Gardening Basics

Ask most any gardener whether they prefer organic or chemical fertilizer, and chances are you'll spark a lively debate. Even though both contain needed nutrients, there are significant differences between them in terms of the long-term effects on soil, plants, and the environment. Read on to find out why.

Growing flowers in pots will brighten up your backyard and it's easy to do. Here's everything you need to know about container gardening.

Poinsettias can be used year-round, not just for Christmas! This guide shares how to care for poinsettias indoors as houseplants.

Soil pH is a very important factor in plant health – if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, plants will be unable to absorb nutrients, and your lawn or garden won't grow. If the results of a soil test show that your soil's pH needs adjusting, read on to find out what you can do to fix it.

Landscape fabric and plastic can help prevent weeds and control erosion by holding the soil in place and keeping weeds from sprouting. It's easy to install, and we'll tell you how, step-by-step, including some important information you need to know about the products that are available. Read on to find out more.

The best time to prune or trim trees and shrubs is during the late winter while they're dormant, but there are exceptions. Read on to find out more.

There's nothing more disappointing to a gardener than planting the perfect plant in the perfect spot, only to watch it wither and die during a cold snap or heat wave. Thankfully, there are some great resources out there to help, such as the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and the American Horticultural Society Heat Tolerance Map.

There are so many new varieties of begonias to choose from nowadays! Read on to find out what you need to know about growing begonias.

Ben asks, “Does monkey grass need to be pruned? If so, when and how should I trim it back?”

Trimming monkey grass isn’t required, but cutting it back can improve the looks of your border. Read on to find out more.