The Top 10 Fascinating Facts About Soil Mites

A close-up photograph of a soil mite crawling on the ground. Fascinating Facts About Soil Mites: Discover the tiny world beneath our feet!

Learn about the essential role of soil mites in soil and plant health. Discover the different types of soil mites and their functions, as well as how to manage them. Soil mites are beneficial to the soil ecosystem and killing them would require killing the soil.

Soil Selection: The Missing Piece to a Beautiful Garden

Two individuals holding bags of garden soil and topsoil, comparing their differences.

The main difference between potting soil, topsoil, and garden soil is that it’s been specifically formulated for use in containers. Topsoil is usually processed to become finer to make it perfect for raised beds and seeds. Finally, garden soil is topsoil that has been enriched to make it optimal for plant growth.

Soil Vs. Hydroponics? Which is BEST?

A vibrant array of vegetables thriving in a hydroponics system, showcasing the advantages of soil vs hydroponics.

Hydroponics is superior for gardeners. Hydroponics offers less daily maintenance, tighter control over nutrition, elimination of almost all sources of disease, more precise control over the use of water. Year-long growth cycles. The only drawback may be the initial investment costs.

Can You Use Compost Instead Of Potting Soil?

A gardener wearing gloves shoveling rich compost into a vibrant red container, using compost instead of potting soil.

You can use compost instead of soil to boost your plant’s growth. You can also mix both to reduce waste. It also aids in increasing soil fertility by providing nutrients for plants. Using compost as soil reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which researches prove to cause environmental harm.

Do Fruit Trees Grow in Clay Soil? (It Depends)

A vibrant image showcasing lush orange trees growing in a vast field. These fruitful trees thrive in clay soil, defying the odds with their flourishing presence.

Although most fruit trees will grow in clay soil. Stone or Pome fruit such as apple peach, cherry, pears, and nectarines have the best chances of thriving in clay soil. They require at least 3 feet of topsoil in order for good root growth. If clay soil is dense adjust it with gypsum and compost.

Tilled Soil’s Secret to Better Plant Growth

A gardener with a wide smile tills the soil in his garden, preparing it for better plant growth.

Soil particles need time to settle, and compaction occurs when soil particles pack together tightly, which leads to poor water drainage. So, waiting for at least 1-2 weeks after tilling before planting ensures that the soil has settled enough so it can be re-compacted and water to ensure optimal water drainage and root health.

The Ultimate Guide to COVER CROPS

A row of vibrant legumes used as plants for cover crops, providing soil enrichment and weed suppression.

Cover crops are fast-growing plants that are grown to cover bare earth. They are not intended to be harvested and are grown for the improvement of soil quality. They have properties to help you build soil structure. Improving soil quality, water retention and nutrient density for the food you grow. They can save you money on fertilizer. And save you time on weeding as these crops will smoother all weeds preventing their growth. They will also help manage pests in the garden.

How to Grow Giant Marrows: An Ultimate Guide

Tony O'Neill proudly displays his giant marrows, demonstrating his expertise in growing massive vegetables with his proven method on "How To Grow Giant Marrows."

Giant Marrow preparation starts during the winter months. I prepare the soil in readiness for growing these Giants. These plants grow large and depending on how many you wish to grow will determine the size of the area required.

What are mycorrhizal fungi? What does it do?

A close-up photo of mycorrhizal fungi thriving on a decaying wood log in a forest. These fascinating organisms demonstrate the symbiotic relationship with plant roots, providing essential nutrients in exchange for carbohydrates.

So, what is Mycorrhizal Fungi? It’s a fungus that is naturally occurring but is also available on sale by Agri-tech companies. Unlike normal fungi which act as a predator on whichever substrate, Mycorrhizal fungi are actually very beneficial to plants. Thus, you can safely say that the relationship between fungi and plants is symbiotic.

Should You Remove Old Mulch? Here’s the Deal.

A gardener mulching her plant in the garden, wondering, "Should you remove old mulch?"

Old mulch does not usually need to be removed and is often acceptable to leave undisturbed. It should be removed if it is infected with fungi or if the plants it surrounded were diseased. You’ll want to check the mulch to ensure it is effective and hasn’t matted itself down, choking off your plants’ access to air and water. 

