Get Into Your Growing Zone - USDA Plant...As every gardener knows, different plants are adapted to growing well in specific climates. Plant hardiness zones help to define the optimum growing climates. By knowing what hardiness zone you live in, you can properly select the plants that are best suited to your growing conditions.
How to Grow Houseplants in WaterYou don't need to have a green thumb to grow houseplants in water. Even if you've killed every houseplant growing in soil that you have ever had, your success is almost guaranteed when growing them in water.
How to Make a Gourd BirdhouseGourds are fun and easy to grow, and many of the hard-shell types make wonderful houses for common cavity-nesting bird species like chickadees, nuthatches, and martins.
Choosing the Best Lawn Mower Height SettingCutting your lawn at the right mowing height is the single most important thing you can do to keep your lawn healthy. Mowing at the correct height reduces weed problems, contributes to a healthy root system and increases resistance to drought.
The Beauty of the Dryer SheetDryer sheets are relatively cheap items (think bargain stores and generic boxes) which can be used in a variety of ways. Stock up when you find a great bargain on these scented, or unscented, boxes of versatile sheets.
How to Dress Up a Chain Link FenceA chain link fence is durable and long lasting. It is a great choice for defining property boundaries and keeping your children and pets safe. Here are some ideas for adding some charm to your chain link fence that will help it blend more seamlessly into your landscape.
How to Remove Tree Sap from Just About...Spring and late summer are the prime seasons for sticky, gooey, tree sap. The stuff seems to ooze onto everything with ease. Getting it off, however, can be a whole different matter. Here are some sure fire methods for removing tree sap from just about anything.
Garden CheapiesAfter perusing your local garden store you'll realize that the summer growing season means big business for these companies. They're counting on you to invest heavily in your seasonal needs. Instead, look for some recycling options that keep your garden and your wallet healthy.
Monologue Of A Killer WaspThe Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp, Sphecius speciosus, is said to be a solitary animal. That may be, but they sure don't mind close neighbors. My lawn is becoming riddled with their nests. They are considered beneficial in that they help keep the cicada population in check, thereby greatly reducing damage done to deciduous trees.
The Changing Of The SeasonsAutumn is a wonderful time for most. There is the harvesting and the feasting, the storing up for the bleak days to come. There will be lots of shopping, too. Some people love Autumn simply because it's a time to renew their wardrobe. Who doesn't like to have a couple of fashionable cardigans to add to their already bulging supply of clothing?
Argiope ~ The Writing SpiderWe, and most of our neighbors, had gardens. They were always home to several writing spiders. With this spider being very active during the day, it was not uncommon to encounter a few during any visit to the garden.
Keeping Rats And Mice Away - Part 2Utopia would a place where everyone had a reverence for life. In Utopia, we Humans would co exist with the mountain lion, the black widow spider and the deadly black mamba, because in this paradise, we would have learned how to live along side these creatures in such a manner, they posed no threat to us.
Dealing With GnatsSadly, I've had to admit that gnats are attracted to me. I assure you, it is a one sided affair.
Unemployment Blues are "Green"My husband and I have been trying to keep ourselves extremely busy for the past four months to avoid 'unemployment-related depression'. As we currently have zero (0, none, nada, zip) income, we are getting very creative with our time and energy'.
Lazy Gardening for Healthy YardsI love to garden but it is also something that gets ignored when I have better things to do. Laura assured me that my garden would be fine with a bit of benign neglect. In fact, it would probably be healthier because of it.
Smart Decorating with 10 Year Old PaintOut of money and couldn't get a job, I decided to rent out my spare bedroom. The walls were riddled with nail holes and it hadn't been painted in 12 years.
8 Ways to Make Mowing Your Lawn EasierMaking lawn mowing easier means establishing a simple routine that gets the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are 8 ways to simplify the process.
Make Your Own Cleaning ProductsCleaning products are easy to make at home, and manufacturers charge exorbitant prices for basic ingredients. On cleaning day whip up a batch of homemade cleaners and enjoy a healthy, clean home and a fat wallet.
My Frugal Life: The Willow StoryOne summer in July on a very hot day, there was a dreadful electrical storm. The willow was split down the middle. I joined the neighbors in a crying fest and then asked for some cuttings. I was told by all the neighbors I couldn't plant in the middle of the summer. I was bound to try.
Replacing Old Toilet with New Low-Flow ToiletThe toilet that was in our house when we moved in was always a little grungy. We wanted to replace it but didn't have the money or the gumption after we first purchased the house.
