Tag: Gardening & Landscaping

When the seed catalogs start arriving in the mail after the New Year, placing your order early is a good idea, especially if you are after more unusual varieties. But when it comes to starting seeds, whether it’s indoors to get a head start on the growing season or whether it’s direct-seeding outdoors, there is such a thing as being too early.

Here’s what gardening experts say about which seeds you shouldn’t start in the dead of winter and why.

Tomatoes, Eggplants, and Peppers

To determine when to start the seeds indoors, count back six to eight weeks from the last average frost date in your area. Owen Taylor, the founder of Truelove Seeds, starts pepper and eggplant seeds in late February or early March. This can be earlier or later for your location depending on your last frost date.

Cucurbits

The members of the cucumber family (summer squash, zucchini, cucumber, melon, and watermelon) are also warm-weather crops. Most cucurbits germinate and grow fast so if you start them too early, the plants will be in urgent need of transplanting even though it may be too cold.

“Hold off on starting the seeds of fast-growing crops such as squashes and melons until April,” Taylor says. “That way, they are ready for a mid-May transplant into the garden after the last danger of frost.”

Elise Pickett, the founder of The Urban Harvest, says waiting out the cold weather also applies to southern crops like luffa gourd that thrive in the hot and humid Florida climate where she gardens.

Basil

Because basil is highly sensitive to cold—it needs daytime temperatures above 70°F—delay the seed starting until six to eight weeks before the last average frost date in your area to prevent scraggly transplants.

The only exception is if you have a sunny windowsill or strong grow lights that let you bridge the time until it’s time to transplant basil outdoors.

Beans

Because beans don’t transplant well, they cannot be started from seed indoors but must be directly seeded in the garden. They also need warm soil, at least 70 to 80°F, to germinate.

For Taylor, this means that mid-to-late May is bean planting season, depending on the weather. The same waiting period for beans applies in the south.

“Winter is prime growing season for much of the south but not for beans,” Taylor says. “They need very specific conditions: warm soil temperatures, longer daylight hours, and warm days.” 

Sweet Potatoes

Vegetables that are grown from seed are not the only ones that may stretch the patience of an eager gardener.

“Sweet potatoes do amazingly well in our Florida climate,” Pickett explains. “But they need the warmer spring months to be planted in the garden, or they will not germinate.”

If you don’t want to wait for soil temperatures to reach 60 to 85°F, growing sweet potato slips indoors gives you a head start on the growing season.

Annual Flowers

Taylor explains how heat-loving annuals like zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos are also not suitable to start in the middle of the winter.

Just like the vegetables, you’ll need to wait six to eight weeks before the last average frost date and then plant them in the garden after the last danger of frost. 

Source: The Spruce©

photo credit: © The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Buying bags of soil from a store is quite costly, which can amount to over a hundred dollars for large garden beds. Turn garden and kitchen waste into useful material for filling raised garden beds, allowing you to save a substantial amount of money. You can also repurpose fallen tree branches or dead branches cut from trees instead of carting them away or burning them. The organic waste will decompose over the years, enriching the soil and providing steady nutrition for plants to use.

Soil Temperature: While compost is decomposed by bacteria, hugel beds are primarily decomposed by fungi. As the organic matters decompose, they will heat up and create a microclimate under the plants, and warm the raised garden bed soil, which can be very helpful in colder climates.

Mosquitoes are the uninvited guests that show up to every backyard gathering, ready to turn you into their next meal. Instead of dousing yourself in chemical sprays, why not let nature do the work? These mosquito-repelling plants look great, smell amazing, and keep the biting pests at bay. Let’s make your yard a no-fly zone.

1. Lavender: A Fragrant Mosquito Repellent

Lavender doesn’t just smell incredible; it also keeps mosquitoes away. The plant’s natural oils are unpleasant to these pesky insects, making it a great addition to patios, walkways, or garden beds. 

Bonus: It attracts bees and butterflies while giving your yard a fresh, relaxing aroma. Mosquitoes hate it, but your nose will love it.

