Savvy Gardening

How often should you water new shrubs? Tips to care for a new planting

Just how often should you water new shrubs—particularly during their first year in your landscape—so that you can be sure they’ll thrive? From the variety and size of the new plant in question, to your specific climate and soil type, there are a few different factors to consider. Even the hardiest of shrubs need a little TLC when they’re first planted! This article will provide guidelines on how much water your new shrub will require. The steps you take now will help it to hold its own during dry periods and put down strong roots to survive the winter.

When to fertilize strawberries for optimum growth and yields

Written by Niki Jabbour

I’m guessing you clicked on this article about when to fertilize strawberries because, like me, you want to grow as many of the largest strawberries as possible. I think these summer treasures are worth all the attention we could give them! First, you’ll want to determine the type of strawberries you’re growing. Once you have that information, this article will help you learn the reasons to fertilize strawberries, how and when to fertilize strawberries based on the cultivar type, and other ways to keep your strawberries growing strong.

When to harvest eggplant for the best flavor and texture

Written by Jessica Walliser

Timing when to harvest eggplant means the difference between enjoying a silky, tender vegetable and one with a tough, mealy texture. Eggplant doesn’t have a good reputation among people who have had experiences with the latter. I think this is a shame, because eggplant is a beautiful plant to grow and, when harvested and prepared properly, eating it is a treat. If you’ve been too intimidated to try growing eggplant—or you’re still learning when to harvest eggplant from your home garden—this article is for you. I’ll cover the signals that an eggplant is ready to harvest, how to pick eggplant, and also how to store eggplant.
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Vegetables to plant in August: Seeds to sow for autumn harvests

Written by Tara Nolan

Did you know there are several vegetables to plant in August? You can take advantage of the spaces left in your vegetable garden from spring-planted crops, like peas, beans, greens, and root vegetables—or the garlic you pulled. As the heat-loving vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, melons, etc.) in your summer garden start to mature, think ahead to fall harvests and make a plan for succession planting. In this article I’ll share some of my favorite veggies to sow so you can dig out those seeds you put away in the spring and benefit from some extra harvests.

Roselle hibiscus growing tips: A beautiful and delicious tea plant

Written by Niki Jabbour

Roselle hibiscus is a beautiful, low-care plant that thrives in both garden beds and containers. It has attractive flowers and foliage, but it’s the calyxes which form after flowering that you’re after. The teardrop-shaped calyxes make a refreshing cold or hot tea with a tart, slightly fruity flavor. In this article you’ll find roselle hibiscus growing tips to help you enjoy the healthiest and most productive plants.

Air plant care: Tending, fertilizing, and watering Tillandsia

Written by Jessica Walliser

Air plants have stepped into the houseplant spotlight for both their ease of care and the many creative ways they can be displayed. Head to your favorite local nursery and you’re sure to find sea shells, glass globes, and wooden frames filled with air plants on display. These free-living plants are fairly unique in the plant world, but just because they don’t need to be planted in a pot of soil, doesn’t mean they don’t have care requirements. Though it isn’t difficult, air plant care is surprisingly specific.
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