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…

woman watering lavender plants

Watering Lavender Plants (How Often & How Much)

Lavender, with its iconic scent and gorgeous purple blooms, feels like a breeze of the Mediterranean in any garden. But caring for this hardy plant—especially its watering needs—can sometimes stump even seasoned gardeners. Let’s dive into the fine details of keeping lavender happy and thriving through just the right amount of water. The Lavender Plant’s…

paving pebble patio in rows

Do Marble Chips Prevent Weeds? Let’s Dig Deep into the Truth

When I first set out to beautify my garden, I quickly learned that maintaining an outdoor space is no walk in the park. Weeds seemed to appear out of nowhere, like uninvited guests crashing a party.  As I racked my brain for solutions, the thought of using mulch crossed my mind. I stumbled upon marble…

fence panel placed in a yard

What Kind of Wood Can You Use for Fence Posts? (With Pros and Cons)

When it comes to fencing, wooden posts reign supreme in my book. Their charm suits many architectural styles. They add a warm, organic touch to any property.  I’ve explored different woods for fence posts. Each type has its own traits and benefits.  In this post, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about choosing the…

Hydrangea Purple

Climbing Hydrangea Care: Tips from a Gardener Who Loves Vertical Blooms

If I had to pick a favorite plant for my garden’s vertical spaces, it would be the climbing hydrangea—no contest! These beauties are the wallflowers of the plant world in the best way possible. They cling to walls, trellises, or fences. When they bloom, they create a breathtaking white floral display that can elevate any…

coconut coir in farmland

Is Coconut a Good Mulch? My Gardening Experience with Coconut Coir Mulch

Mulching has always been one of those tasks I didn’t realize could make such a big difference in my garden until I really dove into it. If you’re like me, always hunting for eco-friendly, low-maintenance solutions, coconut coir mulch might be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed.  I’ve experimented with different types of…

container drainage liners flowers

Best Materials for Lining Containers to Retain Moisture: A Gardener’s Guide

When it comes to container gardening, one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that keeping your plants hydrated can feel like a constant battle. Whether the sun’s baking your pots or the wind’s drying them out faster than you can water, it often feels like you’re pouring more effort into your containers than water!…