General Tips

So many homes today are more compact and without much green space. Whether you’re in an inner-city apartment, a shared wall townhome, or a garden unit type stand-alone house, the lack of yard doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Terraces, roofs, balconies, and patios can be home to beautiful gardens. But sometimes they can also be …

A successful compost pile relies on a delicate balance of organic materials, and the right conditions of oxygen, moisture, and temperature for decomposition to occur. Depending on how you want to use the compost, and what materials you choose (or have available) to use, you can create various types of compost. By combining the organic …

Terrace and patio gardens have caught on for apartment dwellers and those without much outdoor yard space. You can transform any hardscape into a luscious garden. One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your garden is selecting the right soil. If you’re wondering which soil is best for a terrace or patio garden, …

There is nothing more satisfying than biting down into a ripe piece of fruit. Did you know that it is possible to grow certain types of fruit indoors? Imagine creating fantastic dishes at home using fruit you grew indoors using the appropriate potting soil, containers, patience, water, and sunshine. You may be surprised at how …

Maybe you already have a pool, but a new home has cropped up, and you want some privacy by planting a tree. Or you’re building from scratch, and it’s time to make landscaping decisions. Trees are beautiful, they provide shade and privacy, but sometimes they can create more work with a pool. So how close …

If you want to have a healthy lawn worth boasting about for its lushness, vibrant green color, and strong roots, you will need to understand your soil. The soil hiding underneath your yard typically consists of clay, silt, and sand. However, some homeowners may soon discover that the level of clay soil is higher than …

When you think of gardening, what time of the year do you think of? Many people think of springtime, but that does not have to be the case. Depending on your USDA hardiness zone and the specific plants you are using, fall may be a better choice.   Zones 1 through 3 have a very …

Planting perennials is a guaranteed way to add some brilliant color and character to your garden. Adding short perennials will add depth to your garden, as they will be the focal point, the eye-catcher at the forefront of the garden. We have done the research for you, so look below to find 15 perennials that …

Adding a selection of foundation plants is a great way to add curb appeal to your home. These are shrubs, small trees, and flowers that you plant close to the foundation of your house, creating a softening between the horizontal expanse of your yard and the vertical reach of your home. This makes your home …

Partially shaded areas can be a hassle when looking for plants that will grow in those areas. We have compiled a list below of 16 different tall perennials that thrive in partial shaded areas to make your search easier. Tall perennials can certainly add depth, texture, and beauty to your garden. With the thousands of …

Trying to find beautiful plants that will thrive in shady places that have shallow soil like under trees, or along walkways can be challenging. We have done the research and have found 14 wonderful plants to help you get started. 1. Periwinkle Over 30 different varieties of this plant exist, showing off different types of …

Starting a vegetable garden in clay soil can seem like a daunting task. Clay soils can be hard to work in, lack sufficient drainage, and often times have insufficient nutrients for abundant vegetable production. Luckily, we’ve done the research, in the field and on the web, to provide you will all of the information you …

A well-designed walkway that is lined with beautiful plants can really add to a home’s curb appeal. And what’s not to love about a romantic stone path edged with softly flowering greenery as it winds through your garden? Here is a list of 19 amazing border plants that are perfect for lining a walkway so …

Annuals are an easy way to add brilliant color to your landscaping. Choosing plants that will maintain that fantastic floral presentation all summer long can be difficult for the beginning gardener. However, we have done the work for you so you can easily be on your way to stunning summer color all season long. In …

Annuals are the showmen of the flower garden, providing cascades of vibrant color all season long. The heat of the afternoon sun in mid-summer can be unforgiving for some types of plants, though. Thankfully, we have searched out the best annuals that can not just take the heat, but will thrive in it. 1. Marigold …

Gardening requires an understanding of the basic nutritional requirements of plants. One of these vital nutrients is nitrogen. Understanding what nitrogen is and how a plant uses this nutrient can mean the difference between lush, healthy plants, and sickly ones. We’ve done the research to bring you a concise explanation of how plants use nitrogen. …

Having houseplants is an amazing way to add color and life to your interior design. They purify the air, and they just look nice. However, plants that require a lot of drainage, can really limit you on your choice of decorative pot. The fact is, few plants thrive with no drainage. While some plants grow …

You probably already know that plants can die from lack of water or too much sunlight, however, do plants die of old age? After some extensive research on the topic question, I collected information that not only will answer your question but might leave you amazed. Yes, as far as we know, plants do eventually …

When you’re striving for the perfect environment for growing plants, one of the top concerns is UV (ultraviolet) light. UV light occurs naturally in the sun’s light so all plants that grow outside already experience its benefits. The question is whether plants that grow indoors need UV light, and the answer isn’t as simple as …

Cyperaceae, also commonly called sedges, are a family of flowering plants that have a grass-like appearance. They can make great ornamental plants, as they have triangular three-sided stems with concealed blossoms. They typically grow in moist ground. Sedges for Gardening Unlike most grasses used for gardening and landscaping purposes, sedges are cool-season flowering plants. They …

Like so many other living organisms, plants reproduce sexually. However, there is a step along the way that mystifies many beginning gardeners: pollination. Oftentimes, pollination is confused for fertilization, mistakenly interpreted to mean the same thing. In this brief article about plant life reproduction, I will explain the tremendous difference between the pollination and fertilization …

Ornamental grasses are a great way to add greenery and interest to the shadier corners of your landscaping. Below is a list of the best ornamental grasses to help you choose the right one for your garden. 1. Tufted Hair Grass Tufted hair grass, otherwise known as deschampia cespitosa or tussock grass, is a popular …

While water is crucial for growing a lot of plants, many perennial plants can withstand droughts and dryness. Knowing before-hand what plants will thrive in areas prone to droughts, will save you much misery when there’s lack of rainfall. Prepare yourself in advance for when the summer heat kicks in. With these 15 drought-tolerant perennials, …

Having a vertical garden doesn’t mean you need to bring dirt into your home. Here’s how to set one up without soil.

Ever wondered what large-scale vertical gardening is like? We’ve covered the topic in depth, as well as offering some tips for amateur gardeners.