Planting a garden is a traditional springtime activity, and planting container gardens is growing more popular every year. Container gardening is the perfect way to grow plants if you don’t have enough garden space for a traditional vegetable garden or flower bed. Growing container gardens also makes it possible to grow herbs, flowers and even vegetables on decks, patios, balconies, or right outside the kitchen door. There are three things you need to consider before you dive into container gardening. The first is where you want to put your container garden. The second is determining what plants you want to grow. Third, you must choose the right containers for your container garden. Choose the Right Location for Container Gardens Sometimes it’s easy to select a spot for your container garden. If all you have is a balcony or a spot next to your doorstep, deciding where to put your growing containers is simple. Just pick a sunny spot in the space that’s available. But what if … [Read more...] about Tips for growing successful container gardens
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2020 Green Thumb Awards Honor New Plants and Garden Products
The winners of the 2020 Green Thumb Awards have been announced, and a total of six new plants and products have taken home the “green” trophy. Here are this year’s winners: Clematis ‘Lady Kyoko’ from Spring Hill Nurseries European Beech InstantHedge from InstantHedge KangaRhu Rhubarb from Gurneys Seed Treasure Island Sweet Potatoes from Concept Plants Garden Tutor Online Course and Kit from Botaniworld Vertex Wall Trellis from Gardener’s Supply Company The DGA Green Thumb Awards are presented by the Direct Gardening Association (DirectGardeningAssociation.com), a trade group of companies that sell gardening plants and products through catalogs and websites. Winners of the 2020 Green Thumb Awards were chosen by independent judges. 2020 Green Thumb Award Winners: Ornamental Plants and Seeds Division Clematis ‘Lady Kyoko’ (Clematis x ‘Lady Kyoko’) Spring Hill Nurseries Clematis ‘Lady Kyoko’ is a variety that … [Read more...] about 2020 Green Thumb Awards Honor New Plants and Garden Products
2020 Garden Trends Include Tiny Gardens and Hardy Tropical Plants
The start of a new decade brings exciting new developments and ideas—including new 2020 garden trends. Fortunately for gardeners, the 2020 garden trends include a new way to look at tiny space gardens, embracing cold-hardy tropical plants and even pet-friendly gardens. The new 2020 garden trends are all about challenging the conventional aesthetics of gardening. At Home, Garden and Homestead, we think that’s a good thing! Read on to learn what garden industry experts have to say about gardening in 2020. Tiny Space Gardens Everyone deserves a little garden in their lives, so it’s no wonder that small space gardening is a big trend for 2020. Even centuries-old techniques like espalier are making a comeback. One of the most exciting 2020 garden trends is the wide availability of true dwarf trees. Unlike their larger 50-foot-tall cousins, these diminutive trees max out at only 10-15 feet high. That’s a perfect size for small yards—and even growing in containers on … [Read more...] about 2020 Garden Trends Include Tiny Gardens and Hardy Tropical Plants
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
Did you make any New Year's resolutions for gardeners for the coming New Year? Whether you’re a horticultural expert or you want to try gardening for the first time, these are my favorite New Year’s resolutions for gardeners in 2020. New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners #1: Get Gardening! The #1 resolution on my list is to get gardening! Gardening comes with many benefits for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening for just 2.5 hours a week can reduce the risk of common conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Gardening has also been shown to ward off depression and anxiety. Plus, nothing beats the smell of flowers in bloom, or the taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Getting started and growing your first tomato plant (or any annual vegetable) is easier than you think. If you’re worried you might have a “black thumb,” or just short on space, try your … [Read more...] about 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
Lessons I Learned as Editor of GreenPrints Magazine
I knew my job as Garden Editor at Mother Earth News was about to end. The magazine had been sold, and the offices were moving out of state. I had no idea I was about to learn gardening lessons that would teach me a lot about life. What should I do now? I was driving the last stretch of road before I reached my rural home when it came to me. “I can’t compete with all the how-to garden magazines out there,” I thought. “What if I start one that shares the personal rewards of gardening instead?” Thirty-one years later, I’m still publishing GreenPrints, “The Weeder’s Digest,” and sharing it with thousands of gardeners across the country. Here are six things I have I learned—gardening lessons and lessons about life—as the editor and publisher of an award-winning magazine. 1. Gardening means a great deal to gardeners. Gardening not just a hobby, or even a passion. It truly connects people to the natural world. Gardeners nurture—they parent—their plants. And by doing so, they … [Read more...] about Lessons I Learned as Editor of GreenPrints Magazine
