When should you start seeds indoors? This is one of the most common questions I get from new gardeners. There are lots of different planting charts out there, and they can be helpful to use as a guide for starting seeds. But, there are so many factors involved, that it’s best to create your own personal timetable. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult to do, and I’ll walk you through it all step by step....

Many times, the biggest cost of gardening is buying soil. Well guess what, DIY potting soil is not only more cost effective than buying the commercial stuff, it’s also super simple to make! No matter what type of plant you want to grow, indoors or outside, you’ll find the perfect homemade potting mix recipe below. Once you learn how to make potting soil, you can be confident that you’re always using the best possible mix for every one of your plants....

Fungus gnats (also called soil gnats) are probably the most common (and annoying) houseplant pests. So, in this post, I’m going to tell you all about them, and show you how to get rid of them – FOR GOOD! The worst part about fungus gnats is that they can infest any plant that is growing in soil. Which means, if you have indoor plants, they can get into every one of them....

As you probably know, pollinators like bees are responsible for pollination in plants, and therefore super important for growing vegetables. But if you’re wondering “how do I attract bees to my vegetable garden?” Let me tell you a little story that really drove this point home for me… Why Aren’t My Vegetables Growing? A long time ago, when I was a newbie gardener, I read an article that a woman wrote about how, when she first started out gardening, she had never been a fan of flower gardening....

Harvesting chives sounds easy, but it can be tricky if you’re not sure how to do it. When I was a newbie, I thought I needed to dig up each individual bulb (like the green onions you buy at the grocery store). My plants are mature and very dense, making the task of digging up only a few bulbs pretty much impossible. When I tried it, there was so much woody old growth included, I couldn’t even eat them....

Philodendron Birkin plants are easy to grow, and don’t require any special care. In this post, I’ll tell you all you need to know in order to keep them thriving for years to come. The unique striped foliage of Philodendron Birkin makes it a beautiful addition to any indoor plant collection. It’s easy-to-care for nature also makes it ideal for beginners who want to bring more green into their homes....

There are so many opportunities for gifting plants for special occasions, or simply to say thank you and show your appreciation. Whether you want to give plants for Christmas presents, you’re looking for a housewarming gift plant, plants for birthday presents or good Mother’s day houseplants, or even fun party favors – the list goes on and on. Plants are incredibly thoughtful, and there is something wonderful about giving them as gifts....

Aloe vera plants are easy to care for. They make wonderful houseplants, or you can grow them outside. In this post, I will show you all you need to know about aloe vera care, including water, sunlight, soil, fertilizer, and more! There is a common misconception that aloe vera is difficult to grow, but it’s actually quite easy. The key is to neglect it. Yes, that’s right, just ignore it....

Whether it be for his birthday, Christmas, the holidays, or if you’re trying to find the perfect Father’s day garden gifts, look no further. You can’t go wrong with this list of gardening gifts for dad, he’s sure to love them all. It can be so tough to find the perfect presents for dad, especially when he says, “I don’t want anything.” Come on, dads, help us out a little!...

Spring flowering bulbs are some of my favorites every year. It’s so exciting to see those first green shoots poke up through the cold soil. You might think that planting spring bulbs sounds complicated, but it’s actually a fairly simple process. You just have to plan a little bit further in advance, and get the timing right. While it is an easy process, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start digging....

One of the greatest joys of gardening is watching butterflies float around my yard. It’s one of my favorite things about summer! Well I have some great news for you. It’s not difficult to fill your yard with these beautiful and beneficial insects. It just takes a bit of planning. I get tons of questions from readers asking for tips and advice about starting a butterfly friendly garden. So in this how-to guide, I’ll give you all the details you need to create your own!...

Making DIY newspaper pots for growing seeds is a really easy project, and doesn’t require a lot of time or materials. It also economical and environmentally friendly. Plus it’s better for the seedlings, since the pots can be planted directly into the ground. Your plantable pots don’t need to be incredibly strong either. The whole point is that they will break down quickly so you can plant the entire pot directly into the soil without worry....

String of pearls plants look like they would be hard to grow, but they are surprisingly easy to care for. In this complete guide, I’ll tell you all you need to know in order to keep them thriving for decades to come. Whether you’re after something low-maintenance or looking for a truly unique houseplant, the quirky string of pearls is just what you need. It’s perfect for beginners and adds a focal point to any room....

Food canning equipment can be a very intimidating topic for people who are just getting started. But I’m going to make it easy! In this list, I’ve included the few essential tools and supplies you’ll need for sure, as well as other helpful items you can pick up later on. What supplies, tools, and equipment do I need to start canning food? This is a very common question that I get asked a lot....

Have you ever considered creating a rain garden? Or for that matter, wondered what one is? Unlike a water garden, a rain garden captures, directs, and filters stormwater runoff as it flows through your yard. This protects the valuable topsoil from erosion, but also offers great environmental benefits for local waterways by filtering out debris and pollutants. Ultimately, it’s all about capturing and directing the water where you want it to flow, for the most benefit, and the least damage....

Indoor succulent gardens are fun and easy to make. In this post, I will show you exactly how to make your own, with detailed step-by-step instructions. I love combining my succulents into miniature indoor gardens! They have shallow roots, so they are perfect for planting in mixed containers. Plus, combining a bunch into one pot makes them easier to care for. It means less maintenance! I’m all for making life easier....

Repotting succulents doesn’t require any special skills, and it’s pretty easy once you know how. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to replant your succulents step by step. If your succulents are no longer flourishing, or they are too big for their pot, then it may be time to replant them. Repotting succulents at the right time is an important part of their care, and can help to rejuvenate them....

Figuring out what seed starting supplies and equipment you need can be complicated. This list will show you what you need for seed starting, and also give you some optional items that will make your life much easier. These days, there are tons of different options for seed starting supplies and equipment out there. There is so much in fact, that it can be overwhelming to figure out what you actually need....

Growing basil from seed is pretty easy to do, especially when you know all of the secrets for success! In this post, I’m going to show you everything you need to know about how to grow basil seeds, step by step. Basil is one of my favorite herbs, and I grow several varieties in my garden every year. It might seem like it would be hard to grow from seed, but it’s actually pretty darn easy!...

Reusing plastic containers that otherwise would have been thrown out is one of the great things about winter sowing seeds. As an added bonus, some containers can even be saved and reused again year after year. There are tons of different types of containers you could use, and many of them are durable enough to be used more than once. Reusing all those mini greenhouses makes life easier, since you don’t have to find and prepare new ones every year....