Savvy Gardening

Fast-growing indoor plants: The best houseplant choices

When you need more greenery in your life, fast-growing houseplants are a great option. They can transform your home’s interior landscape, adding a splash of living color, especially in the winter. Placing just one or two plants in the rooms where you spend the most time can brighten your space and your mood. I love visiting a garden center in the winter and bringing home a new indoor plant (or two!) to jazz up a bookshelf or to admire on my mantel.

How to grow lavender from seed

Written by Tara Nolan

Have you ever thought of adding a lavender hedge or border to your garden, or a mini lavender “field” to a part of your yard? If you are patient, consider growing lavender from seed. While it can be a little challenging, particularly if you are a beginner, there are a few best practices you can follow in order to successfully start your own lavender seedlings. And, it can help save you money.
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Insecticidal soap vs neem oil: What’s the difference?

Written by Jessica Walliser

Although both are often suggested to control various pest issues on both indoor and outdoor plants, isn’t it time for an insecticidal soap vs neem oil comparison? After all, they each have distinct uses, benefits, and drawbacks, and once you understand those, you’ll know just which product you should reach for and why. In this article, I’ll discuss what both of these products are and share some valuable insight into their differences.
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Growing sesame plants: How to grow sesame seeds

Written by Niki Jabbour

Growing sesame plants isn’t difficult and the beautiful plants not only produce edible sesame seeds, but also attract bees to your garden. Sesame is a heat-loving crop, but one that you can also grow in colder climates. You’ll enjoy months of eye-catching bell-shaped flowers which mature into the seed-packed pods. In this article you’ll learn everything you need to know to plant, grow, and harvest your own sesame seeds.

How to grow wild columbine in a garden

Written by Tara Nolan

I was walking by my deck one day to turn on the hose when I saw a little flash of color among the patio slabs below it. There, growing out of a crack, was a blooming wild columbine. I’d seen this wildflower growing in the woods on bike rides, but I have no idea how this particular plant showed up in my backyard—in a seemingly inhospitable sliver of dirt, no less! But it showed me the resilience of this native plant with the unique downward-facing flowers.

10 Perennials that bloom all summer

Written by Jessica Walliser

For gardeners seeking color from late spring right through to the first frost, perennials that bloom all summer are invaluable. While I would like to say there are dozens of perennials that bloom all season long, it wouldn’t be the truth. Because most perennials bloom for just a few weeks each year, there aren’t many of these long bloomers available for gardeners. Thankfully, however, there are enough choices for gardeners to create a beautiful long-blooming garden. In this article, I’ll introduce you to ten outstanding perennials that flower from spring through fall, with tips for using them in your own garden design.
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