2. Citronella Grass: Nature’s Bug Spray

Citronella is the main ingredient in most mosquito repellents, so why not grow the real deal? This tall, lush grass releases a strong citrus scent that mosquitoes can’t stand. It thrives in warm climates and does best in pots or garden borders. For extra protection, crush the leaves to release even more mosquito-fighting power.

3. Marigolds: A Bright and Bug-Free Garden

These cheerful flowers do more than add color to your garden. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, aphids, and other pests. I planted marigolds near my vegetable garden last year, and for once, I wasn’t eaten alive while picking tomatoes. Talk about a win-win.

Copy and paste the website below to view more mosquito repelling flowers.

Source: thebackyardpros.com©

Transform your garden into a butterfly haven with Aster, Bee Balm, Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly Bush, Coneflower, Lavender, Milkweed, Salvia, and Zinnia. These vibrant plants, from the multi-hued Aster to the essential Milkweed, attract butterflies and enhance your outdoor space. Plant in mass groupings for optimal results and create a welcoming environment for these delicate creatures to flourish. The strategic combination of these plants ensures a visual masterpiece that will captivate both you and the butterflies in your garden.

1. Aster (Symphotrichum)

To attract butterflies to your garden, consider planting Aster, also known as Symphotrichum, a perennial plant known for its colorful blooms. This hardy plant, suitable for zones 3-10, blooms from late spring to fall, providing a vital nectar source for butterflies. Aster’s vibrant flowers, available in a variety of hues, make it a versatile choice for butterfly gardens. For optimal butterfly attraction, try planting Aster in mass groupings. 

2. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Consider adding Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, to your butterfly garden to attract these delightful pollinators with its vibrant blooms and nectar-rich flowers. This colorful perennial plant, a member of the mint family, is native to North America and thrives in zones 4-9. Bee Balm’s flowers, available in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, not only add beauty to your garden but also provide essential nectar for butterflies and other pollinators. 

4. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

With its fragrant flowers that attract a wide variety of butterflies, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) is a popular choice for butterfly gardens. This shrub, suitable for zones 5 to 9, showcases vibrant colors like blue, pink, purple, white, and yellow, creating a visually stunning garden. Its long-lasting blooming period from summer to early fall ensures a continuous nectar source for butterflies. The tubular-shaped clusters of flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also serve as ideal feeding stations for butterflies. By planting Butterfly Bush, you are providing a welcoming habitat for these delicate creatures to thrive. Ensure proper care and maintenance, such as regular pruning and adequate watering, to maximize the attractiveness of this nectar-rich plant. Transform your outdoor space into a butterfly haven with the enchanting Butterfly Bush, where fluttering wings and vibrant blooms harmonize in a mesmerizing dance of nature.

That’s three of ten flowers. To view all ten, copy and paste the website below.

a-garden-diary.com©

For someone who’s never grown houseplants before, the idea of caring for a bunch of living organisms with a wide range of food, water, and sunlight needs can be daunting. 

Fortunately, the plant world is full of easy-going plants that are perfect for beginners, the type of plants that can stand up to being overwatered once or twice or completely neglected for a week or two. From dramatic trailing pothos vines to flowering African violets, and everything in between, these 20 houseplants are perfect for anyone who’s looking to cultivate a green space indoors. 

Note: some of these plants may be toxic to animals, especially cats and dogs. Before buying a plant, please make sure that it is safe for your pets. 

Ponytail Palm

This miniature tree adds tons of visual interest to any space that it’s in, thanks to a frazzle of thin foliage and its cute bulbous trunk. Technically, it’s an agave, which means that it will need plenty of sunlight and soil that is allowed to fully dry out between waterings.

Dieffenbachia

Colloquially called “dumb cane,” dieffenbachias love to be left alone — mostly. Once planted in soil with plenty of aeration, the plants like to stay damp (read: not soaking wet) and do best when they can soak up filtered, indirect light. Note: this plant gets its nickname thanks to a numbing effect caused by the leaves when eaten, so make sure that it’s out of the reach of curious kids or pets.

