4 Tips for Cultivating Soil Bacteria and Garden Microbes Plants and microbes have evolved together for hundreds of millions of years. Their connection is a basic building block for earth’s terrestrial ecosystems. Today, scientists recognize microorganisms as key contributors to plant growth and health. In the garden, all those invisible microbes can make or break…
There’s something in the air. You can feel it in your bones. Yep, it’s planting season again. This year why not try something a little different? Shake things up with unexpected combinations that will make your garden pop. Here are three of our favorite spring garden ideas that serve up some serious eye candy. Tulips…
A decorative pond is a glorious addition to any landscape. And aquatic plants add a touch of class that can really put your pond over the top. If you’re currently growing aquatic plants in plastic pots, perhaps it’s time to consider fabric Pond Pots. With distinct advantages for your fish and plants, the benefits of…
If you’re like most people, you know that plants consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Plants are widely known as the planet’s primary oxygen producers. The Amazon rainforest produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen, earning it the nickname “The Lungs of the Earth.” What many people don’t know is that plants…
A popular trend is gaining momentum across America. In communities coast to coast, school gardens are springing up. Student gardens provide a cornucopia of educational benefits — not to mention delicious vegetables for students and their families. Here are just a few of the perks they provide: Strong Social and Emotional Skills — Collaborating on…
Spring Fever is in the Air If you’re like many plant enthusiasts, you’re probably gearing up for the glorious transition to spring. And that means moving your cooped up tropical flowers back into the great outdoors. As you lay the groundwork for a magical growing season, here are four tips to help you with tropical…
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and start a raised bed container garden, good for you! Raised garden beds offer numerous benefits over in-ground gardens. They protect your crops from pests like moles and gophers. They’re perfect for areas with hard, rocky soil. And you can set them up just about anywhere — in…
“Strawberry Fields Forever” wasn’t just a psychedelic hit by The Beatles. It’s a technique you can put into practice, yielding sweet, juicy hydroponic strawberries year-round. “But won’t the snow and ice ruin my strawberry garden?” you ask. Indeed. That’s why we’re learning how to grow strawberries indoors. Contain Yourself The first step to cultivating hydroponic…
Increasingly seen in posh restaurants and urban windowsills, edible microgreens are highly nutritious, packed with flavor, and easy to grow. So what are they, exactly? Microgreens are edible plants grown until they produce their first adult leaves and then harvested for consumption. Microgreens are cheap to produce and eliminate the risk of food-borne illness associated…
If you’re into gardening, you’ve probably heard rave reviews about compost. That glowing admiration is well deserved. Over the years, compost has earned a reputation as the “black gold” of soil amendments. And the reason is simple. Composting is an eco-friendly practice that reduces landfill, saves you money and delivers much-needed nutrients to supercharge plant…