Savvy Gardening

How to save zinnia seeds to plant next year

Zinnias are the ornamental pillars of my raised bed vegetable gardens because I enjoy growing a mix of food and flowers. Not only do the flowers feed pollinators, the plants continue producing blooms, often right up until the first frosts, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Knowing how to save zinnia seeds is a great skill to have in your gardener’s toolbox. Zinnia blooms produce so many seeds, in fact, that you might not have to buy new ones for many years—if ever.

How to save marigold seeds: 4 easy steps to success

Written by Niki Jabbour

Reliable and long-blooming, marigolds are a smart choice for non-stop color in garden beds and containers. There are many types to choose from with a range of flower sizes, shapes, and colors. And not only are marigolds a snap to grow, but it’s also easy to save seeds from your plants for next season. In this article you’ll learn when and how to save marigold seeds, as well as get tips on drying and storing them.

How to save bean seeds to plant next year

Written by Tara Nolan

I take great satisfaction in saving seeds from my garden, whether they’re to add to my pantry or to my seed storage box. Learning how to save bean seeds to plant the following year is about as easy as it gets. Some vegetable seed, like tomatoes, require processing after harvest. Other plants, like corn and pumpkins, need to be isolated from other varieties by hundreds or thousands of feet to prevent crossbreeding. This is not true with bean seeds. The “bean” part of beans are the seeds. They don’t require any special treatment, except to be allowed to mature and dry.

How to propagate Japanese maples: 3 methods to try

Written by Jessica Walliser

It’s tough to find a gardener who doesn’t love Japanese maples (Acer palmatum). These beautiful small trees have lacy leaves flutter that in the wind, and they come in a broad array of foliage colors, from coral and red to pink, chartreuse, and green. It’s no wonder these small trees find a place in many gardener’s hearts. Unfortunately, these lovely trees are also quite pricey to purchase at the nursery. But I’ve got great news! Learning how to propagate Japanese maples yourself means you can grow more of these beauties for free. In this article I’ll share three Japanese maple propagation methods to try.
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When to harvest potatoes in garden beds and containers

Written by Niki Jabbour

Potatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow producing heavy yields of tasty tubers when planted in garden beds and containers. Plus, there’s so many awesome potato varieties to grow – from fingerlings to russets – in a rainbow of colors. But because the crop is produced below ground, it’s hard to tell when the tubers are ready to dig. So, how DO you know when to harvest potatoes? In this article I’ll share expert tips on harvesting and storing your homegrown spuds.

Fishbone cactus: How to grow and care for this unique houseplant

Written by Jessica Walliser

At my house, there’s no houseplant that generates more questions than the fishbone cactus. Its funky appearance and unique growth habit earns it a place of pride on my plant shelf. This fascinating succulent cactus bears the scientific name of Epiphyllum anguliger (sometimes also Selenicereus anthonyanus) and is a native of the tropical rainforests of Mexico. Yes, you read that right—a cactus that thrives in the rainforest (there are others, too!). In this article, I’ll share all the secrets of growing the fishbone cactus and how to help your plant thrive.
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