GARDENING BLOG
We cover a whole spectrum of topics for home gardeners through our blog posts. We have in depth articles about growing different varieties of flowers, herbs, vegetables, vines and more. We love to provide extensive knowledge based content to all of our readers and we hope that you enjoy browsing them!
Swipe Between
Categories
Recent Articles related
to flowers
23 Jan, 2020
Cut flowers don't have to be a luxury, and you don't have to go into debt to decorate a special event. Growing blooms and greens from seed, tubers, or bulbs is a huge money-saver, and lets you enjoy your garden's...
03 Oct, 2019
If you remembered to plant a ton of bulbs before snowfall, congratulations! Many of us get so overwhelmed by all our other fall home and garden projects that we put off planting bulbs until we need dynamite to dig into...
30 May, 2019
Does your late-summer garden remind you of a mangy dog? We get pretty enthusiastic about choosing plants we think are pretty without really thinking of how long they'll produce colorful flowers and rich, lush foliage. The best garden designs use...
18 Apr, 2019
Your yard is boring! Hey, don't look at us—You said it first. Probably just this morning, if not recently. Maybe you have a square patch of grass, some strips of bark dust, and a juniper bush or two. Perhaps you...
28 Mar, 2019
Boy, do we have a special treat for our work-weary, lazy, or black-thumbed gardeners with "here be dragons" backyards. Yarrow is among our most forgiving, easy-to-grow, versatile ornamentals. No worries about amending crappy soil, dragging hoses around all summer, or...
Recent Articles related
to Herbs
13 Feb, 2020
Seasoned salt. Mrs. So-and-So's Tasty Herbs. Chef Hoo-d'Haw's Louisiana Blend. Generic Italian seasoning. You probably have a ton of these mixed herbs sitting somewhere in your kitchen, getting more desiccated every year. They're handy, but they're not cheap, and sometimes, there's...
16 Jan, 2020
Tender herbs are the gardener's gateway drug. They're easy to grow from seed, and they're attractive, fragrant, and versatile. Having fresh herbs on hand will inspire you to be more creative in the kitchen, and once you've learned how easy...
25 Jul, 2019
Your boss ticking you off? Diffuse some lavender in your office. Can't sleep because your in-laws are coming over tomorrow? Chew on some valerian root, or sip on some chamomile tea! Sometimes we all need a healthy boost to our...
31 Jan, 2019
You might think of sage as a seasoning for roast chicken or a lyric in a Simon & Garfunkel tune, but several sage species are grown for their visual appeal alone. Take, for example, the Chia Pet Poop Emoji, on...
05 Jul, 2018
Everyone knows someone who can't pass up an opportunity for wordplay. Sometimes, though, when faced with such low-hanging fruit as common garden thyme, even the most stoic and cynical have to surrender and roll with it. Like...us. Having said that,...
Recent Articles related
to vegetables
27 Oct, 2023
< Return To Main Blog Jack-o'-lanterns, pies, and trebuchet fodder: Picking the best pumpkins for 2024 OCTOBER 27, 2023 Pumpkins are, hands down, America’s most popular winter squash. Most of us had our first experience with sharp objects when carving...
11 Jul, 2019
Late season vegetable planting is ideal for you if: You suffer the gardener's equivalent of "empty nest syndrome" and miss watching stuff grow You were late out of the gate in spring because, well, life and stuff You dedicated your...
04 Apr, 2019
When you watch The Walking Dead downloads in your cozy little townhouse, do you skip the zombie scenes and hit "pause" to check out Hilltop's garden setup? Maybe your postal carrier resents having to stuff fifteen hobby farming magazines into...
21 Feb, 2019
Here's a question we've heard before: "What kind of watermelon should I get if I don't like that mealy texture?" We've also heard, "My grandma grew Crenshaws when I was a kid, but mine never had the same flavor." Melons...
17 Feb, 2018
How To Grow Turnip Plants: Turnips are extremely easy to grow compared to many other crops that you can choose to grow in your garden. This crop is the easiest to grow in late fall months. As the nights get...
Recent Articles related
to Vines
content coming soon
Recent Articles related
to butterflies & insects
21 Aug, 2022
Sad news for bug lovers and anyone concerned about essential ecosystems: In July 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature placed migratory monarch butterflies on their Endangered Species list. The IUCN estimates that, due to habitat loss and climate...
