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.

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.

How to Keep Bamboo in Check and Enjoy Its Beauty

A lush garden with bamboo plants surrounded by colorful flowers and green foliage. How to Keep Bamboo in Check.

Bamboo is a highly aggressive, invasive exotic plant species. It owes its reputation to the fact that it is the fastest-growing class of grass on earth. Bamboo can choke natural vegetation in a brief period, effectively crowding out native flora. It is imperative to realize that it is challenging to get rid of bamboo once it has taken root.

Spring Gardening Made Easy: How to Grow Peas Indoors

A close-up image of plump, green peas growing in heavy pods inside a greenhouse. Learn how to grow peas indoors with this step-by-step guide.

Given that this year’s weather is particularly chilly and damp, it’s crucial for gardeners to contemplate strategies to stay ahead. Particularly for peas, one should consider initiating their growth indoors to avoid lagging too far behind.

Building a strong frame is a perfect way to support climbing veg like peas. This frame is then netted with netting or wire mesh. Getting the peas to a suitable size to be put outside is important. This is OK later in the year when temperatures warm, as we can direct sow. In the late winter and early spring, direct-sown seeds would rot, sow one way to get a head start is to sow seeds indoors.

How to grow peas? This is where I show you how to sow peas indoors to get an early start. With the weather being very cold and wet this year, gardeners must consider ways to keep ahead of the game. When it comes to peas, there are ways to start growing them indoors to prevent you from falling too far behind.

Supporting peas is very important to prevent damaging the crop.
A perfect way to support climbing veg like peas.

Building a strong frame is a perfect way to support climbing veg like peas. Peas should be a suitable size before being placed outside. This is OK later in the year when temperatures warm, as we can direct sow. In the late winter and early spring, direct-sown seeds would rot, sow one way to get a head start is to sow seeds indoors.

There are many ways in which to sow peas indoors. You could sow them in pots, old toilet rolls, seed trays and root trainers. My favorite way to sow them indoors to get an early start is in old rain guttering.

planting peas in drain pipes
The quickest and easiest way to sow peas is to transplant them later into the garden.

Sowing peas in rainwater guttering is fast to sow the peas and when transplanting outside. Once they have started to grow, reduce the chance of root disruption. Therefore, transplanting plants gives them the best start.

Water and feed your peas weekly, wait for them to flower and start setting their little pods. You can tell when they are ready to pick as the pod will feel full to the touch. You may also be able to see the peas bulging through the pods. I have created a video showing you how to sow peas indoors for an early start. You can view this below. 

Supporting peas is very important to prevent damaging the crop.
A perfect way to support climbing veg like peas.
peas support structure
Supporting peas can be very simple and effective.

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How to Grow Strawberries at Home

A man holding a large pot of strawberry plants with ripe red strawberries. Learn how to grow strawberries at home.

A comprehensive guide on how to grow strawberries at home, including tips on choosing the right variety of strawberry plant, planting and caring for them, and ensuring a bountiful harvest. The article also covers the three main categories of strawberry plants, including day-neutral, June-bearing, and everbearing.

Why is my Monstera Drooping?

An image showing a Monstera plant with drooping leaves, indicating potential issues. Discover why your Monstera might be drooping.

A decrease in water supply can cause plants to wilt due to a loss in turgidity or cell pressure. This reduction in turgidity may be a result of either drought or plant disease. Plants become flaccid when the pressure in the plant cell drop. Turgor is the distension of a plant cell’s protoplasmic layer and … Read more

Philodendron “Rojo Congo” Care Guide

A vibrant Philodendron "Rojo Congo" plant with large, glossy leaves in shades of deep green and burgundy. Learn the care guide now.

Despite its exquisite beauty, the Philodendron “Rojo Congo”—a hybrid of the Imperial Red and P. tatei subsp. Melanochlorum—is quite easy to cultivate. The Rojo Congo is more prominent and broader than other red varieties, has deeper red leaves, and develops far more quickly. This tropical Philodendron may grow up to four feet tall and just … Read more

How to Make a Succulent Garden

A beautiful succulent garden arrangement featuring a variety of succulent plants in different colors, shapes, and sizes.

