Oh, the humble apple: a prolific provider in the home orchard. They're easy to grow and there are a lot of varieties. Unfortunately, along with the tasty fruit, you may end up with a few problems when ...
Tomato Companion Plants: 16 of the Best Plants to Grow With Tomatoes
Who doesn't love a large, firm tomato warmed by the summer sun? I do and the more I get each season, the better. There are various tips and tricks available to get a bumper harvest of tomatoes, but ...
20 of the Best Companion Plants for Potatoes (And a Few to Avoid)
Every year I plant potatoes because they are an excellent cash crop. Do potatoes right and you can reliably fill a wheelbarrow from each row. Companion planting can make them even more productive. ...
The Best Celery Companion Plants For a Bumper Crop
Celery is one of my favorite vegetables to grow for a number of reasons. Not only is it crispy and juicy, but it can be used in so many dishes. As a base in soups, stews and casseroles, cooked, raw, ...
Birch Trees: How to Plant, Grow and Care For An American Classic
Birch trees are one of those plants that evoke memories of childhood and capture the imagination. The striking look and delicate form are distinctive in the American landscape. Native species grow ...
How to Identify and Control Powdery Mildew on Roses
I spent many years admiring other gardener's roses before I was brave enough to start my own. I was always told that there are many things that go wrong, but my fears didn't match reality. The biggest ...
Thinning Fruits: How to Do It and Why It’s Essential
When I first planted my orchard to reap big harvests, the worst mistake I made was not thinning the fruit. It seemed counterintuitive to remove fruit before it's ready, but it's actually healthy ...
How to Prune Tomatoes for High Yields and Why You Should Always Do It
I admit it. I'm obsessed with tomatoes. Every spring I plan my tomato harvest and plant every variety I can get my hands on. I visualize my bounty and always imagine huge yields filling my baskets to ...
Growing Coffeeberries: How to Plant and Care For These Multi-Purpose Gems
I love dual-purpose plants. They could be good eating and good looking, serve a purpose, or feed animals. Sometimes I come across a plant that serves nature and me, and that's what I love about ...