Mixing Mulch and Gravel: What Happens and When It Makes Sense

Gardening and landscaping are like cooking. You mix ingredients, test combinations, and discover what suits your space best. Mulch and gravel are two of the most common materials for covering the ground, but can you actually mix them?  Is it a recipe for success or just a mess waiting to happen? Let’s dig into what…

stacks of leftover plastic pots in a greenhouse

Do I Need Garden Pots in a Greenhouse? Pros, Cons, and Best Practices

If you’ve ever stepped into a greenhouse, you know it’s like entering a plant lover’s paradise. The air is warm and humid. Light shines through the glass, creating a golden glow. The plants thrive in their small paradise. Here’s the big question: Do you need garden pots in a greenhouse, or can you let your…

red beautiful daylily in the garden

Do Daylilies Multiply on Their Own? Here’s What You Should Know!

When you plant daylilies, you might see something magical happen in your garden over time. One day, you see a single clump of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. The next day, it looks like they’ve thrown a garden party and invited all their friends. But do daylilies multiply on their own, or is there some gardening wizardry…

watermelon flowers male female

What to Do When Your Female Watermelon Flowers Are Not Opening

Watermelons are the epitome of summer—sweet, juicy, and refreshing. But if you’re tending a watermelon patch and notice that your female flowers are stubbornly staying closed, it can feel like a wrench in the gears of your garden. Fear not! This isn’t an uncommon issue, and with a little detective work and some hands-on care,…

big orange pumpkins

Do Pumpkins Pollinate Themselves? The Truth About Pumpkin Pollination

Ever stood in your backyard, eyeing that promising pumpkin patch, and wondered, “Are pumpkins self pollinating and aware of how to take care of business themselves?”  Well, you’re not alone. As a fellow enthusiast of all things orange and squashy, I’ve delved deep into the mysteries of pumpkin reproduction to unearth the truth. We’re about…

lichens on Fruit Trees
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How I Learned to Tackle Lichen on Fruit Trees (And How You Can Too)

If you’ve ever strolled through your orchard, relishing the sight of budding fruit trees, only to notice patches of greenish fuzz clinging stubbornly to the bark, you’re not alone. I still remember the first time I saw lichen creeping across the surface of my beloved apple trees.  At first, I brushed it off as part…

spotted lanternfly lays eggs on tree
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How I Keep Bugs Off My Fruit Trees: A Personal Guide

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of gardening, it’s this: growing fruit trees is equal parts patience, passion, and persistence. You nurture those trees from the ground up, waiting for the first signs of blossoms, then fruit, only to find that bugs have already RSVP’d to the feast.  It’s almost like they have…

tamarillo fruits green solanum betaceum

What Happens When You Pick Tamarillos Early? Can They Ripen?

Tamarillos, sometimes called “tree tomatoes,” bring a pop of bold flavor to any dish. But timing matters with tamarillos, and picking them too early can lead to an entirely different taste and texture experience.  If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a tree of not-quite-ripe tamarillos and wondered if it’s worth picking them early—or if…

fresh green tomatillos with a husk

Is It Safe to Eat Green Tamarillo? The Truth You Need to Know

When it comes to unusual fruits, the tamarillo—a colorful, tangy delight also known as the “tree tomato”—is a real showstopper. With its unique flavor and bright colors, tamarillos are favorites in jams, salsas, and fresh fruit salads. But what about the green ones?  If you’ve spotted green tamarillos on your tree or at the market,…

potatoes tube sprout

Do Potatoes Need Full Sun or Shade Sunlight to Grow? Sun Requirements

Like many plants, potatoes need sunlight for their growth. Not every farm or yard is blessed with full sunlight all year long. It depends on many factors like zone location, latitude, and surrounding trees.  Do potatoes need full sun or shaded sunlight to grow? What is the best condition to grow potatoes? Areas with direct…