Savvy Gardening

When to transplant seedlings: 4 easy options for healthy plants

Knowing when to transplant seedlings can mean the difference between healthy, vigorous plants and those that are stunted and root bound. Seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers are sown in cell packs, plug trays, or peat pellets with most outgrowing their containers after 4 to 5 weeks. Transplanting the small plants into larger containers allows seedlings to develop robust root systems. Knowing when to transplant seedlings is a skill that is easy for gardeners to learn, even those just starting out. Below you’ll learn how to tell when the time is right to repot seedlings.

Boxwood leafminer: How to identify and control this boxwood pest

by Jessica WalliserComments (0)

The boxwood leafminer is a common pest of boxwood shrubs (Buxus spp.). If you have brown, blistered leaves on your boxwoods, this little critter could be to blame. The boxwood leafminer was introduced to the North American continent from Europe in the early 1900s and is now found in nearly every region of the United States and southern Canada. In this article, I’ll share more about this pest and offer tips for controlling it without synthetic chemical pesticides.
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The easiest flowers to grow from seed: From alyssum to zinnias

by Tara NolanComments (0)

Strolling the aisles at the garden center to browse for flowers to plant in the spring is undoubtedly fun, but growing them from seed presents a few advantages. For one, it means you can choose from an abundance of varieties. I make flower lists of seeds, just like I do with vegetable and herb lists. Here, I’ve gathered a few of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. Some are so easy to plant, it literally involves dropping seeds from where you stand in the garden.

When to plant lily bulbs for the best blooms

by Tara NolanComments (0)

If you’ve ever admired a breathtaking stand of lilies in bloom and wondered where, how, and when to plant lily bulbs, you’re in good company. Lily plants have captivated humankind for thousands of years. As symbols of purity, death, rebirth, and more, lilies permeate ancient texts and works of art.

How deep to plant potatoes for healthy plants and large harvests

by Niki JabbourComments (0)

Wondering how deep to plant potatoes? This is a great question as planting depth is important. If seed potatoes are planted too shallow, the tubers can turn green and taste bitter. Potatoes planted too deep can rot before they have a chance to grow. Below you’ll learn how deep to plant potatoes in garden beds, in straw, and in pots, and I’ll also share a deep planting technique that can save you time. Keep reading to learn more.

Fertilizing peonies for sturdier stems and better blooms

by Jessica WalliserComments (3)

Peonies are long-lived perennials that produce gorgeous blooms and dark green, deer-resistant foliage. No matter which types of peonies you grow, properly fertilizing peonies has many benefits. In this article, I’ll discuss all the ins and outs of feeding peony plants, including the best products, timing, and techniques to use to get the job done right.
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