Owning a pair of best garden pruners or pruning shears is essential for any gardener and homeowner. It doesn’t matter if you call them garden pruners or pruning shears. Those are simply two names for a handheld pair of garden clippers. But whatever you call them, owning a pair of the best garden pruners or pruning shears is essential for every gardener. Five Things to Look for in the Best Garden Pruners So, what should you look for when shopping for the best garden pruners? We’ve been using garden pruners for years, and these are the five things that qualify pair of pruning shears for the title of “best garden pruners.” Using these five criteria, we have tested pruning shears to determine those that qualify as best garden pruners for most gardeners. All of the garden pruners described below are available online from Amazon. Home Garden and Homestead is an Amazon affiliate, and we earn a small commission generated by the links in this story. Thanks for supporting this … [Read more...] about Best Garden Pruners and Pruning Shears
Garden
How to Grow Swiss Chard
Grow Swiss chard in your garden and enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer. Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown easily in a home garden. With its colorful stems and large, tender leaves, Swiss chard is a delicious and beautiful addition to any garden. This versatile plant can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and stir-fries. Here are some tips on how to grow Swiss chard, along with descriptions of some popular varieties. Grow Swiss Chard: Introduction Swiss chard can be grown in most regions and is best planted in the spring or fall. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Swiss chard can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it does best with at least six hours of sunlight per day. To plant Swiss chard, sow seeds directly into the soil, about ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently. Swiss chard seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days, depending on … [Read more...] about How to Grow Swiss Chard
Healing Gardens: How to Grow Medicinal Plants
When you grow medicinal plants, you can literally cultivate your own health. Being out in the fresh air and digging in the soil is good for your soul. Relaxing in a blooming garden is for your health. Cultivating medicinal plants in your garden can be incredibly beneficial to your health. The Benefits of Growing Your Own Medicinal Plants Growing and using medicinal plants is a great way to be proactive about your health. You’ll eat much healthier, which keeps you physically fit, preventing future medical issues and boosting your overall internal health. As a result, you won’t have to visit the doctor as often. And you won’t see as many major surgeries or chronic illnesses as you age. Fortunately, that can mean spending less money on healthcare expenses. You can also live more sustainably and use fewer resources when you grow your own plants. You also decrease your carbon footprint because you don’t have to visit the store as often. Finally, growing your own medicinal … [Read more...] about Healing Gardens: How to Grow Medicinal Plants
Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Here are the most common nutrient deficiencies in plants and how to fix them. In this story, we will cover symptoms of plant nutrient deficiency and treatment using widely available fertilizers. Plants need nutrients from soil, water, and air for healthy growth. The composition of the soil directly affects the health of the plant. Important soil nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and many others. If any element is missing, the plant gets sick and may even die. But how do you know what element the plant is lacking? The answer is in the plant itself. Each vital nutrient deficiency has its symptoms, which can be detected through monitoring. If identified in a timely manner, these deficiencies can be treated and the affected plant can return to health. Editor’s Note: The “Big Three” plant nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These “N-P-K” numbers are prominently printed on most plant fertilizer packages. For … [Read more...] about Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens
Here’s how to grow drought tolerant plants for xeriscape gardens that save water. Xeriscaping, commonly known as drought-tolerant gardening, can be spectacular water-saving gardens when planned properly and maintained regularly. In a nutshell, xeriscaping is landscaping using plants that do not require additional watering above normal rainfall. These gardens are typically advocated in areas prone to drought, such as Arizona. A xeriscape garden is also perfect where the pace of development is outstripping water reserves, such as Los Angeles. Xeriscaping provides a great way to have a great-looking garden without overtaxing the water supply. Drought Tolerant Plants Save Time and Water Xeriscaping and desert gardens require a design that minimizes rainwater runoff and evaporation. Fortunately, an interesting selection of flowers, grasses, cacti, shrubs, and trees can do very well in low-water environments. This plant variety provides many exciting design opportunities for a … [Read more...] about Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens
