{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-category-category-js","path":"/category/blog/page/11/","result":{"pageContext":{"posts":[{"node":{"id":"0d2ce4cb-3aad-5854-8f30-588b330c2cf7","slug":"how-to-level-a-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-level-a-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>An uneven lawn causes drainage problems along with tripping hazards. We’ll show you how to level your lawn and keep it level. In this article, we&#8217;ll cover: Prepare Your Lawn for Leveling Leveling the Lawn What Causes A Lawn To Become Uneven? How To Keep A Level Lawn FAQs About Leveling Your Lawn Prepare Your [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>An uneven lawn causes drainage problems along with tripping hazards. We’ll show you how to level your lawn and keep it level.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#prepare\">Prepare Your Lawn for Leveling</a></li><li><a href=\"#leveling\">Leveling the Lawn</a></li><li><a href=\"#causes\">What Causes A Lawn To Become Uneven?</a></li><li><a href=\"#how-to\">How To Keep A Level Lawn</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs About Leveling Your Lawn</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prepare\">Prepare Your Lawn for Leveling</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can prepare your uneven lawn for leveling with just three easy steps. It’s crucial to level your lawn on a dry day to avoid a big muddy mess.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Fertilize </strong>a few weeks before you begin leveling.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Dethatch </strong>before the final mow – remove all the dead leaves, twigs, clippings, and other debris where the grass meets the soil.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Mow the lawn </strong>just before leveling since it may be a few weeks before you’re able to cut the grass again, and you want to make it easy to <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lawn-turfgrass-removal-methods#:~:text=Slice%20and%20loosen%20method\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove turf</a> in the higher spots.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leveling\">Leveling the Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Assess the severity of the problem before you dig in. A few low spots are an easy fix, but if your lawn has significant damage, it will take a few extra steps to smooth it out.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to level minor unevenness</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For the smaller bumps and ruts in your lawn, you can level it out with <a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/topdressing-a-home-lawn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">topdressing</a>, a garden rake, a shovel, and a few DIY steps.</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Create your topdressing mixture</strong>. Mix equal parts masonry sand or play sand, compost, and topsoil in a wheelbarrow.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Apply one-half inch of the soil mixture</strong> to the low areas in your lawn. Do not apply more than one-half-inch at a time, or you may suffocate the grass. You may have to apply more over time.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Smooth the soil mixture</strong> evenly over the low spots with a garden rake.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\"><li><strong>Work the leveling mix</strong> into the area with a rake or push broom.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\"><li><strong>Water:</strong> It’s essential to add moisture to the lawn immediately to get rid of air pockets and help the solid settle. Don’t overwater, or the soil may shift.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have to cover up existing grass with the soil mixture, don’t worry. New grass growth will pop up through the soil soon, as long as you stick to the one-half-inch rule.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong><em> </em>If you’ve applied the top dressing to uneven areas that didn’t have much grass growing before you started, you’ll need to overseed those spots to help them recover.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to level moderate unevenness</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have numerous low and high areas or more of the lawn needs work, you can save it with a little more effort.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Scalp the lawn</strong> (remove more than one-third of the grass height) over the areas where you’ll be working.<br></li><li><strong>Smooth out any higher or uneven spots or divots</strong> in one of two ways:</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Attach a wooden pallet to the back of a lawn tractor and drag it across those high spots.</li><li>For the hands-on approach, use a garden rake and shovel to work the ground until it&#8217;s all the same height.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Remove</strong> the sod in areas you want to fill. Keep the sod pieces in a shaded location until you’re ready to replant them.<br></li><li><strong>Fill</strong> in the low spots with the topdressing mixture.&nbsp;<br></li><li><strong>Water</strong> the area to release any air pockets and backfill with the soil mix until the areas are level.<br></li><li><strong>Aerate </strong>any<strong> </strong>compacted soil, which is common in high-traffic areas. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">Aeration</a> allows the soil to breathe, and you can use the soil plugs to fill in low spots.<br></li><li><strong>Replace</strong> the sod you removed, or <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-lay-sod/\">lay new sod</a>. Make sure the roots make good contact with the soil.&nbsp;<br></li><li><strong>Water </strong>the areas to keep the roots moist, not soggy, and limit traffic to give the grass a chance to root and grow.