02 Apr, 2020
Most of us grew up with the belief that earthworms are the superheroes of soil health, and that their presence in our gardens and wild environment is nothing but auspicious. After all, earthworms loosen compacted soil, break down decaying organic...
09 Jan, 2020
Whether you associate them with pastel playrooms or cannibalistic serial killers, you've got to admit butterflies and moths are fascinating insects. Even to us gardeners, for whom they're a paradox: When we're not trying to chase them out of our garden,...
18 Jul, 2019
Want to be a beekeeper, but not at the expense of your day drinking time? Would you like to feel smug about supporting pollinating insects without the routine chores (and expense) of setting up honeybee colonies? Unless your neighborhood is...
23 May, 2019
Put down that chemical pesticide. You can create a non-toxic garden that supports its own defense system if you go all in and rely on biological warfare for natural garden pest control. Here's how to provide habitat and sustenance to...
Recent Articles related
to recipes
15 Jul, 2017
Borage is more than just a pretty flower! These easy to grow blue blooms also make a beautiful garnish for your seasonal cocktails and their leaves boast a refreshing cucumber-like taste. Summer Lemonade (non-alcoholic) Makes 8 servings 1.5 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice 6.5 cups cold...
13 Jul, 2017
We know broccoli is nutritious, but we get tired of the same recipes time after time. We want to try something newer than just steam it or eat it with dip. What do you do with your garden-fresh broccoli after you've harvested it? We have ideas for you!...
12 Jul, 2017
As far as veggies go, the artichoke is one of the most intriguing and fun to eat out there. These veggies are packed with anti-oxides and have a woody, yet sweet flavor that leaves a lasting impression. There are several ways...
12 Jul, 2017
Growing your own artichoke is both challenging and rewarding. After you have purchased your artichoke seeds, planted them, cared for them, and raised them... what do you do with them? What is the best way to cook your artichokes so that you...
28 Jun, 2017
Potato-Less Potato Salad Wash and trim three dozen radishes (three bunches). Cut them in half and add them to a saucepan containing 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring them to...
Recent Articles related
to everything else
07 Oct, 2022
You're probably expecting us to make a lame play on words here: "Succulents are perfect for the sucky gardener", or something like that. While succulents can take lots of abuse, we're not going to insult you even if you can't...
14 Sep, 2022
Hoo boy. It's already that time of the year. School's started, the kayaks and pool noodles are put away, and as your garden soil cools it's time to warm up our adult beverages. Right about now you might be planning...
09 Apr, 2020
It's early spring and a sunny day. You're out getting your garden ready for planting season, and you stop to take a selfie of your smiling, post-winter hibernation face. Up it goes onto Insta or Facebook, and within minutes, someone...
26 Mar, 2020
Eat tons of fruits and vegetables! Cut out fatty meats! Blah, blah, blah! That's the standard "eat healthy" mantra, but for some people — diabetics in particular — it's potentially dangerous advice. Not all fruits and vegetables are healthy for everyone....
19 Mar, 2020
We all know that regular exercise and diets low in saturated fats reduce arterial plaques and improve overall cardiovascular health. We're more likely to substitute lower-fat foods for rich, high-cholesterol dishes if they're elegantly seasoned and prepared, but can herbs...
- Flowers
- Herbs
- Vegetables
- Vines
- Butterflies & Insects
- Recipes
- Everything Else
MOST RECENT ARTICLES Related to flowers
23 Jan, 2020
Cut flowers don't have to be a luxury, and you don't have to go into debt to decorate a special event. Growing blooms and greens from seed, tubers, or bulbs is a huge money-saver, and lets you enjoy your garden's...
03 Oct, 2019
If you remembered to plant a ton of bulbs before snowfall, congratulations! Many of us get so overwhelmed by all our other fall home and garden projects that we put off planting bulbs until we need dynamite to dig into...
30 May, 2019
Does your late-summer garden remind you of a mangy dog? We get pretty enthusiastic about choosing plants we think are pretty without really thinking of how long they'll produce colorful flowers and rich, lush foliage. The best garden designs use...
18 Apr, 2019
Your yard is boring! Hey, don't look at us—You said it first. Probably just this morning, if not recently. Maybe you have a square patch of grass, some strips of bark dust, and a juniper bush or two. Perhaps you...
