Savvy Gardening

When to trim boxwoods and how to do it right

Knowing when to trim boxwoods—and which methods and tools to use for the job—is as important for establishing new, young plants as it is for properly maintaining older, larger boxwood bushes. Luckily, with a few snips here and there, it’s easy to spur new growth or simply preserve an existing, desired shape.
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Winter shrub covers: Tips to protect from the weather and wildlife

Written by Tara Nolan

While there are lots of shrubs that will do perfectly fine over the winter, sometimes they need a little help to make it through. And that may not be just as a result of cold temperatures. Hungry wildlife could be after some of those tender branches, too. My cedar hedges in the backyard are consistently turned into lollipops because the deer enjoy nibbling the lower branches if they pass through our yard. Winter shrub covers are a great way to protect vulnerable bushes. In this article, I’m going to share tips on choosing winter covers, and how to safely wrap your shrubs.

How to use a bee house: Tips for installation and care

Written by Tara Nolan

Between my gardening practices, the plants I dig into my garden, and structures like my pollinator palace, I’m always looking for ways to support bees and other beneficial insects on my property. While bee houses have become quite popular, they don’t always come with the information on how to use one.

Snake plant leaves turning yellow: 9 causes and solutions

Written by Niki Jabbour

There’s a reason snake plants are my favorite houseplant. First, they have attractive upright foliage in a range of colors and variegations. Secondly, they’re super easy to grow, tolerating most light conditions and thriving on neglect. That said, occasionally you may notice snake plant leaves turning yellow. Don’t panic! It’s not easy to kill a snake plant. You just need to figure out the issue. Below I share nine reasons a snake plant’s leaves may turn yellow and how to fix them.

Chinese money plant propagation

Written by Jessica Walliser

Chinese money plant propagation is among the easiest types of houseplant propagation you can try. Even beginners can easily find success. There are three simple ways you can make more of these unique plants for free. All you need is a mother plant and a few tools. This article outlines all three methods of propagating the Chinese money plant and offers tips for success.
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How to freeze squash: Tips to preserve your harvest for future recipes

Written by Tara Nolan

I love growing squash, but there are some plants that can be rather prolific (ahem, I’m looking at you, zucchini). I don’t like anything going to waste, so learning how to freeze squash can ensure that you will enjoy this tasty vegetable well into the winter. There are different methods you can use, depending on your space and the state you’d like your squash to be in when it comes out of the freezer (i.e. cubed or puréed). And, summer squash and winter squash are require different steps. In this article, I’m going to share a few ways that I prepare squash to go into my frozen pantry—aka the freezer. This also works for squash you’ve bought at the supermarket or a farmers’ market, and don’t have time to cook right away.