Few shrubs smell as sweet as a gardenia in bloom. Those creamy white flowers and glossy green leaves make it a favorite near patios, doorways and sunny windows. It also has a reputation for being fussy, and that reputation is partly earned. The good news is that gardenia care follows a clear pattern. Give it … Read more >>
Every week, a lot of good organic material leaves the average American home in a trash bag. Coffee grounds, carrot peels, fallen leaves and lawn clippings can all become rich, dark compost instead. If you’ve been wondering how to start composting at home, the good news is that it’s simpler than most people think. In … Read more >>
A Venus flytrap looks exotic, but it isn’t fussy once you understand what it wants. Good Venus flytrap care comes down to four things: bright sun, pure water, poor soil, and a cold winter rest. Most flytraps that die in our homes get the opposite of at least one. In this guide, I’ll walk you … Read more >>
Fresh herbs are some of the most rewarding plants you can grow, and you don’t need a yard to do it. A few containers on a patio, porch or sunny windowsill can keep your kitchen stocked with basil, thyme, mint and more for most of the year. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the … Read more >>
A bonsai looks delicate, but it’s a real tree with real needs. Most beginner bonsai die from a few fixable mistakes: the wrong spot, the wrong soil, or watering by the calendar instead of by the soil. This guide covers bonsai tree care from the ground up. You’ll learn which trees belong indoors, how much … Read more >>
Microgreens are one of the fastest ways to grow fresh food indoors. You can go from seed to salad in a couple of weeks, and you don’t need a yard, a garden bed or much space at all. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to grow microgreens from start to finish. You’ll learn … Read more >>
A rubber plant can turn an empty corner into a statement. Its big, glossy leaves catch the light, and a healthy one can grow taller than you. Good rubber plant care comes down to a few basics: bright light, careful watering, and a little pruning at the right time. In this guide, I’ll cover the … Read more >>
Fresh basil in January sounds like a luxury, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you understand how to grow herbs indoors, a sunny windowsill can keep your kitchen stocked with flavor all year. The good news is that herbs are some of the most forgiving plants for beginners. They need the right light, the … Read more >>
Feeding your vegetables seems simple. You buy a bag, sprinkle it around, and wait for big harvests. In practice, a lot of home gardeners give their plants too much, too often, and end up with huge leafy plants that barely produce. Learning how to fertilize a vegetable garden the right way is mostly about restraint. … Read more >>
Prayer plants are some of the prettiest foliage plants you can grow, with painted leaves that fold up every evening. They also have a reputation for being fussy, since curling leaves and crispy brown edges show up fast when something is off. The good news is that good prayer plant care comes down to a … Read more >>