Plants for the OfficeOffice plants often face a hostile work environment, and just like people, not all plants are suitable for every line of work. Lighting, unstable temperatures, low humidity, and forgetful caretakers are just some of the harsh conditions that office plants have to contend with.
Take Better Care of Your PossessionsMy husband is a professional appraiser and furniture restorer. I am often in his workshop while he is working to repair a piece of what was once lovely furniture.
Things to Consider When Building a Garden ShedGarden sheds are valuable for storing garden tools and other garden equipment, but before you set out to build one (or buy one), there are several things you will want to consider.
Tips for Planting Ornamental BordersThe secret to creating an attractive ornamental border is to create a mixture of permanent plants such as shrubs and perennials flowers, and combine them with annuals, biennials, and even vegetables, to provide extra color during the growing season.
Painting Formica CountertopsMy home was a mecca of ugly and strangely colored laminate countertops; hunter green, brown, navy blue, beige, etc.. I set out to paint them to improve their look, thinking "they can't get any worse, can they?" Paint was my frugal friend.
Fencing Your Vegetable GardenHow many times have you carefully planted a vegetable garden, only to have the fruits of your labor eaten by wildlife? The only real solution is to erect a fence that keeps the animals out.
How to Press FlowersPressing flowers is a great way to preserve them. Once pressed and dry, pressed flowers usually retain their color fairly well, which makes them useful for making a variety of decorative crafts, such as stationery, placemats, and bookmarks.
Diagnosing Problems in Container PlantsJust like their soil-dwelling counterparts, vegetables and flowers grown as container plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Most are a result of environmental conditions, such as in correct moisture, temperature and light conditions.
Frugal Ways to Update FurnitureI have gone garage saling for many years, but recently two other friends and I often go together. We give each other advice on items the other one is looking to buy and ideas about how to use different items that can be re-purposed.
Planning and Design Tips for PatiosPatios are becoming essential elements for today's backyards. Here are some design tips for creating the perfect outdoor space to use for summer dining and entertaining.
Smart Ways to Water Your GardenWatering the garden is a simple, but critical, task. Give them too much and plants will drown, too little and they will dehydrate. Some ways of watering are smarter than others, and once you get the hang of it, you will naturally develop a sense of how much water your plants really need.
Tips for Planting on SlopesSlopes can be tricky areas to plant. They present unique growing conditions', dry soils and excessive erosion. They can be physically difficult, even dangerous, to maintain. Here are some tips for taming your slopes, as well as how to know when it's time to call in the experts.
How to Shop for a Power Hedge TrimmerFor gardeners with large hedges or multiple shrubs to maintain, a power hedge trimmer will save hours of time and energy over hand-held garden shears. Here are some features to consider before purchasing one.
Maximizing Fragrance in the GardenA visually appealing garden is made even more beautiful by sweet smelling flowers and plants. If you deliberately plant for fragrance each season, here are a few handy tricks for capitalizing on those heavenly scents.
7 Steps to Rejuvenating a Tired LawnIs your lawn starting to look tired and unhealthy? If it's plagued by weeds or struggling to grow, follow these 7 steps to bring it back to life.
Get Started Growing BerriesFor the amount of effort it requires, growing fruits can sometimes be disappointing. That isn't usually the case with berries. Compared to tree fruits, berries are quick to bear, naturally resistant to pests and disease, and they require relatively little growing space.
Designing a Garden for ChildrenAnyone that takes the time and effort to teach a child to garden will reap great rewards for their effort. Being responsible for tending a garden also fosters a sense of "nurturing" and helps them learn to care for other living things.
Low-Cost Living Room/Home OfficeSo often, I see decorating shows or articles which say they are low-cost, but then I see that they have spent thousands of dollars on one ROOM! One night, just for fun, as I sat in my cozy living room, I thought about where our living room furniture came from and how much each piece cost.
A Gardener's Guide to CompostingComposting recycles organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Although the finished product is a complex mixture of organic matter, bacteria and enzymes, the process of making compost isn't complex at all.
A Gardener's Glossary to Buying SeedsWhether you buy seeds from a catalog or purchase them from a store, understanding seed terms will help you make more informed decisions when buying garden seeds.
Tools to Make Planting and Sowing EasierThe right garden tools can help make an otherwise tedious job simple and quick to accomplish. Here are some specialized tools to make the task of sowing seeds and planting transplants in your garden a bit easier.