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to level Severe Unevenness</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your lawn has more craters than the moon, you’ll need to:</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Regrade your yard</strong>. Grading is changing the slope and drainage of your lawn. This is best left to landscaping professionals.<br></li><li><strong>Prepare the soil for new grass seed or sod.</strong> Get a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/ec-628\" target=\"_blank\">soil test</a> and make necessary amendments to feed your new healthy lawn.<br></li><li><strong>Re-seed or plant new sod.</strong> Planting seeds is more economical but will take longer. Laying sod is a more expensive option, but it creates an instant lawn. This process is the most labor-intensive and costly. You may need to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/how-to-grow-grass/\">grow a new lawn from seed.</a></li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro Tip<strong>:</strong><em> </em>&nbsp;<strong>Do not use a heavy roller</strong> to lay down fresh sod or correct a bumpy lawn. A lawn roller can lead to further compaction and damage your healthy grass.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"causes\">What Causes A Lawn To Become Uneven?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing what causes your lawn to become uneven can help you fix it. Check your property for these possible issues:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Pests:</strong> Grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms eat away at the soil, causing divots in the lawn.&nbsp;<br></li><li><strong>Wildlife</strong>: Animals such as gophers, voles, and ground squirrels are diggers.<br></li><li><strong>Traffic</strong>: Motorized or heavy foot traffic can compress the ground under your lawn.<br></li><li><strong>Hardscaping</strong>: Recent installations by you or your neighbors may cause changes in the landscape.<br></li><li><strong>Fencing:</strong> Installing a new fence can alter the slope of your yard.<br></li><li><strong>Broken Pipes:</strong> A leaking sprinkler system can erode the soil.<br></li><li><strong>Activity</strong>: Pets and kids playing or digging in the yard may leave depressions.<br></li><li><strong>Tree Roots:</strong> Tree roots can disturb the soil underneath, raising the ground level.<br></li><li><strong>Freezing</strong>: The expanding and contracting of the ground causes changes.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to\">How To Keep A Level Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After you’ve done all the hard work to level your lawn, you’ll want it to stay level. Proper lawn care and maintenance can prevent unnecessary damage and prevent new dips and bumps from emerging.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Eliminate<strong> </strong>lawn pests (especially gophers, voles, and moles) and diseases quickly.<br></li><li>Dethatch and aerate regularly.<br></li><li>Winterize water pipes and <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/blog/home-and-garden/when-how-to-winterize-your-sprinkler-system/\">sprinkler systems</a>.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Leveling Your Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Why should I level my lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>An uneven lawn will not only lower your home’s curb appeal, it can also be dangerous. Dips and bumps could cause you to trip, resulting in injuries, and poor drainage leads to water damaging your home’s foundation.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. When is the best time to level my lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>March through September is the best time to level your lawn, when the grass is actively growing.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Does the topdressing help my lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Topdressing <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/#:~:text=6%20Benefits%20of%20Topdressing%20With%20Compost\">mixed with compost</a> rejuvenates and strengthens existing grass, improves the soil, and combats other problems like disease and weeds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. When should I avoid leveling my lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid leveling if your lawn is suffering from drought, pests, disease, or when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Address these issues before you begin.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Don’t let an uneven lawn get you down. If you don’t have the time or energy to level it yourself, rely on a </em><a href=\"http://wikilawn.com/\"><em>local lawn care pro</em></a><em> to get the job done for you.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Main photo credit:</em></strong><em> </em><a href=\"https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1195455\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pxHere</a> / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.1</a><em>&nbsp;</em></p>\n","title":"How to Level a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1789c/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/107df/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/293e9/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/f2cbb/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1789c/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/c26c2/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1dd6e/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/67b76/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/8df11/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/98a65/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/1dd6e/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/78ec29e9b2dfbb9bbe1e90f64b506798/3cc96/rsz_nature-forest-grass-plant-ground-lawn-1195455-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Level a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Is your riding lawn mower taking you for a rollercoaster ride? We’ll tell you how to level your lawn and keep it level."