Savvy Gardening

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.

How to make a new raised bed garden step-by-step

Written by Jessica Walliser

If you’ve been wondering how to make a new raised bed garden, this article is a great place to start. Early in 2023, we embarked on a big project – a new raised bed vegetable garden! I’d been dreaming of improving our food garden by adding raised beds for years. I drew up a rough plan and approached our contractor neighbor, Tim, about the project. Two months later, I had a beautiful new garden. In this article, I’ll walk you through each step of the project, offering tips and insights you can use to build a new raised bed garden of your own.
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Harvesting basil: Tips to maximize flavor and yield

Written by Niki Jabbour

Harvesting basil from the garden is one of my favorite summer activities. We use the flavor-packed leaves in pasta, pesto, on pizzas, and in fresh salads like Caprese salad. Plus, surplus basil harvests can be frozen or dried for future meals. How and when you harvest basil can have a big impact on plant health, flavor, and production. Below you’ll get my tips on harvesting basil, including types of basil like Genovese, Thai, and lemon, to ensure you’ve got a non-stop supply of this popular herb.
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Shade ground cover plants for your yard

Written by Jessica Walliser

Shady areas can be challenging to grow in, but filling low-light areas with shade ground cover plants is a great low-maintenance option for gardeners. Thankfully there are a surprising number of options when it comes to shade-loving ground covers. In this article, I’ll introduce you to my favorites, along with sharing some quick tidbits of info on establishing these ground-hugging plants.
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Growing hens and chicks plants in gardens and pots

Written by Tara Nolan

Hens and chicks plants make great low-maintenance options for dry, sunny gardens. And there are so many interesting cultivars available in a range of hues, from chocolate brown to green to bright orange and yellow. The common name may be confusing until you grow them yourself and realize it makes sense. One main rosette (mama hen) will eventually produce several offsets or babies (the chicks!). Though I’ve never heard them referred to by houseleeks, their other common name, the Latin name you’ll see on plant tags for these popular succulents is Sempervivum. They are members of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae).

Growing spinach in containers: A seed to harvest guide

Written by Niki Jabbour

Spinach is a popular green to grow in gardens, but it’s also an ideal vegetable to plant in pots. The compact plants don’t need a lot of root space and they’re very quick to go from seed to harvest. Growing spinach in containers just outside my kitchen door means I’ve always got a supply of the tender leaves on hand for salads and cooked dishes. The key to success for cultivating spinach in pots is to pick the best types of containers, fill them with a rich growing mix, and provide consistent moisture. Below you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing spinach in containers. Read on!