Savvy Gardening

Mesclun mix: How to plant, grow, and harvest gourmet greens

Growing mesclun mix in garden beds and containers is a quick and easy way to enjoy a non-stop crop of gourmet salad greens. Mesclun is a blend of greens that includes lettuce, arugula, kale, and spinach which are picked when still immature. Mesclun greens make delicious and beautiful salads with a variety of colors, textures, and flavors. In this article you’ll learn how to plant, grow, and harvest mesclun mix as well as discover 10 awesome types of mesclun greens.

When to cut back hellebores in the garden

Written by Jessica Walliser

They may be popular evergreen perennials, but knowing when to cut back hellebores is important for keeping these plants in tip-top shape. These woodland shade-lovers deserve a place in every garden. Whether you grow the Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), or one of the many hybrids (Helleborus x hybridus), this article shares all the information you need for properly pruning hellebores.
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When to plant sweet Williams for the brightest blooms

Written by Jessica Walliser

The mainstay of many English cottage gardens, sweet William blooms are a classic and long-lasting addition to your own landscape once you understand just where, how, and when to plant sweet Williams. While there are plenty of good reasons to grow sweet Williams, inclusion in cut-flower bouquets is easily the most common. But, when left intact, these old-fashioned flowers are also irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. One of the many kinds of carnations, sweet Williams are also known as “pinks”—not for their pink floral hues but, rather, because the edges of their petals appear to have been notched with pinking shears. Read on to learn more about these garden stars.

Planning a habitat garden that supports beneficial insects, animals, amphibians, and birds

Written by Tara Nolan

There is a lot written about attracting pollinators to our gardens, but a habitat garden considers beneficial insects, as well as birds, animals, and amphibians. Picture your garden as an oasis for wildlife. The three main elements to support the fauna that enter our gardens are: food, shelter, and water. Sustainable gardening practices, from plant choices to landscaping features can work together to welcome that wildlife. This article is going to share some advice on making your garden habitat-friendly.

Small cucumber varieties: 12 delicious options for your garden

Written by Niki Jabbour

Small cucumber varieties, like Miniature White and Picolino, are my favorite cucumbers to grow. Not only are they quick to mature, the plants are also incredibly productive and the versatile fruits can be enjoyed fresh or pickled. Plant them in garden beds or containers and enjoy weeks of sweet crunchy cucumbers. Plus, there are many types of small cucumbers you can grow including pickling, Persian, and gherkin. In this article you’ll learn when and how to plant miniature cucumbers as well as discover 12 outstanding varieties.

Growing bulb fennel: A seed to harvest guide

Written by Niki Jabbour

Bulb fennel is a delicious vegetable with crisp licorice-flavored bulbs and leaves. Considering its many uses in the kitchen alone, growing bulb fennel from seeds or transplants is well worth the effort. Nearly every inch of this nutritious and versatile vegetable is edible, from its bulb and leaves to its pollen and seeds. Plus, it’s not difficult to grow and thrives in garden beds as well as containers. If you’re interested in planting bulb fennel, this article will help you grow large and flavorful fennel bulbs with ease.