PROTECT YOUR SKIN WHEN OUTDOORS
May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a busy time for gardening and other outdoor activities. Gardening provides many benefits but like any outdoor activity it’s important to protect yourself
Author: Melinda Myers
EXPAND YOUR EDIBLE GARDEN INDOORS
No matter the season, size of your garden or climate, you can inject homegrown flavor into your meals. Just clear a shelf, countertop or windowsill and get busy planting herbs, greens and even tomatoes
PUT FALL LEAVES TO WORK IN YOUR LANDSCAPE
Raking fall leaves can seem like a chore and a never-ending one, at that. Reduce time and effort spent managing fall leaves by putting this valuable resource to work in your landscape.
Use your mower
STRATEGIES FOR GROWING EDIBLES LATER INTO THE SEASON
Don’t let fall or potentially frosty temperatures stop you from enjoying garden-fresh produce. Extend the nutritional value and homegrown flavor into your fall and early winter meals with the help
STILL TIME TO MAKE ADDITIONS & CHANGES TO YOUR LANDSCAPE
The cool wet spring delayed planting, deck and patio installations and other outdoor projects. Fortunately, there is still time to complete much of your outdoor work.
Many gardeners missed or limited
CHEMICAL-FREE OPTIONS FOR MANAGING MOSQUITOES
It’s time to get outside and enjoy summer BBQs, gardening, hikes and much more. Don’t let mosquitoes keep you inside. Instead, enlist these chemical-free strategies to manage these pests in your
PREVENT TICK-BORNE DISEASES WHILE ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS
You’ve grabbed your water bottle, sunscreen and hat for a hike in the park or some gardening. Add a bit of tick protection to your must-have items when you head out the door for an adventure, to garden
CAN YOU START AN INDOOR GARDEN WITH KITCHEN SCRAPS?
The pantry is full of fall favorites like squash, onions and potatoes, but busy schedules may have you finding a few things growing in the back of your cupboard. With little effort and a pinch of creativity you can grow these into a very imagin
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BRING IN THE BIRDS FOR WINTER BEAUTY AND ENTERTAINMENT
Brighten your winter days by inviting birds into your landscape. Their beauty and motion help enliven the garden and lighten your spirit. Not only do they provide entertainment, but also an opportunity for all ages to stay involved with na
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BRIGHTEN THE INDOORS WITH COLORFUL AMARYLLIS BLOOMS
Brighten those gray winter days with a few colorful, easy-care amaryllis. The 6- to 10-inch trumpet shaped blossoms are sure to generate a smile and brighten your mood. And consider sharing the fun of growing these beauties with friends an
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PLANT BASED ESSENTIAL OILS BOOST THE MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
Ease into the hectic holiday season with the help of aromatherapy. The fragrances of plant-derived essential oils have long been used to improve the health of our mind, body and spirit.
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Boost your energy and increase your focus as you work t
PLANT EASY CARE DAFFODILS NOW FOR ADDED SPRING BEAUTY
Daffodils have a cheery presence in the spring garden and are a surefire way to chase away the winter blues. These fall-planted bulbs are also reliable perennials that require no maintenance and are not bothered by deer or other pests. The N
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SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION HOUSEPLANTS FOR WINTER
Help your houseplants make a smooth transition from their outdoor summer home back inside for winter. The lower light and humidity indoors along with any insects that hitched a ride indoors make it difficult to keep these plants looking th
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PROPER TREE PLANTING AND CARE IS CRITICAL TO SURVIVAL
Whether planting a tree to add seasonal beauty, grow backyard fruit, provide a bit of shade, or reduce energy costs, it’s a big upfront investment. Make the most of your money spent by giving your tree its best chance at survival with proper
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ONE SIMPLE STEP CAN IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND VIGOR OF YOUR LAWN
Do just one thing this fall and you can improve the health and vigor of your lawn. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer and provides needed nutrients to grow deeper roots and a denser stand of grass. And that mea
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KEEPING IT FRESH FROM THE GARDEN TO THE TABLE
You spent the summer weeding, watering and tending to your vegetable garden. Now all your effort has paid off with a bountiful harvest. Maximize the flavor and nutritional value of your homegrown vegetables with proper harvesting and st
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WORK IN CONCERT WITH NATURE TO MANAGE GARDEN PESTS
A garden filled with flowers, birds, bees and butterflies is a sight to behold. These winged beauties add color, sound and motion to our gardens. Plus, they help maximize a garden’s productivity by pollinating plants and managing plant-d
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HARVESTING, STORING AND PRESERVING HERBS FROM THE GARDEN
Enjoy herbs all year round. Harvest herbs now for garden-fresh meals and preserve a few for the winter ahead.
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Snip a few leaves or leaf-covered stems as needed. For the same intensity of flavor, you generally need two to three times more fres
ADD SOME GARDEN PIZZAZZ TO YOUR LANDSCAPE WITH EASY-CARE DAHLIAS
Plan now for a memorable grand finale in this year’s garden. Dahlias are spring-planted bulbs with big, colorful flowers that bloom continuously from midsummer to the first fall frost.
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Early in the season, the foliage of these easy-care p
GROW A HIGH YIELD VEGETABLE GARDEN THIS SEASON
Spend less time and money while growing a bounty of flavorful vegetables this growing season. Increase your harvest, even in small garden spaces, with proper planning and easy care, high yielding vegetables.
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A productive garden starts w
FOUR EASY CARE GARDENING TRENDS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Dress up the holidays or give gifts that continue giving throughout the year with these low maintenance gardening trends. Just add a little fun, classic beauty or style to make it even more memorable now and throughout the year.
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Terrariums
TURN YARD WASTE INTO GARDENER’S GOLD
Save time and money by turning landscape trimmings into a valuable soil amendment.
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The idea is simple, just collect disease- and insect-free plant debris into a heap and let it decompose into a fine, nutrient rich material that helps impro
FALL CARE FOR A HEALTHIER, BETTER LOOKING LAWN
As summer fades into fall it is time to help lawns recover from summer stress and prepare for the winter ahead.
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Continue to mow your lawn as long as it continues to grow. Grow cool season grasses like bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass 2-1/2 to 3-1
FIVE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR GARDEN FROM THE DEER
Don’t let your vegetable and fall flower gardens succumb to hungry deer. Even if you’re lucky enough to be deer-free now, be vigilant and prepared to prevent damage as these beautiful creatures move into your landscape to dine. Here are fiv
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SAVE MONEY AND WATER WHILE STILL ENJOYING A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN
Too much or not enough water and never when you need it seems to be a common lament of gardeners. Reduce the impact of these weather challenges while conserving water, saving money on water and sewer bills, and growing beautiful gardens with
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