Despite all of our best efforts, summer can put a lot of stress on a garden. Extreme heat and long periods without rain can take their toll on our plants and lawns. But there are steps you can take to create a water-wise garden—one that can ease the burden on our water supply, while still having plants that will bloom throughout the growing season. In this article, I’ll share some tips on reducing the reliance on water in the garden, especially during times of extreme heat and drought.
How many cucumbers per plant? Tips to boost yield
When you plant cucumbers in your garden do you wonder how many cucumbers per plant you can expect to harvest? I know I do because I want to make sure I’ve got enough to provide months of crunchy fruits, but not so many that we’re overwhelmed. Plus, I like to make a couple of batches of pickles each summer and that means I need a generous supply of pickling cucumbers. Below I look at the different types of cucumbers and how that impacts production as well as easy strategies you can use to maximize cucumber yield.
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Harvesting cilantro: A step-by-step guide for better yields
Harvesting cilantro for optimal flavor is a little bit of an art and a science. After all, the age of your cilantro plants, the varieties you choose to grow, and the growing conditions you provide all can contribute to the quality of the leaves, stems, and seed heads you bring into your kitchen. I love to have a steady supply of cilantro in the shoulder seasons (the plants tend to bolt the minute it gets hot!), so I plant lots of seeds for multiple plants from which I can harvest as I need it.
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Peonies not blooming? Here’s what could be wrong
Peonies are much-adored early summer flowers, but occasionally there are issues that can result in peonies not blooming. Sometimes it’s a disease that causes peony buds not to open. Other times improper planting, plant age and health, or the wrong growing conditions are the reason why your peonies haven’t flowered. In this article, I’ll outline seven reasons why peony plants fail to bloom and share what you can do to identify and fix the problem.
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When to cut back daffodils: Why it’s important to time your trim
Daffodils are among my favorite spring bulbs because the squirrels don’t bother with them and I get a dependable display of cheerful flowers every spring. Knowing when to cut back daffodils after they’ve bloomed helps to guarantee next year’s flowers. Unfortunately, that means being patient and dealing with a bit of untidiness in the garden. In this article, I’m going to share some tips on timing your daffodil pruning, why it’s important, and how to deal with the foliage as it dies back.
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When to plant hydrangeas: A step-by-step guide to planting hydrangeas
Dotting the landscape near rural farmhouses and alongside suburban homes, the hydrangea plant is a snap to grow—as long as you know how and when to plant hydrangeas, and which types of hydrangeas to use in your area. Knowing when to plant gives your hydrangeas a strong start and helps them establish a robust root system. And healthy plants produce the finest show of flowers. Below you’ll learn the two best options for when to plant hydrangeas as well as get tips on choosing the right site, how to plant, and after planting care.
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