Outdoors Gardening

Best Plants For Flood-Prone Yards

All plants need water to survive, but some need more than others. When you live in a flood-prone area and have soil that is constantly wet, you face unique home gardening challenges. Some plants get waterlogged and develop rotted roots in damp soil, while others thrive. If you have a saturated yard, you need to grow plants that do well in flood-prone environments.

Read more
Signs You Need To Change Your Plant's Soil pH (And How To Do It)

One visual red flag that your soil’s pH is off is abnormal colors in your plant’s leaves. Leaves can change colors dramatically when the soil pH is off, often becoming red or purple. You may also notice yellow veins in the leaves.

Read more
Best Plants For Rock Gardens

Rock gardens have become staples of many yards, and it’s with good reason. You can populate a rock garden with a wide variety of plants that complement each other. So, what are the best plants for rock gardens?

Read more
Is Moldy Soil Bad? How To Fix It

Spring is the most exciting time of year for anybody with a green thumb. The excitement and possibilities of picking out plants and planting seeds are incredible. However, it can be disconcerting when you discover moldy soil in your garden or potted plants. So, is moldy soil bad?

Read more
How To Help Your Basil Plant Last Longer

Basil plants like soil that is constantly moist. Remember, moist does not mean spoaking wet. The ideal moisture level is similar to a wrung-out sponge. To achieve this, your basil should be watered moderately on a daily basis. 

Read more
Can Snake Plants Live Outside?

Snake plants are a type of succulent, which makes them rather easygoing and low maintenance, especially when compared to other plants. This makes them a great choice for people who like plants but don’t necessarily have a green thumb.

Read more
Plants That Survive Winter

If you're a plant-lover, then you can relate to the pain of watching your favorite plants wither away when temperatures plummet. That doesn’t need to be the case, however, as many plants can survive and even thrive throughout cold weather. So, what are some of the best plants that survive winter?

Read more
Is it Better To Pick Up Leaves Or Keep Them On The Ground?

You may feel overwhelmed when you look at your lawn and see a seemingly endless pile of dead leaves. After all, you can’t count on the wind to take care of them for you, but you may not be ready to pick them up. So, is it better to pick up leaves or leave them?

Read more
Different Types of Fern Plants (with Photos)

Ferns are considered some of the oldest living plants on the earth and they can be grown outdoors in your garden or indoors as houseplants. They are a leafy type of plant with leaves (fronds) that drape, adding beauty and a touch of drama to any setting. Most indoor varieties are relatively simple to grow and care for. When planted outdoors, ferns are an excellent choice for ground cover in the proper conditions.

Read more
Six Signs Of Soil Erosion

Some people think that soil health only affects the way their plants grow and look. However, soil health can affect everything from your yard’s grading to your home’s structural integrity. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look for if you’re worried about soil erosion.

Read more
How To Create A Vegetable Garden On A Tight Budget

You might not know it, but there is a good chance you have several items in your produce drawer or kitchen pantry that you can plant in a new vegetable garden. Several species easily sprout new life from existing plants. Potatoes that have grown eyes can be cut into several pieces that give birth to new potato plants, and in turn new potatoes.

Read more
Garden Gifts Every Mother Deserves

May is synonymous with rebirth. The ground has thawed and spring blooms explode in a celebration of color, welcoming the longer days and warm weather. May is also home to a significant holiday – Mother’s Day. And while most mothers tend to love any gift they receive from their children, it can sometimes feel overwhelming when shopping for a gift for Mom. But the good news is, Mother’s Day could not come at a better time because May is the perfect time to buy your mom an amazing gardening gift that she can use right away.

Read more
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Greenhouse?

A greenhouses gives homeowners the chance to nurture plants and let them thrive year-round. The prospect of building a greenhouse is enough to get any green-thumbed homeowner excited. So, how much does it cost to build a greenhouse?

Read more
How To Make Money Off My Garden

The best way to make money gardening is to propagate your plants and sell cuttings. Gardening has become more popular in the last 4-5 years, and people love to obtain rare plants. Monsteras and philodendrons are especially popular right now, and they are big sellers.

Read more
Top Vegetable Garden Mistakes To Avoid This Spring

Spring looms like a faint light on the horizon that grows stronger every day, and this brightening light serves as a friendly reminder that gardening season will soon be upon us. When planting a vegetable garden, planning in the late winter and early spring can make all the difference in yielding a bountiful crop of vegetables in the summer. To ensure you are taking care of all your needs in advance, it is important to know all the common vegetable garden mistakes you should avoid this spring.

