Take care of holiday gift plants with these helpful tips! If you received a holiday gift plant, you are in good company. Countless thousands of people receive beautiful, living gift plants every year . But (especially if you’re not a “green thumb” gardener), the next question involves how to take care of holiday gift plants. Sure, it was delightful when the doorbell rang to announce the arrival of a gift box that contained your live plant. Straight out of the box it was gorgeous. What a nice surprise! Thoughtful as the gift was, it could lead to a potential disaster. Your thoughts shoot forward to the fateful day next month when that same friend calls and asks brightly, “So how is the plant doing?” Will you have to confess you killed it? Thankfully, no! Because in this article I will reveal the five keys to gift plant survival—so you can take care of holiday gift plants like a pro. The tips below apply to all types of holiday gift plants. If you want more information … [Read more...] about How to Take Care of Holiday Gift Plants
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How to Grow and Harvest Garlic
It’s easy to grow and harvest garlic if you follow a few basic steps. Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinct flavor, has been a staple ingredient in culinary traditions across the globe for centuries. To grow and harvest garlic in your garden, start by learning the nuances of the growing process. With a little planning and knowledge, you can cultivate a thriving garlic patch that will reward you with bountiful yields. The Benefits of Garlic There are many reasons to add garlic to your garden. For example, garlic has many medicinal benefits. Garlic has a rich concentration of organosulfur compounds. These compounds, including allicin, have been linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In addition, the act of gardening in itself is a gentle form of exercise and an activity that can improve memory and concentration. Keeping track of your plants' needs is a good way to improve your cognitive skills. Plus, being outdoors is good for your overall health, and … [Read more...] about How to Grow and Harvest Garlic
Our Favorite Fun Flower Facts
Check out these favorite fun flower facts about the flowers you love to grow! Use these favorite fun flower facts to impress your friends with these handy little tidbits about the most popular spring- and summer-blooming flowers! We expect to add add to this list periodically, so check back to see what we've added. And if you have a favorite flower that you would like to see featured, let us know in the comments below. Let's spread the word about these fascinating garden favorites! Flowering plants are widely available at local garden centers. Did you know you can also buy garden plants online? Check out Nature Hills Nursery, the largest online plant nursery company. Also check out the Flowering Plants on Amazon. Favorite Fun Flower Facts About Roses We begin our list of favorite fun flower facts with the rose. Roses just might be the most popular flowers in the world. They seem to be everyone's favorite flower! People associate roses with love. But … [Read more...] about Our Favorite Fun Flower Facts
19 Ways to Save Energy at Home
Looking for ways to save energy at home? If you are like many homeowners, you want to make your home more energy efficient. After all, sustainability starts on the homefront. The good news is that you don’t have to dramatically overhaul your lifestyle or invest tons of money in renovations. Here are some simple ways to save energy and create an energy efficient home. It’s easy and you will do your part to keep the planet clean and green. Plus, you will save money, too! Editor's Note: Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission for sales generated by the Amazon links in this story. Thanks for supporting this website! 1. Power Down What if you could become more energy-efficient while improving your relationships with those you hold nearest and dearest? You can. The answer is as simple as locating the button on your phone, tablet and computer that turns off the power. Those devices you rely on to run much of your modern life use a considerable amount of … [Read more...] about 19 Ways to Save Energy at Home
Planting Fall Bulbs Brings Colorful Spring Flowers
Autumn is the perfect time for planting fall bulbs for colorful spring flowers. The hottest days of summer have come to an end, and there’s a chill to the air in the evenings. As fall arrives, savvy gardeners know it’s time for planting fall bulbs. Nothing says “spring is here” quite like flowering hyacinths, crocuses, daffodils and tulips bursting into bloom. If you want these beauties in your garden next spring, fall is the time to plant them. 7 reasons why planting fall bulbs should top your garden list During the busy fall season filled with harvesting and raking leaves, it’s easy to forget about planting spring blooming bulbs. But planting fall bulbs should be a must on every gardener’s autumn list. Here’s why: 1. Planting fall bulbs is frugal and easy. Bulbs are very affordable and widely available in fall. You can find a huge variety online and at local nurseries. 2. Spring-flowering bulbs add color when you need it most. Crocuses and hyacinths are among the … [Read more...] about Planting Fall Bulbs Brings Colorful Spring Flowers