Savvy Gardening

Frost cloth: How to use frost cloth in a vegetable garden

Frost cloth is one of my go-to garden covers and I use it to protect my vegetables from frost, prevent cold damage, and keep pests away from my plants. These lightweight fabrics can be laid directly on top of crops or floated above on wire or PVC hoops. A frost cloth low tunnel is quick and easy to build and gives tender seedlings a strong start in spring or extends the harvest in autumn. Let’s learn more about how to use frost cloth in a vegetable garden.

Is lemongrass a perennial? Yes and here’s how to overwinter it

Written by Jessica Walliser

If you’ve ever grown this striking and flavorful herb, you may have wondered “Is lemongrass a perennial? And if it is, can I overwinter it?” You’re not alone in asking yourself these questions; I’ve heard them cross the lips of many gardeners over the years. Lemongrass is such a versatile herb and a beautiful plant. It’s no wonder folks want to know how to keep it around from one year to the next. This article shares details on where lemongrass survives the winter (hint: where it’s warm!) and offers you advice on keeping lemongrass plants alive during the colder months, even if you don’t live in a warm climate.
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How to propagate geraniums: Make more plants by taking cuttings

Written by Tara Nolan

At the end of the growing season, with cold temperatures on the horizon, I often lament having to send my annuals to the compost pile. There are some annual plants that will overwinter with a bit of care. And there are others that you can also easily take cuttings from and nurture indoors. Annual geraniums (also called bedding geraniums and Pelargoniums to differentiate them from hardy, perennial geraniums) are among the plants you can propagate and keep as houseplants over the winter. If you know how to propagate geraniums, you can grow more of your favorite varieties to plant the following year in the garden, and in pots or hanging baskets.

When to harvest jalapenos for the best quality and flavor

Written by Niki Jabbour

Jalapeno peppers are my go-to hot pepper offering mildly hot fruits that are super versatile. I use them in salsas and stir-fries, as well as on nachos and in hot sauce. The plants are prolific, yielding dozens of glossy green fruits, and are easy to grow in containers and garden beds. The big question is when to harvest jalapenos for optimum flavor, heat, and quality. Below you’ll learn more about when and how to pick jalapeno peppers.

Low growing shrubs for the front of the house: 16 great choices for reduced maintenance

Written by Jessica Walliser

Attractive low growing shrubs for the front of the house are great for reducing yard maintenance. While most gardeners love to work in their garden, they may not love pruning their shrubs every year. One way to make landscaping easier while increasing your home’s curb appeal is to move beyond the typical overgrown azaleas and rhododendron and choose foundation plant varieties that stay compact. The list of 16 low growing bushes featured in this article consists of both evergreen shrubs and flowering choices. They’re the perfect solution for homeowners who don’t enjoy pruning!
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When to harvest pumpkins: How to tell when pumpkins are ripe

Written by Niki Jabbour

Pumpkins are a fun and easy crop to grow in a home vegetable garden with the harvest season beginning in late summer. The colorful fruits can be used as Jack-o’-lanterns, autumn decor, or stored for cooking and baking. However you use your homegrown pumpkins, it’s important to harvest the fruits when they’re fully mature. Why? Underripe or overripe pumpkins are prone to rotting. Below you’ll learn four signs to help you to decide when to harvest pumpkins from your garden.