Soil quality, light provision, and watering practices are the keys to successful low-maintenance succulent gardening. Gardeners can create fabulous landscapes indoors and out by choosing complementing plants. Most succulents need little watering and a lot of light.

How Often To Water Philodendron

A lush green Philodendron plant in a ceramic pot, surrounded by droplets of water, highlighting the importance of proper watering for Philodendron care.

The genus Philodendrons belongs to the aroid (Araceae) family. Its native habitat includes the understory of tropical forests—areas with little light and high humidity—predominantly in Central and South America. Philodendrons prefer to stay evenly moist but not wet, so they need well-draining soil to retain some moisture. Sand drains but dries too quickly, and clay … Read more

How To Take Care of a Succulent Indoors

A well-maintained succulent plant positioned indoors, with healthy and vibrant leaves in various shapes and sizes.

Succulents and cacti, which are native to semi-arid zones with sporadic rain, have adapted to manage these conditions by making the most out of the available water. Succulents are typically sun-loving plants that require lots of light. Some species may survive in lower light conditions, but most need six to eight hours of intense light … Read more

How Long Do Parsnips Take To Grow At Home

A cluster of mature parsnip plants with leafy tops, representing the growth of parsnips at home.

Parsnips require similar care to their sister carrots, including deep, sandy loam oil. Their quality improves when harvested after a hard, killing frost. This same process of starch to sugar conversion caused by frost can be achieved if roots are refrigerated for a month before being consumed.

How Much Light Does a Monstera Need?

A Monstera plant with large, fenestrated leaves basking in bright, indirect sunlight, illustrating the ideal light needs for Monstera plants.

Different plants need varying degrees of available light to produce the food they require. The Monstera has adapted to optimize light when young by keeping its leaves free of fenestration. As the plant matures and, having climbed a host tree to brighter light, fenestration increases.

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 To Make Succulent Soil

A close-up of a hand holding a mixture of succulent soil, composed of well-draining materials like coarse sand, perlite, and potting mix.

Most plants, including succulents, need soils that effectively balance moisture and air availability. Sand (inorganic) drains fast but is ineffective at retaining water, while clay tends to be anaerobic (airless). The best succulent soil is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials.

Wiring Bonsai for Better Shape Outcomes

Bonsai tree with carefully applied wiring to shape its branches.

Good wiring takes lots of practice to do effectively. Work towards using as little wire as possible to achieve your goal. Selecting the right wire balances cost and function, with the copper wire being stronger (but more expensive) than anodized aluminum wire.

How to Revive a Succulent

A withered succulent plant being nurtured with water, sunlight, and care, symbolizing the process of reviving a succulent.

Succulents are tolerant plants, and though they are durable and tough, they still need some attention once or twice a year. Remember, they don’t grow in deserts; their natural habitats are semi-arid regions with irregular rainfall. Even succulents need help in the hard times.

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.

Anthurium Crystallinum – The Complete Care Guide

Close-up of Anthurium Crystallinum leaves showcasing its distinctive velvety texture and dark green color. Anthurium Crystallinum Care.

Anthurium plants are some of the most spectacular houseplants you’ll find. Most gardeners know the popular flamingo flower, with its vivid spathe and contrasting spadix. The A. crystallinum, also known as the Ace of Spades, has large, heart-shaped leaves with striking veined patterns.

How to Prune Bonsai for Shape & Structure

A pair of bonsai pruning shears carefully trimming the branches of a bonsai tree, demonstrating how to prune bonsai for shape and structure. How to Prune Bonsai.

The development of a Bonsai tree is inextricably linked to pruning or pinching, the removal of roots and shoots to create a work of art. The objective of pruning is three-fold: shaping the stock, directing growth to underdeveloped areas, and boosting ramifications.

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

Where to Place Bonsai Trees For Optimal Growth?

Bonsai tree placed near a window with filtered sunlight, highlighting the importance of proper placement for optimal growth. Where to place bonsai tree.

Bonsai trees manifest a plant’s survival ability in dramatically altered but managed environments. The tree, now removed from its natural environment, depends on the gardener’s skills to ensure its continued survival. That includes where it is placed.

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.

Monstera Albo – The Ultimate Care Guide

A beautiful image showcasing the distinct white-variegated leaves of a Monstera Albo plant. Monstera Albo care: Essential tips for nurturing this unique and stunning variegated plant.

