Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made of the fossilized remains of microscopic sea creatures called diatoms, the skeletons of which are composed of silica, one of the most common naturally occurring substances in the world. In fact, silica makes up 26 percent of the Earth’s crust if measured by weight. The FDA rated DE as a […]
How to Grow a No Water or Low Water Garden
A waterfree garden, or a garden that operates on very little water, is perfect for those who either live in desertlike climates or are simply trying to be as ecoconscious as possible. While it may seem like water is necessary for gardening, there are many plants that thrive in dry environments. Additionally, there are many […]
How to Correctly Feed Compost Worms: What, When, How and How Much
Worm composting, also called vermicomposting, is a great way to use kitchen scraps to create a nutrient-rich compost to feed your garden and keep it producing year-round. In a large container, simply shred some newspaper and leaves from your yard to create a nice loose base, then add in red wiggler worms, officially known as […]
How to Make a Mason Jar Herb Garden
Many fabulous recipes call for fresh herbs. If you skip the herbs, the dish is now lacking that key ingredient that pulls it all together. Dried herbs just don’t have the bold flavor that fresh herbs do, and they are not a substitute that is even worth rolling the dice on. So, what do you […]
7 Things I Learned From ‘The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries From a Secret World’
Many gardeners accept the sentience of plants as a fact of life. After all, there’s a reason many of us talk to, or sing to, our gardens in an effort to help them flourish. This belief is more than just an old wives’ tale. Recent research shows that sound can impact growth hormone levels in […]
How to Use Herbs at Home
Herbs are commonly used in gardens, cuisine, teas and tisanes, and other purposes where the palate is concerned. Outside of culinary arts and the garden, and within the walls of the home, herbs can find many uses. There are ways to incorporate herbs throughout your home, whether in strictly aesthetic roles, to lend aromatic ambience, […]
How to Find the Perfect Pair of Gardening Gloves
Gardening gloves are essential for those who garden frequently, whether as a hobby or in a professional capacity. A good pair of gloves not only protects your hands from the soil, but also from injury due to repeated use of tools or from the plants themselves. While choosing the perfect pair of gloves may seem […]
Tips for Planting Fruit Trees
There are very few joys in life that can compare to the sweet satisfaction of picking and eating fruit from your own fruit tree. Growing a fruit tree can be a long and arduous process, even for those with prior experience and knowledge of the practice. It’s also a challenge to get to the fruit […]
How to Grow Lemongrass
The citrusy aroma and flavor of lemongrass, alongside its pest-repelling properties, make it a wonderful addition to any garden or yard. Lemongrass is an eye-catching and unique addition to any garden, so passersby or your gardening buddies are sure to be impressed. Plus, it’s not very hard to grow or particularly prone to disease or […]
How to Control Tomato Hornworms
Chewed fruit, nubby stems, and spotty leaves can be a gardener’s nightmare. So much time and effort in growing tomatoes, peppers, eggplants can all be lost over the course of a few short weeks. The scene of the crime is an innocent, leafy green garden. The culprit—a large, meaty, crawling monster known as a tomato […]
Designing a Vegetable Garden for Higher Yields
If you want to grow a vegetable garden this spring, then you also probably want to know how to get the most bang for your buck in your plot. Gardening is hard work, so understanding the most efficient and effective ways to get your plants from seed to food is important. Starting with crops that […]
How to Grow Habanero Peppers
Gardeners with a serious love of spice should consider planting habanero peppers. These peppers can measure between 100,000 to 450,000 on the Scoville scale, the scale used to measure capsaicin, the spice in peppers. As one of the hottest chili peppers around, these small red or green peppers can add both some spice and color […]