By the time August rolls around, I start looking harder at my houseplants than my garden beds. Out here in the Midwest, the tomatoes are sprawling, the beans are climbing, and the daylilies have about had their say—but inside, my Chinese evergreens are often just entering one of their prettiest seasons. If you want those … Read more
Every August, when the heat starts to soften just a touch and the days still feel long enough to get plenty done, I make a point to look over my spider plants. In my kitchen and on the back porch, they’ve always been some of the most generous houseplants I grow. Give them the right … Read more
Every late summer, I get a little stubborn about squeezing one more crop out of the garden. Here in my small Midwestern town, August is when I’m tucking in fall vegetables while everybody else is talking about back-to-school schedules and football. This year, while planting a row of late-season turnip transplants, I did something I … Read more
The mullein plant, often overlooked by many, is a botanical treasure trove of benefits. Known scientifically as Verbascum thapsus, this tall, fuzzy-leaved plant is a common sight along roadsides and in open fields. Despite its unassuming appearance, mullein has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its wide array of health benefits. Its towering … Read more
August is when Boston ferns seem to tell the truth on us. If we’ve been a little careless with watering, a little stingy with fertilizer, or a little late moving them out of harsh sun, they show every bit of it in those brown-tipped, thinning fronds. I’ve grown Boston ferns on porches, under old maple … Read more
Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to dealing with unwanted critters. Squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals can wreak havoc on your carefully tended plants, digging up bulbs, munching on fruits, and generally causing chaos. These animals are naturally curious and … Read more
Orchids are among the most beautiful and exotic plants, cherished for their stunning blooms and intricate patterns. However, many orchid enthusiasts find themselves frustrated when their plants refuse to flower. Understanding the unique needs of orchids is crucial to overcoming this challenge. Orchids are sensitive to their environment, and even minor deviations from their ideal … Read more