Soil Mixes for Starting SeedsA good seed starting mix is a necessity if you want to produce healthy seedlings and transplants. To make your own soil mix, experiment using a combination of the ingredients listed here to get your seeds and seedlings off to the best possible start.
How to Grow Alpine PlantsNative to the mountainous regions of the world, alpine plants have developed several adaptations that make them appealing for use as garden plants. For example, the ability to survive short, cool growing seasons means that many species will flower continuously while they have the chance.
Digging Tips for GardenersDigging garden soil can either be a pain in your back, or an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Here are some helpful tips to make this necessary garden chore easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Tips for Setting Up a Grow-Light SystemStarting seedlings under fluorescent light is one of the best ways for gardeners to get a jump on spring. Because seedlings grown under lights receive the same amount of light day after day, regardless of the weather outside, you won't have to worry about leggy, unhealthy plants during a dark and gloomy spring.
How to Design an Island BedIsland beds are freestanding garden plots, usually surrounded by grass, which can be walked around and looked at from all sides. When strategically designed, they can provide your landscape with an attractive, colorful focal point.
Growing and Using Ornamental GrassesOrnamental grasses are versatile garden plants without being fussy about care and maintenance. In the spring and summer they bring color, texture, and an airy, casual appearance to garden spaces.
Foliar Feeding for Garden PlantsPlants take up most of the nutrients they need through their roots, but they also can absorb nutrients through their leaves. When a liquid fertilizer is diluted and applied to the leaves of plants it is called foliar feeding.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your...As with all garden tools, routine care and maintenance is necessary to improve performance and extend the life of your lawn mower. Here is a page to cleaning and maintaining your lawn mower to help keep it running safely and efficiently for as long as possible.
How to Divide Your HouseplantsDivision is an easy and inexpensive way to increase your houseplant stock. It's also a great way to "friend" plants to others, and a good method for rescuing and preserving plants that are showing obvious signs of decline.
Plant Pre-Sprouted Bulbs and Flowers for...Did you know that those colorful, foil-wrapped potted tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths sold at supermarkets and home centers can be planted outdoors just like bedding plants?
12 Steps To Sowing Seeds IndoorsSowing seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season - especially for vegetables and flowers that take a long time to reach maturity.
Using Dwarf Conifers in the GardenDwarf conifers can be grown in compact beds or containers and are easy to maintain. This makes them particularly useful for gardeners with limited space. Incredibly diverse in color, texture, and form, their miniature stature allows you the luxury to grow several different species in a small area.
Tips for Buying OrchidsOrchids are available from many sources, but most are purchased from flower shops, garden centers, or from orchid nurseries either in person, or online. If you are new to the world of growing orchids, here are some tips for buying them.
How to Rotate Your CropsCrop rotation is the practice of growing related crops in different areas of the garden in consecutive years. Rotating crops helps maximize yields by making the most efficient use of the nutrients in your soil, and reducing the likelihood of soilborne pests and diseases.
Landscape Design TipsFormulating a landscape design plan can be an overwhelming prospect. The goal is to develop an attractive, cohesive plan that fits your needs, without overwhelming (or under-whelming) your home. Here are some tips for getting started, broken down into six easy steps.
Add Finishing Touches with Garden OrnamentsOrnaments are a great way to add the finishing touches to your garden. Use them to add elements of color, shape, and texture that reflect your personal style. Whether whimsical or dramatic, garden ornaments don't need to be big in size to make a big impact.
Forcing Spring Branches to BloomSay hello to spring this year by cutting a few branches from flowering trees and coaxing them to bloom for you indoors. Many woody plants can be forced into early flowering early, including forsythia, pussy willow, fruits trees, witch hazel, spirea, quince, and even lilac.
Renovating A Small Home In Alaska (Part 2)I renovated this little Quonset Hut over a Square over a Trailer in the Fall and Winter of 2000 in Fairbanks, AK. The first part of the work was to get the kitchen, bathroom and work space done. Now I will fill you in on the rest of the house.
Buying Pruning ToolsWhen pruning trees and shrubs, it is important to use the right tool for the job. With so many different types of pruning tools available-each one designed to perform a specific task, buying the right tools can be a bit overwhelming. Here's what you need to know to buy the right tool for the job.
Raising Native Trees from SeedRaising native tree species from seeds is a fun and rewarding process. It's also a fairly simple one. Although it is less expensive to grow trees from seed than it is to plant nursery-grown trees, what you save in money you'll probably make up for in time.