How to Rotate Crops in Raised Beds

A photo of several garden raised beds in a lush garden. Each bed is filled with different crops, demonstrating the practice of rotating crops on garden beds.

Rotating your crops in a raised bed involves organization and refraining from planting a given family of plants in the same area each year. Soil is rested as different nutrients are utilized depending on the plants being grown. It also helps microbe diversity.

Ultimate Guide: Leaf Mulch for Weed Control!

Leaf Mulch For Weed Control

Tired of battling stubborn weeds in your garden? Learn the secret weapon that professional gardeners swear by – leaf mulch for weed control. Find out how you can save time and effort while maintaining a pristine garden!

Is it Ok To Put Earthworms in Potted Plants?

A close-up photograph of earthworms crawling on the surface of a container filled with potted plants.

Earthworms are effective in conditioning the soil and enhancing its drainage. However, it is not recommended to add the worms in the potting soil since their casting benefits the potted plants only if they have something to eat, lest they feed on the plant’s roots.

How To Control Allium Leaf Miner. Protect Your Plants!

Close-up photo of an Allium leaf miner larva, a pest that damages Allium plants, positioned on a decaying leaf. Learn effective methods to control Allium leaf miner and protect your plants from infestation.

How to control allium leaf miner? The only surefire way to control allium leaf miner is to cover the plants before they are affected. Enviromesh, insect mesh or even fleece can be used with great effect. Prevention is much better than cure. If crops do have allium leaf miner the safest bet is to burn and destroy the plant to prevent its spread.

Gardening Jobs to Do in May

Tulips in bloom - one of the bulbs that can be planted in May

May is a crazy busy month. With days getting warmer and lengthening, the nighttime temperatures are still cold despite this. This month will see the last of the year’s frosts, allowing gardeners to start putting all those seedlings into the ground. Despite the continued sowing and planting of seedlings, extra work is needed in the … Read more

Strong Winds? No Problem! Secure Your Polytunnel

Tony O'Neill confidently secures his polytunnel against strong winds, using sturdy straps and anchors.

The fight to keep Polytunnels grounded in the face of storms is continuous – until it is solved. Here we explore how to keep your Polytunnel, with its low size-to-weight ratio, from being blown away by the powerful and often destructive force – wind. We take a brief look at the science behind it and then look at how to mitigate the risk factors.

Top Benefits of Compost Tea Gardening

A person pours compost tea into a new vessel, highlighting the benefits of compost tea.

Compost tea is a biological fertilizer for the garden. Gardeners all around the world are screaming about the top benefits of compost tea. So, what is compost tea? Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer otherwise known as liquid gold or black gold.

Succulent Turning Brown? Causes, And How to Fix

A close-up of a succulent plant with brown leaves, illustrating the issue of succulents turning brown.

Edema, a condition that causes swellings on the petioles and lower leaf surfaces, is the primary cause of succulents turning brown. Corking is caused by excessive soil moisture, insufficient light, or cold. Other causes for browning may include salt buildup, water purity, or a need for repotting.

How Fast Does Monstera Grow?

A Monstera plant with large, lush leaves and visible growth nodes, symbolizing the speed of Monstera growth.

Grown for its unique fruit, Monstera is a cultivated crop in warmer climates such as Florida. It is a fast-growing hemiepiphyte that can reach up to 40 feet or more (~12m plus). Indoors, Monstera will generally grow to about 4 feet, depending on the support structure provided and pot size.

6 Bonsai Styles or Forms For the Perfect Tree

Different bonsai trees showcasing various bonsai styles or forms. Bonsai Styles or Forms.

Starting a tree in a raised bed and systematically reducing its container size, roots, and foliage is a common starting process for styling a bonsai tree. Combine this with growing a sacrificial branch to thicken the trunk girth while using a tourniquet to add taper.

How and When to Fertilize Bonsai Trees

Hand sprinkling granular bonsai fertilizer onto the soil surface around a bonsai tree. How and When to Fertilize Bonsai Trees.

