Should You Grow Hybrid or Heirloom Tomatoes?

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Summer is the sweetest season for the tomato lover, but with so many types and varieties available, it can be hard to know which ones are best for your garden. Terms like ‘heirloom’ and ‘hybrid’ are often used to describe tomato varieties, but what do they mean and is one type better than the other? Below we explore the pros and cons of both hybrid and heirloom tomatoes and spotlight six outstanding varieties."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

The time to think about types and varieties available is fall and winter.  I should have already started sowing my seeds, but as usual, I have procrastinated.  When it comes to the subject of hybrid vs heirloom tomatoes, I really need to educate myself since I just buy the variety that looks good to me when I'm buying seeds.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Florida Freeze: What To Do Next

 

The Florida freeze this week has left my whole property brown.  On a positive note, I still have hope for my poor paradise.

This video is an excellent resource with good information on what to do next in the garden.  It is very encouraging.

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What it Means If Your Plant Leaves Have Brown Tips

 

Photo source:  Family Handyman

"Noticing brown tips on leaves of your indoor plants? Solve the problem with proper watering and fertilizing tips from a gardening expert."  Comment from Family Handyman

Plants have a way of telling us something is wrong.

Click here to go to the Family Handyman article.

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Why Your Aloe Vera Is Dying - How To Bring It Back

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Aloe vera plants are resilient succulents that can withstand inconsistent watering and periods of neglect, but that doesn't mean they're not without their issues. If your aloe plant is on death's door, it's typically a sign that something in its environment is amiss. To help you salvage your struggling plant so you can continue enjoying its beauty (and harvesting fresh aloe!), we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for reviving a dying aloe plant."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Aloe vera is one of my favorite plants.  Even with all the neglect of the past couple of years, I still had a few big ones growing and flowering.  We had our first freeze night in years this week  and I'm afraid I have lost them.  

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

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Seed Starting Mistakes You're Probably Making

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

 
"Overall, the process of starting seeds indoors is pretty straightforward; you plant, water, and wait. But there are several seed-starting mistakes that can get in the way of growing your seeds into strong, healthy seedlings. Make sure to avoid the following common errors so you can turn those images of lush plants and bountiful harvests from seed catalogs into a reality in your garden."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

It is always a good thing to learn from the experts to avoid making the mistakes and risk failure.

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

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How to Store Your Garden Hose in Winter So It Doesn't Freeze or Crack

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Pack up your hose properly to prevent winter damage."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Good information to know if you live in a climate that freezes.

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

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Front Yard Flower Bed Ideas for a Charming Entryway

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"A few creative touches can refresh your landscaping and flower beds at the front of your house and add curb appeal throughout the seasons."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

The front yard of the house in the photo is my favorite.  Love all the color and beauty of the flowers.  

Click here to go to Better Homes and Gardens to see all the beautiful ideas in this article.

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Reasons To Start A Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

The first thing I think of is the appearance of a raised garden. In my opinion, they are very attractive.  

Check out the article to learn the reasons to start a raised bed vegetable garden.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Secrets to Getting Christmas Cactus to Bloom More Than Once a Year

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Given proper care under the right conditions, Christmas cactus can actually rebloom in February—and this goes for Thanksgiving cactus or any houseplant labeled simply as “holiday cactus” as well.

Here’s how to get a repeat flowering from your holiday cactus long after the holidays have passed."  Comment from Garden Betty

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article with secrets to getting your Christmas Cactus to bloom more than once a year.  Excellent and informative article.

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Make Compost Tea – Fertilize Plants Naturally

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Plain and simple, there is no better and more economical way to power your vegetable plants and flowers naturally than to make and use your own homemade compost tea. And is it ever simple, fast and inexpensive to make. In fact, if you happen to have your own compost pile, you can make an endless supply all summer – for free!"  Comment from This Is My Garden

As an organic gardener, I routinely made compost tea with great results.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article to learn about fertilizing plants naturally.

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