Tag

Gardening

All articles tagged with #gardening

The Mowing Mistake That Could Kill Your Lawn
gardening25 days ago

The Mowing Mistake That Could Kill Your Lawn

With warmer weather, lawns need regular mowing, but experts warn that both over-mowing and under-mowing can damage grass. Removing too much blade at once stresses the plant, slowing growth and weakening roots, while mowing too short leads to browning, thinning, and vulnerability to weeds, disease, and drought. Similarly, letting the grass get too tall before cutting can shock it, create heavy clippings that block sunlight and air, and leave patches. The safer approach is balanced mowing—keeping a moderate blade height and mowing frequency to support energy production, healthy roots, and a dense, resilient lawn.

Spring Garden Wins: Rabbit-Resistant Choices and Smart Planting
lifestyle1 month ago

Spring Garden Wins: Rabbit-Resistant Choices and Smart Planting

Gardening expert Dave Epstein answers readers’ questions on tackling critters and selecting spring plants, noting mid-April is prime for planting perennials, trees and shrubs while avoiding warm-season crops. He highlights rabbit-resistant options like echinacea, goldenrod and New England asters, and suggests measures such as fencing around vegetable beds to deter critters, plus tips that support pollinators during the season.

Garden therapy: tending plants may boost cognitive health in aging minds
health1 month ago

Garden therapy: tending plants may boost cognitive health in aging minds

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.

Pocket Mulberries: How to Grow Fruit in Pots in a Tiny Space
gardening2 months ago

Pocket Mulberries: How to Grow Fruit in Pots in a Tiny Space

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.

Humid spots, not sunny windows: where to place a peace lily for best blooms
gardening4 months ago

Humid spots, not sunny windows: where to place a peace lily for best blooms

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.