Simplify Gardening has been dedicated to conclusively and specifically provide answers regarding nutritional plans, which play a crucial role in the successful cultivation of Bonsai. We need to consider several variables to optimize fertilizer applications. Application timing must coincide with growth phases, soil temperatures, plant hardening needs, nutrient requirements, and local climates. Nutritional elements need … Read more

How To Repot Monstera Using A Moss Pole

Step-by-step guide to repotting Monstera using a moss pole, showcasing the process of supporting the plant's growth. Monstera Moss Pole.

In indoor horticulture, gardeners use structures like a moss pole for monstera support as it grows. The monstera moss pole mimics the tree in its natural habitat, and as the aerial roots attach to the moss pole, monsteras can reach heights of up to 50 feet.

Can Monstera Thrive in Low Light Conditions?

A Monstera plant positioned in a low light environment, adapting to its surroundings.

Monstera plants can grow just about anywhere, and they will thrive and live in lowlight. But adequate exposure to light will help your monstera plant’s rapid growth and fenestrations. Still, avoid intense, direct light because it may burn the leaves.

How to Grow Mushrooms at Home

Grow Mushrooms - Learn how to cultivate mushrooms at home with these simple steps.

To grow mushrooms at home, you need a cool, dark, and damp place where you can easily control temperature and humidity. Generally, mushrooms thrive in locations like basements, closets, and cabinets. You can use mushroom growing kits for efficiency.

Pros Vs. Cons Of Drip Irrigation In Your Garden

Drip Irrigation - Explore the pros and cons of using drip irrigation in your garden.

Using a drip irrigation system has its benefits, like exact delivery of water and nutrients, reducing water consumption, can be utilized on different types of plants, reducing soil erosion, and less labor cost. However, despite all of these benefits, drip irrigation has its disadvantages, too, like root growth restriction, the need for constant inspection, affects the fertility of the soil, and the possibility of tubing leakage.

Simplify Gardening Acquires Greenthumbwhiteapron.com

A photo of Tony O'Neill, the renowned gardener from the Simplify Gardening community, standing proudly behind his enormous monster cabbage, weighing an impressive 67 pounds.

The content in this article might include affiliate links. We receive a modest commission for any purchases you make. Read more about our Affiliate Policy. I am pleased to announce that Simplify Gardening has acquired the very informative gardening website Greenthumbwhiteapron.com. For most of us, our gardens express our intimate relationship with nature, a relationship marked by … Read more

Should a Garden Pond Be In The Sun or Shade?

A garden pond situated in both sun and shade, highlighting the question of whether it should be placed in direct sunlight or shade.

It’s best to build a pond in a sunny area. A pond, on the other hand, can be sited in an area that is shaded for part of the day or rests in dappled shade. It’s not a good idea to build a pond in a heavily forested area because it will become stagnant – the plants that provide oxygen to the water will require some sunlight.

6 Critical Nutrients That Plants Require to Grow!

A photo of a thriving plant surrounded by icons representing the nutrients needed by plants to grow.

The nutrients that plants require for growth are broadly classified into three categories, namely primary or macronutrients (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and potassium); secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulfur); and micronutrients (boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc).

15 Easy To Grow Succulents for Beginners

picture of succulent plants

Succulents are a group of plants that are adapted to store water in their tissues. These plants are native to arid areas and deserts, and due to these adaptations, growing them is very easy. All they require is the right amount of light, water, and well-drained soils.

25 Best Landscaping Rocks for Creative Gardens

A stunning garden showcasing the best landscaping rocks for your garden. The rocks are strategically placed amidst vibrant flowers, creating a harmonious and visually appealing landscape.

Our gardening and landscaping guide will explore different types of stones and landscaping ideas you can use for specific types. Remember, people began using rocks to decorate their homesteads and gardens at the beginning of time. Take your time and learn to integrate different types of landscaping rocks into your garden designs with ease.

15 Best Flowering Shrubs for A Colorful Garden

A stunning pink flowering shrub, one of the best flowering shrubs for a colorful garden.

