Outdoors Gardening

Hydrangeas are one of the most iconic symbols of spring. They have beautiful and delicate large pom-pom blooms that come in various colors including blue, white and even purple. If you live in an area with mild summers and plenty of moisture, hydrangeas can make a perfect gift.

Your compost pile should be wet, but it shouldn’t exceed 60% water. Ideally, you should maintain between 40% to 60% water content for your compost pile. The microbial organisms within your compost pile need at least some water to thrive.

The sight of ants in your yard or home can understandably be discomforting. Not only are ant hills ugly, but they can indicate that you have an upcoming ant problem on your hands. Many homeowners have asked themselves the question: why are there so many ant hills in my yard?

Moving dirt can be a big project. Most people will not have the tools, or equipment, needed for moving a large amount of dirt. There are a few options for getting the job done, some cheap, some not so cheap. It depends on how much dirt, and how far you need to move the dirt.

Many plant lovers throughout the world dream of having a greenhouse in their yard. While it is a blessing, it can also turn into a nightmare if you find mold. You’re not alone if you want to know how to prevent mold in a greenhouse to avoid headaches.

Roundup is a herbicide meant to help kill weeds and any other invasive plant that is causing trouble in your garden. Made by the Scotts Company, it can be quite effective at cleaning up unwanted growth in your garden and yard.

Shaded porches serve as both an oasis and an entry to your home. Finding the right plants that can thrive in the shade is easier said than done, however. So, what are the best plants for a shaded porch?

Before you learn how to help keep your flower bouquet alive longer, it’s good to know how long a bouquet lasts on average. Generally, a bouquet of fresh flowers will last five to seven days in any type of vase at home. Hearty tropical flowers tend to last a bit longer, around seven to 10 days.

Exposed tree roots can pose a tripping hazard in extreme cases, which turns some homeowners off. Others simply cannot stand the visual, as it can throw off the aesthetic and curb appeal in their yard. That’s why you’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to cover tree roots that are protruding above ground.

Allowing a cat to roam free outside has many benefits, from controling the rodent population to providing company without filling your home with cat hair. While these pets are desirable for some, others are allergic or simply don’t want them around. If your neighbor has a cat that’s constantly wandering into your yard uninvited, you may wonder how you can keep it off your property for good.

Starting a terrarium is an exciting project, but it can be a lot of work to set up and maintain. That’s because a lot can go wrong, but only if you don’t prepare properly. Luckily, we assembled a list of eight essential terrarium tips for beginners.

If you’re a seasoned gardener, you’ve likely come across diatomaceous earth at least once in your planting endeavors. This powdery substance is composed of tiny aquatic fossils of creatures called diatoms. It might seem strange to sprinkle marine fossils in your garden soil, but you’ll be surprised by how many ways this natural material can help your garden thrive.

One of the most common reasons why seeds in your vegetable garden don’t sprout is a lack of watering. Just like established plants, seeds need consistent watering. Vegetables like moist soil. Not soaking wet, but moist.

A greenhouse lets homeowners expand their gardening capabilities and extend their growing season. However, a greenhouse can also attract many pests looking for shelter and food sources, including snakes. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to keep snakes out of your greenhouse.

It’s important to remember how vital pollinators are, not just for your yard, but for the world. Although bees can be annoying sometimes, you’d surely miss them if they didn’t come back when winter ends. That’s why supporting pollinators throughout the fall and winter is essential for every homeowner.

There is something of a misconception that all mower attachments are the same. The fact of the matter is that there is a huge array of attachments that can be used with tractors, skid-steers, excavators, and wheel loaders. All of which are designed to work optimally in certain situations.

Snapdragons provide a vibrant splash of color to any garden, blooming beautifully in the spring and fall. These bright blooms come in almost every color imaginable, and when cared for properly, can last a long time.  

There are many benefits to having a birdbath in your yard. This garden feature attracts various species of birds, which is great for bird watchers and for the plants in your garden. Birds and other pollinators flock to these pools of water, pollinate your garden, and eat many garden pests at the same time. To ensure your birdbath continues to serve a vital function on your property, you need to know how to properly clean and fill it.

Today, more and more people want to feel connected to nature. For many, that means installing a bird feeder and getting an up-close view of wildlife. However, before installing this feature into your yard, learn about the pros and cons of bird feeders to make sure it's what you'll enjoy.

Every step you take to prepare a garden ultimately determines how well your plants will thrive. Whether it be the consistency of the soil or the nutrients you use, everything plays a role in your garden’s longevity. So, does a garden need to be level?

