For most gardens, the growing season will come to an end in either late fall or early winter, a fact that avid gardeners might not welcome, but one that we are better off accepting and planning for. Fortunately, there are certain things that we can do to protect our plants…
Which one is better for your garden, potting soil or potting mix? While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same medium. The answer to which is better depends entirely on the purpose for which you are going to use it. This article will…
Growing in containers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about gardening. But there are several benefits that container gardening has over traditional gardening. Here are eight benefits to growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in containers:1. Easy to Relocate PlantsLocation, location, location. Where you…
Spider mites are not insects. Instead, they are members of the arachnid family, as are spiders and ticks. They are so small that they are difficult to see without a magnifying glass. While they are almost invisible, the damage they inflict is not. This garden pest feeds on the leaves…
Perhaps the last thing we would associate with the diminutive red beetle with the black spots is a sexually transmitted disease. But believe it or not, ladybugs, or ladybirds and lady beetles as they are also sometimes called, can contract a disease that is transmitted during copulation. As it turns…
Marigolds are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They are perfect for beginner gardeners, although experienced gardeners will love them also. In addition to being easy to grow, they are low maintenance, hardy, and beautiful! The yellow, gold, orange, or maroon blossoms, show off their warm hues from spring to fall.…
Rosemary is a beautiful, fragrant herb that originated in the Mediterranean. Like lavender, thyme, oregano, and basil, it is a member of the mint family. This low-maintenance shrub has slender, needle-like leaves that grow on woody stems. It can reach between two and six feet (.6 and 1.8 meters) tall and…
Lush, green carrots tops are not always a sign that the root is developing properly beneath the soil. On the contrary, while the tops look healthy and vibrant, the roots can be stunted, forked, twisted, or otherwise deformed. It can be disappointing and frustrating to wait 75 to 80 days…
Dirt cheap is an idiom people use when they want to express how inexpensive something is. The idea is that since dirt is plentiful, it must be cheap. Ironically, good, quality dirt is not cheap. If you have purchased organic potting soil or potting mix lately, then you know this to be…
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms categorized as either predatory or parasitic. Predatory nematodes hunt down garden pests, like cutworms and squash vine borers, and are considered beneficial by gardeners. On the other hand, parasitic nematodes, like root knot nematodes, feed on plant roots and cause considerable crop damage.Root knot nematodes attack…