Aglaonema

Often called “Chinese evergreen,” aglaonema is available in a wide variety of colors and leaf patterns. It’s easy to care for, only requiring weekly watering and a good supply of indirect light, and will bring lush, dramatic foliage to any space.

To see more selections, copy and paste the link below.

yardbarker.com

Source: ©shutterstock

Various trellising, staking and caging techniques can be used with vine-type fruits and vegetables to enhance yield, minimize disease, and ease harvesting. Find techniques for your garden here.

Source: learningstore.extension.wisc.edu©

Over 45 Seed Catalogs & Online Plant Sources

Here is a wonderful list of free garden seed catalogs—and places to buy seeds and plants online. These plant nurseries offer the best-quality plants, a lot of selection and interesting varieties, and great value. Start dreaming and ordering early to make your choice!

The catalogs are listed below in alphabetical order. Most of the seed and plant catalogs are complimentary; a handful might not be free, but they are still worth considering. None of the catalogs in this list are produced or sold by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This is simply a list that both Almanac editors and readers have suggested.

Note: Below is the source of this article. It is not a link, so copy and paste into your browser, or go to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and search for the article:

almanac.com/content/garden-seed-catalogs-mail

While it may not sound like fun to take a dip outdoors when there’s snow on the ground, for birds, it’s still a necessity. Birds appreciate winter water sources to not only stay hydrated but also to bathe. Bird baths (and other bath-worthy water sources) allow birds to cleanse and maintain their feathers, which is very important in helping them stay insulated in winter. The bathing process also helps birds get rid of dirt and parasites, so it’s a good idea to still keep that bird bath full of fresh water even when temperatures drop. You could invest in a heated birdbath to keep the water from freezing, but simply using a black or dark saucer or birdbath basin could help the water stay free of ice and warmer longer.

Adding a few dark-colored rocks to the vessel also helps retain heat and prevent ice, especially if the bird bath is in direct sunlight for at least part of the day. During warm months, it’s best to keep a bird bath out of direct sunlight to prevent algae buildup and to keep the water cool, but in winter, that sun-warmed water is an oasis for birds that need a place to bathe. 

A dark-colored birdbath absorbs heat and then retains it a bit better than a light-colored one; it’s not that different from how walking on a black asphalt surface on a sunny summer day can feel a lot hotter than walking on concrete or in a shaded area on that same day. The good news is that you don’t have to find an actual birdbath in black; any dark vessel that holds water and is relatively shallow can serve as the birdbath basin.

One bird bath feature that makes a more comfortable environment for your feathered friends is a good foothold in the water; this can be in the form of texture, or from the dark-colored rocks you add to retain heat. If you aren’t sure whether to make your new birdbath a hanging version, a pedestal bird bath, or one that you leave at ground level, here’s how to decide which bird bath option is best for your yard.

While dark colors alone won’t stop your bird bath from freezing when temperatures drop to the single digits, it could prolong the freezing process when the temperatures get low. Adding a float, such as a ping pong ball or slightly heavier ball, also helps, since it moves around in even a slight breeze, breaking up potential ice when it’s just starting to form a thin skin on the surface. Placing a hand warmer packet underneath the basin (but not in it) also helps the water stay warm longer during cold weather. If you don’t mind going outdoors a few times a day during extra cold weather, adding warm, but never boiling, water to the bird bath also helps. 

Source: Outdoor Guide©

Photo credit: © DoreenB Photography/Shutterstock

Early snowfall across portions of Wisconsin last week reminds us that cleaning snow off streets, driveways, and sidewalks will be expected during the winter months ahead. Deicing salts are part of the snow removal process and make travel safer, but keep in mind they also can damage landscape plantings and the environment.

