Gardening

By Erin Marissa Russell

Ready to learn all about how to water your herb garden so the plants are healthy and have a long life? Herb gardens are one of the most rewarding types of gardening you can do, because in addition to being beautiful, you can put the plants to use in all kinds of recipes. Homegrown herbs are a surefire way to upgrade your cooking instantly. 

However, growing an herb garden means grouping together many different varieties of plants, each of which may have different preferences when it comes to how much water they need and how frequently the water should be given. This diversity can make watering the herb garden a little bit tricky, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you keep your herbs hydrated so they’ll stay lush and green for as long as possible.

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By Erin Marissa Russell

More orchids die from improper watering than from any other reason, although once you understand how to water your orchid, it isn’t that difficult. Unless our instructions specify a certain orchid type, they apply to tropical epiphytic orchids (those that grow hanging from trees and stones) in general. Because orchids are such a vast plant group, you may wish to identify your specific orchid variety and look up instructions that apply to that breed in particular to make sure your plants get the best possible care.

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By Erin Marissa Russell

Zucchini are available in so many varieties that it can be hard to choose which to grow each season. We’ve honed in on the most popular varieties recommended for home gardeners that produce bountifully and offer great-tasting fruits. Take a look at this list, and get ready to plan which varieties to grow in your garden.

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By Erin Marissa Russell

Cacti and succulents differ from other garden plants in that, as native desert inhabitants, they need far less water from the gardener. Although this feature is often touted as making cacti and succulents easier to care for, when you’re used to cultivating plants that need a certain amount of water from you, it can be difficult to change gears and give a plant substantially less hydration. It’s often said that cacti and succulents flourish when they’re neglected, which can be a difficult behavior to transition into for a gardener who’s used to carefully babying their plants. Keep reading to learn exactly how to water your cacti and succulents so they can grow healthy and strong.

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QUESTION: Can you overwater herbs? I know they’re supposed to get a lot of water, right? – Kristin H

ANSWER: Sounds like you might need to put down the watering can. It’s possible for any plant, herbs included, to get too much water. Check into the individual preferences of the specific plants you’re growing, as some like more water than others. Plants should be grouped together with others that share their water and sun preferences.

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By Erin Marissa Russell

Many of the approaches to watering plants in general apply to trees and shrubs. However, there are some things you can do to improve the health of your trees and shrubs in particular. We’ve listed some of these tips in this article.

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QUESTION: Can you freeze fresh herbs? I have harvested too much to eat before it goes bad, and don’t want to waste it.

ANSWER: Freezing is a great way to preserve fresh herbs when your garden is producing more than you can use before they spoil. Basil, borage, chives, dill, lemon balm, lemongrass, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, sorrel, sweet woodruff, tarragon, and thyme are especially good herbs to preserve in the freezer. There are a few different methods you can use to freeze your harvested herbs, from bare herbs on the stem to herb butter or infused oils, and we’ve provided instructions for each below. 

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QUESTION: I live in a condo. Can I grow herbs indoors? – Alice R

ANSWER: Herbs are easy to grow indoors successfully. In addition to the herb plants you’d like to grow, you’ll need containers with drainage holes and potting soil. For best results, select the plants that are easiest to grow for an indoor garden, such as basil, chives, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. 

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QUESTION: Can herbs get too much sun? My parsley looks like it is burning up. – Rita F

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