What is Mushroom Compost? Sold packaged at garden supply centers or in bulk from mushroom growers themselves, mushroom compost is specially mixed compost most suited for commercial growing of mushrooms. It’s sold when it is “spent,” meaning after a round of mushrooms has been grown in it and it is beginning to lose some of the nutrients specific to the optimal growth of the fungi. Just because mushroom compost is spent doesn’t mean it has no value....

Digging Up Tubers The first year I moved to my current home I found out that it was too cold to leave these tender plants to overwinter directly in the soil. So, it was a bit of a learning curve as to how to store the tubers properly. Indeed, the first year was a fail. We rather cavalierly dug the bulbs up and placed them on a shelf in our basement....

How to Make a Spilled Flower Pot Best Flowers for Spilled Pots You can use all kinds of plants for a spilled flower pot, but ideally you want plants that bloom the entire growing season. If you’re on a budget, plants that are available in pony packs are an economical way to go. Also you want lower growing colorful annuals. Choose plants depending upon the available light exposure as well. For instance, partially shaded areas could be planted using impatiens, begonias, viola or even colorful coleus....

Trends in 2023 A quick search of gardening trends for the coming year list a lot of things. Forecasters believe people will create more relaxing retreats in their yards, focus on saving water, and develop more simple, streamlined, and low-maintenance gardens. There are also a lot of smaller, more specific trends regarding color and plant types. Ultimately, the most important trend, the one with staying power is sustainability. The growing climate crisis, news stories about garbage in the ocean, and the accelerating rate at which species are becoming endangered and extinct are all driving people to embrace sustainability....

Learning to properly water a begonia from below is essential in preventing disease and supporting function. Using drip irrigation lines or soaker hoses are amongst the best options for watering begonias, as well as submerging the pots or hand-watering. This article will delve further into the most common questions about how often to water begonias and the best methods of watering them. Watering Begonias in Open Ground Begonias grow best in garden beds that have exceptional drainage; oversaturation or prolonged standing water can lead to the development of begonia plant diseases such as leaf spot or other fungal infections....

Grass In Groundcover Finding grass growing in groundcover is a very common problem. Groundcovers that do not establish quickly or tend to have gaps in them will catch weed seeds, allowing these unwanted plants to flourish. You can purchase a groundcover weed killer that will target weeds and not harm the groundcover in some cases. To prevent the problem, it is best to install weed barrier fabric prior to planting. If it’s too late for that, manual pulling or the appropriate herbicide may be the only solution....

1. Saving and Planting Seeds If you have time, planting seeds is an easy way to increase the number of garden plants. A packet of seeds costs a lot less than one houseplant, but if you really want free plants, save seeds from your current favorites, especially from heirloom plants. Gathering and saving seeds works for flowering plants (think nasturtiums) as well as many vegetables like squash. Some plant self seed (like California poppies) so all you have to do is wait....

Here is a roundup of 12 of the most popular outdoor perennial flowers, providing insight into their needs and special considerations for their growth. Read on to find out how you can enjoy the most dazzling and reliable perennial flowers for years of beautiful blooms. 1. Dianthus The term ‘dianthus’ is most commonly used to refer to a large number of plant species. These include carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), pinks (D....

However, you can take this idea one step further and create a magical evening scene inside your home, complete with night-blooming houseplants. These special plants feel like an otherworldy secret, as their beauty reveals itself at night to create a serene, sweet-scented atmosphere. Why Do Some Plants Only Bloom At Night? Some plant species have evolved over millions of years to only open at night. The reason? They are more likely to attract the night-flying insects that pollinate them....

How I Reinvigorated My Peonies Not only were the peony shrubs not producing flowers, they had grown smaller and scragglier every year. It was disappointing to see the once thriving plants decline so much. At the time, I didn’t really know anything about growing peonies. Instead of doing extensive reading, I decided they didn’t have enough sunlight. They were situated against a west-facing wall that got only some afternoon and evening sun....

If you are interested in developing landscape design ideas to help you select the best plants for your space, always take into consideration the color of your house as well as other structures and hardscapes. A dark house can serve as a backdrop for contrasting light-colored plants and flowers along the foundation, or bold plants that make a statement. Landscaping for a black house or a dark building can be a challenge....

Choosing the Fastest Growing Evergreen Trees The fastest growing evergreen trees don’t always look like traditional Christmas trees. Some species of needled evergreen do grow fast, but broad-leaved evergreen varieties can mature quickly, too. A mixed hedge has many advantages. Most of these species prefer a location with full or partial sun and well-draining soil. 1. Leyland Cypress This tree (Cupressocyparis leylandii) has a name that has become synonymous with fast-growing trees....

Getting soil right is crucial, so it’s important to really get into it. Use your hands and senses to familiarize yourself with your soil. You can rely on soil testing kits, which can provide a lot of detailed information about your soil, but you can also tell a lot about it by touch. Learn to feel your soil texture to determine if it’s ready for plants or if it needs any amendments first....

What Is Climate Change Anxiety? Climate anxiety is a new buzzword but the problem has been around for a long time. Also called eco anxiety or eco grief, it is a psychiatric and emotional disorder. Environmental anxiety probably existed in the Dark Ages as unexplained natural phenomena terrified and devastated early humans. Our species seeks to explain away the unusual or rare through science, religion, and other means of making sense of the senseless....

Red wigglers are the key to starting a worm farm, and their habitat can be made with many household items. Curious how to make a worm farm? First, find a good container that will breathe, hold in the worms, and is large enough for the worms and your level of kitchen scraps. The worms will need bedding, a bit of moisture, and the system will also need regular carbon sources to help the nitrogen balance....

What are Lingonberries? Lingonberries are a member of the genus Vaccinium which consists of over 450 species, including highbush blueberry (V. coymbosum) and cranberry (V. macrocarpum). Suited to cool climes, lingonberries are native to Alaska, the Canadian Pacific Northwest, Europe, Scandinavia and northeastern Canada, but are rarely cultivated. The lingonberry plant is an evergreen, woody perennial, acid-loving shrub with a low, spreading growth habit. It grows to 1 foot (0.3 m....

Fast forward, and this method has been embraced by urban planners seeking to rejuvenate green or abandoned city spaces. This type of forest is now referred to as a micro forest or pocket forest. Home gardeners can also benefit from Miyawaki’s teachings. Keep reading to learn how to plant a Miyawaki mini forest. What Is a Miyawaki Forest? Anyone looking to create a native garden will find a Miyawaki forest beneficial....

What Is a Certified Pollinator Garden? A certified pollinator garden is a space designed to support pollinators native to the local area. The specifics of the garden vary depending on the location. In general, a pollinator habitat must include: Food sourcesA water sourceShelter and nesting areasMinimal or no pesticide useControl of invasive species Benefits of Pollinator Garden Certification Pollinator habitat certification is a great way to take active steps to protect and support your local ecosystem and all its wildlife....

So, what blooming shrubs should you consider if your goal is year-round color? We’ve got suggestions for you for flowering shrubs for every season. The 10 Best Flowering Shrubs Spring, summer, winter and fall - flowering bushes liven up your garden, adding vivid color and sometimes fragrance. Flowers also provide nectar for insects, while their fruits provide food for wild birds and mammals. Every garden needs flowering shrubs. Here are our very favorites....

These underused plants may be outside the current mode, old fashioned, or simply considered less beautiful. But these hidden gems all have attributes that can help keep your forever garden ticking over. They not only enhance the garden but also save maintenance time, encourage pollinators, and increase the biodiversity of the landscape. Here are the eight most underrated plants deserving of some love – we promise they will love you back!...