The claim that Monstera Albo is a mutation of the Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana, presenting different petiole shapes and leaf spread, is contested by Plants of the World Online (POWA) – the global plant name index. The M. borsigiana is recognized only as a synonym of the M. deliciosa.

Philodendron Birkin The Ultimate Care Guide

Philodendron Birkin plant with dark green leaves and white pinstripes, showcasing its unique pattern. Philodendron Birkin Care.

The Philodendron Birkin is a hybrid of the Rojo Congo and Imperial Green cultivars, hybrids of Philodendron erubescens. One of its most distinguishing features is the dark-colored leaves with bright yellow pattern lines. It may revert to its Rojo Congo parentage, a dark red plant.

Alocasia Zebrina The Ultimate Care Guide

A close-up image of healthy N'Joy Pothos leaves on a white background, showcasing the variegated patterns of green and white. N'Joy Pothos Care: Tips for maintaining this popular houseplant.

The Alocasia genus, like the Philodendrons and Monsteras, is from the Arum family (Araceae), generally referred to as the Aroids. These plants all prefer high light levels, don’t like direct sun, and need well-draining, organically rich soil.

Philodendron Verrucosum – Best Care Guide  

A close-up image of a Philodendron Verrucosum leaf, showcasing its velvety texture and striking patterns. Philodendron Verrucosum Care: Essential tips for nurturing this unique and stunning plant.

Philodendron verrucosum has pubescent (velvety) medium green leaves with lime green veining and maroon reverse coloring. As an epiphyte, verrucosums prosper if vined as early as possible. As light conditions improve, leaf size and colors improve, as does vein variegation.

Monstera pinnatipartita The Ultimate Care Guide

A captivating image showcasing the unique foliage of Monstera pinnatipartita, with its distinct fenestrations and lush green leaves. Monstera pinnatipartita Care: Essential tips for nurturing this extraordinary and rare plant.

Monstera pinnatipartita:- Pinnatipartite, in botany, refers to leaves having lobes with fenestrations that extend more than halfway toward the midrib. Less deep fenestrations are called pinnatifid, while leaves with fenestrations to the midrib are pinnatisect.

N’Joy Pothos: Care & Propagation Guide

N’Joy Pothos (Epipremnum aureum aka E. pinnatum) is characterized by very compact growth and bright, distinctive green and white variegation. As a sub-cultivar of the ‘Marble Queen,’ it was patented in the United States, patent PP19,065, in 2009 after cultivation in Mumbai, India.

Variegated Monstera – Is Their Price Justified?

An image of a Variegated Monstera leaf, showcasing its unique variegation with white and green patterns. Variegated Monstera pricing: Is it worth the investment?

The perceived worth of a variegated Monstera is measured by the price the market is willing to pay. Its actual value is escalated by emphasizing limited supply, aesthetic appeal, individual uniqueness, and the status awarded to those able to grow them successfully.

Do Jade Plants Purify The Air In Your Home?

An image of a Jade Plant in a well-lit indoor setting, emphasizing the topic of Jade Plants purifying the air. Do Jade Plants Purify the Air: Unveiling the truth.

Jade plants purify the air in your home by absorbing certain airborne chemical compounds. Compared to other plants shown to improve air quality in homes, like Dracaena and pothos, jade plants have proven to be one of the most effective.

Do Snake Plants (Dracaena) Keep Bugs Away?

A close-up of a snake plant leaf with a ladybug crawling on it. Exploring the question, "Do Snake Plants Keep Bugs Away?"

Snake plants have a chemical called Saponin that keeps mosquitoes away but NOT spider mites and mealybugs. Without proper care, bugs like aphids can attack your Sansevieria plant, and this plant will protect you from insects and the diseases they carry.

Jade Plants, Are They Poisoning You?

A jade plant on a table with caution sign symbolizing potential poisoning. Examining the question, "Are Jade Plants Poisoning You?"

Jade plants have toxicity levels, but they are only poisonous to humans and cause diarrhea and vomiting when ingested with a hefty dose. On the other hand, house pets such as dogs and cats are the most susceptible to its poisonous effects.

