While everyone else is winding down their gardens, you might want to consider a different approach. September is often overlooked as a planting month, but it’s actually a great time to direct sow herbs that will give you a nice head start come spring. Why September Works So Well You don’t have to wait until … Read more
Your garden might need some attention right now, but it’s easy to miss the signs. Those crowded perennials aren’t just getting cozy. They’re competing for resources. September is a great time to divide them and give each plant more room. I was surprised to learn that dividing perennials can double their blooming power and extend … Read more
That coffee filter full of soggy grounds you toss every morning? It’s actually really useful for your garden. I was surprised to learn that what most people throw away can help ordinary flowers look much better. Those humble grounds contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that can give your plants a nice boost. Coffee Grounds 101: … Read more
Think gardening season is winding down? Not quite. While your neighbors’ yards fade into fall, you could be growing fresh blooms that keep going strong through autumn. The real trick for fall gardens is nursery starts planted in August, and I’ll show you exactly which ones work best . Your Secret Weapon: Why Nursery Starts … Read more
Ever harvested a cucumber that looks like it’s trying to do yoga? You’re not alone. Those curvy cukes might look like they failed geometry, but they’re actually telling you something about their growing conditions. Over 60% of home gardeners deal with cucumber curling without realizing it’s completely preventable. Let’s straighten out this crooked situation. The … Read more
Ever stared at your sad, barely-producing zucchini plants while your neighbor drowns in squash? You’re not alone. Despite being known as the “too much vegetables” (seriously, there’s a National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day on August 8th), many gardeners struggle to get good harvests. I’ve grown these plants for years, and I … Read more
Ever looked at your hydrangea and thought, “I wish I had more of these without spending a fortune”? Good news: you can. The real trick is that propagating hydrangeas is actually pretty simple once you know the right technique. No need to keep buying new plants from the nursery. Perfect Timing: When to Snip for … Read more
Want to grow better onions? Here’s what actually works. Growing bigger, better onions doesn’t mean babying them. It actually means giving them a haircut. I was surprised to learn that this simple technique, called “topping,” is one of the best ways to improve your onion harvest. Here’s what I’ve learned about growing onions that actually … Read more
Think gardening season is winding down? August is actually a great time to plant flowers that will carry your garden from late summer right into fall. While your neighbors’ yards start to fade, yours can be just hitting its stride. The real trick for a strong late-season garden is knowing which flowers do well when … Read more
August might seem like summer’s tired finale, but experienced gardeners know it’s actually peak season for some of the best blooms of the year. Nearly 40% of cut-flower enthusiasts overlook August as a prime harvesting time. Whether you’re filling vases or want a nice-looking garden, these 10 August bloomers deliver when the heat is on. … Read more