There’s no need to spend big bucks on a fancy composting system when a simple DIY compost bin will transform kitchen and garden waste into a rich soil amendment. And, with a little elbow grease and a few basic materials like pallets or chicken wire, you can quickly and easily build an effective compost bin.
Read More »DIY compost bin: Quick and easy ideas for making your own compost bin
Flowering trees for home gardens: 21 beautiful choices
There’s no doubt that trees are essential to life on Earth. Not only are they the “lungs” of the planet, converting carbon dioxide to oxygen through photosynthesis, but they also filter groundwater, stabilize soils, and provide food and habitat for innumerable animals, fungi, and bacteria. Trees serve a countless array of ecosystem services; yes, even the ones growing in your own backyard. While most home landscapes contain at least a few trees, it’s clear that we all need to make room for more. Not everyone has the space for a stately oak or a mammoth maple, but there’s always room for a smaller specimen tree, no matter what size yard you have. Thankfully, many flowering trees are terrific choices for the job. Not only do they provide all the benefits mentioned above, but they’re beautiful, too. Continue Reading
Read More »How to harvest lemongrass for recipes and herbal tea
I grow lemongrass in containers every year. When I give my raised bed talks, I usually tell the audience that I like to plant lemongrass in place of a spike or dracaena, in my ornamental pots because it provides that lovely dramatic height. It’s a great double-duty plant because of its ornamental grass qualities—and it’s edible. I love drying lemongrass for herbal tea, and come fall, when I fire up the crockpot, I toss it into hearty curries. Until I started growing it myself, I didn’t really know how to harvest lemongrass. It’s not a particularly expensive herb to purchase, but there is something very satisfying about growing your own. And harvesting is super-easy!
Read More »Alliums for the garden: The best long-blooming allium varieties
In late spring, when they come into flower, allium bulbs make quite the statement in planting beds. Whether they’re mixed with perennials or planted in an area all their own, these onion relatives have so many worthwhile traits. They’re deer resistant, unbothered by voles, chipmunks, and squirrels, long-lived, and downright stunning. Alliums come in a surprising array of forms and colors, even though the flowers are always found in clusters atop straight, leafless stems. If you’re looking for the perfect alliums to add to your landscape, this article covers the best varieties for the job. Continue Reading
Read More »How to grow sweet potatoes in a home vegetable garden
Growing sweet potatoes is fun and easy, and a great way to enjoy super-sweet tubers that taste so much better than those you’ll find at the local supermarket. If you’re wondering how to grow sweet potatoes in your home vegetable garden, I’ve got all the information and advice you need to get started.
Read More »Rose pests and how to control them organically
Roses are a favorite landscape plant of many homeowners. Their beautiful blooms are classic show-stoppers. With so many long-blooming, low-maintenance roses on the market these days, you would think there would be no need for an article discussing common pests of roses. But unfortunately, while there are plenty of rose varieties that are resistant to common rose diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew, there’s no such thing as a rose that’s completely resistant to insect pests. Even low-maintenance rose varieties face pest issues. I’d like to introduce you to eight critters who make holes in rose leaves, distort foliage, and destroy flower buds. I’ll also share some tips for managing them safely.
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