28 Mar, 2019
Boy, do we have a special treat for our work-weary, lazy, or black-thumbed gardeners with "here be dragons" backyards. Yarrow is among our most forgiving, easy-to-grow, versatile ornamentals. No worries about amending crappy soil, dragging hoses around all summer, or...
26 Mar, 2019
Have you ever rehearsed a conversation in your head, getting yourself all worked up with imaginary, one-sided role-playing? That's kind of what we went through when we decided to write about Viola cornuta. Us: "Hey, have you ever grown violas?...
21 Mar, 2019
You've heard about the "hottie paradox": Nobody asks out the most gorgeous, successful, and talented people because of the misconception that popular people can have anyone they choose, and they're probably already taken. So in the end, these delightful people...
19 Mar, 2019
Dragons, we assume, would be reptiles, and we all know that toads are amphibians, right? At least, most of us have known the difference between these two classes of animals since first grade. But toadflax and snapdragons are more closely-related...
14 Mar, 2019
When you think of legumes, you're more likely to think of string beans and peas than you are ornamentals. Or maybe you're savvy about pasture plants, and how some vetches help enrich the soil while fattening up livestock. But if...
12 Mar, 2019
We've been sitting here trying to come up with a tongue-in-cheek approach to this blog post, but we're stumped. By all accounts, sweet peas are so innocent, delicate, and lovely; it's nearly impossible to find anything remotely appropriate to use...
SUB CATEGORIES
MOST RECENT ARTICLES Related to HERBS
13 Feb, 2020
Seasoned salt. Mrs. So-and-So's Tasty Herbs. Chef Hoo-d'Haw's Louisiana Blend. Generic Italian seasoning. You probably have a ton of these mixed herbs sitting somewhere in your kitchen, getting more desiccated every year. They're handy, but they're not cheap, and sometimes, there's...
16 Jan, 2020
Tender herbs are the gardener's gateway drug. They're easy to grow from seed, and they're attractive, fragrant, and versatile. Having fresh herbs on hand will inspire you to be more creative in the kitchen, and once you've learned how easy...
25 Jul, 2019
Your boss ticking you off? Diffuse some lavender in your office. Can't sleep because your in-laws are coming over tomorrow? Chew on some valerian root, or sip on some chamomile tea! Sometimes we all need a healthy boost to our...
31 Jan, 2019
You might think of sage as a seasoning for roast chicken or a lyric in a Simon & Garfunkel tune, but several sage species are grown for their visual appeal alone. Take, for example, the Chia Pet Poop Emoji, on...
05 Jul, 2018
Everyone knows someone who can't pass up an opportunity for wordplay. Sometimes, though, when faced with such low-hanging fruit as common garden thyme, even the most stoic and cynical have to surrender and roll with it. Like...us. Having said that,...
03 Jul, 2018
If you've looked into natural treatments for mild depression, you've probably heard about St. John's Wort. It's perhaps the most common herb used to elevate moods and decrease anxiety, and in most temperate regions, it's an easily-identified foraging plant...perfect for...
28 Jun, 2018
We often make excuses for letting dandelions grow in our lawns. The leaves make great salad greens, and the flowers are often pressed for wine. But another foraging plant, common sorrel, also makes a great garden ornamental and kitchen herb...
26 Jun, 2018
We always thought tarragon would be a great name for a dragon. Apparently, we weren't the only ones; Artemisia dracunculus roughly translates to "Artemis" (the Greek mythical huntress) and "little dragon." Russian tarragon is sometimes called estragon, which, as one...
21 Jun, 2018
Does that line sound familiar? Can you believe it's been 20 years since Fight Club became the most iconic book (and film) of a whole generation? While Jack's insomnia issues went far beyond the scope of natural healing and serious...
19 Jun, 2018
Are winter savory and summer savory the same thing? That's a question a lot of home chefs ask when they're stocking their seasoning stash. The answer? Nope! Chances are, if you're at the grocery store and come across a seasoning...
SUB CATEGORIES
MOST RECENT ARTICLES Related to VEGETABLES
27 Oct, 2023
< Return To Main Blog Jack-o'-lanterns, pies, and trebuchet fodder: Picking the best pumpkins for 2024 OCTOBER 27, 2023 Pumpkins are, hands down, America’s most popular winter squash. Most of us had our first experience with sharp objects when carving...
