Elsa 
Most air plants die from water trouble: either water trapped in the base that rots the plant from the center, or too little water that leaves it dry and crispy. Weak light, cold drafts, copper and the natural fade after blooming account for most of the rest. The good news is that a thirsty Tillandsia … Read more >>
Snake plant care is about as forgiving as houseplant care gets. This upright, sword-leaved plant handles dim corners, missed waterings, and dry indoor air better than most plants. That’s why it shows up on nearly every list of easy indoor plants for beginners. Still, “hard to kill” doesn’t mean “impossible to kill.” Most snake plants … Read more >>
Most vegetables, flowers and lawns like mushroom compost. Acid lovers such as blueberries and azaleas do not. Here are both lists.
Mushroom compost builds soil structure while manure mostly feeds plants. Here is how it compares with cow, horse and chicken manure.
Peat moss is acidic and nutrient-free; mushroom compost is slightly alkaline and builds soil. Here is when to use each, plus a greener alternative.
Worm castings are a gentle plant food for seedlings and pots; mushroom compost builds whole garden beds. Here is when to use each.
You can grow a lotus in a bowl if you start with a true bowl or micro lotus, a watertight container 10 to 15 inches wide, heavy clay soil, and at least six hours of direct sun. To grow a lotus flower in a bowl, plant a dwarf bowl lotus tuber in 3 to 4 … Read more >>
If you’ve ever dug up a forked carrot or a scabby potato, you know root crops can be fussy. That’s why I love vegetables that grow above the ground. You can see them ripen, pick them without a shovel, and grow them in almost any bed or pot. In this guide, I’ll walk you through … Read more >>
If you’re asking “what should I plant in my first vegetable garden,” you’re already off to a smart start. The crops you pick in year one shape how much you harvest and whether you want to garden again next spring. My advice is simple. Grow a handful of forgiving, productive crops you actually like to … Read more >>
Most eggplants need about 1 to 2 inches of water a week, given as one or two deep soakings. For in-ground plants, I’d water deeply once or twice a week so the soil stays evenly moist 6 inches down, then water more often in hot, dry spells and in containers. That inch or two covers … Read more >>