The Best Food Deals and Freebies This Fourth of July Weekend
Whether you’re hitting the road over the long weekend, or staying local, you’re going to have to eat at some point. Fortunately, there are some tasty food deals and freebies…
Why Those Half-Dead Plants Are Actually a Good Deal
I call it the “sad plant shelf” (or SPS for short), and I make a beeline to it at every nursery I visit. This is the place where nursery workers…
The Best Way to Straighten a Leaning Tree in Your Yard
Photo: SaraJo (Shutterstock) Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather can take down even massive trees, but sometimes, the damage isn’t as severe. Instead of toppling over completely, trees can be…
Don’t Bother Boiling a Lemon to ‘Neutralize’ Odors
I write a lot about different methods to remove odors from of a bunch of different things, from smoky smells in the house to stinky ones in diaper pails. While…
The Best Plants to Use as ‘Green Mulch’
Along with a green grass lawn, traditional suburban landscaping often includes sections the yard—typically in front of the house—containing flowers, plants, and shrubs surrounded by wood-chip mulch. The mulch serves…
Avoid Planting These Vegetables in Containers
Photo: Ittappatti (Shutterstock) For those without the outdoor space necessary for a traditional garden, growing plants—including vegetables—in containers is a great option. Unfortunately, not all vegetables can grow and flourish…
Why You Should Stop Watering Your Plants in the Middle of the Day
You’re doing it wrong. That’s what I tell most gardeners when I see them outside on a hot day, sunscreen and sunhat in hand, enthusiastically plonking petunias and tomatoes in…
Cover Your Lawn in Flowering Bulbs
Bulbs come in many varieties and will sprout without much work, making them an excellent feature for your yard or garden. You can also find bulbs that will bloom at…
The Best Ways to Use Grass Clippings in Your Garden
Photo: EsfilPla (Shutterstock) Maintaining a traditional green grass lawn is a year-round process, with mowing typically being the most time-consuming task. Not only does this involve cutting the grass, but…
What I Wish I’d Known Before I Bought a Hydroponic Gardening Tower
Hydroponics used to be a nerdy hobby for homesteaders and home pot growers. What was once required a complicated setup that resulted in absurd-looking home laboratories has now been commoditized…