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
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.
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Fishbone cactus: How to grow and care for this unique houseplant
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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Drought-tolerant flowers: Low-maintenance perennials for the garden
Drought-tolerant flowers have always been wise options for the garden. They are low-maintenance, save money, and can thrive in periods with no rain. Most summers have occasional dry spells (and there are regions that typically have zero to low rainfall), but climate change is exacerbating these conditions. The time between rains is often stretched out, which can cause stress on the perennials, shrubs, and trees in your yard. Planting a garden resilient to drought is a good strategy as your plants will have a greater chance of surviving—even without being watered.
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How often to water blueberry plants
How often to water blueberry plants is partly a matter of the plants’ ages, of your climate, and of your soil type. Figuring out this equation may mean the difference between a large blueberry year and a medium blueberry year. You probably want to get it right, because a large blueberry year is the whole point of growing these summer treats! In this article I’ll explain how the plants’ root systems work, the frequency and the quantity of watering needed, and how to tell if your blueberries are getting enough water.
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When to pick watermelon for peak flavor and quality
Choosing ripe watermelons from the local grocery store or farmer’s market is one thing, but what about knowing when to pick watermelon if you’ve taken the time to grow your very own? There are several distinct signs to take note of in order to harvest a perfectly ripe watermelon from your garden. Seeing these signs and acting accordingly can make all the difference between picking too soon, picking too late, or harvesting right on time—and enjoying the sweetest watermelon you’ve ever tasted as a result. Understanding exactly when to pick watermelon is especially important because the sweetness of a watermelon won’t improve once you’ve removed it from your watermelon patch.
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