Here is an assortment of perfect gifts for gardeners and homeowners on your holiday shopping list. Let's face it. The colder months of the holiday season do not lend themselves to gardening in most climates. But that doesn't mean gardening is completely out of mind. Avid gardeners and homeowners who must keep their yards neat and tidy appreciate garden-related gifts during "the most wonderful time of the year." It is actually quite easy to find great gifts for gardeners and homeowners. These folks always need something to satisfy their green thumbs, finish a DIY project, or add one more personal touch to the property. That's why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together their annual list of the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season. Heck, you might even want to give some of these gifts to yourself. Gifts for Gardeners: Tools The Ultimate Weeding Tools The CobraHead Weeder gets its name from the shape of the tempered steel blade, which … [Read more...] about Gifts for Gardeners this Holiday Season
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How to Make Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most popular and useful plants grown in the garden. Many gardeners ask me how to make lavender essential oil, which can be used in so many ways. But there are so many wonderful uses for homegrown lavender. In this story, I will give you my recipe for how to make lavender essential oil. I will also give you nine more easy ways to use fresh homegrown lavender. These range from culinary uses, medicinal remedies, and a wide variety of household uses. Start Here: How to Make Lavender Essential Oil It’s quite easy to make lavender essential oil. For my homemade version, I do this: First, harvest the fresh lavender from the garden. Cut and dry enough lavender to make at least 1 ounce of dried lavender. (To dry, hang the cut flowers upside down in a dry, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks.) When the flowers have dried, put the dried lavender flowers in a clean glass jar. Next, infuse the flowers. Pour coconut oil over the dried lavender in the glass jar … [Read more...] about How to Make Lavender Essential Oil
Fall Planting for Spring Flowers
Fall planting is awesome. Experienced gardeners know that fall is a great season for planting. The dreams of colorful spring gardens begin with the fall planting of bulbs, perennials and shrubs. In the autumn, it’s starting to get cool outside. The cooler temperatures make it much more appealing to be outdoors planting. Plus, your list of garden tasks is probably shorter than in the spring. Best of all, the soil is still warm enough for plant roots to thrive. They will grow and get established until the ground freezes. In addition, fall plant sales are the best. Many garden centers offer deep discounts because they don’t want to overwinter plants. Take advantage of these deals with fall planting. Autumn is a great time to add new plants to your yard and garden that will delight you come spring. “Fall planting gives spring-blooming bulbs and perennials a chance to get established in your garden before winter,” says Greg Niewold, owner of Power Planter. “And when you want new … [Read more...] about Fall Planting for Spring Flowers
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
How to Grow Lavender Plants
Lavender is one of the most beautiful and useful plants in the garden. It is a beloved plant that offers a trifecta of fragrance, medicinal benefits, and beautiful blue-purple flowers. In short, many gardeners want to know how to grow lavender plants. A stunning addition to perennial borders and informal hedging, lavender has plenty of devoted fans and garden lovers. Lavender plants offer a large selection of bloom times, colors, flower forms, and sizes. Truly, you can find a lavender plant suited for just about any garden situation. Lavender is a compact shrub-like perennial that is evergreen and deer proof. No wonder it finds its way into so many gardens and landscape designs. Growing lavender plants every year is essential to my garden. Contrary to popular belief, lavender flowers come in not only lavender-purple hues, but also shades of pink, white, and even yellow. I find many uses for the fresh and dried flowers, from culinary to sachets, lavender wands, … [Read more...] about How to Grow Lavender Plants
