Growing Loofah Sponges
Did you know you could grow loofah sponges in your garden? It wasn’t until two years ago that I knew this was possible. I met a fellow gardener that did exactly this.
Gardening
Gardening & Habitat
The Gardening category explores practical ways to grow and care for plants in Midwest gardens and backyard spaces. You’ll find tips on planting flowers, growing fruits and vegetables, improving soil, managing garden pests, and supporting pollinators.
This category also includes container gardening ideas, composting guidance, and simple ways to create wildlife-friendly habitat in your yard. Whether you’re planting seasonal blooms, tending a vegetable patch, or maintaining a small patio garden, these posts offer clear, useful advice.
Gardening connects us to the land. With thoughtful planning and care, even small spaces can support healthy plants and local wildlife.
Recycled Items to Start Seeds
10 Recycled Items to Start Seeds In
One of the reasons that I like to grow my own food is for the cost savings. Using recycled items to start my seeds cuts cost. Below are 10 different recycled items you can start your seedlings in.
How To Dry Herbs and Flowers
How To Dry Herbs and Flowers
Step-by-step guide of the 5 methods of how to dry herbs and flowers. I have preserved flowers and herbs for many different projects over the years. There are several different ways to preserve flowers and herbs, but what it boils down to is what kind of project you will do with the end dried herb or flower that matters.
Choosing Best Trees for Your Yard
Choosing Best Trees for Your Yard
Trees are the backbone of most landscaping needs. Knowing the mature size of a tree is essential in preparing a landscape. You will need to know the height, limb spread, and additional factors before choosing the best trees for your yard.
Broken Tile Gazing Ball
Broken Tile Gazing Ball
Who would have thought that an old bowling ball left from the previous homeowner would make such a nice piece of garden art. From bowling ball to broken tile gazing ball.
Christmas Cactus Not Blooming?
Is Your Christmas Cactus Not Blooming?
Is your Christmas cactus not blooming? The darn things are fussy I tell you, downright fussy! My first Christmas cactus I received as a gift. It met a horrible fate. I swore to stick with poinsettias.
My grandmother’s Christmas Cactus the other hand always had blossomed and bloomed each Christmas. It thrived. I asked for some advice. Wanting to give this plant another shot.
Slug Prevention of Hostas
Slug Prevention of Hostas Hostas are extremely easy to grow and add visual appeal to flower beds. They are hardy plants that look wonderful in any season. There is one garden pest that feels the same appeal toward hostas as we do. The slug. Here are some ideas for slug prevention of hostas. Identifying a … Read more
Growing Garlic
Growing Garlic
Growing garlic in Wisconsin, means I need to plant my garlic cloves during September or October to allow the cloves to produce a root system.
They will start to grow green tops before winter but stop growing as the frost arrives.
Yellow Cauliflower Signs of a Harsh Growing Season
Yellow Cauliflower Signs of a Harsh Growing Season
This year was a disappointing year for my cauliflower and broccoli plants. In Wisconsin, we received a heavy frost during the early growing season.
From Trash to Treasures
From Trash to Treasures Garden Arbor
From trash to treasures – garden arbor. This wasn’t a project that I was originally going to blog about.
Partly, because I am a closet, garbage picker and thrift store shopper. Sorry, I like to do it. Why I feel the need to apologize for my actions – actually irks me somewhat.
How To Make Rhubarb Leaf Stepping Stones
How to Make Rhubarb Leaf Garden Stepping Stones
You have seen them at all the craft fairs and garden centers, huge leaf-shaped birdbaths and stepping stones. Learn how to make rhubarb leaf garden stepping stones and birdbaths.
When Do the Hummingbirds Return
When Do Hummingbirds Return in Spring?
Each spring, one of the most common backyard bird questions is: When do hummingbirds return? The answer depends on where you live, but in Wisconsin and much of the Upper Midwest, hummingbirds usually begin showing up in late April to early May.
Increase or Decrease Your Soil pH
Increase or Decrease Your Soil pH
pH represents how acidic or alkaline it is. Soil pH is determined on a scale from zero to 14, with seven being a neutral pH that is neither acidic nor alkaline. If your soil pH is outside the range of 6.0 to 7.0 you may need to increase or decrease your soil pH.
Choosing a Garden that is Perfect for You
Choosing a Garden That Is Perfect For You
If you’re thinking about starting a garden, the first thing you need to do is choose a garden that is perfect for you. There are many different choices and often it can be hard to pick just one, but hopefully, you can narrow it down by choosing a garden that is perfect for you.
Cabbage White Caterpillar and Butterfly
Cabbage White Caterpillar and Butterfly
The cabbage white caterpillar and butterfly can wreak havoc on your cabbage and mustard family crops. The butterfly lays the eggs on your plants. The caterpillars eat your leaves and can bore inside.
Tomato Watering Tips
Tomato Watering Tips
Keeping tomatoes healthy and happy is all about controlling their water intake. Tomatoes get their water from their roots. Easy tomato watering tips for healthy plants.
Attract Mason Bees by Building Homes
Attract Mason Bees by Building Homes
Attract Mason bees by building homes. A Mason bee pollinates early spring orchards, flowers and berry canes for about a 4 week period. They collect nectar and pollen to line their nests and thus, in doing so; are pollinating all our spring-flowering plants.
Mason Bee
Mason Bee There are several kinds of bees, The one I love to see, attract and even live in my yard is the Mason bee. Mason bees are non-stinging bees and valuable to pollinating plants. Can They Sting? Yes, the bees can. Although, it takes a lot to upset them. Spraying water directly at the nesting … Read more
Using Antiques as Unique Planters
Using Antiques as Unique Planters
Using antiques as unique planters – Give items a second life by using antiques as unique planters and containers. Some picture ideas to get your thoughts cycling. Mostly antiques but some additional containers too.
Flower Bulbs in Fall for an Easter Centerpiece
Flower Bulbs in Fall for an Easter Centerpiece
Each year I’d purchased a spring flower arrangement for my Easter table. The flower arrangement was either a tulip, daffodil or hyacinth potted plant. Now, I just plant flower bulbs in fall for an Easter centerpiece.