Summer is the season for gardening, and it’s also the time to read the best new gardening books. There’s something delightful about finding a comfortable spot outdoors and reading a great book. It’s one of the joys that makes summer special. This year we have a bountiful crop of great new gardening books for summer reading. So, pour a cold glass of lemonade, pull up a chair and get lost in the best new gardening books for summer reading. Editor's Note: Home Garden and Homestead is a proud member of the Amazon Associates Program. We earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you click on a link and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting our website! The Urban Garden In cities and towns across America (and the world), urban gardeners grow plants of all kinds in whatever space they have available. The Urban Garden is a book for anyone who gardens in limited space. Authors Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight both have roots in the Washington, DC area, and their new book … [Read more...] about Best New Gardening Books for Summer Reading
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Herbal Wildflower Remedies for Common Ailments
Here are four herbal wildflower remedies that can help treat many common ailments. The practice of using flowers and herbs as a source of wellness is nothing new. It’s something people all over the world have been doing for centuries. In many ways, it’s an “ancient” practice. And many of today’s over-the-counter remedies are inspired by or based on the effects of herbs. That’s why many people still subscribe to herbal remedies as their first line of defense against certain ailments. You’re probably interested in trying more natural remedies, or you’re intrigued by the healing properties of certain herbs and wildflowers. If so, it’s important to know which native varieties to choose so you can grow them or find them in nature. Let’s look at four herbal wildflower remedies and how they can help. Please consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements or treatments. Herbal Wildflower Remedies: Goldenrod for Muscle Relief Everyone experiences … [Read more...] about Herbal Wildflower Remedies for Common Ailments
How to Grow Sunflowers
How to Grow Sunflowers: Classic Sunflowers and Popular Varieties. Sunflowers are well-loved flowers that bloom all summer. Their cheerful faces brighten the garden. They come in different colors from traditional sunny yellow to dark shades of ruby and claret red. And other varieties can also come in orange, gold, and brownish tones. Sunflowers are drought tolerant, resistant to pests, and attractive to pollinators and birds. Their large flowers make beautiful bouquets, and their seeds are a great source of food for birds and people. So, if you have considered growing sunflowers in your garden, we have growing and care tips that will keep your sunflowers healthy and strong. Types of Sunflowers The classic sunflower goes by the botanical name of Helianthus annuus. The petals are bright yellow, and the large circular center (where the seeds form) is dark brown. There are many varieties (or cultivars) of this classic sunflower. These include mammoth sunflower, Helianthus … [Read more...] about How to Grow Sunflowers
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
Tips for Growing Orchid Plants
Growing orchid plants is not difficult. In fact, all it takes is a few simple tips to become a successful grower of orchid plants. Orchids are the largest flowering plant family, with over 25,000 recognized species. Most people associate orchids with tropical climates. But orchids grow on all continents in the world except Antarctica. Native orchid plants grow from the Arctic region to the southernmost tropical forest. I often receive questions such as, “How can I grow an orchid that won’t die?” or “My orchid plant never blooms, what am I doing wrong?” Here are my Top 10 Tips for understanding orchids and growing them successfully. Growing Orchid Plants Tip #1: Identify Your Orchid Variety Orchid varieties, just like people or pets, can have specific needs. Finding out what kind of orchid you have will help you determine what kind of container to use, lighting conditions, necessary humidity and temperatures, and blooming period. Here are some popular types of orchid … [Read more...] about Tips for Growing Orchid Plants