}}},{"node":{"id":"d7716a03-3aff-5a3d-b202-48c5102701b3","slug":"how-to-overseed-a-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-overseed-a-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 28th, 2022","excerpt":"<p>Rather than replacing your entire lawn, overseed those brown patches and bald spots. It’s an easy DIY project, as long as you have the right tools and a little patience. Here you’ll find precise tips on just how to overseed your lawn, the benefits of overseeding, and the best time of year to get started. [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Rather than replacing your entire lawn, overseed those brown patches and bald spots. It’s an easy DIY project, as long as you have the right tools and a little patience. Here you’ll find precise tips on just how to overseed your lawn, the benefits of overseeding, and the best time of year to get started.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Table of Contents</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#overseeding\">What is overseeding</a></li><li><a href=\"#tools\">Overseeding tools you’ll need</a></li><li><a href=\"#steps\">How to overseed in 9 steps</a></li><li><a href=\"#lawn\">Why overseed a lawn</a></li><li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs About Overseeding</a></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overseeding\">What is Overseeding?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Overseeding is simply spreading fresh grass seed directly into the existing lawn without tearing up the turf or the soil. It’s an excellent way to make your lawn thicker and greener. By mixing types of grass seed, you can even prolong the life of your lawn and enjoy it year-round.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tools\">Overseeding Tools You’ll Need</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let’s face it: We all end up making twice as many trips to the home store as anticipated, looking for that one last item we forgot. Start here, gather your materials, and finish your shopping in one day.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Lawn rake</li><li>Lawn mower</li><li>Fertilizer spreader, broadcast spreader or drop spreader</li><li>Enriched topsoil, if not included in your seed mixture</li><li>Grass seed&nbsp;</li><li>Dethatcher and aerator</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"steps\">How to Overseed a Lawn in 9 Easy Steps</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Decide When to Overseed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is deciding when to spread the seeds. This is typically done in late summer or early fall, depending on if you have cool-season or warm-season grass in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Remove Thatch and Aerate</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any plant, grass seeds need to find their way to the soil to germinate. But thatch can get in the way. <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/what-is-thatch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thatch</a> is the organic matter like grass and leaves that accumulates atop the soil. If you can’t see soil between your existing grass, remove the thatch with a dethatcher.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>After dethatching, you’ll <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/\">need to aerate</a>. Spike aeration pokes holes in the solid while core aeration pokes holes and removes plugs of soil, giving your grass seed the space it needs to germinate.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip: </strong>It’s unlikely you have a dethatcher or aerator hanging out in your shed. The local home supply store should have a selection to choose from. Look for rental opportunities while you pick up the fertilizer and grass seed.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Mow the Grass</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to help the seeds reach the soil, cut the grass to about one inch. This is likely shorter than you normally mow, so you’ll need to drop the blade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s also important to bag the trimmings and remove them. Again, this is all about increasing the likelihood of the new seeds making soil contact and germinating successfully. If you don’t have a way to bag the clippings, the next step will help.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Rake the Lawn</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rake up all of the leaves, twigs, clippings, and other debris on your lawn. It’s best if you add a little muscle to the raking process, allowing the rake tines to loosen up the soil as well.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Add Nutritious Topsoil&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a fertilizer spreader to add a layer of enriched topsoil on top of your grass. This top layer of soil is filled with organic matter and microorganisms necessary for life to develop. Topsoil makes sure the seeds have access to water, nutrients, and space to germinate.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This layer should be about ¼-inch thick. Some grass seed mixtures include topsoil, so you won’t need to add additional topsoil and can jump to the next step.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Spread the Grass Seed</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it’s time for seeding! Like most aspects of lawn care, it’s essential to know just what <a href=\"https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/article10/Christensen,%20Derek%20Samuel/typesofgrasses.html\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/article10/Christensen,%20Derek%20Samuel/typesofgrasses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">type of grass </a>you’re working with. Either use the same seed as your existing lawn or a variety that compliments it. For example, overseed a Zoysiagrass lawn with Zoysia seed, or a cool-season ryegrass to add color in the winter.