All articles tagged with #gardening
Gardening may benefit brain health in older adults by combining physical exercise, mental engagement, and stress reduction; while not a guaranteed dementia preventer, it aligns with other risk-reduction strategies such as managing cardiometabolic health, lifelong learning, social connection, about 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, a brain-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH), and addressing hearing loss.
Mulberries can be grown in pots in even the smallest spaces by choosing a large container (12–20 inches wide), placing it in a sunny spot (at least six hours of direct sun), and ensuring excellent drainage with grit or perlite. Fill with an all-purpose potting mix enriched with organic matter, and feed regularly—about every three weeks in spring and summer with a fertilizer suitable for fruit trees or a slow-release option—then pause in late summer. Water deeply, especially in hot spells, and provide winter protection for potted trees. For container culture, pick dwarf varieties such as Morus alba x rubra 'Gerardi Dwarf', Matsunaga, and Mojo Berry; other compact options include Morus nigra 'Black Beauty' and Morus alba 'Pendula'. Note that fruiting may take five or more years, but the setup adds edible harvest and architectural interest to balconies and tiny yards.
A Homes & Gardens guide lists one birth-month bee for each month, with identification tips and practical ways to support them year-round—plant nectar-rich flowers, provide nesting sites like bee hotels or bare ground, and maintain wildlife-friendly habitat—plus product picks to boost pollinator gardens.
Experts say outdoor lighting disrupts nocturnal wildlife and pollination, so dimming or using motion-activated, warmer lights can protect insects, birds, bats and plants. Embracing evening gardening with moon gardens or night-blooming plants keeps the outdoors usable after sunset, boosting biodiversity and garden health.
To help a peace lily thrive and bloom, place it in a humid, indirect-light spot (such as a bathroom or kitchen) rather than a sunny windowsill. It prefers north or east-facing light away from radiators and drafts, and you should water to keep the soil moist but not soggy (don't overwater). Regular misting or a small humidifier can boost humidity. Also note that peace lilies are toxic to pets, so keep the plant out of reach of cats and dogs.
A Black- and women-owned plant nursery in Southeast Portland, Birds & Bees Nursery, is closing after 14 years due to financial difficulties exacerbated by recent challenging years, with owners seeking community support to sell remaining inventory and settle debts.
The Farmers' Almanac, a 208-year-old publication known for long-range weather predictions and gardening tips, will cease publication after its 2026 edition due to financial challenges, marking the end of an era for its readers.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a historic publication since 1792, will continue its annual print edition and expand its digital offerings in 2026, maintaining its reputation for reliable weather forecasts and seasonal wisdom, despite rumors of ceasing publication.
The author describes transforming a sad lawn into a thriving native plant garden over three years, leading to increased butterfly activity and a deeper connection with neighbors, illustrating the rewarding process of gardening and ecological restoration.
The article offers advice for gardening enthusiasts who prefer to work in peace without engaging in conversations with neighbors, suggesting strategies like wearing earbuds or politely indicating they are busy to maintain their privacy and focus.
A gardener who prefers solitude while working seeks advice on how to politely discourage neighbors from engaging in conversations about his landscaping, with suggestions including using earphones or politely explaining he's focused.
A neighborhood gardener prefers to work in peace without engaging in conversations with passersby about his landscaping projects, despite receiving compliments, as he values his privacy and focus while working on his property.
The brown lumps on the rabbit’s foot fern are likely scale insects, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and prevention involves quarantine, regular inspection, and maintaining good airflow.
The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to take semi-ripe forsythia cuttings in August, emphasizing the best time, tools, and techniques for successful propagation to grow more shrubs for free, highlighting that summer is an ideal period for this gardening activity.
The article discusses the best times to cut back bee balm, highlighting benefits of pruning in spring for bushier growth and more blooms, or in fall to tidy the garden and prevent disease, especially powdery mildew. It emphasizes personal preference, disease management, and the importance of deadheading and proper pruning techniques to promote healthy, vibrant plants and support pollinators.