Trees and Shrubs You Should Never Prune in Winter

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Winter may be the traditional time to prune apple trees and grape vines, but it’s not the right time for all woody plants. There are different reasons why pruning during winter is not recommended. For some plants, it's to avoid cutting off flower buds that open in the spring; for others, it's for better plant health or aesthetic reasons.

If you have any of these trees or shrubs in your landscape, skip the winter pruning and instead wait to prune until after the weather gets warmer."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

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

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Fast-Growing Shade Trees That Will Cool Down Your Yard

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"If you're considering adding a shade tree to your yard, choose one that will allow you to enjoy the benefits sooner. Some varieties take decades to mature, while others grow relatively quickly. Fast-growing shade trees typically grow a few feet each year, reaching maturity sooner. Here we share some expert-approved shade tree options to consider before planting one in your yard to enjoy."  Comment Martha Stewart.com

After a hurricane put a tree on my house, I don't want any more trees!

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

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How to Grow and Care for a Lucky Bamboo Plant

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart.com

"Lucky bamboo is hardy and easy to grow so long as you follow a few simple expert-recommended rules. If you are a pet owner, be sure the plant is out of reach—it's toxic to animals."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

The lucky bamboo is such a pretty plant.  I don't know why I have never grown it.

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

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Top 10 Plants to Grow in Dry Shade Gardens

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Dry shade, often found under mature trees or shrubs, is one of the most challenging garden spots to fill. Above ground, plants are starved for sunlight. Below, they battle for root space and moisture. With that said, a few adaptable beauties can shine here. From groundcovers and perennials to shrubs, here are 10 of the best plants for dry shade."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

The best plants I have grown in the shade are impatiens, coleus and elephant ears.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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What Really Happens to Perennials You Didn't Cut Back in the Fall

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Pruning perennials at the right time encourages plants to leaf out, grow bushier, develop sturdier stems, and potentially produce more flowers. But when is the right time to prune perennials, and will plants suffer if you don’t cut them back before winter?"  Comments from Better Homes and Gardens

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

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Winter Pruning Tips to Give Your Trees and Shrubs a Head Start on Spring

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"In many regions, winter is prime time to head out into your yard and garden with pruning shears in hand. Bare branches on trees and shrubs make it easier to see the whole shape of the plant. Plus pests and diseases aren't as active so you have a lower chance of spreading them while you trim. As we approach the middle of the dormant season, here are a few tips and reminders to get your pruning day off to a good start."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article to find out what to do.

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Bulbs You Should Start Indoors Now for Colorful Blooms in Spring

Photo source:  The Spruce.com

"It may be the dead of winter, but gardeners know that spring is just around the corner. For those eager to get their hands back in the dirt, it’s not too early to start prepping for your spring garden—especially if you are hoping to grow spring bulbs."  Comment from The Spruce.com

Click here to go to The Spruce.com to find out why to do.

 

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How to Revive Hydrangeas After Frost to Ensure Lush Spring and Summer Blooms

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart.com

"Hydrangeas are hardy shrubs. However, like many plants, they may need a bit of help recovering after a cold snap or frost.

Fortunately, there are a few prevention methods that can help you protect your hydrangeas before the cold temperatures set in. And if all else fails, it's possible to revive them after a frost has already set in—if you follow the right steps. Ahead, our experts explain how to do it."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article to find out how to help your hydrangeas.

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Fast-Growing Houseplants for (Almost) Instant Greenery

 

Photo source:  Better Home and Gardens

"These low-maintenance indoor plants grow quickly and make a big impact."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

They will respond and be beautiful when given the care they need.  Learn how to do that and be greatly rewarded.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens

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How To Kill Poison Ivy Plants

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking for a simple, safe and effective way to kill poison ivy plants in your yard, flowerbeds and landscape?

Believe it or not, you can eliminate all of the poison ivy in your yard without having to resort to harsh chemicals and sprays. And it’s probably easier to do than you ever thought!"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

I hate them!  Right now they are climbing up my fence.

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

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Grow vegetables from kitchen scraps UPDATED

 

A great way to save money is to grow your own vegetables, but Cari at Homesteading in Ohio takes an extra step to save money by using kitchen scraps.

I have grown green onions from scrap very easily and look forward to using some of her techniques to grow more vegetables from scrap.

Her article is very informative with many tips to start saving money by kitchen scrap gardening.

Click here to go to the article.

Another Article

Vegetables You Can Regrow From Scraps

from Rural Sprout

"You may be surprised by how many vegetables you can re-grow from scraps. Learn which ones are suitable for this, and how to do it."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Top 10 Plants to Propagate That Grow From Cuttings UPDATED

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"I’ve never met a gardener who didn’t want to share or expand his or her garden. And there are so many ways to do just that. One easily overlooked way is by taking plant cuttings. You can take a snip of a plant to start a whole new one—for yourself or a friend!"  Comment from Birds and Blooms

Plant propagation is one of the most satisfying aspects of gardening.  It is a great way to save money gardening.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

Another article

Common Plants You Can Propagate in January

from Rural Sprout

"If you want to get a jump on spring and add more plants to your garden for free, start by propagating any of these plants in January."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Do This In February for Tons of Tomatoes This Summer

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"We’ve all heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same goes for gardening. Or would it be something along the lines of an ounce of compost is worth a gallon of neem oil? My point is this: if you want to enjoy bushels of tomatoes this summer, you need to do a few things ahead of time."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Love growing tomato plants in my area.  It is one of the easiest plants to grow from seed or plant.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Things Every Snake Plant Owner Needs To Know

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"If you’re new to snake plants, you likely have some questions. How much water do they need? Do certain varieties make for better houseplants than others? And where should you place one in your house?