Jade Plant Pest and Disease. Keep it Beautiful

Close-up of a jade plant leaf with visible signs of pest infestation and disease. Learn how to protect your jade plant from pests and diseases.

Jade plant leaves are sensitive to chemicals contained in pesticides. Fungal infections and pests are easily treated using neem oil, among other homemade remedies. Diseases are difficult to control, and you will need to dispose of the entire plant.

Watering Jade Plants: A Complete Guide

A jade plant being watered with care, demonstrating the proper watering technique for optimal growth.

You can water your Jade plants once every two to three weeks if you keep them indoors, more often if kept outdoors or in the summer season. Since they are succulents, they can keep water from their leaves for quite a while.

Will Mushrooms Grow in Winter? The facts!

A cluster of mushrooms emerging from the forest floor in the winter season.

You can grow common edible mushroom varieties indoors with controlled growing conditions using grow kits, mushroom logs or spawn. The mushrooms can also be overwintered in the cold months to have an early crop as the weather gets warm.

How Long Can Air Plants Live Without Water?

A healthy air plant exhibiting its resilience, surviving without water for an extended period.

Air plants can live for two weeks without water. And even though the plant is still alive, its health is affected. You should soak your air plants in water at least once in two weeks and mist them once a week regarding the proper watering schedule.

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 Know What Monstera Variety You Have?

A variety of Monstera plants showcasing distinct leaf shapes and patterns, aiding in identifying Monstera varieties.

Monstera is distinguished by how the leaves are attached to the stem. Also, the size and shape of their holes. It is difficult to tell the un-variegated plants apart. However, as they gain fenestrations, you can see the variety and identify them.

Do Monstera Fruit, And Can You Eat It?

A ripe Monstera fruit on a plant, showcasing its unique appearance and color.

A mature Monstera plant produces an exotic fruit with a tropical taste that’s sweet and citrusy. However, it is essential to consume the fruit only after it ripens; otherwise, it can burn your throat or stomach.

How To Propagate Tillandsia (Air Plants)?

Propagate Air Plants - Step-by-step guide on how to propagate Tillandsia (Air Plants).

There are ways to propagate tillandsias, such as Offsets or Pups, which take less time and effort and have higher success rates. Seeds a great but take long periods to grow, They are is recommended when you don’t have an existing tillandsia.

How To Water and Mist Air Plants (Tillandsia)?

Water Air Plants - Learn how to properly water and mist Tillandsia (air plants).

Use a spray bottle or plant mister to spritz air plants with water every day or two. Before putting it back in its decorative container or arrangement, place the damp air plant on a towel to dry for a few hours. If you over water, the plant will die.

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.

How to Propagate Aloe Vera at Home

Propagate Aloe Vera - Learn how to propagate Aloe Vera plants at home.

Propagation is one of the easiest ways of growing aloe vera. As the aloe vera plant matures, it develops some offsets at the base, also known as pups. When disassociated from the mother, you can set these offsets on their pot to establish.

5 Methods of Growing Mushrooms

A collage of images showcasing different methods of growing mushrooms.

There are several methods to grow mushrooms. They can either be grown from Spawn, on Logs, in plastic bags with Straws, Spores or simply through ready-to-use mushroom growing kits.

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

What’s The Typical Cost Of Hiring A Gardener

A graphic displaying the typical cost of hiring a gardener, outlining different factors influencing the expenses.

We hire a gardener when we are short on time and lack the necessary skills, equipment, and enthusiasm. It’s easy to see why gardeners charge what they do, whether for seasonal landscaping maintenance, one-off work like bond cleans, or regular lawn care service.

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.

Is It Better To Prune Trees and Shrubs in Fall or Spring?

Gardener's hands with gloves pruning a branch of a tree in a garden. Is It Better To Prune Trees and Shrubs in Fall or Spring.

Trees and shrubs need to be pruned regularly to maintain optimum health, growth, and beauty. Fall pruning is encouraged for early blooming flowering trees. Evergreens rarely need pruning, while late blooming flowering trees and summer flowering shrubs need spring pruning.

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.

Do Herbs Need Bright Sun to Grow?

A photo showing various herbs, including basil, rosemary, and thyme, growing vibrantly in planter boxes. The herbs are flourishing under the bright sun, demonstrating their need for ample sunlight to thrive.