Whether you need an ornamental shrub (Roses) for enhanced privacy (Weigela) or to attract pollinators (Abelia), there is a shrub for everyone. Shrubs would not only offer sweet-smelling blossoms (Sweetshrub) or tasty berries (Beautyberry) but will also add upbeat accents to your garden.

15 Dwarf Conifers Ideal For Your Garden

A vibrant photo showcasing a charming dwarf conifer in a garden, ideal for your garden's beauty and versatility.

Most dwarf conifers have a height that is between two to six feet at maturity. They often add three to six inches annually. Other dwarf conifers will reach six to fifteen feet at maturity, growing at a rate of six to twelve inches annually.

Make Quality Compost. How Long Does It Take

A wooden bin filled with a compost pile, showcasing the natural process of decomposing organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil. The composting process demonstrates how long it takes to make quality compost.

Compost can take anywhere from 1 to 12 months or more to decompose. Decomposition depends on the time of year the pile was constructed, carbon, nitrogen, and moisture are correct and pile maintenance will all affect how long a compost pile will take to be ready.

Can Perennial Plants Spread and Become Invasive?

A lush green ostrich fern thrives in the garden, demonstrating how perennial plants can spread and become invasive.

Perennials are usually more difficult to control than annuals or biennials because they spread both vegetatively and by dispersing seeds. While some are invasive, others take a lot of space. However, perennials considered invasive in one area may not necessarily be invasive in other areas.

This Is Why Mulch Turns White

A pile of wood mulch with a shovel sticking out of it, showing the phenomenon of why mulch turns white.

Mulch typically turns white when it is infected with fungi. Many fungal species that might affect your mulch are not harmful, but some varieties may be pathogenic and harm your plants. Mulch can also be harmful when applied too thickly to plants.

How To Stake a Raised Garden Bed in 11 Steps

A photo of raised garden beds with a sturdy stake placed in one of them, ready for supporting plants. The raised garden bed stake ensures proper plant growth and stability.

Staking a raised garden bed involves driving stakes into the corners of the bed to keep the box secure.  The stakes support the raised garden bedsides and help keep the garden bed from slipping, which is important if you install it with an incline.

How to Clean a Greenhouse with Jeyes Fluid

A container of Jeyes Fluid placed inside a greenhouse, ready for cleaning greenhouses with Jeyes Fluid.

You should clean your greenhouse because it can become dirty, reducing the amount of light that reaches your plants. A greenhouse should be cleaned before the next growing season or if you have issues of recurring plant diseases. The recommended disinfectant for greenhouses is Jeyes fluid.

Prevent Leaf Mulch Blowing Away With These 5 Tips

A pile of leaves being gathered into a mulch, held together to prevent leaf mulch from blowing away.

Leaf mulch is a great tool for gardeners. It keeps the soil at a more consistent temperature, but it also improves soil fertility. One of the issues with leaf mulch is that it can blow away in windy conditions. The best way to prevent this from occurring is by using stalks and sticks to hold down the leaf mulch.

How Best To Utilize Manure In The Garden

A pile of cow manure for fertilizer, showcasing how to utilize manure for the garden.

To maximize the benefits of using manure in your garden, make sure that you use mainly mature manure, as fresh manure may shock young plants. Compost the manure for at least six months to a year. Prep the garden by loosening the soil and removing debris before spreading the mature manure into soil at a 2-inch depth and loosely mix it with the soil.

Do Seeds Need Light or Dark to Germinate?

A close-up photo of a seed germination process, showcasing a sprouting seedling emerging from the soil. The seedling is bathed in soft, natural light.

Most seeds prefer to germinate in a wholly dark environment. However, some species, including some flowering plants, like at least some light to successfully incubate. It is, in fact, safe to say that different plant species require varying light conditions to activate favorable seed germination.

How To Grow Tomatoes – A Mind-Blowing Guide

A close-up image of vibrant, ripe tomatoes growing in a garden, showcasing healthy and luscious fruits. Learn how to grow tomatoes and cultivate your own delicious harvest.

To grow tomatoes successfully, they require rich fertile, water-retentive soil. A bright and sheltered location with nighttime temperatures of 12˚C – 24˚C or 55˚F to 75˚F. Consider greenhouse growing in colder climates. Feed weekly with a high potash feed once flowering has started.