Purchasing Rose PlantsGrowing roses doesn't have to be difficult, but it can be a frustrating experience if it turns out that the plant you buy isn't suitable for your garden. Here are some helpful tips for purchasing rose plants that will give you the best chances for success.
Treating Common Insect Problems in...If your houseplants have been given all the food, water, and sun they need and they still seem to lack vigor, you may want to inspect them closely for insect pests. Insects and mites can appear on houseplants at any time of the year and they are not always easy to see.
Sharpening Your Lawn Mower BladesIt's easy to spot dull or damaged lawn mower blades. Instead of cutting the grass cleanly, they rip it-leaving your lawn looking brown and ragged, and even worse, more susceptible to disease.
Plan-Ahead Projects for Next Year's GardenWinter is a great time for planning, preparing, and organizing next year's garden. Here are some plan-ahead projects for the winter months that will help you get a jump on next year's growing season.
Repotting OrchidsIf you keep orchids, sooner or later they will need repotting. In most cases, repotting is necessary, not because the orchid has outgrown its container, but because the growing medium has started to decay and restrict the flow of air to the orchid's roots.
Growing PomegranatesPomegranate plants (Punica granatum) are diverse in their growth habits. They can range from small shrubs to trees reaching 20-30 feet tall. Native to northern India and the Middle East, these fruiting plants are naturally adapted to growing in regions where winters are cool and summers are hot.
Using Greywater in the GardenGreywater is domestic waste water from activities such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing. Unlike sewage water (which is referred to as blackwater), greywater can be safely recycled for use in the landscape without the use of any special treatment systems.
Growing PapayasPapaya plants are typically grown in the tropical and sub-tropical climates. In the United States, they are cold hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 9, but they can also be grown as container plants indoors.
Growing Kiwi FruitsKiwi vines grow up to 28 feet long and produce brown, egg-sized fruits covered with a fuzzy skin. Inside the fruit is a soft, juicy green pulp and dozens of small, edible black seeds. Kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, E, and potassium.
Growing QuinceQuinces (Cydonia oblonga) are fruit trees related to apples and pears. They require a chilling period to flower (100 to 140 days below 45ºF), and can be grown successfully in cooler tropical climates as well as colder temperate regions.
Starting Seeds Under Fluorescent LightsLight can be a limiting factor to starting seeds indoors. Fortunately, a couple of 40-watt fluorescent lights can usually make up for a lack of daylight. Here are some tips for setting up and getting the most out of a growing space using fluorescent lights.
Basic Botany for GardenersPlants are truly amazing. They create the oxygen we breathe, provide us with food, beverages, clothing, products for shelter, and medicines. Botany is the scientific study of plants.
Award Winning Plants for the 2012 Growing...With all of the new plants being introduced to the gardening marketplace each year, it's hard to know which are worthy of your time and attention. Here are four award winning plants-proven performers in gardens around the country-to keep an eye out for in 2012.
Growing Green BeansGreen beans are an easy garden crop to grow. They don't require shelling, because they are eaten pods and all. Commonly referred to as "snap beans" or "string beans", some cultivars may also be yellow in color, or have purple-colored pods.
Growing BeetsGardeners love to grow beets because they mature quickly and they can be grown in almost any climate. They are rich in anti-oxidants, and although grown primarily for their sweet-tasting roots, they also produce a cap of delicious, edible greens.
Growing ArtichokesArtichokes usually take more than 150 days to mature from seed and are highly sensitive to extremes of hot and cold-a narrow set of growing requirements that eliminates them from most gardens.
How to Make a Hummingbird GardenTheir iridescent, jewel-like colors and unique behaviors make hummingbirds some of the most fascinating birds we can attract to our gardens. Making a hummingbird garden is easy.
All-Purpose Cleaner RecipesWhen you make your own cleaning products, you avoid exposing yourself and your family to hundreds of harsh chemicals. You also protect the environment, and save money, too!
How to Grow LemonsIf you garden in a warm climate, you may want to consider growing a lemon tree. Even if you live in a cool climate, there are several dwarf varieties available that grow well indoors.
Growing Honeydew MelonsHoneydew melons may have a long growing season, but they are an interesting crop to grow. Although you may not see gigantic yields when the harvest finally does come in, the rewards of tasting your sweet, homegrown melons will be well worth your efforts.
