Many gardeners want to know how to ripen tomatoes indoors when the growing season ends or the weather turns cold. Whether your tomatoes are completely green or only partially ripe, you can try the simple indoor methods below to finish the ripening process. Basic supplies like paper bags, cardboard boxes, newspapers, sunny windowsills, bananas, and…
If you’re looking for a cool-weather root vegetable to plant in your home garden this year, try growing rutabagas. This guide will show you how to grow rutabagas from seed to harvest. Rutabagas – also called swedes, neeps, yellow turnips, Canadian turnips, or Russian turnips – have an earthy, peppery flavor when raw, and a…
Tomato blossom drop is a problem that many vegetable gardeners experience, particularly those in hot climates. In fact, a common question that I get from my readers in the warmer states is “Why is my tomato plant dropping its flowers?” You’ve nurtured your tomato plants with care, eagerly expecting to get a harvest of luscious,…
Growing herbs indoors is a great way to keep their fresh flavor at your fingertips all year long. With the right setup, many popular herbs will grow inside, providing a constant supply to use in your recipes. It’s important to choose varieties that adapt well to indoor conditions. Basil, rosemary, parsley, and chives are popular…
Kalanchoe houghtonii, also known as “mother of thousands,’ along with other common names, is a tender succulent that is very easy to grow. In fact, left to its own devices and uncultivated, the plant can be quite invasive. These growing tips for mother of thousands succulent will show you how to easily grow this interesting…
A cottage garden blends beauty and practicality in a relaxed, welcoming way. It’s a mix of flowers, herbs, and edibles that feel natural yet intentional. In this guide, you’ll learn simple ways to create the look of a cottage garden in your yard. We’ll discuss edging ideas and features that make the style so popular….
What a gorgeous tropical plant this plant is! The common name for the plant is angel’s trumpet and the botanical name is Brugmansia. One can almost hear the sound from the trumpet! Angel’s trumpet plant gets very large and its sprawling growing habit makes it a good choice when landscaping to cover an ugly fence….
False indigo plant (Baptisia australis) is a long-lived native perennial that adds height and color to garden beds. After blooming, blue false indigo develops black seed pods that add visual interest and food for birds in the winter. It is deer and rabbit-resistant. Baptisia plant also attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies….
Propagating hydrangeas to get new plants for free can be done in several ways – hydrangea stem cuttings, tip rooting, air layering and division of the mother plant. Growing hydrangeas from seed is also possible, but not as widely done as other forms of propagatio In today’s article, I will show how each of these…
Growing herbs for kitchen gardens is so easy to do that any home cook can have a supply of them on hand all the time. Why pay retail prices for herbs? There is nothing quite like growing herbs to add tons of flavor to recipes. They add a fullness of flavor that dried herbs just…
Spathiphyllum (AKA peace lilies) with their elegant white blooms and lush foliage, are beautiful additions to any indoor space. Peace lily care indoors is relatively straightforward, making them a popular choice for homes and offices alike. These easy-care plants thrive in the home, even in low-light conditions. Their pristine white flowers, which resemble delicate trumpets…
Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ is a standout variety of hosta that adds color and texture to shady garden spots. Its bold leaves and unique variegation make it easy to recognize and fun to grow. In this post, you’ll learn what makes this plant different from other hostas. We’ll cover its leaf color, flower features, and growth…
Keeping your garden thriving during the hottest months can be a challenge. These summer garden tips will help you keep plants healthy and productive. From smart watering habits to protecting your soil, small changes make a big difference. Your garden can stay vibrant even in the heat with the right strategies. Pests, weeds, and sun…
Chives grow well with a variety herbs and vegetables. The list of chive companion plants below will help you decide how to design your vegetable garden in the most efficient way. Growing chives can help protect your crops. Their strong aroma acts as a natural pest control, deterring predatory insects. The flowers of chives will attract pollinators…
Bell pepper colors can be confusing, especially when they change as the peppers ripen. This post breaks down what the different colors mean and how they affect flavor and nutrition. You’ll learn why peppers start out green and turn red, yellow, orange, or even purple. We’ll explain how ripeness, variety, and growing conditions influence these…
Kalanchoe tomentosa, also known as Panda Plant, is a low-maintenance succulent with fuzzy leaves. Its soft texture and unique look make it a great choice for growing indoors. This post explains everything you need to know about growing Kalanchoe tomentosa. We’ll cover its light, water, and soil needs in detail. You’ll also learn how to…
Learn everything you need to know about growing chives in pots, including planting instructions, care tips, and pest control. Although you can grow chives in the soil of a vegetable garden, growing potted chives is a great option if you live in an apartment, want to grow herbs indoors, or prefer having an outdoor deck garden….
These leftover rice patties are crunchy and savory with a fresh flavor that comes from a variety of garden herbs. The patties make a smart use of any extra rice you might have in your fridge. Leftover rice is very versatile and can be used for fried rice, stuffed peppers, Mediterranean salads, vegetarian recipes, and…
Using tea bags in gardens is an easy way to recycle something you would normally throw away. Used tea bags offer benefits for both your plants and soil. Tea bags help enrich the soil, support composting, and can even be used to make homemade fertilizers. Using them in the garden can improve your plants and…
Cocktail recipes are so much fun to share with friends. This Malibu rum punch recipe with Earl Grey tea is called the “Paradise Punch” cocktail. It is a great drink for hot evenings. This fruity rum punch combines traditional Earl Grey Tea (which will delight your English buddies) and Malibu original rum for a refreshing…
Oregano grows well with a variety of vegetables and herbs. The list of oregano companion plants below can help you decide how to organize your vegetable garden in the most efficient way. Pairing oregano with the right plants can protect your crops, improve growth, and make better use of your garden space. Oregano’s strong aroma acts…
Gloriosa lily (gloriosa rothschildiana) is a climbing tender perennial that is sure to catch the eye of anyone who likes dramatic flowers. The flame-colored red flowers have scalloped yellow edges and swept back petals. If you have a bare trellis or a wall in your garden that needs spicing up, plant gloriosa and prepare yourself…
Vegetable gardening mistakes happen to every gardener, whether you’re just starting or have years of experience. The good news is that most mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Overcrowding plants, poor watering habits, and not feeding your soil can all hold your garden back. Mistakes with spacing, pruning, or…
If you love to garden but don’t like working in the summer heat, check out these tips for summer-time gardening to beat the heat. For so many of us, the scorching heat of summer can be really hard on our bodies, our moods, and our desire to keep working in the garden. Don’t let the…
Propeller plant is a tender succulent known for its twisted, upright leaves. It’s easy to grow at home, even for beginners. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Give it plenty of airflow to prevent rot. This plant does well in pots, dish garden arrangements, rock gardens, or mixed succulent displays. You…
If you want to add flavor to your cooking try growing oregano. This perennial herb is easy to care for, even for beginners. Oregano is a fast growing herb with a long producing season. You can use the fresh leaves in recipes, or preserve them for later by freezing and drying them. Learn everything you need…