

When I am being serious about gardening, I make my own mixes for different types of plants.  It does make a difference.

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

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Martha Stewart’s 5 Go-To Gardening Tips for a Smooth Winter-to-Spring Transition

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"We’ve arrived at winter’s most intriguing stretch—the moment when home gardeners start to wonder, Is spring finally on its way, or is another cold snap around the corner? Whatever the forecast holds, Martha Stewart tells us there’s plenty you can do right now to prepare. We spoke with her about how gardeners can make the most of this in-between season."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Back when I first began serious gardening, Martha Stewart is who I learned from.  She knows what she is talking about!  Love her!

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

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Hardy Perennials to Plant in March for a Low-Maintenance, Dreamy Garden

 

Photo source:  Real Simple

"Ready for spring? Same! To get you pumped for warmer weather, we spoke to some experts on what you can plant in March for a gorgeous garden come proper spring. "March is actually a great time to plant because the ground is beginning to thaw and roots can grow before the heat of summer," says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery."  Comment from Real Simple

Getting ready for spring is the most exciting time for me in the garden.  New beginnings for the garden!  If you are a beginning gardening this is an awesome article to give you a great start.

Click here to go to the Real Simple article.

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English Garden Design Ideas That Bring Cottage-Style Charm to Any Yard

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"English gardens are particularly known for their mixed borders, large beds planted with a combination of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, and shrubs. They're charming, colorful, and tougher to pull off than they look. “It's a fine line between a beautiful naturalistic planting and a bloody mess,” says Tom Coward, head gardener at Gravetye Manor, an iconic British hotel on the former grounds of a Victorian garden. Read on for his expert tips on artfully blending English garden ideas with the timeless informality of cottage style gardens to create stunning mixed borders."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Great article!  I've always been inspired by cottage style gardens.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article to learn more about English gardens.

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Blooming Houseplants to Grow Indoors

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Flowering house plants are a colorful, easy way to combat winter’s gloom. We rounded up 10 of our favorite blooming houseplants that you can try growing this winter, like African violets, orchids, and amaryllis."  Comment from Birds and Blooms 

I have not done much gardening indoors in recent years, however, I'm planning on learning as much as I can about what I can grow indoors and would love blooming plants.  Know before you grow!

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Gardening Tasks to Complete Before Spring to Prevent Pests and Diseases

 

"While there is no infallible defense against pests and diseases affecting your flower and veggie beds, there are preventative steps you can take before the growing season starts. If you don't act, pests and diseases from the previous growing season may linger through the winter and reinfect your garden in spring."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Excellent article!

Click here to go to Better Homes and Gardens article.

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Flavorful Herbs to Plant in Shady Spots Around Your Garden

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Some herbs require a little less light than others to thrive; they tolerate partial shade, which translates into 3 to 6 hours of direct sun daily. Here is a selection of popular herbs that grow in partial shade, along with must-know planting tips."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Great information to learn about growing herbs in your shady spots.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

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