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the bag’s instructions for how much seed to apply per square foot, and fill your drop spreader or broadcast spreader accordingly. Walk the spreader across your lawn in the same direction you mow, depositing the seed in rows.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Apply Fertilizer&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To jumpstart growth and ensure the new seeds have what they need, use a fertilizer spreader to add a <a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/fertilizing-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starter fertilizer</a> appropriate for your lawn. Starter mixes are specially designed for new growth and should be applied wherever you spread the seeds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your grass seed mixture already contains fertilizer, you can skip this step.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Stay away from “weed and feed” mixtures as these herbicides can damage to new growth.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Give the Grass a Drink</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New plants always require water, and your new grass seed is no different. As soon as you finish spreading seed and fertilizer, give your lawn a good, healthy drink.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll then water your lawn lightly two to three times each day, ensuring the soil stays moist. This should continue until the new grass is as tall to established grass. Always water in the morning or after sundown so as to prevent evaporation.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also look for signs of overwatering, such as puddles or squishy soil. If you notice this, stop watering right away and wait until conditions return to normal.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9: Be Patient</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with consistent watering, you should also stay off your grass until it has had a chance to develop. Limit foot and paw traffic until the grass has at least 1- to 2-inches of growth, and don’t pull out the mower until the new grass is similar in height to the established grass. Giving your <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/care-and-maintenance-lawn-after-seeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new lawn a chance to take hold</a> is the final step in overseeding.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lawn\">Why Overseed the Lawn?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you overseed your lawn, you give it the ability to resist disease, drought conditions, and heavy foot traffic. A thicker lawn is also more resistant to <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/pest-control/#:~:text=Common%20Lawn%20and%20Garden%20Pests\">lawn damaging insects</a>. It also requires less fertilizer and maintenance.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQs About How to Overseed a Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Why mow the lawn before overseeding?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>A shorter lawn gives the seeds a better chance of reaching the soil. It’s also important to loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass or thatch, so the grass seed can easily take root and germinate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How do I prevent the birds from eating the grass seed?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add a layer of topsoil over the seeded areas. This prevents the birds and other wildlife from getting to the seed. If you notice birds or rabbits near the area, get a roll of burlap and place strips of it over the seeded area. Anchor the strips with tent stakes.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. How long after overseeding will I see grass start to grow?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes two to three weeks for germination to begin. With proper watering, you should start to see the grass spout within four weeks. It will take about eight weeks to see a fully established lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. How often should I overseed my lawn?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Annually. Most lawn care professionals recommend overseeding each year to keep your lawn coming back thicker and greener every spring. If you only see bald spots and thinning every once in a while, you can probably overseed once every two or three years.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Do I need to apply fertilizer when overseeding my lawn?</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only if you didn’t fertilize in spring. Adding more fertilizer isn’t necessary, and may actually hinder your new grass seed from growing. Fertilizing just before or after reseeding will force the germinating seeds to compete with the existing grass and weeds. It’s best to wait until the following spring to fertilize.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Overseeding is easy enough to do as a DIY project, but if you’d rather not spend your time checking soil temperatures, dethatching, and aerating, we can help you find a </em><a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/#get-quote\"><em>lawn care professional near you</em></a><strong><em>.</em></strong><br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/author/brendaryan/\">Brenda Ryan</a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/\" target=\"_blank\">LawnStarter</a></p>\n","title":"How to Overseed a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1789c/rsz_2img_3650.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/107df/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 320w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/293e9/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 500w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/f2cbb/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 800w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1789c/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 960w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/c26c2/rsz_2img_3650.