Most of the herbs require at least six hours of bright sunlight each day for proper growth. Else, they will get leggy or spindly, and you will leave you with long stems and few leaves. However, some herbs may grow well in partial or dappled sunlight as well.

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 Shrubs for Growing in Full Sun

If your garden receives six to eight hours of sunlight every day, you should be on the lookout for perfect shrubs for full sun. There are many to choose from, and each one has its own characteristics.

12 Air Plants Easy to Take Care of

A photo of beautiful hanging air plants that are easy to take care of.

Air plants have a character for being simple to care for, and they are provided you follow their instructions. The first rule of air plants is that they cannot survive only on air. They require a lot of water. They will drown if you feed them too much water.

How to Propagate Pilea Peperomioides Successfully

A close-up image of Pilea Peperomioides plant with multiple healthy leaves. Learn how to successfully propagate Pilea Peperomioides.

New gardeners may get confused between the Pilea peperomioides and the Peperomia polybotrya. The former is our Chinese money plant, also known as the friendship plant. The Peperomia polybotrya is more succulent, drought-tolerant, and does not have perfectly round leaves like the pilea.

9 Tips For Pruning Jade Plants For Success

A pair of gardening shears carefully pruning a jade plant, showcasing the art of pruning for optimal growth.

Pruning your Jade plants is critical to eliminating diseased or dead foliage. Also, pruning helps promote healthy blooms and foliage and makes your plants resistant to pest infestations. Pruning can also add years to your plant’s life.

How To Grow Strawberries for a Great Harvest

A close-up photograph of ripe strawberries growing inside a greenhouse. Learn how to grow strawberries for a great harvest.

Strawberries are easy to grow and need only four things: soil, sunshine, water, and fertilizer. However, it can take up to two years for the plant to produce enough fruit for you to eat. The best time for strawberry plants is between spring and when the temperature is cool.

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 Shrubs to Grow in Shady Areas

A healthy shrub displaying vibrant growth despite being in a shaded area. Ideal for shrubs to grow in shady areas.

Your garden can still be colorful, even if it’s primarily shady. Many lovely plants will thrive in your garden under a giant shade tree or flower beds, hanging baskets, and containers.

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.

Is Lawn Paint Bad for Your Grass? Know The Facts!

A vibrant image of a painted lawn showcasing lush green grass covered in bright hues. The question "Is lawn paint bad for your grass?" arises.

Good quality lawn paint is made of non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. And since it is natural pigment and not paint, it neither blocks sunlight nor seeps into the grass. So, it is safe for you, your grass, children, pets, and even the environment.

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 grow tomatoes all year in a greenhouse?

A lush greenhouse filled with tomato plants growing in neat rows. The plants are basking in the warm sunlight, surrounded by green foliage and ripening tomatoes. This photo showcases the possibility to grow tomatoes all year in a greenhouse.

Tomatoes are particular plants that need sunlight and warmth to grow and bear fruit. These prerequisites may not align with the varying weather conditions. But, with an adequately equipped greenhouse, it is feasible to cultivate your preferred fruit at any time of the year. This is due to the control one can exert over the … Read more

How to ensure good drainage in potted plants?

A gardener carefully making drainage holes on his pots, ensuring good drainage for potted plants.

Proper drainage is essential for the survival of plants in pots. These openings make sure that water seeps down to the bottom while draining off any surplus water during watering. As the water recedes, it creates space for air, which plays a crucial role in root growth. When you have these holes in your container, … Read more

How to Mow Your Lawn (5 Different Patterns)

visually pleasing, freshly mowed lawn displaying a diamond pattern, showcasing different patterns on how to mow your lawn.

Creating patterns in your lawn is your best bet to make things more interesting and achieve more beautiful lawns. The first step in attaining great lawn patterns is getting your tools ready. You will need a lawnmower with blades that are sharp enough.

Why Are Tomato Skins Tough? (How to Avoid it)

A photo showing a ripe tomato being delicately peeled by a tweezer, revealing its flesh underneath. This image illustrates why tomato skins are tough.

So, what causes tomatoes to have tough skin? And how can we avoid this? Some of the possible reasons for tough skins on tomatoes are the variety, under watering, high temperatures during growth or too much sunlight, and diseases such as curly top virus or anthracnose.

