Tips for getting rid of squash bugs Story and Photos by Kristi Cook It happens every year. Carefully tended squash seedlings slowly mature into dark green, leafy bushes loaded with yellow blossoms, causing my mouth to water in anticipation of the summer’s first squash. And much to my dismay, I am never alone in my …
How to build a mason bee house Story by Sue Hughes The Problem If you’re like me, you’ve entertained the idea of beekeeping – until the over-$100 starter kits, ridiculous outfits, and the prospects of a sticky, syrupy harvest caused that thought to make a beeline right out of your head. Yes, I want to …
Secrets to having perennial cacti in the Southeastern United States Story by Nick Yorlano Succulents take many forms and come in many shapes and sizes. They are also widely known for their ability to survive in less-than-ideal conditions. Cacti are a type of succulent that is distinguished from other succulents by having areoles. It may …
Creating a bee-friendly herbal oasis Story by Brenda Lynn An herb garden is an oasis of scents, textures, and flavors that add just the right zing to summer meals. But we aren’t the only ones who enjoy a burst of flavor on a hot summer day. Honeybees and other pollinators are drawn to the delicious …
Grow your own organic sweet corn at home Story and Photos by Kristi Cook My garden is a living quilt composed of each family member’s favorites. For my daughter, there’s purple asparagus to announce spring’s arrival. For my husband, it’s jungle-like plantings of okra destined for the fryer. And for my littlest one, I grow …
Don’t let your side yard be a bore Story and Photos by Mark K. Stickley-Godinez It’s a forgotten spot, a space we pass through without thought, or where we hide things like trashcans, woodpiles, or composters. And in most of them you truly want to just shut your eyes and run through it as quickly …
What’s new in the world of rebloomers Story by Helen Newling Lawson In 1995, there was a revolution in the plant world. That’s the year Encore Azalea hit the market. Suddenly, a classic spring bloomer was also a fall bloomer. We asked Buddy Lee, the noted plant breeder and horticulturist who developed Encore azaleas, if …
Creating a lush garden escape on your patio Story and Photos by Jennifer Williams An elaborate lush landscape in our backyards is typically thought of as large palms, Canna, Hibiscus, along with a swimming pool and some additional water features. Not everyone has the space for such an elaborate setup, but even a small patio …
Beat the garden bug blues this growing season Story and Photos by Dr. Blake Layton Looking forward to this year’s vegetable garden? So are many insect pests. Much like people, insects have strong preferences about which vegetables they like best. Tobacco hornworms love tomatoes but can’t stand cabbage or broccoli, while cross-striped cabbageworms’ preferences are …
How to make your own garden markers Story and Photos by Sue Hughes Every spring I struggle with how to identify what I’ve planted. Part of the problem is that I demand my plant markers have the following attributes: • Inexpensive, if not free • Durable enough to last all season, if not multiple seasons …
