Savvy Gardening

When to cut back salvias: Prune in the fall or wait until spring?

To me salvias are dependable, hardy plants that have both nice foliage and flowers. I grow a few perennial varieties that all do well in my garden. Understanding how and when to cut back salvias is a cinch. Giving plants a light trim or, in some cases, a heavier pruning is important for their overall health. If you don’t prune them, some salvia types can become unruly over time. Fortunately, with a little know-how, a good pair of snips, and some patience, you’ll be rewarded with fresh new growth, loads of bright salvia blooms, and the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds they invariably attract.

Boston fern care: Your guide to a lush and healthy plant

Written by Jessica Walliser

Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) have earned their reputation as one of the most popular houseplants thanks to their elegant, feathery fronds and easy care. These lush plants offer a classic charm that brightens both homes and gardens. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, Boston ferns were a favorite in Victorian parlors and continue to be a popular addition to modern living rooms. In this article, I’ll walk you through Boston fern care, including light, watering, fertilizing, and more.
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Types of houseplant bugs: Who they are and what to do about them

Written by Jessica Walliser

While having the correct light levels and watering properly are two of the most important steps in growing healthy indoor plants, houseplant growers also have to constantly monitor their plants for signs of pests. There are many types of houseplant bugs, and arming yourself with a little information goes a long way toward preventing or eliminating an infestation. In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the most common houseplant pests and hand you tips to prevent and control them.

How to collect and store dill seeds for planting or cooking

Written by Tara Nolan

I’ve planted dill seeds in a raised bed once and I haven’t had to plant them since. That’s because I let dill flowers go to seed. As those seeds start to dry, it’s inevitable that some will escape into the garden before I have a chance to harvest them. I don’t mind because I love dill and dill seedlings appear in all my raised beds at some point throughout the growing season. That means I always have fresh dill to harvest.

When to harvest spaghetti squash: Plus tips for curing & storing

Written by Niki Jabbour

Knowing when to harvest spaghetti squash means the difference between having flavorful, pasta-like squash noodles in your bowl and a watery squash disappointment. Spaghetti squash are long-season crops that take most of the growing season to fully mature in many parts of the US. They give you the chance to exercise your patience as you watch the seed you planted develop into lovely roping vines with small green fruits. Anticipation will continue building as those small green fruits become football-sized and take on a white and then yellow shade. This is how you know when to harvest spaghetti squash. In this article, read about different ways to determine your spaghetti squash’s maturity, as well as how to harvest, cure, and store this squash so you can eat your garden bounty through the fall and winter. (This is why it’s called winter squash, after all!)

Can tomato plants survive winter? Yes! Here are 4 ways to overwinter tomato plants

Written by Jessica Walliser

If you’ve ever asked yourself Can tomato plants survive winter? the answer is a resounding yes. In their native tropical growing range, tomato plants are perennials that live for many years. In cold climates, however, they do not survive winter outdoors because they are not frost-tolerant. Because of this, most gardeners grow tomatoes as annuals. We plant them in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, harvest them through the growing season, and then uproot and compost the plants as soon as they’ve been killed by freezing temperatures. But if you’re willing to put in a little effort, tomato plants can live and produce for many years. In this article, I’ll share four ways you can overwinter tomato plants and keep them from year-to-year.
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