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.

Do Raised Beds Attract Termites? Avoid this!

Close-up photo of crawling termites in a garden raised bed.

Raised beds do attracts termites and cause termite infestation. However, said infestation is heavily dependent on several conditions, such as the wood you used, the moisture levels of the raised bed itself as well as the general area of your garden, and the placement of the gardening bed.

How to Use Boiling Water to Kill Weeds

A close-up photo of a kettle releasing steam as boiling water pours out, demonstrating the use of boiling water on killing weeds.

If you want to use a natural alternative to get rid of weeds, boiling water can be used. The easiest method is to pour the boiling water over the weeds and ensure it penetrates the ground where the weeds are growing. Then cover your hands and carry the pot over to the designated area and pour over the weeds.

Can a greenhouse be double-glazed?

A vibrant greenhouse filled with lush green plants and flowers. The sunlight filters through the glass walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Can you double glaze a greenhouse?

A greenhouse can be double glazed. Not only is it possible, but it can also be an effective way of keeping a greenhouse warm through the winter months, therefore helping certain plants or shrubs to thrive. Although double glazing is generally more costly, it is a long-term investment that can save you money on heating in the cold weather.

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.

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!

My aloe vera plant froze. Now what?

Close-up image of a frozen aloe vera plant with icy crystals on its leaves, illustrating what to do when my aloe vera froze.

Unfortunately, freeze damage is a severe problem for aloe vera plants. Whether it can recover depends on the amount of time the plant has been exposed to freezing weather. If the plant turns entirely brown with a squishy consistency, it is probably damaged beyond repair. However, if you can see some surviving green leaves, it might be recoverable.

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.

Why Cactus Soil Can Be Used To Grow Other Beautiful Plants

A photo of a mix soil specially formulated for cactus growing. Can you use it to grow other plants?

The cactus soil is usually dry and mimics the environment of the cactus, that being dry and with inadequate nutrients. This soil type may work for other succulents and indoor plants that do not require water and moisture. Plants like these have shallow and fragile roots, so they do not need moist soil all the time. If their soil stays wet, it will affect the plant.

What is hydroponic gardening? Grow Much Faster

A photo of thriving plants growing in a hydroponic setup, showcasing the wonders of hydroponic gardening.

Hydroponic gardening is a plant-growing method that covers all their needs utilizing zero soil. As we all know, plants need sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients to survive. Providing those nutrients through water and exposing them to air and light is enough to grow healthy.

Best Houseplants for Beginners

A photo showcasing a collection of vibrant and diverse houseplants, including succulents, ferns, and tropical foliage. These are the best houseplants for beginners, providing an array of colors, shapes, and textures to brighten any space.

Many plants make great houseplants for beginners. However, if you’re not sure about your abilities to grow houseplants, don’t despair! If you’re not sure of where to get started, this handy guide will walk you through all you need to know to start just a few or even a lot of plants inside.

Why Do Weeds Grow Faster Than Grass? (Solved)

A person in a garden, pulling out weeds. The photo illustrates the question of why weeds grow faster than grass.

Weeds tend to grow faster than grass in your lawn or garden because:

Most weeds have a short life cycle ranging between 5-6 weeks. Thus, they cover their life cycle from seedling to flowering in a short time.

Weeds sprout from existing seeds or root systems in the soil. Dormant root systems store a lot of energy which enhances the fast growth of weeds in spring.

Weeds are often native plants in the ecosystem they thrive in, which further facilitates their growth compared to grass and other desirable plants which may not be native.

How to Kill Japanese Knotweed?

A vibrant image of a lush Japanese knotweed plant in full bloom, standing tall and robust. Its vibrant green leaves are heart-shaped and its stem is reddish-brown. The plant grows aggressively, requiring immediate action to kill Japanese knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed can be killed by using a multi pronged approach of the following 5 methods.

Digging out the rhizomes. This removes the food source for the plant to continue to grow.
Smother The Plant. Laying tarps over the plant removes the light. The plant cannot photosynthesize.
Cut the plant regularly. Each time you cut the plant, it has to use energy to produce top growth. This weakens the root system.
Inject herbicide directly into the rhizome. This will help destroy the plant’s root system; a licensed company should perform it.
Burn all clippings of Japanese Knotweed. The smallest piece of this plant has the ability to infest new locations.

