Journal

Creating a cottage garden with heirloom flowersA cottage garden brings together old-fashioned flowers, informal planting, and a welcoming sense of abundance. Instead of arranging every plant in rigid rows,…
How to Prune Hydrangeas for Better BloomsHydrangeas reward thoughtful pruning with stronger stems, healthier foliage, and more dependable flowers. The key is knowing when each plant forms its flower…
Dealing with common pests on greenhouse tomatoesGreenhouse tomatoes benefit from warmth, protection from severe weather, and a longer growing season. Those same stable conditions can also help insects…
Build a Cold Frame for a Longer, More Productive Growing SeasonA cold frame is a compact, low-cost growing structure that captures sunlight and shelters plants from wind, frost, and abrupt temperature changes. It can help…
Planting Bulbs for Spring Color in IndianaThe best time to plant bulbs for spring blooms in Indiana is usually from late September through November. Gardeners should aim to get them into the ground…
How to grow herbs indoors under grow lightsFresh herbs can thrive in a kitchen, office, or basement during every season when they receive the right amount of light. A sunny windowsill helps, but winter…
Smart Watering for Potted Plants on Hot Summer DaysHot weather can turn a healthy container garden into a daily watering challenge. Pots have a limited supply of soil, and their exposed sides warm quickly in…
Preparing Garden Soil for a Productive SummerA productive summer garden begins beneath the leaves. Healthy soil supports strong roots, steady growth, better flowering, and reliable harvests, while…
How to grow cucumbers vertically in a greenhouseGrowing cucumbers upward makes excellent use of greenhouse space while improving airflow, fruit quality, and harvesting access. Instead of allowing vines to…
The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for SlopesSloped landscapes can be attractive, but they often create difficult gardening conditions. Water runs downhill instead of soaking evenly into the soil, exposed…