How To Get Rid Of Aphids From Your Garden Plants.

Close-up of aphids infesting a garden plant. Learn how to get rid of aphids in your garden.

Insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides have been linked to cancer, congenital disabilities, autism, brain damage, and depression, to name a few. If you plant organically, you will not want to treat insects with any type of chemical. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep aphids naturally away from plants. These are some of the best natural ways to get rid of aphids.

Reliable Vegetable Garden Cost According To You!

A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce. Discover how much does a vegetable garden cost.

How much does a vegetable garden cost? It can vary greatly as no garden is identical, and also the resources required can vary on location, soil quality, preparation required, and what you wish to grow. But to answer this further, I asked 24 other gardeners to see what they spent when starting their vegetable gardens.

Potato Paradise: How to Grow More in Less Space

Two people pouring freshly harvested potatoes into a wheelbarrow, demonstrating efficient techniques for growing potatoes in less space.

If you ask any gardener who grows their own food which vegetable they would never do without, the humble potato plant would be in the top three. Potatoes are a perfect plant for the amount of effort put into them. They give you tubers that can be stored right through until the following harvest. This makes them an ideal crop to grow, for those willing to be more self-sufficient.

Composting For Beginners The Complete Guide

A wooden container filled with various ingredients for composting, including kitchen scraps, leaves, and garden waste. Composting for beginners.

Composting for beginners, The complete guide helps new gardeners who are terrified by the very word compost. But I am here to tell you that composting isn’t hard nor does it have to be complicated. After all, It is a natural process and all you’re really doing is helping to speed up the entire procedure.

60 Top Gardening Tips For New Gardeners

A joyful woman with a wide smile tending to her garden, sharing valuable tips on new gardener.

My number one tip for new gardeners. Is to NEVER USE A Tiller until you have removed all the perennial weeds. New gardeners are usually told by well-meaning gardeners to use a Tiller to till the soil. This is a huge mistake as you will cut up perennial weeds making your issue a hundred times worse.

Gardening Jobs To Do in January

Gardening Jobs to Do in January on a snow-covered garden

Happy New Year! We have been given another year, one loaded with potential — a blank canvas to do great things in the garden. You’ll be glad to know that most of your January gardening jobs are indoors. It’s a season for dreams and visions and taking the first steps to make those a reality. … Read more

Gardening Jobs to Do in April

A person wearing gardening gloves planting colorful flowers in a garden bed. April gardening jobs to do.

Spring has sprung, and there’s growth all over your garden. All your hard work over the last three months will soon pay off — some of it already is. Keep on top of the chores to ensure a productive garden and avoid a snowball of work as growth increases. Consistent smaller steps make the journey … Read more

About Simplify Gardening

Welcome to Simplify Gardening, the green thumb’s online oasis where growth isn’t just about the plants. This is the brainchild of our founder, Tony O’Neill, a gardening guru constantly pushing horticulture’s boundaries. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, there’s always more to learn at Simplify Gardening. Under Tony’s guidance, you’ll find a rich … Read more

Gardening Jobs to Do in February

Gardening Jobs to Do in February: A landscape still covered in snow

Gardening Jobs To Do in February We’re only in our second month of the year and have already accomplished so much. Temperatures remain relatively unchanged, but at least we’re edging closer toward the last frost date, the key indicator for outdoor planting. For those living in regions where the last frost date is around late … Read more

Gardening Jobs To Do in January

Gardening Jobs to Do in January on a snow-covered garden

Happy New Year! We have been given another year, one loaded with potential — a blank canvas to do great things in the garden. You’ll be glad to know that most of your January gardening jobs are indoors. It’s a season for dreams and visions and taking the first steps to make those a reality. … Read more

Gardening Jobs to Do in November

Gardening Jobs November: Raking fallen leaves in a backyard garden to prepare for winter.

As the weather gets colder and the days become shorter, it may be tempting to let your garden rest until spring. However, there are still many tasks, such as planting vibrant winter flowers, preparing your garden for next year’s seasons, and completing a general cleanup that you will appreciate later. Also, consider the wildlife that … Read more

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)