Read more
How To Keep Mosquito Larvae Out Of Your Bird Bath

Mosquitoes are attracted to light, and they also love water. A glistening water feature in full sun, like a bird bath, is a mosquito's paradise. It has many of the ideal conditions for these pests to lay their eggs, so a bird bath will quickly attract them.

Read more
How Much Water Does A Soaker Hose Use Per Hour?

Soaker hoses are one of the most common tools in landscaping. Primarily used for watering large swaths of grass, flowerbeds, and bushes, these hoses definitely live up to their name. (Oh, they’re great for water fights, too!) However, we live in a world where water conservation is king. This means that we all have a duty to try to find efficient ways to water. So, how much water do these hoses use?

Read more
What To Wear Gardening

Gardening is fun and tranquil, albeit physically exhausting in some cases. No matter how much time you spend in the garden, you will likely get sweaty and dirty. Because of that, many homeowners struggle with what to wear when gardening.

Read more
Do It Yourself Hydroseeding: Basics, Equipments, and Costs

We’ve all seen a bare patch of land where grass once grew, but now only contains a sad mound of dirt. Terrible, isn’t it? If you’re like many homeowners, you want to avoid that ever being your lawn. Sometimes, though, things happen. Then, you need to take care of that issue ASAP, and that’s where a hidden technique called hydroseeding comes into play.

Read more
Sprinkler Heads Not Popping Up? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Gone are the days of standing outside with a hose to water your grass. Automatic sprinkler systems keep your lawn green without ever having to leave your house!

Read more
Can Dried-Out Plants Be Revived?

Finding dry and withering leaves on your favorite plants can be discouraging to any homeowner who takes pride in their garden. Dried-out plants may appear dead and ugly, but that doesn’t always mean that they are. Can dried-out plants be revived?

Read more
How To Prevent Leaves From Blowing Into Your Yard

The first question you need to ask yourself when trying to keep leaves off your grass is where are the leaves coming from. If the leaves are coming from your yard, you have a lot more control over the situation. If they are coming from your neighbor’s property, forests, or public lands, you will need to take different measures to keep the leaves off your lawn.

Read more
How To Attract Toads And Frogs To Your Garden

Frogs and toads are good for gardens for many reasons, and that’s why some homeowners seek them out. For example, toads and frogs eat common garden pests, such as beetles, slugs, snails, and mosquitoes. It’s much better to let toads and frogs kill such pests than to pump your garden full of harmful pesticides. 

Read more
Plants To Grow At Home For Skincare

Cilantro has many health benefits, whether you eat it or use it topically. You can turn cilantro into an essential oil, or simply use it as is. For example, some people mix ground cilantro with plain yogurt, rice powder, and coconut milk. 

Read more
How To Tell If Your Garden Soil Is Compacted

Taking care of a lawn is about much more than simply watering and mowing the grass. Truth is, lawns are prone to some annoying problems, such as soil compaction, which can take a big toll. That’s why everyone should know how to tell if the soil in their lawn is compacted.

Read more
What Are Spotted Lanternflies, And How To Get Rid Of Them

Spotted lanternflies are native to northern China and other parts of Asia. They are thought to have arrived in the United States in 2014 and have been quickly increasing in population each year. They first spread throughout the state, and are now found in New Jersey, New York, New England, and Northern Virginia. 

Read more
How To Deadhead Dahlias In The Ground And In Pots (Find Out Now!)

Dahlias are a beautiful perennial flower that can last for a long time if you properly care for them. They come in a variety of colors and are a lovely addition to any garden.

Read more
How To Prepare Perennials For The Winter

Perennials go dormant by early-to-mid fall in most climates. It depends on the temperature and how quickly it gets cold where you live. The process is often slow, and perennials begin their dormant stage between late August and mid-September in most places.

Read more
12 Plants That Will Bring Butterflies Into Your Yard

Milkweed is one of the best plants to add to a garden to attract butterflies, and Monarch butterflies in particular. This plant is one of the host plants for Monarch butterflies, which means it provides what butterflies need to grow and survive.

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Gothic Arch Greenhouse?

One thing that is on the want list for almost any gardener or plant enthusiast is a greenhouse. Among the popular styles of home and backyard greenhouses is the gothic arch design. Many gardeners considering their first greenhouse wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of building or buying a gothic arc greenhouse.

Read more
5 Best Lawn Mower Blade Balancers

You replaced that worn and dull blade on your lawnmower with a fresh factory blade. The engine starts, and you immediately notice something is quite right. There are vibrations and maybe even rude noises that you hadn’t noticed before. The culprit may be that new blade. A lawnmower blade balance may be the answer to your newfound problems.

