Have you caught the gardening bug but don’t know where to start? There is so much information and so many ideas to try, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why a step-by-step monthly guide will be a huge help. I’ve learned these tips over the years of trying (and occasionally failing) to grow everything from …
One of my favorite spots in our farmhouse is the living room, with its big corner windows, in the summer. I can either put up a Hummingbird feeder or grab hanging plants that Hummingbirds love. Sitting and watching them come with their buzzing wings is fascinating. I’m not sure why I’ve fallen in love with …
Every year, I try to improve my gardening, remembering to take a little bit more time to yield better outcomes. This year, when I opened up the drawer where I keep my garden seeds, green tea, and some recipes, I saw seeds all at the bottom. I decided that folding over last year’s seed packets …
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 …
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. …
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 …
Spring is right around the corner. If you live in a state like mine that cannot make up its mind in March, thinking about the flowers of spring gets you through the March snow. At this point, we are all waiting for that. I love to start my seeds and gardening in March. A tiny …
Are you ready to turn your outdoor garden into a sun-soaked paradise? You have options for budget-friendly plants that will thrive in the bright rays of full sun. With so many options, finding the perfect plants that won’t leave you strapped for cash and can handle all that sunshine can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m …
I have always loved the idea of eating seasonal foods. It always seemed like a wholesome, back-to-basic approach to cooking. But as I got older, I realized there is more to seasonal eating than just wholesome meals. If you’ve had your own garden and eaten the harvest, you were eating with the seasons. When I …
Homesteading, what exactly does that word mean? I’m learning as we go. It doesn’t mean you need a ton of land to harvest your own hay and be completely self-sufficient. Homesteading looks different for each of us, but the main idea is we all are trying to be a little bit more self-reliant. Homesteading doesn’t …
