Biology

  • 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…

  • colorful drawing of a plant and root
    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…

  • A passageway with vertical shrubs, shade-loving vines, and woodland favorites like ferns.
    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…

  • 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.…

  • Masterwort
    Design

    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,…

  • Dahlia flower
    How-To

    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…

  • 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.…

  • Man digging up perennials with a shovel
    How-To

    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…

  • 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…

  • 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…