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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Winter Houseplant Care Tips
Winter houseplant care tips include proper care and no feeding to keep your indoor plants healthy. Nearly everyone likes to slow down in winter, and this includes our houseplants. They may not lose all their leaves, but some houseplants go dormant during the winter. Even if they aren't dormant, the winter growth rate of indoor plants slows down--or even stops completely. As a result, houseplants need far less fertilizer and water to survive during winter. Winter houseplant care is easy for jade plants, African violets, ZZ plants, and other popular indoor plants. But the needs of most indoor plants are a little different from spring and summer. Follow these tips to keep your houseplants in top shape through the winter. Winter Houseplant Care Tips: Things to Do These three winter houseplant care tips should be on your To Do list during the coldest months of the year. They are simple, but they will make your indoor plants happier during the winter. Give Hibernating … [Read more...] about Winter Houseplant Care Tips
Grow a Healthy Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet
Alocasia reginula Black Velvet is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant. This houseplant has stunning dark velvety leaves with striking silver veins. What’s not to love about this awesome plant that brings life to any room? Here’s everything you need to know about Alocasias, including how to care for them and the growing conditions they prefer. By the way, if you are also interested in flowering houseplants, read Best Flowering Houseplants. Background: What Is Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet? Alocasia reginula is native to the lush tropical rainforests of Borneo. Alocasia is a stunning houseplant that goes by several names, such as Black Velvet or Little Queen. Its unique characteristics set it apart from other houseplants, making it a sought-after addition for plant lovers. What truly sets the Alocasia reginula Black Velvet apart is its velvety, almost black leaves adorned with striking silver veins. This also makes it a great pick for bringing nature indoors. The … [Read more...] about Grow a Healthy Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet
Gifts For Gardeners This Holiday Season
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
Colorful Foliage Plants for Home and Garden
Here’s how colorful foliage plants can add surprising color and visual interest to your home and garden. When you think of adding color to a garden or a collection of houseplants, flowering plants immediately come to mind. But colorful foliage plants can also be used to brighten indoor spaces and outdoor patios and gardens. “There are thousands of species and varieties of houseplants and they don’t all have plain green leaves,” said Byron Martin, co-owner of Logee’s Plants for Home and Garden, a top online source for all kinds of tropical and fruiting plants. “In fact, many plants have colorful foliage that make them interesting additions to almost any setting.” Here are some of Byron’s favorite colorful foliage plants that anyone can grow. All of these plants are available online from Logee’s. Colorful Foliage Plants: Begonia ‘Autumn’s Delight’ Do you think of “a swirl of intense autumn colors” when you think of houseplants? Probably not. But that’s just what you … [Read more...] about Colorful Foliage Plants for Home and Garden