Composting & Soil

Black currants are making a comeback in American gardens thanks to their outstanding health benefits and versatile uses. These antioxidant-rich berries contain up to 5 times the vitamin C of oranges and have twice the potassium of bananas. Their unique tart flavor is beloved for jams, juices, baked goods, and more. If you’re looking to … Read more

An artfully arranged band of bricks handsomely defines the boundary between grass and garden. And if you install the bricks flush with the ground, they also serve as a handy mowing guide: You can run the wheels of a push mower right on top of the border edging and pretty much dispense with the string … Read more

Ivy is a popular climbing plant to have in your garden. Youve probably seen it frame houses, fences, walls and other surfaces in a dense, green and lush way. Its vibrant and spreads its long narrow tendrils that attach to facades and other areas on their own with their adhesive roots and without you having … Read more

All that’s necessary to propagate prickly pear cactus is a donor plant. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) is beautiful and incredibly easy to propagate from a cutting. When I first moved to Arizona, one of the first plants I purchased was a prickly pear. (Fig 1) I was unaware that a prickly pear cactus produced … Read more

Grape hyacinths also known as Muscari are a delightful spring-blooming bulb that brings pops of color and texture to the garden. Their urn-shaped flowers bloom in tight clusters along stiff stems, resembling grapes. That’s why they are nicknamed “grape hyacinths”! These easy-care bulbs make a big impact despite their petite size, and they naturalize readily … Read more

John Innes compost no 2 is a popular potting compost used by gardeners in the UK. But if you’re new to gardening, you may find yourself asking – what exactly is John Innes compost? And why is no 2 so popular? In this beginner’s guide, we’ll demystify John Innes compost no 2 and explain everything … Read more

Are Pineapple Plants Toxic to Dogs? What You Need to Know Pineapples are a fun, tropical plant to grow indoors. With their spiky leaves and sweet golden fruit they add a touch of the tropics to any space. However, pineapple plants do pose some risks for our canine companions. Certain parts contain irritants and indigestible … Read more

Hydrangeas, with their expansive blooms and mesmerizing colors, have been charming garden enthusiasts for ages. However, a frequent concern among gardeners is when they spot their beloved hydrangea leaves turning brown, especially in spring or summer. What causes this issue? Can it be fixed? Well, this post has all your answers. Brown leaves on hydrangeas … Read more

New Plant Life Composted Manure is an excellent organic soil amendment that can provide a variety of benefits when used in home gardens. As the name suggests, this product is made from composted animal manures sourced from dairy farms. The manure undergoes a composting process that breaks down the raw manure into a stabilized form … Read more

John Innes No 3 compost has been a go-to potting mix for generations of gardeners wanting to provide optimal nutrition for their container-grown plants But what exactly makes this compost so special? In this article, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, and best uses of John Innes No. 3 to help you get the most out … Read more