Savvy Gardening

Growing marigolds from seed: Tips for indoor and direct sowing

Marigolds were one of the first flowers I could identify as a kid. Growing up, my mom would plant marigold seeds along the side of our garage. I remember the strong scent as you’d brush by the bright yellow and deep orange blooms in the summer. Growing marigolds from seed is an easy way to add annuals to your gardens and containers. In this article, I’m going to share tips on sowing seeds indoors (and then moving your plants to the garden), as well as direct-sowing your marigold seeds in the spring.

Growing elephant ears in pots: Tips and advice for success

Written by Jessica Walliser

Elephant ear plants make a bold statement in the garden, but this bulb is also a wonderful addition to outdoor patio planters and containers. Growing elephant ears in pots is an excellent way to add a fun, tropical vibe to outdoor areas without requiring a lot of effort. In this article, you’ll learn which types of elephant ears to grow in pots and how to set yourself up for success.
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Japanese anemone: How to grow this bloom-filled, late-summer perennial

Written by Tara Nolan

As the late-summer garden starts to reveal some of the last blooms of the season, my Japanese anemone is deciding it’s her time to shine. The end-of-summer performance is nearing its crescendo: a lovely, tall-yet-compact, floriferous perennial, covered in buds that open to reveal gorgeous blooms.

Growing basil from seed: A step-by-step guide

Written by Niki Jabbour

Growing basil from seed should be on every gardeners to-do list. Why? Basil is easy to grow from seed and when you buy seeds instead of transplants you can choose from dozens of types and varieties available through seed catalogs. There are two ways to start basil seeds: indoors in a window or beneath a growlight, or by direct seeding outdoors. Keep reading to learn more about the simple steps of growing basil from seed.

Growing broccoli from seed: How to sow, transplant, and more

Written by Jessica Walliser

Broccoli is one of my favorite crops to grow. Not only is it high in fiber and vitamins, but it’s surprisingly easy to cultivate in a home garden. With a modest amount of effort, you can save yourself lots of money by growing broccoli from seed, rather than relying on transplants purchased from your local garden center. In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know when it comes to growing broccoli from seed, including sowing, transplanting, and care advice.
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Flower bed ideas: Inspiration for your next garden project

Written by Tara Nolan

I love incorporating fresh flower bed ideas in my yard. I’ve built a pollinator palace in my front yard garden, added a raised bed among perennials, dug in herbs in a border planting, carefully positioned garden art among the flowers, and more. Today I’m sharing a variety of flower bed ideas that I’ve tucked away for future gardens that I’ll create—or existing ones I’d like to overhaul.