Savvy Gardening

Vegetables to plant in August: Seeds to sow for autumn harvests

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

Written by Tara Nolan

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.