There are few things as high on the “ick factor” as finding bugs in broccoli when you’re about to take a bite. Unfortunately, there are many pests that enjoy broccoli plants even more than people do and finding them hidden inside the broccoli florets or munching on the leaves isn’t unusual. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the most common bugs that feed on broccoli and offer strategies for keeping them at bay.
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Inexpensive raised garden bed ideas: Inspiration for your next project
Having written a lot about building raised beds, I love seeing what different gardeners have created to grow their own food. You don’t always need a big budget! With a little creativity, ordinary objects and materials can be turned into a garden. As we start to plan out our gardens for the growing season, I thought I would share some inexpensive raised garden bed ideas.
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Types of tomatoes: A complete guide for gardeners
With so many different types of tomatoes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to grow. I like to plant a mixture of tomato types – cherry varieties for salads, beefsteaks for slicing and sandwiches, and plum tomatoes for sauce. If you’re trying to decide the best types of tomatoes to plant in your garden, consider how you like to eat your tomatoes. Also think about your space. If you don’t have large garden, you may wish to stick to compact varieties. To help you figure out which types of tomatoes to plant, check out my detailed guide below.
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Vermiculite vs perlite: What’s the difference and what are they used for?
Whether you’re customizing your own potting mix, exploring different soil amendments, or purchasing a soilless growing medium, the vermiculite vs perlite question eventually comes up. Which one is best? (Or should you be using both?) As it happens, vermiculite and perlite are ubiquitous in potting soils and seed-starting mixes, but there are some important differences between the two. This article explains where vermiculite and perlite come from and the many ways each of them can be used.
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How to harvest thyme for fresh and dried use
Thyme is an easy herb to grow, but knowing how to harvest thyme can keep the plants productive and healthy for years to come. A hardy, drought-tolerant perennial herb, thyme is a great choice for growing in garden beds or in pots. In this article, you’ll learn how to harvest thyme for immediate culinary use or for drying.
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Seeding cosmos: Tips for direct sowing and giving seeds a head start indoors
Cosmos are among my favorite summer cut flowers. The plants’ light, wispy, foliage, reminiscent of dill, is topped by colorful, daisy-like flowers that sway in the breeze. Popular cottage garden picks, I tend to plant cosmos in my raised beds because they attract bees and butterflies. Growing these semi-hardy annuals from seed is super easy. In this article, I’m going to share some tips on seeding cosmos indoors so you’ll have seedlings for planting season, as well as how to direct-sow seeds right in the garden.
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