Companion gardening is a garden hack all on its own. Most people consider marigolds near your tomatoes the best companion gardening hack. What if I told you some of the best garden companions aren’t even plants? You can turn kitchen scraps, broken tools, or even household odds and ends into garden game-changers with some creativity. …
Starting a flower garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune. My first attempt involved a patch of dirt, a handful of seeds, and fingers crossed that something would sprout. I just tossed them all around. Some worked, most didn’t. But over time (and with some trial and error), I learned how to grow a beautiful, budget-friendly cut …
Confession time: I’m what you’d call a “lazy gardener.” I see all the beautiful gardens and well-manicured lawns and want that so badly, but I hate weeding. After five minutes in the garden, I want to quit weeding. ( Luckily last year I switched to the black mat tarp!) Here’s the good news—gardening smarter, not …
Companion planting is the best, most consistent thing I’ve done through all these years of gardening. It brings me such joy, and it always turns out pretty well. If you are new to gardening, let me tell you that not everything will go the way you plan. There’s a huge learning curve, but to ease …
Starting a vegetable garden is like trying out a new hobby—you’re excited, a little unsure, and probably Googling things like, “Why won’t my basil grow?” (Quick tip: Basil loves sun, like beach-vacation levels of love.) Creating a small vegetable garden can feel overwhelming if you’re new to gardening. But don’t worry. I’ve got seven easy-to-follow layout ideas …
Have you ever dreamed of having your little green oasis right outside your door? Whether you live in an apartment or a house, a balcony garden is the perfect way to bring vibrant life to even the smallest spaces. And guess what? Creating one isn’t as intimidating as it sounds—even if you (like me) tend …
This is your sign that a $3 pack of seeds is well worth the amount of gourds you’ll get to decorate your home. Imagine decorating every room in your house for $3!!! This year was our first time growing gourds with our pumpkins. We’ve been growing pumpkins for several years, and I recommend that too. …
Incorporating greenery into your home doesn’t have to be daunting, especially when it comes to low-light plants. These resilient beauties are perfect for spaces that don’t receive much natural sunlight, making them an excellent choice for apartments, offices, or any room with limited window access. Not only do they add an aesthetic touch, but many …
If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of turning your outdoor space into a personal oasis but cringe at the thought of breaking the bank to do it. Enter potted plants—the unsung heroes of budget-friendly landscaping. They are versatile and easy to move around, adding color and life to any space. Potted plants …
Is anyone else a little nervous about doing container plants? I’m only hesitant to do container plants yearly because I’ll forget to water them all! It’s so easy to get caught up adding all these cheap container plants to our patios, decks, porches, etc., but then you must water them frequently. Instead, I choose plants …
Are you tired of your container garden wilting under the extreme heat of hot summers? Looking for plants that can withstand the late spring’s intense temperatures and still bloom with vibrant colors? Try all or just a handful of these 11 heat-loving annuals that thrive in well-draining soil and are drought-tolerant. You can find them …
Nothing says summer, like picking up corn on your way home for dinner. I remember the first time we tried to grow corn in our first house. Like all young gardeners we didn’t know what were doing. We did about four little rows and we got buck teeth corn. It’s always a learning process, so …
Gardening is often portrayed as a passion that requires boundless energy and endless hours of maintenance. Tending to a garden can seem daunting for those who feel there aren’t enough hours in the day but want to enjoy fresh vegetables. So let me write to my fellow”lazy gardener,” a term used endearingly to describe those …
One day, I hope to live in a place where I can have sunshine more than a few months out of the year. I tell you, February and March drag on, but I’m starting to think April is the worst! You start to see growth, then you see snow, then the wind and the cold, …
Do you want a beautifully colored yard but don’t have the time to work at it daily? Me too. Even though I work from home, I tend to get busier as the years go on with the kids in sports, and I mostly drive them here and there. Having all the beautiful colors is key …
Pruning and cutting back—oh my, those two things can get you into trouble. When we moved into our farmhouse, I wanted to cut back everything that looked dead in the fall. Yet, through the years, I’ve learned how determinantal that can be and how waiting until the spring makes a huge difference. I was so …
Tulips are the breath of fresh air we all need after months and months of dark grey skies. Seeing anything green in spring here in Western New York brings joy to my day. Last year, I was staring at my tulip beds along the side of the house that no one ever walks by. These …
When it comes to painting the canvas of your garden, climbing flowering perennials can splash your vertical spaces with a riot of colors and scents. With a gentle push, these lively plants will start reaching for the sky, adding dimension and a touch of drama to your plain old garden walls and fences. I know …
Hey there, sun-drenched gardeners and plant lovers! Are you one of those folks who loves to gaze at a garden full of life, color, and the rejuvenating feel of nature but can’t seem to make the time to handle high-maintenance plants? Don’t worry; I’ve got your back! When it comes to perennial gardening, sometimes we …
One of the most irritating challenges as a gardener is dealing with deer nibbling your favorite plants. If you have goats and they escape their fence, they too, will destroy so many plants. They’re cute but so destructive! You wake up and find your blooms and leaves ravaged, leaving you to wonder what offense your …
As a gardener in a short growing season, I want flower beds filled with perennials I don’t have to maintain. Not only do I want low maintenance, I want cheap plants, too! Maybe that’s too much to ask for you’re thinking, but I’m here to prove to you that you can grow beautiful plants well …
When it comes to gardening on the homestead, one of the most crucial items you need are boots. A boot that won’t leak water after a few months or crack after walking all over your farm, a good quality but affordable gardening boot. I’m so excited to share with you guys that I found something …
As much as I don’t want summer weather to end, I can’t deny the smell the beauty that fall brings. I’m blessed to enjoy all seasons, even if my two faves, summer and fall, are over in the blink of an eye. To help me feel like cold, blustery days are still FAR away, I …
Don’t let the winter weather coming get you down. I’ve got the perfect antidote – a fall garden! It’s like a little slice of paradise amidst the cold and dreary days. And let me tell you, gardening is a wild adventure. You never know what tricks Mother Nature has up her sleeve. One year, you …
