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 >>
Worm castings are a gentle plant food for seedlings and pots; mushroom compost builds whole garden beds. Here is when to use each.
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 >>
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.
Most vegetables, flowers and lawns like mushroom compost. Acid lovers such as blueberries and azaleas do not. Here are both lists.
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 >>
Mushroom compost builds soil structure while manure mostly feeds plants. Here is how it compares with cow, horse and chicken manure.
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 >>
Air plant leaves curl most often because the plant is thirsty. When your air plant’s leaves roll inward more than usual and look dull or feel lighter, it needs a good soak, and most plants plump back up within a day or two. Dry indoor air, heat from vents, too much sun, cold drafts, and … Read more >>
Air plants don’t pull bugs into your house. They have no soil, no flowers most of the year, and no sweet smell that lures insects in from outside. Air plants do not attract bugs, but a stressed or newly bought plant can carry a few pests, mostly mealybugs or scale, that hide where the leaves … Read more >>