Choosing the Right GroundcoverGroundcovers are useful for covering large areas in the landscape. They can also be useful for solving specific landscaping problems, like replacing grass in shady locations, providing erosion control on steep slopes, and providing cover in spaces where it's difficult to mow.
Preparing for Snow EmergenciesThe Boy Scouts have it right-always be prepared. After a recent early season snow storm knocked out power for days in the mid-Atlantic, families emerged from the darkness with the realization that they weren't as prepared for a disaster as they thought.
Vegetables That Taste Better After FrostMost of us scramble get our vegetables harvested before the first frost. But did you know that the taste of some crops actually improves after being touched by frost?
Tips for Growing AstersIn autumn, when many garden perennials are winding down for the season, asters are just getting started. Prized by gardeners for their brilliant late season color, here are some tips for growing them.
Homemade Suet for Backyard BirdsBirds have very high metabolisms and demand high amounts of energy to maintain their daily activities. Suet is a great way to help them replenish the energy stores lost during nesting, migration, and cold weather.
Garden Accents: How to Add Charm Without...Accessorizing with non-living things like birdbaths, sundials, and garden stakes is an inexpensive way to add charm to your garden without creating any more work. Here are seven classic garden accents and some tips for incorporating them into your landscape.
Extending the Life of Your Tulip BulbsMore than a few gardeners have been disappointed by "one-year wonder" tulips. These spring bloomers are perennials, but they don't always act like it-producing spectacular flowers the first year, only to peter out or disappear altogether the second.
How to Grow CeleryCelery can be grown in just about any climate as long as you have the time and patience. Traditional trench-grown celery, which requires specific soil conditions and constant attention over a long growing season, has given this vegetable its demanding reputation.
How to Clean Artists' BrushesQuality artists' paint brushes are an investment. It is important to wash them thoroughly at the end of every studio session or they can become permanently damaged. A proper cleaning will help maintain the shape of the tip, and extend the life of the ferrule and hairs as long as possible.
How to Get Rid of Moss in Your LawnThe invasion of moss in your lawn occurs when you try to grow grass in places that are too shady, too wet, or on very poor soil-conditions that do not support grass. To eliminate moss and prepare the soil for grass, you'll need to change your lawn's growing conditions.
Winterizing Your Gas-Powered Lawn MowerA well-maintained lawn mower starts effortlessly in the spring, runs cleaner, and helps make yard work just a little bit more enjoyable. Here is a basic overview of how to prepare your gas-powered lawn mower for winter storage.
Preventing Animals from Damaging Plants...Hungry animals can make a meal out of your trees and plants during the winter months pretty quickly. Sometimes the damage is obvious-plants are fine one day, only to appear damaged or even disappear completely the next.
Preparing Container Plants for WinterFor most of us, the first hard frosts of fall mark the end of container gardening season. Here are some tips for tidying up your dead or dormant plants, moving your favorites indoors, and cleaning up and storing your containers for the winter.
Preparing for Fall FrostsWhether you grow vegetables or flowers, it is natural to want extend the growing season as long as possible. As fall arrives, set aside a few minutes for "frost preparedness".
Autumn Gardening Ideas for Filling in...If your autumn beds and borders are starting to show a few bare spots due to dormant plants, don't worry. Here some quick and easy fixes for filling in the gaps.
Save Money Shopping End-Of-Season Plant...Fall is a great time to visit local garden centers and shop for end of season bargains. As the growing season draws to a close, most nurseries and plant retailers offer annuals and perennials at deep discounts in order to move out their remaining inventory.
What to Wear While GardeningThe best clothing to wear while gardening is the kind that feels comfortable while you are reaching, bending, crouching, and sitting.
When to Avoid Using MulchIn most cases, mulch is pure magic for our gardens. It aids in weed control, insulates the soil, conserves moisture, and feeds hungry plants. However, when applied improperly or used at the wrong time, mulch can actually do more harm than good.
Laundry Soap OverloadIt's laundry day, and the clothes are separated, the newest energy efficient washer is on, and the water temperature is set to cold. It's a financially efficient laundry load, right?
Five Houseplants to Grow Just for FunThe following five houseplants are worth growing just for the sheer fun of it. All share a few common features - they are obtained from planting seeds, pips, or plant tops from fruits and vegetables you buy for eating.
Eight Houseplants That Are Virtually...For many of us, the perfect houseplant is one that looks great and continues to thrive without requiring a lot of extra attention. Although no houseplant is completely indestructible, here are eight that have earned a reputation for their adaptability and tolerance for neglect.
