Mary Jane Duford

Mexican Purple garlic

Mexican Purple garlic is a purple stripe hardneck variety known for its silvery peel with vivid purple striping and its hot, spicy raw flavor. It…
Choosing the right Felco pruning shears

A red-handled pair of pruners is an instant signal of quality in the gardening world. Felco pruners are known for exceptional quality and longevity. And…
17 October gardening tasks

October is a month for cleaning, planting, and preparing. The days are shorter and nights are colder. Most plants begin to slow down, and some…
Fall lawn care

Fall is a perfect season to spend some time improving your lawn. Cooler air and warm soil create optimal growing conditions that help lawns recover…
Nicaise pumpkin

The Nicaise pumpkin is a French heirloom culinary variety selected for flavor, moderate size, and reliable production in home gardens. It is a Cucurbita maxima…
How to grow cosmos

Cosmos are easy-to-grow annual flowers perfect for adding some low-maintenance color to your garden. These plants grow and flower best in full sun with at…
How to grow zinnias

Zinnias are colorful annuals that grow best in full sun, well-drained soil, and warm temperatures. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, or start…
How to grow ranunculus

To grow healthy ranunculus, plant the corms in well-draining soil in a spot with full sun and cool temperatures. They thrive in mild weather, preferring…
Aphids

Aphids are one of the most common and persistent insect pests in the garden. These tiny, soft-bodied insects can damage leaves, stems, and flowers (but…
What to do with grass clippings

Grass clippings are a valuable resource. Whether left on the lawn, composted, or used as mulch, they provide essential nutrients, improve soil health, and reduce…
How to grow vegetable seedlings

Growing your own vegetable seedlings is a great way to extend the growing season, choose rare cultivars, control plant health, and save money. Here’s everything…
The glorious triumph of a weed-free garden bed

There are few gardening tasks as quietly satisfying as finishing a freshly weeded garden bed. The change is immediate and unmistakable. What was crowded and…
15 wildflower border garden ideas

Creating a wildflower border garden is a fantastic way to bring color, wildlife, and natural beauty to your yard. Start by selecting a diverse range…
How to plant basil seeds

While basil starter plants are easy to find in most garden centers and even supermarkets, most of the best varieties in terms of growing ease…
Gardening quotes

Gardeners have always put words to the quiet work of tending soil, sowing seed, and watching the seasons turn. Here are some well-known gardening quotes,…
Gardening memes

A meme is a funny picture, short video, or phrase that people share online. Someone adds a few words to it to make a joke…
Organic mulch

Organic mulch is a biodegradable material used to cover a garden’s soil surface. It’s biodegradable. These types of mulches are derived from natural sources, including…
How often to water peace lily plants

Water your potted peace lily when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this means watering indoor plants once or twice a week. However,…
20+ best seed companies to order from

The best seed companies for home gardeners include Botanical Interests, Renee’s Garden Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and Burpee Seeds. These…
Planting peony roots

Planting peony roots usually occurs in the fall or early spring. Before planting, soak the roots in clean water for an hour or two before…
Shampoo ginger lily plant

Shampoo ginger lily (Zingiber zerumbet) is a tropical flowering plant in the ginger family that grows from underground rhizomes. This herbaceous perennial has pinecone-shaped red…
Mossify Mistr

The Mossify Mistr is an electric plant mister spray bottle for houseplants. I’ve been using mine for almost two years now, and it has indeed…
How long it takes to change hydrangea flower color

It generally takes several months to several years to change the color of hydrangea flowers, depending upon the original composition of the soil and the…
10+ low maintenance shrubs for shade landscaping

Not many of us have the time required to keep a perfectly manicured yard (and nor do we want to). If your yard has a…