Read more
12 Different Types of Wisteria (with Photos)

Blooming in shades of pink, purple, lilac, and white, vibrant wisteria vines and trees are beautiful flowering plants that are perfect for the nostalgic gardener. Their heavy, dangling clusters of flowers and twisted branches fill garden landscapes with fragrance and color. Wisteria grows up to an astounding 12 feet in a single growing season, making it very quick and easy to train the vine up a pergola or arbor.

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Black Gum Tree?

Australian music teacher Marion Sinclair wrote a song for her students about black gum trees. Maybe you’ve heard it? “Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, eating all the gumdrops he can see.” The beauty of the gum tree and its animal inhabitants deserves to be remembered in song.

Read more
What Happens If A Pot Is Too Big For A Plant?

Having live plants around your home can not only be beautiful to look at, but they can help improve your air quality as well. Choosing the right pot for your plant is essential. Something too small can inadvertently cram your plant into a tight living space, which can stunt its growth. But, is there any danger in choosing a pot that is too big for the plant?

Read more
How Often Do I Need To Water An Indoor Tree?

There are all sorts of reasons to purchase an indoor tree for your home. They add a much-appreciated pop of life and color to a room, they are great to look at, and even provide clean oxygen-rich air for you to breathe. While some indoor trees require a bit of maintenance and upkeep, there are many that are resilient and require very little work to maintain. But every indoor tree needs water. If you recently purchased an indoor tree, you need to know how often you need to water it.

Read more
Nine Types Of Grass And What They Are Good For

One important question you must ask yourself before choosing the perfect grass for your home is how much time you can dedicate to its upkeep. Some grass grows like weeds and can thrive in most weather conditions.

Read more
Does Artificial Grass Increase Home Value? (Find Out Now!)

When you hear about astroturf, you probably think of the type of places where people play sports. Artificial grass is rare for actual homes to have, but it does happen. When it does, it tends to be done for maintenance reasons. But, does this hard-to-find home improvement project actually increase home value or is it a waste of money?

Read more
Best Carnivorous Plants For Indoors

Between their appearance and dietary habits, carnivorous plants are endlessly fascinating. Mostly known as vicious bug predators in tropical areas, carnivorous plants have proven they can grow in many environments, inside or outside. So, what are the best carnivorous plants for indoors?

Read more
Amazing Plants That Only Bloom At Night

Night-blooming plants are fascinating natural phenomena. While most flowers open up with the sun, there are a few special species that only reveal their true essence in the moonlight. Featuring a few night-blooming plants has several benefits. They attract nocturnal pollinators, offer evening beauty, and often fill your yard with intoxicating aromas. The key is knowing which night-blooming plants are best for your yard.

Read more
What Keeps Eating My Bougainvillea?

Bougainvillea loopers most commonly eat bougainvillea leaves. These small caterpillars eat bougainvillea and eventually turn into moths. It can be quite frustrating, as several bougainvillea loopers may eat many leaves throughout the vines at once.

Read more
Husqvarna Riding Mower Blades Won't Engage? (We Have A Fix)

Taking care of your property can be rewarding but also frustrating. Every homeowner wants their property to be spectacular and be the talk of the town. However, overgrown grass, littered gutters, accumulated dirt on the roof, and other things paint a terrible picture of your property. The Husqvarna riding mower can help you take care of the lawn, but there are times when the blades won’t turn on.

Read more
Tips To Help You Grow A Bonsai Tree In Your Home

There are tons of different types of bonsai trees. Just about any tree can be altered into a bonsai form. Therefore, there is not a universal growing condition that bonsais enjoy. There are, however, a few challenges to growing bonsai indoors.

Read more
Can I Use 10W30 Instead of SAE30 in My Lawn Mower?

For many homeowners, choosing the grade of oil they use in their lawn mower can be tricky. A common oil grade that people use in their lawn mower is SAE30. However, many people wonder whether or not they can swap out the SAE30 in favor of 10W30.

Read more
How To Dry Herbs From Y​​our Garden For Later Use

Nothing beats fresh herbs when you are looking for a way to boost the flavor and freshness of a dish. Herbs from your garden are arguably the freshest ingredients of all, but for those living in a seasonal climate, an herb garden has a shelf life. While you can’t always grow fresh herbs throughout the year, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to dry and preserve your delicious home-grown ingredients for later use.

