Chives are one of the easiest perennial herbs to grow, and knowing when to pick them changes the flavor you get from the plant. The long, grass-like blades carry a mild onion or garlic taste that suits eggs, soups, salads, and baked potatoes. Because chives are cut-and-come-again plants, a single clump keeps producing from early […]
Dwarf rhododendrons may be small in stature, but their blooms command attention. While some rhododendron varieties grow as tall as 20 feet, these compact shrubs top out at one to three feet at full maturity. Gardeners sometimes call them dwarf azaleas, and their size makes them ideal for adding height variance to beds where taller
Sunflowers in pots are easier than most gardeners expect, provided the container matches the plant. The rule that governs the whole project: match the pot to the mature size of the variety, because sunflowers grow vigorously and dislike being transplanted. Sowing seeds directly in the final container avoids transplant shock entirely, and the payoff is
Dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima) earns its place in any flower garden through foliage alone. Its woolly silver leaves contrast with nearly every bloom color, from cool purples and blues to hot reds and oranges, and the pale glow stands out even in moon gardens. The plant grows as a tender perennial in zones 8 to
Gnats are among the most common indoor pests, and they usually appear for a concrete reason: damp potting soil, standing water, or overripe fruit. The small flying insects that homeowners call gnats are often fungus gnats, fruit flies, or drain flies, and each species demands a different control strategy. The same logic that governs outdoor
Tomatoes anchor more gardens than any other vegetable, and for good reason. The plants grow in most climates, produce from midsummer until frost, and a single healthy plant can yield ten to fifteen pounds of fruit over a season. They grow in the ground, in raised beds, and in containers, which makes them the first
Self-watering planters solve the most common houseplant failure: missed waterings. A reservoir in the base holds a standing supply of water, and a wicking mechanism pulls it upward into the root zone as the potting mix dries. The plant draws what it needs, and the gardener refills the tank every week or two instead of
Most garden tools are built to last and can be reused year after year with proper maintenance and storage. Some supplies are different: they are designed for a single season or two, and their performance drops whether they are used or not. Seeds lose germination, potting mix loses structure, fertilizer loses potency, and gear wears
Spring mulching protects tree roots, suppresses weeds, limits erosion, and holds moisture in the soil through the hotter months. Applied incorrectly, the same material that should protect a bed can kill the plants in it. The most common mistake garden crews make is layering mulch too thick directly against stems, trunks, and seedlings, and the
Starting the mowing season takes more than pulling the starter cord. If the soil is still soggy or the air is too cold, cutting early compacts the ground and stresses turf that is only beginning to wake up. Before the first pass of the year, the grass should be growing actively, the surface should be