11 Jul, 2019
Late season vegetable planting is ideal for you if: You suffer the gardener's equivalent of "empty nest syndrome" and miss watching stuff grow You were late out of the gate in spring because, well, life and stuff You dedicated your...
04 Apr, 2019
When you watch The Walking Dead downloads in your cozy little townhouse, do you skip the zombie scenes and hit "pause" to check out Hilltop's garden setup? Maybe your postal carrier resents having to stuff fifteen hobby farming magazines into...
21 Feb, 2019
Here's a question we've heard before: "What kind of watermelon should I get if I don't like that mealy texture?" We've also heard, "My grandma grew Crenshaws when I was a kid, but mine never had the same flavor." Melons...
17 Feb, 2018
How To Grow Turnip Plants: Turnips are extremely easy to grow compared to many other crops that you can choose to grow in your garden. This crop is the easiest to grow in late fall months. As the nights get...
09 Feb, 2018
How to Grow Sweet Pepper Plants: Sweet pepper plants are a wide variety of plants ranging from sweet and crunchy to spicy and even spicier. From sweet peppers to spicy, eye-watering peppers, they are great for a variety of purposes...
09 Feb, 2018
How To Grow Endive Plants: Endive is a plant that is actually quite possible to grow in your very own backyard. The best news is that growing endive, while it might seem more intimidating due to the unusual name, is...
09 Feb, 2018
How To Grow Cucumber Plants: Cucumbers are a mainstay in most summertime gardens in the climate zones in which they grow well. Cucumbers are common as they are used in a variety of dishes from salads to simple being sliced...
09 Feb, 2018
Bush beans have long been a popular plant to grow in one's garden. Beans are a great addition to a garden as either a green vegetable or as an important source of protein in the grower's diet. There are two...
09 Feb, 2018
Beans are a standard in home gardens for good reason. They're easy to grow and quick to mature, making them the perfect introduction to gardening for kids and those who modestly refer to themselves as "black thumb" gardeners. Pole beans, with...
content coming soon
MOST RECENT ARTICLES Related to butterflies & insects
21 Aug, 2022
Sad news for bug lovers and anyone concerned about essential ecosystems: In July 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature placed migratory monarch butterflies on their Endangered Species list. The IUCN estimates that, due to habitat loss and climate...
02 Apr, 2020
Most of us grew up with the belief that earthworms are the superheroes of soil health, and that their presence in our gardens and wild environment is nothing but auspicious. After all, earthworms loosen compacted soil, break down decaying organic...
09 Jan, 2020
Whether you associate them with pastel playrooms or cannibalistic serial killers, you've got to admit butterflies and moths are fascinating insects. Even to us gardeners, for whom they're a paradox: When we're not trying to chase them out of our garden,...
18 Jul, 2019
Want to be a beekeeper, but not at the expense of your day drinking time? Would you like to feel smug about supporting pollinating insects without the routine chores (and expense) of setting up honeybee colonies? Unless your neighborhood is...
23 May, 2019
Put down that chemical pesticide. You can create a non-toxic garden that supports its own defense system if you go all in and rely on biological warfare for natural garden pest control. Here's how to provide habitat and sustenance to...
18 Dec, 2018
You've already heard that agricultural herbicides and pesticides are decimating important pollinator food sources. This is true; the iconic monarch butterfly population, for example, all but crashed. In the closing months of 2018, studies released by top butterfly conservationists found...
17 Sep, 2017
You may have already heard that there is a decline of Bee population that is threatening our country's food production. We humans depend on the cross-pollination of bees with plants to spread the seeds for 30% of the plants grown worldwide, and...
17 Sep, 2017
Although new species are still being discovered, currently, there are approximately twenty thousand different species of butterflies. One of the colorful members of this massive family is the Swallowtail Butterfly. The Swallowtail branch of the butterfly family tree can also be broken...
25 Feb, 2017
For as long as I can remember, Butterflies have been my “thing.” Some people like cats, some people like roses. I love Butterflies. They represent diversity, resilience in adversity, and evolution in life. Think about it. A Butterfly begins its...
MOST RECENT ARTICLES Related to recipes
15 Jul, 2017
Borage is more than just a pretty flower! These easy to grow blue blooms also make a beautiful garnish for your seasonal cocktails and their leaves boast a refreshing cucumber-like taste. Summer Lemonade (non-alcoholic) Makes 8 servings 1.5 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice 6.5 cups cold...