You try and try to keep your yard looking healthy, yet you still seem to have brown patches and a faded look. Don’t worry; the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. You can get the lush lawn you dream about by using fertilizer. But how long before fertilizer turns grass green?

Summer is the season when gardens are lush and robust. Flowers are in full bloom, vegetables are abundant, and there’s always something to do in your garden. While summer tends to be the most successful growing time of year, the weather can lead to a lot of devastating problems if you don’t know what you’re doing. To ensure your plants continue to thrive this summer, there are several common mistakes you must avoid.

There’s always some confusion when it comes to the cayenne pepper. What is it? Is cayenne a pepper or a spice? And when is the best time to pick cayenne pepper? We shirk away from the unknown, and especially from the spicy unknown. But in reality, we use cayenne pepper every day to flavor our favorite dishes. That pizza you’re enjoying? You can thank cayenne pepper for that fiery tang. 

Nothing is as annoying as going to water your plants and finding out that deer have been nibbling on them. This can hinder plant growth and will continue to happen until you address the problem. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep deer away from plants.

Finding poison oak in your yard is bad enough, but it gets worse when you think you killed it, only to find more. Unfortunately, it will return if you don’t follow the proper steps to eradicate it. That’s why we assembled a guide on how to keep poison oak from growing back.

Your lawn mower needs oil to provide ample lubrication, prevent overheating, and generally work efficiently. However, what happens if you put too much oil into your lawnmower?

Growing vegetables in a small garden can be beneficial. In addition to adding color to any garden, it can mean fresh vegetables to be used in the kitchen. It should not be surprising that one of the most popular garden vegetables are tomatoes.

Not everyone likes earthworms, but you can’t deny that they’re extremely beneficial. Worms can increase the nutrient availability in your soil, aerate the soil, and support healthy plant growth. You can make a huge difference in your plants’ success this summer if you attract worms to your garden.

Being a cat owner is rewarding, but it also comes with many frustrating headaches, especially in you are an indoor plant enthusiast. You’re not alone if you’ve ever struggled with how to keep your cat away from your houseplants.

The promise of a warm, colorful spring is exciting to look forward to throughout winter. However, the coming of spring involves some prep work if you want your yard to stand out and thrive. So, when should you prepare your yard for the spring?

Owning a riding mower comes with many perks, but it can also require routine care and maintenance. One of the most common steps to take care of on your riding mower is to regularly change the blades. However, since the machine can be quite heavy, this process is not always simple.

You put a lot of energy into maintaining the lawn. So, you probably don’t want weeds where your garden should be. But can you put weed killer on wet grass, or will that cause a problem? And how do you keep weeds off of your lawn otherwise?

There are dozens of different types of Christmas trees that are grown in nearly every climate around the world. With all this variety, it’s no surprise that there is not a simple answer to the question, “How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?” Instead, there are averages, and approximate time frames based on what most people look for in a Christmas tree.

As you inspect your lawn in the spring after a long winter, it's a great time to notice and treat issues like fungi, weeds, and dead grass. In addition to these common problems, you may also see a lot of new holes in the ground, and wonder what created them.

You can following every rule of successful gardening but none of that will matter if you have poorly structured soil. Using the wrong soil will waste all of the hard work you put into watering and fertilizing your plants. So, why does soil structure matter?

If you are one of the many homeowners who have Bermuda grass in your yard, you already know how difficult it can be to get rid of. While some people actually like Bermuda grass, many of us consider it nothing more than a weed.

I’m blue, da ba dee da ba die… Well, not quite. I’m a fan of blue. My hair is blue, ya know. I like blue decorative items, too. When it comes to finding garden decor that is blue, things get dicey. Not many flowers are blue, at least…not naturally. Want to find out what the most popular blue flowers are?

Herb gardens are essential for anyone who loves to cook with fresh ingredients. Without one, grocery bills can become quite expensive, and you are often left using less-fragrant dried spices. Some herbs might not even be readily available in grocery stores. If the only space you have for an herb garden has very little sun, you might wonder if there are any herbs you can grow that require very little light.

A pergola is a wonderful and show-stopping outdoor structure that provide sshade and opulence. It also gives you additional usable space in your backyard. Most pergolas look lovely on their own, but a lot of these structures can benefit from a bit of plant life. While some people opt to garden along the borders of a pergola, to truly bring some charm and whimsy to your pergola, you should introduce a vine or creeping plant.

Whether you’re a new gardener or you have a green thumb, you may have some gaps in your knowledge. That’s perfectly fine, as so many factors must come together to create the perfect conditions for your soil and plants. So you may wonder, does soil acidity affect plant growth?

