Elsa 
Fresh herbs are among the easiest plants to grow, and they pay you back almost right away. A few pots of basil, parsley, and chives can turn a plain dinner into something special. You also skip paying for those little plastic clamshells at the grocery store. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you … Read more >>
Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding things you can do with a patch of yard. If you want to start a vegetable garden in your backyard, you don’t need a big budget, special tools or years of experience. You need a sunny spot, decent soil and a simple plan. In this … Read more >>
Good plants start with good soil. The great news is that you don’t need to buy bag after bag to get it. You can make organic soil at home with kitchen scraps, fallen leaves, and a little patience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what organic soil really is and how to build it … Read more >>
Plant 16 carrots in each square of a square foot garden, set in a 4 by 4 grid of spots about 3 inches apart. For carrots in a square foot garden, I recommend 16 per square, sown 1/4 inch deep in at least 12 inches of loose mix for full-length types, or in a 6-inch … Read more >>
Most herbs fit neatly into a square foot grid once you match each one to its mature size. Plant 1 large basil, oregano, sage or rosemary per square, 4 compact basil, parsley or thyme, 9 cilantro, and 9 to 16 chives, and keep mint out of the bed entirely. Put perennials on the edges and … Read more >>
The best plants for square foot gardening are compact, fast crops that fit a set count per 1-foot square: leaf lettuce (4), spinach (9), radishes and carrots (16), bush beans (9), peppers (1), and trellised tomatoes (1). These crops reward a small raised bed because they grow up or stay tight, and many can be … Read more >>
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is my top pick if you want one plant with strong wealth symbolism, easy care, and no toxicity to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. Jade plant, lucky bamboo, and pothos round out the classic list, and each one suits a different light level and level of attention. Luck … Read more >>
Plant 8 peas per square, set in two rows of four along a trellis on the north edge of your bed. That spacing gives each vine about 3 inches of room, enough air to stay healthy, and a support to climb from the first week. Peas are among the easiest crops to fit into a … Read more >>
You can use neem oil on houseplants safely if you start with a product labeled for indoor plants, test it on a few leaves, spray in shade, and repeat every 5 to 7 days for 2 to 3 weeks. It works best on soft-bodied pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. It also helps a … Read more >>
To stop indoor plants from leaking water, keep them in pots with drainage holes, set each pot in a saucer or watertight cachepot that’s wider and deeper than the pot’s base, and empty the standing water within about 30 minutes of watering. For plants you can lift, watering in the sink or tub and letting … Read more >>
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