Horticulture Blogs

a patch of blooming creeping Charlie plants

Managing creeping Charlie in home landscapes

As we go through our landscapes in spring and begin the inevitable task of weeding, there is one plant we commonly encounter. It creeps through shaded lawns, slips beneath shrubs, and roots wherever it touches the soil. With its small purple flowers, creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)...
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Group of people planting trees man planting in the foreground two more planting in the background

Celebrating Nature

This week, we celebrate two holidays: Earth Day and Arbor Day. Although they were inspired by different moments in history, both share the purpose of inspiring environmental stewardship. Together, their histories and modern observances reflect our ever-evolving understanding of the human-nature...
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a digging spade in the ground next to a cluster of freshly harvested sweet potatoes

How sweet it is growing sweet potatoes

Grow what you eatI often suggest that the best things to grow in your garden are fruits and vegetables we enjoy eating. Sometimes, though, our gardens may exceed our appetites. After growing fifteen kale plants, my family determined that we could probably live off two. And ten cherry tomato bushes...
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wooden raised garden beds planted with a variety of vegetables including gourds, cabbage, tomato, calendula and leaf lettuce

Flowers in the vegetable garden

Each spring, many of us get very excited about the abundant harvest we are going to enjoy from our vegetable gardens. We plan, then plant. We weed and water. And if all goes well, we harvest an abundance of nutritious and delicious produce.In addition to carefully planning what to plant, when to...
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two hands gathered holding a bunch of white strawberries also known as pineberries

The curious case of the pineberry

Pineberries are a unique, niche berry that, until recently, were only available at farmers’ markets or regionally. Commercial production has increased in recent years, thereby increasing the availability of pineberries in grocery stores. The exotic yet familiar appearance is sure to turn heads and...
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A row of topped trees

Tree topping is never a good option

As spring approaches, many of us will reach for the pruners or contact a tree care company to have our shade trees pruned. Pruning can improve tree health, safety, and longevity by removing dead, diseased, or weak branches, preventing storm damage, and promoting a strong structure. Unfortunately,...
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a garden bed of leafy greens

Beat the winter blues by growing some leafy greens

I think a winter diet of heavy, carb-laden foods is starting to weigh me down, literally and emotionally. I’m craving fresh produce, but forget the tomatoes and cucumbers; all I want is something green. Despite the looming threat of winter weather, spring is on the horizon, and I don’t know if I...
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