Savvy Gardening

Beets from seed: Two easy techniques for growing beets

Growing beets from seed isn’t difficult and is the best way to ensure a bumper crop of this popular root vegetable. Beets offer a double harvest of sweet earthy roots and nutritious greens, which are ready to eat just two months from seeding. And you’ve got several options when it comes to planting as there are two ways for gardeners to plant beet seeds. The first is to direct sow the seeds in the garden and the second is to start the seeds indoors. There are benefits and drawbacks to each technique and below you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing beets from seed.

The longest flowering perennials: 10 long blooming options

Written by Niki Jabbour

A well-designed garden provides interest from early spring through late autumn, and beyond if you also select plants for winter structure. But, for the main growing season, much of that interest comes from flowering and foliage plants. Gardeners who want a lower maintenance landscape would be wise to look for perennial plants that are both easy-to-grow and offer a long blooming period. Most perennial plants flower for two to four weeks, but the longest flowering perennials, like coneflowers and catmint, measure their flowering period in months, not weeks. Below you’ll discover ten outstanding options for long-blooming perennials.

Mustard greens vs collard greens – what’s the difference?

Written by Jessica Walliser

Consider it a case of sibling rivalry: mustard greens vs collard greens. In a championship fight, which one would win? Mustard greens are famous for their sometimes-spicy taste, and collard greens are known as the state vegetable of South Carolina. They both have a lot going for them. Apart from the comic relief that this brassica-family matchup would provide, the question of winning is unnecessary. In a home garden, mustard greens and collard greens are both winners. These cool-season crops have many similarities and a few differences that you should know. This article can help you understand their flavors, nutritional profiles, uses, and growing needs.
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Front garden design ideas: What to plant, eco-friendly options, patios, and more!

Written by Tara Nolan

Front garden design ideas have really evolved in the last few years—and for the better. Walk through any neighborhood these days and you’ll see that the traditional turf grass and tidy foundation planting look is being replaced by contemporary elements that are more mindful of the environment. A good garden design will incorporate a few modern ideas, from vegetable gardens and seating to rain gardens and native plants, to create an eco-friendly, eye-catching space.

Growing tomatoes from seed: A step-by-step guide

Written by Niki Jabbour

Why start your own tomato seeds when you can pop into your local nursery and buy ready-to-plant seedlings? The biggest reason is variety! Your local nursery may have a dozen or so varieties of tomatoes, but growing your own tomatoes from seed allows you to choose from hundreds of heirloom, hybrid, and open-pollinated varieties available through seed catalogs. Plus, starting your own tomatoes can save money, especially if you have a large garden. Below you’ll find in-depth advice and step-by-step instructions on growing tomatoes from seed.

Pruning a rose of Sharon: When to shear seed pods and when to cut it back

Written by Tara Nolan

When I moved into my current home and started to get to know my garden, I discovered I had five rose of Sharon shrubs on the property. We moved in the fall and the trees had been meticulously pruned, so we didn’t need to worry about pruning them that first year. Fast forward to our second spring and I couldn’t figure out what all these tiny little weeds sprouting up in my lawn were. I soon discovered they were miniature rose of Sharon plants—dozens of them, trying to establish themselves in my garden. In this article, I’ll share tips on pruning a rose of Sharon, but also when to shear off those seed pods to avoid the misery of pulling up seedlings.