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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
If you’re like me, you can’t resist the allure of a plant that not only brings elegance but also has a certain mystique to it. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is one such plant that has earned a cherished spot in my garden. Its striking black foliage and unique texture can elevate any landscape…
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…