Want to Learn How to Grow Bell Peppers? Here is Everything You Need to Know to Grow this Tasty Vegetable! Bell peppers are one of the most satisfying warm-season vegetables to grow in the home garden. I’ve been an active gardener for many years, and I love to recommend growing bell peppers to new and experienced gardeners. Bell peppers are right up there with tomatoes and zucchini when it comes to easy-to-grow veggies that produce lots of delicious homegrown produce. You might want to harvest shiny green bells for a fajita night. Or perhaps you want to wait for those same peppers to ripen into reds, oranges, or yellows for a sweet snack. Few crops are as colorful—or as versatile as sweet peppers. Here's everything you need to know to grow your own bumper crop of bell peppers. How to Grow Bell Peppers: Seed vs. Starter Plants Starting from Seed: If you like the challenge and control of growing your plants from the very beginning, starting bell peppers from seed is a … [Read more...] about How to Grow Bell Peppers: Tips from a Master Gardener
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Best Cordless String Trimmer
The best cordless string trimmer is a combination of key features and your personal tastes. But the editors of Home Garden and Homestead are confident one of these trimmers will be the perfect model for your needs and your budget. If you’re reading this story, we assume you are considering a cordless electric string trimmer, or “weed wacker.” Now you want to know which one is the best. We believe battery powered outdoor equipment is the way to go. You never have to buy gasoline. Instead, you simply recharge the battery pack. A new cordless electric string trimmer won’t emit smelly gas fumes. Rechargeable electric power tools are clean running and very quiet. And perhaps best of all, they start easily with the push of a button. No more pulling on a cord to get a finicky gas engine to start. We’ve reviewed the available models of the best cordless string trimmers to find the models we like. All the models reviewed in this story will easily cut through grass and weeds. They help … [Read more...] about Best Cordless String Trimmer
The Rule of Three in Gardening: A Simple Key to Visual Harmony
The Simple Rule of Three Makes Gardening Easier and Gardens More Interesting In the world of garden design, the “Rule of Three” is a foundational principle that enhances visual interest and balance. By planting in odd numbers—especially in groups of three—you can create more visual pleasing plant arrangements. Quite simply, using plants in groups of three, five, or seven looks better than symmetrical, even-numbered groupings. This technique works well in beds, borders, and containers, and is easy for both beginner and experienced gardeners to apply. Odd-numbered groupings, particularly trios, create focal points and draw the eye in a dynamic way. Below, we explore five popular plants that are especially effective when used in groups of three. We have also included growing tips and reasons to love these plants! Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and the Rule of Three in Gardening USDA Zones: 3–9Mature Size: 2–4 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide.Light Needs: Full sunSoil: … [Read more...] about The Rule of Three in Gardening: A Simple Key to Visual Harmony
Healthy Soil and Clean Water: What Every Backyard Gardener Should Know
If You Care About Healthy Soil and Clean Water, Here's What You Need to Know to Keep Your Garden and Landscape Free of Contaminants. Soil and water safety is an important topic for every gardener. That’s true whether you’re growing vegetables for your family or maintaining a backyard oasis of flowers. The long-term sustainability of a garden is based on understanding its building blocks: soil and water. For a garden to thrive, it must have healthy soil and clean water. It’s more complicated that you think. It goes way beyond “soil is dirty, and water runs clear.” And many gardeners don’t know what to look for. Soil and water contaminants can be sneaky critters, and this article will share what you need to know to keep your garden safe. Healthy Soil and Clean Water: What to Know About Soil Contaminants Unseen pollutants in soil pose serious risks to plants as well as people. Soil may look rich and fertile, but a closer inspection is needed to be sure … [Read more...] about Healthy Soil and Clean Water: What Every Backyard Gardener Should Know
Rustic Wedding Décor and Country Wedding Ideas
Looking for rustic wedding décor and ideas for a country wedding theme away from the city? We’ve got the tips you need. The rustic wedding décor theme is more popular than ever as more brides search for an unforgettable wedding. Whether you’re having a small backyard wedding or a large garden wedding, you’ll love these great rustic wedding décor ideas. Our DIY rustic wedding decor and garden ideas will make the most special day of your life gorgeous and memorable. If you want your wedding to have a touch of rustic elegance, consider woodsy DIY decor for your outdoor wedding. In this quick guide, we’re going to explore some ideas around rustic wedding decor. Earthy Color Palette for Rustic Wedding Decor Earthy hues such as beige, brown, and green offer comfort to the senses. These colors can be a beautiful choice for a garden wedding venue for a rustic and inviting vibe. Picking earthy and garden-inspired shades that complement your venue and theme can make for a beautiful … [Read more...] about Rustic Wedding Décor and Country Wedding Ideas
