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: Yard Decor Solar Wind Spinner Wind spinners have been a popular yard decoration for many years. But … [Read more...] about Gifts For Gardeners This Holiday Season
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Eat Your Weeds
Common weeds that are good to eat include purslane, lambsquarter, dandelion, wild amaranth., and plantain. Our gardens are at their biggest and best in summer. Unfortunately, that’s the case with our weeds too. Most gardeners will rip these weeds out of the ground and into the trash can as soon as they see them, but consider this: some of those weeds might secretly be a delicious superfood! And harvesting them for food means less waste, less work, and a more eco-friendly garden. It used to be common to eat many of these weeds, but the knowledge was lost in the past couple generations. Today, “urban foraging” is making a comeback, as more savvy gardeners come to realize the waste of perfectly good food. Common Weeds that are Good to Eat You might be surprised at how many of those weeds infiltrating your garden beds are edible. These are some very common edible weeds that you probably have in your garden right now, and all of them put spinach to shame with their … [Read more...] about Eat Your Weeds
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
How to Plant an Apple Tree
Plant an Apple Tree Using these Step-by-Step Instructions. Planting an apple tree involves a combination of art and science. It begins with understanding your local conditions and ends with ongoing tree care. In this story, we will provide step-by-step instructions and photos showing the mechanics of how to plant an apple tree. Container-grown trees can be planted in the spring or fall. Bare root trees can be planted in the spring or fall when the trees are dormant. For more information about selecting the specific variety of apple tree that’s best for you, please read Chose the Right Variety of Apple Tree. Before You Go to the Tree Nursery Before you buy an apple tree, make sure there is enough space in your yard to accommodate a mature tree. Standard (full-sized) apple trees can reach 30-40 feet tall and can have a spread (width) of 30-40 feet. A semi-dwarf apple tree can grow to 14-20 feet tall and wide. A dwarf apple tree at maturity will typically reach 6-12 feet … [Read more...] about How to Plant an Apple Tree
Prevent and Treat Tomato Diseases
Prevent and treat tomato diseases to ensure your harvest of America’s favorite homegrown vegetable. Tomatoes are the most popular edible plant grown in backyard gardens. Homegrown tomatoes more tasty than store-bought tomatoes. Plus, tomato plants are quite productive and easy to grow. But you must prevent and treat tomato diseases to ensure a healthy harvest of homegrown tomatoes. That’s why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together this story about how to prevent and treat the five most common tomato diseases. Follow the tips below to grow the best crop of tasty tomatoes ever! Also, check for Tomato Disease Control Products on Amazon. Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission on sales generated by the links in our stories. Prevent and Treat Tomato Diseases: Early Blight Early blight is a fungal disease that can affect tomatoes, causing leaf spots, stem lesions, and fruit rot. It's characterized by concentric rings on lower leaves, creating … [Read more...] about Prevent and Treat Tomato Diseases
