Did you know January 10th is National Houseplant Appreciation Day? There are dozens of studies that show that having houseplants is good for us! They do help “clean” the air in our homes–although the more the better. One or two little pots of philodendron won’t do as much as a lot more plants. Plants Improve … Read more
It’s that time again—time to make my New Year’s Gardening Resolutions! So here they are: Even though it is tedious, I resolve to go through my plants and examine them top to bottom for insect pests that may have hitchhiked a ride inside for the winter and are now chowing down on my plants. Outside, … Read more
Orchids are some of the most beautiful and intriguing plants you can add to your home. Whether you’re a seasoned orchid enthusiast or just starting out, understanding the basics of their care will ensure these stunning blooms thrive, especially during the colder months. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of orchids, dispelling myths, uncovering facts, … Read more
One of the most important things you can do is to learn which USDA winter hardiness zone you are in. In Central Virginia, we are in zone 7a, which means our winter lows can drop to around 5 degrees. To the west, in the mountains, some areas are zone 6, where their winter lows have … Read more
It’s Mid-Summer. I just finished feeding my tomatoes, so what should I do with my indoor plants now? Let’s Put “Light” on Summer Plant Care In summer, light changes at a slightly different angle than just a few months ago. That means I need to double-check my light levels. In my house, once the trees … Read more
Most people know what Annuals are—plants that grow from seed to flowers that set seed again but do not survive the winter. Most people know what Perennials are—plants that grow to maturity in one season and die down in the winter, but come back the following spring. There are even Biennials—plants that grow from seed … Read more
Why I Love Herbs I love herbs! I love the fact that deer and rabbits are put off by their strong scents. This means I can tuck a few in my flower or vegetable gardens and let them go to work by emitting their fragrances and deterring some critter damage. So, I use herbs a … Read more
I’ve talked before about insect problems on vegetables, but other insect pests may also be found on indoor or outdoor plants, including flowers. Common Pests and How to Handle Them Here is a list of some of the more common ones and what you can do about them. Spider Mites If you see tiny white … Read more
As the days get warmer here in Central Virginia, fireflies come out to play, and mosquitoes come out to feast. While you can’t entirely eliminate these pesky critters, there are some great natural ways to keep them at bay, starting with plants that can help repel them or disguise your scent. And the best part? … Read more
I was surprised to find out I could eat sweet potato vines—yes, that’s right—the VINES. I went to a friend’s house and she had a huge bowl on the table of greens sauteed with garlic. After eating them, her son said, “Bet you didn’t know these are sweet potato greens.” Well, he was right. I … Read more
