Savvy Gardening

Foraging habitat for pollinators: What to plant in sun and shade

With so much information available about the vital importance of pollinators to our food chain and a healthy ecosystem, as gardeners, we can use our outdoor spaces to support the beneficial insects that are local to us. That includes providing crucial foraging habitat for pollinators.

The best time to plant trees in a home garden: spring versus fall

Written by Niki Jabbour

There are so many benefits to planting trees in a home landscape. They add year-round beauty to your property (and boost its value!), provide habitat and food for wildlife, and clean the air. But a newly planted tree needs time to establish a root system and settle into its new site. Therefore when you plant a tree can have a big impact on its future health. Keep reading if you’re ready to learn the best time to plant trees.

When to plant sunflowers: 3 options for lots of beautiful blooms

Written by Jessica Walliser

Sunflowers are among the most colorful and cheerful plants for gardens. They are quick to grow, attractive to pollinators, and downright beautiful. If you’re wondering when to plant sunflowers for the greatest chance of success, you’ve come to the right place. This article introduces three different planting times for sunflowers and discusses the pros and cons of each method. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for getting the job done.
READ MORE » about When to plant sunflowers: 3 options for lots of beautiful blooms

Rain garden benefits and tips: Plan a garden to divert, capture, and filter rainwater

Written by Tara Nolan

Gardeners can face many challenges on their property—poor soil conditions, steep slopes, invasive plants, roots that produce juglone, insect and four-legged pest issues, among others. A rain garden addresses the challenge posed by heavy rainstorms, especially if they consistently leave a wet area on your property. The garden can also absorb the water from your rain barrel overflow and downspouts, and filter water before it reaches the sewer system. Not only is a rain garden a practical solution for a gardener, it also helps the environment at large.

Lacinato kale: Learn how to grow this delicious heirloom kale

Written by Niki Jabbour

Lacinato kale is my favorite type of kale to grow. The plants form beautiful rosettes of blue-green leaves that are perfect for the vegetable or flower garden. The leaves are thinner and more tender than other types of kale making this an excellent choice for both raw and cooked dishes. Plus, it’s quick and easy to grow with a baby crop ready to harvest a month from seeding and mature leaves just four weeks later. Keep reading to learn how to grow a bumper crop of lacinato kale.

Growing romaine lettuce: A guide from seed to harvest

Written by Jessica Walliser

While there are many different types of lettuce to grow in the garden or in a patio pot, growing romaine lettuce is easy, and I recommend every gardener grow a few heads each season. Yes, I love a good buttercrunch or butterhead lettuce, but nothing beats the thick, crisp leaves of a head of romaine. Their texture holds a creamy salad dressing like no other leafy green out there. Have you ever tried to put Caesar dressing on bibb lettuce? The results are limp and soggy. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to grow romaine lettuce successfully from seed to harvest.