Savvy Gardening

How a bee bath can help bees and other insects that visit your garden

There is nothing more exciting than seeing pollinators flitting about the flowers you’ve planted in the garden. Adding a bee bath goes a long way towards making these important insects feel even more at home by providing a place for them to drink. From spring through fall, I’m very conscious of making my garden a haven for all the beneficial creatures that happen to pass through. In this article, I’ll explain how easy it is to make a simple bath for the bees and other pollinators.

Rattlesnake pole beans: A seed to harvest guide

Written by Niki Jabbour

For years I’ve grown rattlesnake pole beans in my vegetable garden. Not only are the plants high-yielding, but the beans themselves are beautiful with eye-catching patterned pods and delicious raw or cooked. In this article you’ll learn when and how to plant rattlesnake pole beans, get ideas for supporting the vigorous vines, and advice on when to pick the tender pods.

When to pick banana peppers: From gardens and containers

Written by Niki Jabbour

Get the timing around when to pick banana peppers just right and you can come away with very high quality produce and higher yields overall. In part, knowing exactly when to pick banana peppers depends on the variety of pepper you’re growing and how you intend to use what you harvest. While there isn’t necessarily one quick test of ripeness for both the hot and the sweet banana pepper types, there are reliable indicators you can use. Considered altogether, these can help you to make the best decisions about your crop and pick peppers that really suit your individual preferences.

How to grow purple sprouting broccoli

Written by Jessica Walliser

We have our gardener friends in England to thank for this article about how to grow purple sprouting broccoli. While in the US we know all about broccoli and, to a lesser extent, broccolini and broccoli rabe, the British have added how to grow purple sprouting broccoli to their repertoire—and so can you. In this article, I’ll cover just why and how to grow purple sprouting broccoli, from seeding to harvest and overwintering.You’ll guess from the name that this vegetable is indeed purple. It also produces side-shoots instead of one central head, giving the plant an interesting shape as well as color. It’s a great plant for adding variety to your vegetable garden and a great vegetable for adding nutrition to your plate.
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When to plant lavender from seeds or seedlings

Written by Niki Jabbour

Lavender is an essential cottage garden plant with intensely fragrant flowers that bloom from early to late summer, depending on the cultivar. It’s perfect for the front of a flower border, to edge a pathway, or as a low hedge. Knowing when to plant lavender is the first step to successfully establishing this popular herb. And while lavender is not difficult to grow, planting at the right time, in the right location, and in the right way gives your plants a strong start. In this article I’ll share advice on when to plant lavender from seeds or seedlings, and offer tips for helping the plants settle in.

Why are my bell peppers so small? 8 possible causes and solutions

Written by Niki Jabbour

“Why are my bell peppers so small?” asked a friend recently. I told him I was going to need more information before I could answer that question. Pepper plants are picky, and there are several factors that affect the size of fruit they’ll produce. I’ve been growing peppers for almost thirty years, and I have had to ask, Why are my bell peppers so small?, more than once. I didn’t give up, I’ve learned a lot, and my pepper plants are now thriving. In this article, I’m offering advice so you no longer have to wonder, Why are my bell peppers so small? We’ll look at ideal growing conditions for your pepper plants, eight common causes of small bell peppers, and you’ll get expert tips to grow your biggest bell peppers ever.