13 Jul, 2017
We know broccoli is nutritious, but we get tired of the same recipes time after time. We want to try something newer than just steam it or eat it with dip. What do you do with your garden-fresh broccoli after you've harvested it? We have ideas for you!...
12 Jul, 2017
As far as veggies go, the artichoke is one of the most intriguing and fun to eat out there. These veggies are packed with anti-oxides and have a woody, yet sweet flavor that leaves a lasting impression. There are several ways...
12 Jul, 2017
Growing your own artichoke is both challenging and rewarding. After you have purchased your artichoke seeds, planted them, cared for them, and raised them... what do you do with them? What is the best way to cook your artichokes so that you...
28 Jun, 2017
Potato-Less Potato Salad Wash and trim three dozen radishes (three bunches). Cut them in half and add them to a saucepan containing 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring them to...
20 Jun, 2017
Asparagus season is here to the delight of those love this fresh spring vegetable. Available in the produce section, farmer's market, or your own garden, asparagus is an excellent pairing with other foods given its mild taste and quality of taking on...
20 Jun, 2017
Tender asparagus shoots don't take much to prepare. After waiting two years for your plants to mature to the point where you harvest them, you want to get them ready for the table with minimal fuss. Following are three quick—but not...
24 Feb, 2017
For Squash, the sky isn't even a consideration when limits are concerned. This versatile fruit has summer, winter, and fall variations like the Butternut Squash, the Yellow Squash, and the Pumpkin. Squash comes in different shapes and sizes, and there's...
18 Feb, 2017
Tasty Greens Kale is currently enjoying its moment in the healthy food spotlight, and rightly so. This leafy green member of the cabbage family tastes great and has many health benefits. You can tell by its dark green color that kale is...
18 Feb, 2017
You’ve probably passed by kohlrabi many times in the grocery produce section without really seeing it. It is rarely a staple of the American diet, though it is quite popular in Germany where its name is derived from and means...
MOST RECENT ARTICLES Related to everything else
07 Oct, 2022
You're probably expecting us to make a lame play on words here: "Succulents are perfect for the sucky gardener", or something like that. While succulents can take lots of abuse, we're not going to insult you even if you can't...
14 Sep, 2022
Hoo boy. It's already that time of the year. School's started, the kayaks and pool noodles are put away, and as your garden soil cools it's time to warm up our adult beverages. Right about now you might be planning...
09 Apr, 2020
It's early spring and a sunny day. You're out getting your garden ready for planting season, and you stop to take a selfie of your smiling, post-winter hibernation face. Up it goes onto Insta or Facebook, and within minutes, someone...
26 Mar, 2020
Eat tons of fruits and vegetables! Cut out fatty meats! Blah, blah, blah! That's the standard "eat healthy" mantra, but for some people — diabetics in particular — it's potentially dangerous advice. Not all fruits and vegetables are healthy for everyone....
19 Mar, 2020
We all know that regular exercise and diets low in saturated fats reduce arterial plaques and improve overall cardiovascular health. We're more likely to substitute lower-fat foods for rich, high-cholesterol dishes if they're elegantly seasoned and prepared, but can herbs...
12 Mar, 2020
If we were to ask you how you think passion flower "helps out" in the bedroom, your first guess doesn't count. We've blogged about a lot of plant species with traditional uses for that kind of help, but some species in the Passiflora genus...
05 Mar, 2020
Why do turmeric and ginger make us think of the "hurr durr" meme? Or maybe "derp," or "ermahgerd?" Maybe because our founder is a freaking Millennial and he repeats this stuff all the time in our family-run seed business. Add...
27 Feb, 2020
We're seed retailers. So what's the deal with us writing an article on growing bulbs? Well, let's see. In the past year, we've covered everything from lawn flamingos and bathtub Marys to attracting birds and bats, so why not? Every...
20 Feb, 2020
Bunny rabbits and squirrels are adorable, up until the point when they bring Armageddon upon your garden. Then, they're twitchy, furry demons from hell. But holy water, silver crosses, and Latin babbling won't protect your garden from pests. Neither will...
06 Feb, 2020
The only reason you should feel uncomfortable after a day in the garden is if you didn't put on your eatin' pants while enjoying the benefits of delicious dinners cooked with home-grown herbs and vegetables. Follow these tips to make...