Mary Jane Duford
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Native plants vs. garden cultivars for pollinators
Many gardeners want two things at once. They want a garden that looks beautiful, and they want a garden that helps bees, butterflies, and other…
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Pruning roses in March
March is a common time to prune roses. But timing is not strictly tied to the calendar. Prune when the worst cold has passed and…
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Early spring lawn care
Early spring lawn care is about recovery and preparation. Winter can make your turf grass compacted, matted, and low in available oxygen. Work should begin…
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March gardening tips
March is the month to reset the garden. The main job is to match your timing to the weather instead of the calendar. Use the…
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Low-maintenance plants for full sun
Low maintenance plants for full sun are the ones that stay healthy and presentable with basic care once they are established. In most gardens, “full…
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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…
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Evergreen flowering shrubs for shade
Evergreen flowering shrubs for shade are broadleaf or needle-leaf shrubs that keep their foliage through winter and still produce flowers with limited direct sun. In…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
