Every gardening season I like to try something new in my garden. Last year, I experimented with a “container friendly” okra variety perfectly suited for raised beds. It grew about 3 feet tall but produced full-sized pods all season. I’ll replant it again this summer. This spring, I’m taking on a more permanent project –…
How to Care for Aloe Plants
I have a confession to make. I can’t resist checking the “discounted plant” aisle at the grocery store. Last summer, I spotted an aloe plant there for 99 cents. Honestly, it looked so pitiful it probably wasn’t worth a quarter. Its leaves were shriveled, the color was more brown than green, and it sat slumped…
Seeds vs. Transplants: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Vegetable Garden
Seeds or Transplants: What’s Best for Your Vegetable Garden? When it comes to planting your vegetable garden, one big question always pops up: Should you start with seeds, or should you go for transplants? It’s not always a straightforward decision, but don’t worry—we will break it down together so you can feel confident about your…
Air Plants: For Those Who Love Plants But Can’t Keep Them Alive
Do you have a brown thumb? Does every plant you touch seem to wither despite your best intentions? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there’s hope! Let me introduce you to the air plant —nature’s gift to the plant-challenged. These unusual, low-maintenance plants thrive on neglect (well, almost) and are perfect for those who forget…
How to Grow Peas in Your Garden: Planting, Care, and Harvesting
Sugar snap peas and snow peas are cool-season vegetables that are among the first you can sow outdoors in early spring. If you haven’t grown peas in your garden before, you’re in for a treat! My garden wouldn’t be complete without sugar snap peas climbing up the trellis in my raised beds each spring and…
Grow and Celebrate: How to Plant Black-Eyed Peas for Next Year’s New Year’s Dinner
Start the New Year with Black-Eyed Peas: Good Luck and Great Gardens! When I was a little girl, every New Year’s Eve meant one thing: my grandfather, Pap, taking over the kitchen to cook black-eyed peas. My grandmother was the family cook, but this one tradition was all his. I’ll be honest—I never really liked…
Is a Soil Test Necessary for Your Vegetable Garden?
Should I test the soil in my vegetable garden before planning my spring garden? A healthy garden starts with healthy soil. By incorporating organic matter like compost and worm castings, you can create a rich and fertile environment for your plants to thrive. Every season, before planting a new garden, I routinely add these amendments…
How to Keep Your Poinsettia Festive All Season Long
Have you ever wondered why poinsettias are so closely tied to Christmas? Every Holiday season you see the garden centers filled with these pretty red or white flowers and they are bought for homes, churches, offices and storefronts to add a festive touch. The tradition of poinsettias dates back to 16th-century Mexico, where a legend…
How to Make a Fairy Garden with Your Kids (or Just for Fun)
What better way to invite the “wee folk” into your garden than by creating a special garden just for them. To make them feel welcome, plant a few of their favorite flowers or herbs, and add some natural building materials such as small rocks, twigs or shells for them to make their home. All you…
The Benefits of Mulching Your Raised Beds With Leaves
While there may not be a lot of gardening happening during the winter months, there are still plenty of tasks you can do now to prepare your garden for the busy spring season. In my garden, I have six raised beds, but only two are in use right now. One is home to my cool-season…