Read more
13 Beautiful Outdoor Plants That Stay Lush And Green All Winter

Holly may be the most iconic colorful winter plant on the planet. Its signature pointed leaves and red berries are a fixture of winter holidays, centerpieces, and even Christmas songs. A holy bush provides shiny green leaves and pops of red all winter long, breathing life into your winter garden.

Read more
How To Hide An Electrical Box In The Front Yard (Do This!)

Many things are placed on our property that we need but aren’t exactly the best things to see every day. Electrical boxes are one of those things that can be unsightly when we want to enjoy our front yards. However, many creative ideas to hide an electrical box in the front yard can divert people’s attention from those unsightly bulky boxes.

Read more
When To Trim And Shape Boxwoods (And How To Do It!)

Boxwoods have been around in gardens for centuries, going all the way back to the mid-1600s in America. It makes sense that these popular shrubs would withstand the test of time since they have so many good points. They’re versatile, feeling right at home outside, inside, in the ground, or in a container, deer-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Read more
How Many Sprinkler Heads Should You Have Per Zone?

Sprinklers are a highly useful tool for keeping a yard or garden properly and consistently watered. They can even be scheduled and automated so that they require little intervention from the user. At the end of the day, they are quite effective for proper yard and garden care.

Read more
How To Downsize Your Garden

Gardeners are quite creative and often like to see how much they can achieve throughout the spring and summer. However, that sometimes results in an overcrowded garden that’s hard to take care of while balancing other responsibilities. That’s why you may understandably want to know how to downsize your garden.

Read more
Are Skinks Good For Your Garden?

A bug or animal’s appearance doesn’t necessarily tell you whether or not it’s good for your garden. After all, some scary-looking snakes and lizards are harmless, whereas some cute bugs are poisonous. So, are skinks good for your garden?

Read more
How To Get Rid Of Botflies In Your Yard

It’s easy to fall behind on picking up dog waste in your yard, especially after a long day at work. However, animal waste can attract botflies to your yard. They are drawn to many types of decaying organic matter, and that includes dog waste. 

Read more
12 Different Types Of Maple Trees You Can Plant

If you want a maple that provides the most dramatic and vibrant foliage in the autumn, then the red maple is a great choice. In the fall, many maple species have leaves that turn yellow or orange with hints of brown. Red maple leaves, however, turn a rich red.

Read more
Do Houseplants Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Houseplants are more popular than ever, and they give homeowners the chance to create an indoor oasis. We all know that houseplants add character to a home, but many people use them for potential health benefits. So, do houseplants improve indoor air quality?

Read more
Indoor Plants That Help Keep Bugs Away

Lavender is a great plant to grow indoors near a sunny window. These plants don’t require lots of water and enjoy a bit of shade. Furthermore, lavender is a soothing herb that produces beautiful purple flowers, making it a practical and ornamental indoor plant.

Read more
What To Do If Your Neighbor Has A Dangerous Tree

Whether it be a simple conversation or involving an HOA, there are several ways to approach your neighbor who has a dangerous tree. The end goal should be for your neighbor to remove the tree without straining your relationship. Each of these methods is non-combative and can be quite successful:

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Lava Rock Landscaping?

When it comes to gardening, we all want a landscape that not only looks beautiful but is also well taken care of. Mulch— no matter what kind— is necessary for a garden to flourish. Many gardeners are looking to lava rocks for their aesthetic and practical appeal.

Read more
Craftsman Riding Mower Turns Over But Won't Start? (We Have A Fix)

Are you having issues with starting up your riding mower? When you go to start it, does it crank over but not completely startup? Thankfully, riding mowers aren’t very complicated pieces of equipment, and the owner can quickly resolve most issues. This will help save you money and time on bringing it into a shop. However, if this happens to you, what do you do?

Read more
Best Plants For Allergies And Asthma

Whether it be a collection of houseplants or an outdoor garden, plants can trigger allergies and asthma. Most plants produce pollen and many of them even release spores that can irritate some people. Understandably, many homeowners with allergies and/or asthma, want to know the best plants to have.

Read more
12 Different Types Of Pumpkins And Squash To Try This Fall

If you live anywhere with four seasons, you know that it doesn’t quite feel like autumn until you’ve had a nourishing warm bowl of butternut squash soup. While soup is a popular way to utilize this squash, it certainly isn’t the only way.

Read more
Winter Composting Tips And Tricks

A big part of the joy of composting is that you get to see your progress week after week. Unfortunately, this becomes much less rewarding during the winter, when organic matter decomposes more slowly. However, you can avoid many common winter composting pitfalls if you keep a few simple tips in mind.

Read more