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1dd6e/rsz_2img_3650.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/67b76/rsz_2img_3650.webp 320w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/8df11/rsz_2img_3650.webp 500w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/98a65/rsz_2img_3650.webp 800w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/1dd6e/rsz_2img_3650.webp 960w,\n/static/fd24f7bcd056d51043c31e0a0be34322/3cc96/rsz_2img_3650.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Overseed a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a thick, lush lawn every spring? We’ll tell you how to overseed a lawn in the fall to keep your lawn coming back greener and thicker every year."}}},{"node":{"id":"eeec794e-9685-5fde-9f57-579e9dbc414c","slug":"best-landscaped-outdoor-wedding-venues","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-landscaped-outdoor-wedding-venues/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2020","excerpt":"<p>The term &#8220;wedding bell blues&#8221; has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the $74 billion industry suffers, there&#8217;s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity.&nbsp; Outdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>The term &#8220;wedding bell blues&#8221; has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the <a href=\"https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/wedding-services-industry/\">$74 billion industry</a> suffers, there&#8217;s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother Nature carries a splendor no indoor venue can match. Choosing a beautiful garden or vista can save you an average of <a href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/cost/wedding-flowers\">$1,500 on wedding flowers</a>. And now there&#8217;s a new reason to consider them, since they can keep guests safer with social distancing and avoiding recirculated air.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you&#8217;re considering an outdoor wedding venue, we&#8217;ve made it easier by compiling a list of the best, with a special focus on landscaping and natural beauty. Below are the&nbsp; winners of Wikilawn&#8217;s &#8220;Wiki Wonder Award&#8221; for best landscaped wedding venues.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11157\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge.png 650w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge-300x300.png 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge-150x150.png 150w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge-600x600.png 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge-480x480.png 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To win the Wiki-award badge of honor, the venue must have several selling points:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>An exquisite view.</li><li>Gardens or outstanding landscaping.</li><li>A Plan B in case of a sudden rain or wind storm.&nbsp;</li><li>A significant presence on social media.</li><li>The ability to seat at least 100 guests.</li><li></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Weeding the list down to the best was challenging. We now know what brides go through when choosing the site for her picture-perfect wedding. We hope this list will make things a little less stressful.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atlanta Botanical Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jP2oGeISjwPECaOEp-mriyU4qBjTCiKSXinEeFk9COyrrLtmbjXXQ3hc4b_TDI2ZpIOYDZjjtuU4Ndq4-eMa9Lp1Xfj2oLExsQBw8M7WQR7H7e_-wXYq0GG6TFYJ30B_8eZFvkga\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Calling itself the &#8220;emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture,&#8221; the Botanical Garden opened in 1976. It&#8217;s become one of the city&#8217;s most popular wedding sites, but choosing your setting isn’t an easy task, as there are so many gorgeous backdrops. Want a serene forest setting? Got it. Lush tropical plants and the sound of waterfalls? Yep. Or go for the most popular ceremony site on the grounds: the Rose Garden, with brightly hued flowers and a brilliant green lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://atlantabg.org/plan-your-visit/atlanta-garden-calendar/imaginary-worlds/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alice&#8217;s Wonderland Reimagined</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rhodes Hall</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/lNhDIvYHR3xdOsR4M-9siNjJaPJJDeLI8EXij7yHhgPutKcVnu-kXH5y__sFnjRewV4iZ3pCfCc2AAMIOcQSlIGASy0m9B1SRRAT7S-OmjqvB3CRA2EX7z2kS2-1r6CYxpbKfEHr\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This historic mansion on Atlanta’s Peachtree Street was the talk of the town when it was built 116 years ago. Amos Rhodes was inspired by homes he saw when traveling through the German Rhineland and built this house for his family. These days, Rhodes Hall is a museum and the setting for numerous weddings. You can hold your ceremony inside, but the outdoor backdrop features a magnificent green lawn, flowers, and trees against large stone arches.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.rhodeshall.org/a-greener-rhodes-hall/\">Going Green</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Contemporary</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HOT2Blqi3IL_AwDWpiOeupzurxaLjNC-0ksOGNTvAn9aMn2gR_-crMrMEa8Cm1rCi2Z3HXzaQ2V7PdqZ851glJ41jPSw1A5N_t7uxjEA2mMJ9PGeoeOsq1DRCkGXFAh86mDC7lz4\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Contemporary Austin has a lofty goal: to be an essential part of city life. With a unique combination of both urban and outdoor sites, the museum has something for everyone. The Contemporary occupies a downtown space that housed a drugstore 150 years ago. Several renovations later, it became The Contemporary in 1998. Many couples looking for a downtown wedding choose this site for the renowned Moody Rooftop, featuring a breathtaking view of downtown, including the Capitol.