When home gardens are bursting with an overabundance of fresh produce, growers start looking for ways to share their bounty. Backyard gardeners can help feed their community by donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries.
Growers planning on donating to food distribution centers can take...
Gardening in the shade can be challenging. Few plants grow their best in low light conditions, and the plants that do often lack gorgeous blooms. If a lawn of large-leaved hostas is letting you down, experiment with uniquely textured foliage and distinct blossoms offered by shade-loving plants. You...
In late May and early June, folks worry it is too late to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers. Plant now, the timing is perfect for rapid root establishment and healthy plant growth.
With an average high of 76ºF and an average low of 55ºF, chilly nights (temperatures less than 50ºF)...
With limitless colors and textures, no porch or patio should sit bare this season.
Plant a container.
The home with a front porch container display always feels a bit more welcoming; the back patio with a well-designed pot always feels a bit more relaxing. Designing these eye-catching...
Your ambition to start your summer vegetable garden is stunting your tomato and pepper plants.
This Sunday, let Mom distract you from the gardening itch.
She is worth the time and your warm-season plants will thank you for waiting.
I learned this lesson personally last year. I...
This past weekend, I was standing in the shade of Hedgeapple Woods at Ewing Park II looking at a patch of native wildflowers where only a year before there were patches of garlic mustard and bush honeysuckle – serious invasive species for our area. In just one year, there was a dramatic increase in...
A full return to farmer's market season is upon us. Producers have faced many hurdles in the past few years; they are relying on your support to stay in business. This article is a refresher to local farmer’s markets in McLean county, in case you have fallen out of the loop in recent...
Many of today’s youth lack a connection with nature or an interest in gardening or growing their own food. One of the best ways to encourage an excitement for gardening is by creating a themed garden. A child’s hands-on, experiential learning style can be encouraged in a themed garden, especially...
With the anticipation of spring and returning pops of color, you may find your forsythia and lilac shrubs are a bit lackluster from improper management.
The early-blooming and free-flowing forsythia, if managed like a hedge, portrays a strict military appearance, complete with a crew cut and...
Do you grow peppers and tomatoes every year? Are you ready to try something different (or maybe in addition to!) the same-old, same-old? Then you should try growing onions this gardening season. With just 30 square feet of planting area, you could grow the bulk of the onions you cook with this year...
