Biology
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How-To
The Science Behind Plant Division
Divide to multiply. Even the language of this common garden practice hints at its paradoxical power. Division is a simple method of vegetative propagation that involves separating a perennial plant…
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How-To
Caring for Plant Roots: What You Need to Know
Roots are often overlooked by gardeners but deserve to get more attention. Of course, they are usually underground and out of sight, so it’s somewhat understandable why they are largely…
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Design
Plants for Shady Passageways
The frequently used pathway along the west side of my house is shady all day. Wedged between the house and a 5-foot fence, this narrow space was once a homeland…
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How-To
When Not to Prune
An old boss of mine used to say that “the best time to prune is when the knife is sharp.” His logic was, basically, prune when you have the time.…
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Article
Plants That Keep On Giving
One of the first rules that novice gardeners are ordered to abide by is the necessity of using—and, hence, buying—a minimum of three of the same plant. For aesthetics’ sake,…
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Article
An Easy Way to Get More Dahlias
There are two ways to grow hybrid dahlias (Dahlia cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11): by planting tubers or by growing plants from cuttings. Both methods will produce healthy plants and…
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Article
Garden Troubleshooting: Is Your Soil the Problem?
One by one, your prized tomato plants wilt and die, or clumps of your brightly colored pansies (Viola spp. and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8) collapse into scraggly brown mounds.…
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Article
8 Fall Chores That Can’t Wait
By the time that October rolls around, most gardeners are ready to throw in the trowel, retreat indoors, and curl up by the fire with a good book. But if…
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Article
Our Favorite New Varieties of Cucumbers
Many people wouldn’t dream of a garden without cucumbers. Fortunately for gardeners and food lovers, there are several cucumber varieties to choose from. One of the oldest agricultural crops, cucumbers…
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Article
Regional Picks: Big Blooms That Don’t Flop – Southern Plains
1. Chinese Fringe Tree Name: Chionanthus retusus USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9 Size: 15 to 20 feet tall and 20 to 25 feet wide Conditions: Full sun to partial…