Winter is unquestionably the most colourless of all seasons. Very few plants are still alive, and colors all but disappear from the landscape. In this frigid black and white world, however, there are a few flying glimpses of color. While many birds migrate, others remain in cold climates year-round. If you want to see these beautiful creatures on winter’s coldest days, you need to find ways to attract them into your yard.

Some homeowners embrace the fall and winter, whereas others dread the cold temperatures. However, many can agree that taking a break from many standard yard chores, like mowing the lawn, can be nice. So, when should you stop mowing your lawn before the winter?

Part of the reason why having a riding lawnmower is so beneficial is that you can cut your grass in half the time it would take with a push model. However, because these machines are relatively complex, they can experience a wider array of issues. One problem you may encounter is that the mower will not move while in neutral. If that happens, it can be tough to maneuver the machine, whether you’re trying to store it or roll it to a new spot.

Do you know your neighbor well? If so, it’s worth simply telling them that you wish they would cut their grass. Granted, this can be uncomfortable if you have no relationship, but it’s worth it if the tall grass is a problem.

Known for its signature star shape, Nelly Moser Clematis is a favorite of gardeners everywhere. This pink floral vine is easy to grow and adapts easily to its environment. Because of this, Nelly Moser Clematis’s growth can get out of hand if not tended to properly, so it’s important to know how to prune a Nelly Moser Clematis.

It’s hard to enjoy your vacation if you can’t stop thinking about your plants back home. Many plant lovers know that feeling all too well, and it can sometimes keep them from taking vacations. You’re not alone if you’ve ever worried about how to keep your plants alive while you're away on vacation.

The sight and sound of two animals fighting in your yard can be scary. After all, you may worry about the animals’ safety, and you may naturally fear that they’ll turn on you. So, what should I do if I hear animals fighting in my yard?

you want to make your lawnmower even more versatile and hard-working, mounting a ball hitch can be a great idea. However, before you begin, you need to know how to install it.

One of the best ways to maximize your garden when you have limited space is to use vertical planters. If you have a small area where gardening is possible, try building your garden upwards. 

Robotic lawn mowers are among the latest technological innovations to reach mainstream consumers. It's no surprise these remote-controlled mowers are growing in popularity, as they let homeowners stay inside on hot days while the machine does all the work. Robotic mowers certainly have many benefits, but there are also potential downsides you should know before investing in one.

The most common weeding position is a kneeling position. This is because weeds come out of the ground, so the closer to the ground you are, the easier it is to pull them. What you might not know is that there are several types of kneeling positions, and some are better for your body when weeding than others.

Weeds are the nemesis of every gardener. They steal vital nutrients and much-needed water from your plants, and make your landscaping look unattractive and untamed. Unfortunately, weeds exist in just about every garden, and it’s a challenge everyone has to confront. The key is knowing the most effective ways to keep weeds out of your garden and the common mistakes to avoid.

Composting is a fun and rewarding process, but it takes a lot of work and patience. Along the way, you may face some annoying challenges, such as animals rummaging through your bin. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to keep animals out of your compost bin.

You may have noticed in recent years the culinary world has introduced all sorts of plants and edible flowers to food menus. If you have dined in a fancy restaurant, you might have even found yourself faced with a familiar-looking flower on the plate and thought to yourself, “Can I eat this?” The fact is, there are lots of plants out there that you might not know you can eat. A few of these edible plants might even be in your garden.

Ticks are attracted to debris, dense grass, trees, heat, and moisture. Yards with tall trees and grass are most likely to have ticks, even if you can’t see them. The Midwest and West Coast parts of the country are especially prone to tick problems.

Potting soil loses its potency over time, but that doesn’t mean when it stops effectively helping your plants, you should throw it away. Instead, you may want to know other ways to use old potting soil.

When you think of plants that cause bad allergic reactions, there is a good chance the first plant you think of is poison ivy. Poison ivy exists in many wooded areas, popping up in late spring, and continuing to grow until the first frost.

Leveling a yard is a process that is crucial to the aesthetics of your landscaping. Leveling your yard can save you from damage and foundation repairs. How much will you pay to level a yard you may ask? Let’s take a close look at the costs of the operation.

If you are wondering if ladybugs are really important to your garden, the answer is — absolutely! Ladybugs are an amazing natural pest control. In particular, they love to eat aphids, which are tiny bugs that can kill plants quickly if left unchecked. Each ladybug can eat upwards of 50 of these pests per day.

If your goal is to beautify your yard, there are certain things you cannot forget about. Sticking to a maintenance program will help and you should also consider de-cluttering your yard to give it a fresh look. Don’t forget about cultivating a new lawn because that can make a huge difference.