Sodium chloride, an inexpensive commonly used deicing salt material, can damage vegetation in two ways. First, root uptake of chloride accumulating in soils leads to dieback and decline of above-ground plant parts. Sodium can also destroy soil structure conditions, causing numerous plant problems. Plant damage typically occurs within thirty feet of roads, driveways, or parking lots where salts are applied. Second, salt spray drift from roads may drift onto vegetation, causing conspicuous clusters of twigs called “witches’ brooms” on deciduous trees or browning of evergreen foliage.

In residential areas most salt damage to trees, shrubs, lawns, and other plantings is due to salt accumulating in soils. Deicing salts can be deposited directly from plowing or through runoff as snow melts. Damage becomes a chronic issue for plants growing in these soils and is often confused with other causes. If declining plants are located near sidewalks, roadways, or parking lots, consider deicing salts as one potential cause.

Plant damage from deicing salts depends on a variety of factors, including type and amount of salt, timing of application and plant species. Although more expensive, consider deicing salt alternatives to sodium chloride, including calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or calcium magnesium acetate. Only apply the amount of salt needed to do the job. Salt should be scattered so there is space between the grains. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt can be enough to treat an entire 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares. Consider mixing salt with sand for traction, thus reducing the amount of salt used. Shovel or plow as much snow as possible prior to applying deicing salts. Finally, consider where snowmelt goes and vegetation that may be affected when deciding where to pile snow that contains salts.

Along highways or roads where salt spray is likely, temporary screening may help prevent damage to trees and shrubs. Burlap is one material that can be used. Applying gypsum to lawns or soil is sometimes suggested to counteract the salt, but good soil drainage is needed. Often areas near roads, sidewalks, and parking lots have poor soil drainage, limiting the effectiveness of the gypsum.

Looking ahead to future growing seasons, be aware of areas prone to both salt accumulating in the soil and salt spray for new or replacement plantings. Choose plant material with tolerance to salt and be sure to avoid salt-sensitive species.

Source: hort.extension.wisc.edu

As you’re tending to your front yard this summer, you may want to reconsider some features that are actually sticking out like eyesores. We tapped some designers to share their expertise on what front yard features you need to avoid, so you don’t leave a bad impression on guests, friends, or family that come over all summer long.

Here are 5 front yard features that still count as eyesores in 2025.

Overgrown, Patchy Lawn

_{Jaclyn Vernace / Getty Images}

Overgrown or patchy lawns can instantly signal neglect and negatively impact the rest of the home’s architecture, Evgenia Ermolaeva, the founder and interior designer at ED Interior, says.  

Try to keep a consistent schedule of mowing your lawn, so it always looks maintained. Additionally, depending on where you’re regionally located, you’ll want to adjust your watering schedule based on how warm it is.

Plastic Garden Decor

“Plastic garden decor fades fast and cheapens the entire entrance experience,” Ermolaeva explains.

Invest in higher-quality pieces that are both timeless and durable, so you don’t have to keep replacing your decor. Additionally, opt for pieces that will create a cohesive look with the rest of your home’s decor.

Dead Plants and Leftover Leaves

_{Olga Dobrovolska / Getty Images}

If you have wilting plants or leftover leaves scattered in your front yard, it may be time to schedule a day to remedy all of these issues, Tina Montemayor, the founder and principal designer at Tina Montemayor Design, says.

Trim back any dead plants, so it doesn’t disrupt your overall front yard appeal, and collect any leaves on the ground for a tidier look.

Crooked or Dated Mailboxes

It can be easy to overlook your mailbox since you may not think it’s a big feature, but it could stick out if the rest of your house is up to date and your mailbox isn’t, Montemayor explains. Whether it’s completely replacing it or giving it a fix with new paint, don’t forget this small feature that can make a big impact.

Mismatched Planters

_{Peter Carruthers / Getty Images}

Montemayor emphasizes the importance of making sure your planters aren’t completely random, since it could look messy.

” I treat them like part of the architecture/hardscape: consistent color palette or tone so the plants shine,” Montemayor says.

Choose a specific colorway that complements the rest of your architecture to really create a blended look.

Source: The Spruce©