Savvy Gardening

Drought tolerant shade plants: Options for dry, shady gardens

When I think of shady spots in a garden, I think of more woodland-like conditions where the soil is a bit damp, and moisture-loving wildflowers and moss thrive. But there are shady garden areas around a home where the soil may be quite dry. These areas could be under established trees or near the foundation of a home where the rain doesn’t quite reach. In this article I’m going to share some drought tolerant shade plants that you may consider for those dry areas of the garden that don’t get much attention from the sun.

Plant covers to protect the garden from pests and weather

by Jessica WalliserComments (0)

Plant covers are a simple solution to so many of the problems that plague the garden. They keep insect pests from damaging plant foliage, prevent deer and rabbits from nibbling on leaves, and shield plants from sun and frost. Have you discovered the ease and convenience of these protective structures? They make gardening so much simpler! In this article, I’ll introduce you to a handful of the plant covers I use in my own garden.
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Are hydrangeas deer-resistant? Tips and strategies for reducing deer damage

by Niki JabbourComments (0)

Are hydrangeas deer-resistant? The short answer is no. Deer love to graze on the leaves, flowers, and tender tips of hydrangeas. That said, there are strategies that hydrangea-loving gardeners like me can use to reduce deer damage. First, plant the most resistant types of hydrangeas. Next, use a barrier to keep deer away from your plants. Finally, spray deer repellent to stop grazing. Keep reading to learn more about growing hydrangeas in deer country.

How to harvest oregano for fresh and dried use

by Jessica WalliserComments (0)

Oregano is among the most popular herbs home gardeners can grow. From pizza and salads to pasta and soups, this flavorful herb is used in many dishes and recipes. Purchasing dried and crushed oregano leaves from the grocery store is surprisingly expensive, especially given how easy the plant is to grow and harvest. This article shares information about how to harvest oregano for both fresh use and for drying, along with tips for growing it successfully.
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Direct seeding: Tips on sowing seeds right in the garden

by Tara NolanComments (0)

Every winter, I make a plan for which veggies, flowers, and herbs I’m going to start from seed throughout the growing season. Some of them get a head start indoors, while others I wait until the timing is right for direct seeding outside. I also have a little list of seeds for succession planting in the summer after certain crops, like garlic and peas. In this article, I’m going to share tips on direct seeding, as well as explain which crops benefit from being started outside.

Growing sunflowers in pots: A step-by-step guide

by Niki JabbourComments (0)

Cheerful and charming, sunflowers are one of the most popular – and easiest! – annual plants to grow. There are pint-sized sunflowers that grow just a foot tall and giant varieties that reach for the sky, but you don’t need a big garden to grow sunflowers. These classic summer bloomers can be planted in plastic pots, fabric planters, or even buckets. Keep reading to learn more about growing sunflowers in pots.