This article will answer all these questions and more to ensure you learn everything you need to know about snake plants."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Although I have not grown the snake plant indoors, it has been one of the easiest plants I have ever grown.  It is also one of the easiest to propagate from a cutting.   In zone 9b Florida, it grows like a weed with  little or no care at all.  That is my kind of plant!

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Things You Need to Know Before Planting a Single Pepper Seed

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Peppers are a popular choice for home gardeners to start from seed. Whether you’re a fan of sweet peppers or you love the heat of a good hot pepper, there are a few things you need to know about these popular nightshades. Get to know them a little better, and it will be that much easier to grow a peck of pickled peppers."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Peppers of all types are one of my favorite plants to grow from seed.  I don't know about the rest of the world, but in zone 9b Florida they are one of the easiest plants to grow from seed or plant.  One of the things I love are the peppers themselves that turn colors as they grow.  I like growing them with both marigolds and zinnias, the smaller varieties.  They look pretty together.  I've had good luck growing them in containers, which is what I prefer.

I have not had good luck with growing bell peppers.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Spider Plant Care UPDATED

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"If you’ve ever grown a spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) before, you probably understand exactly why this is such a classic houseplant. It’s easy to grow, decorative, pet-safe and pretty much propagates itself. What more could a houseplant enthusiast ask for?"  Comment from Garden Betty

Spider plants are beautiful when grown in hanging pots putting out the runners. 

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

How to Grow and Care for a Spider Plant from Martha Stewart

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart article.

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Why Your Orchid Leaves Are Wilting, and How to Fix the Problem

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"You’ve been there. Your moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) bloomed for months, and then its leaves started looking as limp as old spinach in the bottom of your crisper drawer. What gives? Don't give up and toss the orchid just yet. Wilting leaves are an orchid’s way of sending an SOS. Most of the time, the fix is easier than you think.

Use these tips from an orchid expert to figure out why your plant is ailing and how you can get it back on track to bloom."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

I have never grown orchids and know nothing about them.  What I do know is that they are like all other plants in that they have specific needs that need to be addressed.  This article will help beginning orchid growers.

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

 

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The 3 Best Marigolds To Plant In Your Flowerbeds & Garden This Year!

 

Photo Source:  This Is My Garden

"Here is a detailed look at three of the very best marigolds you can plant this year to enjoy huge color, strong performance, and big benefits in your flowerbeds and garden."  Comment from This Is My Garden

I love them all!

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

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Vegetables to Sow in January & February No Matter Your Growing Zone

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Whether you’re starting seeds indoors or in the garden, there are at least a few on this list that you need to get started now for a successful growing season."  Comment from Rural Sprout

I have seeds bought last year that were never started.  I'm a bad gardener since JR passed away two decades ago and I keep saying I'm going to get myself together.  Maybe this year is the year.  I certainly miss it.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Plants That Must Be Pruned in January or February

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"January and February may not necessarily be the months when we enjoy the fruits of our labor, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use them as stepping stones to set our gardens up for success for the growing season to come. 

Mid-to-late January and all of February are when I do a significant part of my pruning for the year, since I leave most of my perennials and shrubs in place during the fall season."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Following the gardening rules is the best practice, but you must learn them first.  I'm a bad gardener and don't follow rules, but I'm learning now.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Your January Garden Checklist by Region to Start the Year Off Strong

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"January is the middle of winter, but no matter where you live, there are a few gardening tasks to be done this month. For gardeners in warmer climates, there are hands-on tasks to do outdoors, while in the northern part of the country, the focus is on planning, organizing, and prepping indoors."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

It is good to know what you need to do in January.  Our gardens in different parts of the world need different care.

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

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Outdoor Plants You Should Always Bring Indoors Before Winter Hits

 

Photo source:  Real Simple

"Here are the best tips and advice from experts on which plants to bring indoors and how to best care for them."  Comment from Real Simple 

Even in Central Florida, zone 9b, we have to be up on what to do to keep our plants safe from frost.

Click here to go to the Real Simple article.

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Simple Secrets To Keep Your Marigolds Blooming

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking for a few simple secrets to keep your marigolds blooming like crazy this year from spring all the way into late fall?"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

Marigolds are one of my favorite plants.  Learning new secrets is always a good thing

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

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Creative Things You Can Do With a Tree Stump

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"A plain tree stump can be given renewed purpose as a one-of-a-kind lawn ornament, piece of furniture, or work of art.

So when life hands you a tree stump, it can be an excellent opportunity to let your creativity blossom. Here are 10 fantastic ideas for making an ordinary tree stump into something incredible."  Comment from Rural Sprout

This article is so important to me since Hurricane Irma created several tree stumps on my property, including one tree that fell on my house.  I look forward to give them a new purpose.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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How To Build The Perfect Backyard Stone Fire Pit

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking to build the perfect backyard fire pit that looks great, works great – and can last for years and years without worry – all without costing a small fortune to create? And even better, one you can cook all kinds of incredible meals on? Then today’s article (and video) is just for you!"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

There is nothing like relaxing outside by a fire pit on a chilly night.  We used to do it all the time and could wash away the stress of an awful day.

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

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