Savvy Gardening

Pruning forsythia: When to trim branches without affecting next year’s flowers

Forsythias are one of those welcome signs of spring, a reassurance that warmer, sunny days are on the way. The branches of these deciduous shrubs with their bright yellow flowers are like rays of sunshine in the garden. My house came with one planted in the middle of a stretch of backyard. Planted in a row, they also make a dazzling hedge at the edge of my property, with non-descript green leaves filling in the space after the flowers have died back. In this article, I’m going to share the best time of year for pruning forsythia branches, and why timing is so important.

How to grow rosemary in gardens and containers

Written by Niki Jabbour

If you’re wondering how to grow rosemary, you’ll be happy to learn it’s a low-care culinary herb that is productive, attractive, and resistant to drought, pests, and deer. It’s easy to grow in garden beds and containers, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil. The needle-like leaves of rosemary are packed with fragrant oils that add mouthwatering flavor to a wide variety of dishes. This classic kitchen herb is essential for anyone who loves to cook and if you want to learn how to grow rosemary, I’ve got plenty of in-depth advice and tips below.

Asparagus growing secrets: How to harvest big asparagus spears at home

Written by Jessica Walliser

Asparagus is one of the first harvestable vegetable crops each spring. It also happens to be one of only a handful of perennial vegetables, returning to the garden each year, with yields bigger and better than the season before. While asparagus plants are productive for many, many years, it can be somewhat of a challenge to get them established. For the best asparagus harvest possible, you’ll need to understand the stages of asparagus growth and follow a few simple guidelines for variety selection, planting, harvesting and maintenance. In this article, I’ll share some of my best asparagus growing secrets from my time as an organic market farmer.
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How to prune dill for bushier plants, summer dishes, and drying

Written by Tara Nolan

Dill is among my favorite herbs I grow in my raised beds, not only because of the delicious harvest, but also because it’s a host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars. Every year they make an appearance! Because I grow so much—or rather, because I let so much dill go to seed—I don’t mind the caterpillars eating it because there is lots to go around. In this article, I’m going to share some tips on how to prune dill for bushier plants, to harvest for eating or drying, to delay flowering, and what to do with the seed heads.

How to harden off tomato plants: Insider secrets from a pro

Written by Niki Jabbour

Are you wondering how to harden off tomato plants? Is it really necessary to do? How long does it take to harden off the plants? I’ve got answers to all of your hardening off questions below, but the short response is yes, you do need to harden off indoor-grown seedlings before you move them outdoors. It isn’t hard to do and takes about a week. Keep reading to learn how to harden off tomato plants using my simple seven day schedule.

Drought tolerant shade plants: Options for dry, shady gardens

Written by Tara Nolan

When I think of shady spots in a garden, I think of more woodland-like conditions where the soil is a bit damp, and moisture-loving wildflowers and moss thrive. But there are shady garden areas around a home where the soil may be quite dry. These areas could be under established trees or near the foundation of a home where the rain doesn’t quite reach. In this article I’m going to share some drought tolerant shade plants that you may consider for those dry areas of the garden that don’t get much attention from the sun.