How to Save Leggy Tomato Seedlings? (Solved)

A close-up photo of tomato seedlings growing in a seedling tray, showing their slender stems and small leaves. Save leggy tomato seedlings by providing proper support and adequate light.

Save leggy tomato seedlings by planting right up to the cotyledon leaves when potting on. Then identify what caused it. Common factors responsible are lack of light after germination, inconsistent soil moisture, overcrowding, and poor ventilation. Resolve these issues after potting on to ensure strong future growth.

What Happens To Grass If We Don’t Cut It?

A photo depicting a field of tall, uncut grass swaying gently in the wind, with sunlight filtering through. The grass reaches waist-height and showcases the natural beauty of untrimmed vegetation. This image illustrates what happens to grass if we don't cut it.

Grass grows taller and forms clumps, The stems turn woody, and the grass pushes out a seed head. This creates patchy areas within the lawn. Nutrients are used and not replaced, and this provides the appropriate conditions for weeds to germinate. Eventually, the lawn will be overrun by weeds and return to a natural state.

How Do You Know When to Harvest Elephant Garlic?

A photo of a freshly harvested elephant garlic bulb lying on a wooden surface.

Harvest garlic when most of the leaves on have turned yellowish-brown and begin to flop over. Going by the standard guidelines, elephant garlic is usually planted in early fall and ready to pick between May and July the following year. For fall-planted garlic, this time is enough to split into cloves. However, spring-planted elephant garlic can be harvested after 90 days but will most likely be a single bulb.

How to Take Care of Your Aloe Vera Plant

A vibrant, healthy aloe vera plant in a white pot, showcasing its thick, fleshy leaves and spiky edges. Discover how to take care of an aloe vera plant for optimal growth and well-being.

Aloe Vera prefers dry conditions with well-draining soil. Such as cactus mix, or add plenty of perlite to normal potting soil to achieve this. Aloe Vera requires a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When watering, water deeply and saturate the soil, and do not water again until the soil has completely dried out. When feeding, select a feed high in phosphorus, something like 10-40-12.

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.

The Best Way to Plant Potatoes? Sprout Them!

A gardener holding potato sprouts ready for planting, demonstrating the best way to plant potatoes.

Sprouting seed potatoes will cause them to be ready earlier in the season. It can also increase the size and weight of the harvest. But not all potatoes require to be sprouted. Early varieties, those with a short growing season are planted early and benefit from sprouting before putting in the soil. Later varieties don’t gain much growth due to the warm temperatures already present.

How To Heat Greenhouses In Winter

A snow-covered greenhouse in the middle of winter, demonstrating effective heating techniques to maintain warmth in the cold season.

There is a plethora of greenhouse heating options just might make building one in your backyard a justifiable prospect at this point in time.  See, you can never put a price tag on the feel of satisfaction you’ll garner whenever you bring flowers and fresh veggies to your table in sub-zero weather. Besides, you need not necessarily indulge yourself in a high-priced project – you ought to make this work within your budget.

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.

12 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera

A photo showing aloe vera pieces with their inner gel exposed, demonstrating the different uses of aloe vera.

Alternative to Mouthwash
Keeping Garden Produce Fresh
Heartburn Relief
Natural Laxative
Natural Hair Conditioner
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Skin Care
Relieves Second-Degree Burn Wounds
Remedy for Foot Ulcers (Diabetes-Induced)
Relieves Throat Infections and Possibly Fights off Asthma
Remedy for Anal Fissures
Potential to Fight Off Breast Cancer

Grow Mushrooms In Logs. Step by step how to guide

A close-up photo of mushrooms growing on a log in a forest, showcasing the fascinating process of growing mushrooms in a log.

One way my partner and I have experimented with growing mushrooms is by inoculating hardwood logs. We buy dowels impregnated with the mushroom mycelium and just drill holes in the log and bang them in. The mycelium will then take between 8 months and a year to spread through the log and will give spring and autumn crops for up to 4 years! We are currently growing, Oyster, Shiitake, Lions mane and Chicken of the woods. It is very exciting.

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