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/digital/create/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Create at Home</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Millennium Gate Museum&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vcN71kHI2Vndv0IAIxROm6Wc1OXvJRfeD3w8xL72B_av1zvCHRJinPgo9HhDwckTKmOatDXHsJqzSDmISt5vuVFjg5M8eBDGUGoL3DiQrWgFXJ-fiiyjTnslVPLDYDGPQIipWGAB\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Atlanta, known as “the Gate City” since 1857, after the railroad system was completed, is home to this landmark.&nbsp; Back then, Atlanta was the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the west by train. Now, this 100-foot tall monument is the backdrop for weddings held in its courtyard. Ceremonies take place on the oval lawn, nestled inside Roman columns and surrounded by green trees and shrubs. There’s even a pond with a fountain.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://thegatemuseum.org/collections-highlights/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Collections Highlights</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Neill-Cochran House Museum</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rkf-iZQrNXFghJYiIpXjrGzcbTquKwQi1yNZt4khHcoQxrCHV3_6NXIUU1Cy8KjkuMi6aDuO9kTZ8XzRKLkyPbk1NprMuGcSV5YJpnWZrO8t-xrGZ_Db3E0jC644JmHDn2lXKj5C\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This historic site in the heart of Austin, Texas, has a fascinating and varied background. Built in 1856, the Neill-Cochran House Museum features the city’s only intact slave quarters. The Greek Revival home was also used as a school for the blind and, during the Civil War, a federal hospital. This antebellum venue features an outdoor space for weddings with stone pavers, trees, flowers, and privacy shrubs surrounded by history.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.nchmuseum.org/nchm-blog-1/dancing-with-the-demon-rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dancing With the Demon Rum</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alexander Homestead Weddings</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zj5a7g4zSoxeN_KGKmXFu1VcG46m5EV03WJ96JV6jA6gvcnR0Sjb1y577LLycEtm7qKWAXW5lIl7SfNvBUNodg_cdVYUDiCbuekOckwUKNy1xpkUiz5l6ow_J57n0mq1H-PQ5mqG\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Co-owner Tirzah Caffee grew up around weddings, thanks to her parents, who restored historic homes and turned them into wedding venues. The Alexander Homestead was built in 1903 in Charlotte, N.C., and was renovated to its present state in 2010. The outdoor space is full of vibrant flowerbeds, emerald-green hedges and trees, pathways, and water features with small bridges.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://alexanderhomesteadweddings.com/stressfree/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stress Free: The Way Your Wedding Should Be</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Duke Mansion</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2nT5DK6JaEtksNSJNZ9eAnPlgyNG8-DwtclT-nL1rqp4XX7rq7rc7_NBDqxCBG3VbIcSIZO83vuGIufIvXZ_-MuoHrgvPA9eWEBqmNrziWnYx-mvWpbFmJJ1J6kWEVk2W8QFfpC9\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The original Duke Mansion was built in 1915. Four years later, tobacco mogul James Buchanan Duke bought it and tripled its size. The Charlotte, N.C., property passed through many hands before landing with a foundation designed to preserve its history. The Duke Mansion operates as a small, upscale inn and hosts weddings 25 weekends a year, making it a much-sought-after site. Two outdoor spaces are available, each with beautiful grounds and brilliant flowers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.dukemansion.com/en-us/new-page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Mary DBT Semans Gardens</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Pinecroft</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZhvmgtrpoU5VtbO6mnoYsvJn7wyB7dT7pSt4cHUQCOEBJ0OwJb07OiSUCZADib3fpHSy-CNetDO0UZubkGZIqGbkngCUJlCiZhA8R3uh50-a68wH1qcyX1VQ0xwzc8T2SiGTtR6w\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The 18-acre Pinecroft estate sits right in the middle of a busy neighborhood in Cincinnati. The area was less developed when the estate was built in 1928 by inventor and former owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Powell Crosley, Jr. The mansion now belongs to Cincinnati Preservation and serves as an event center. The grounds feature a 5-acre lake, dozens of gardens, and a lavish pavilion, providing a variety of backdrops for weddings.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://pinecroftmansion.com/social/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rich English Elegance for Your Cincinnati Celebration</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cincinnati Parks</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QQbIS4ZTqDf6uA9-9yFi79V6bsnoxVzJ4jcui6-diajiuKUKd5pmqmhv65kIFY7k7gqRGk1LLylkNf_2hvClZ5w6gT2pb9pjg2YUZ9KybUwhBFCQDWtT3Im5s-XDeUC7vvIQ8DSd\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cincinnati&#8217;s first park started with a donation of land in 1817, laying the groundwork for today’s large city park system. Four of the parks offer wedding backdrops, including a mid-nineteenth century domed pavilion on a vast lawn. You&#8217;ll also find picturesque gazebos and arbor settings featuring both annual and perennial gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.cincinnatiparks.com/cincinnati-parks-rank-5th-in-the-nation/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cincinnati Parks Rank 5th in the Nation</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nationwide Hotels &amp; Conference Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AQxJoVqlSIIB3H3OkChxem5SPtdkhVxIhrG8CGvLiP-RcPpyHBJkTddUQh_o2ijoxZv-W_S48gb7-DzXtuonyHBRoNRnVt-Te0OSmuYbyey-PwssNZICA3rf2-pHCjFXVuXgPMtD\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Tucked away in a 15-acre park setting, Nationwide Hotels &amp; Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio, is the perfect spot for outdoor weddings. Couples can choose from a patio overlooking a tranquil pond, a luxurious lawn with mature trees and vibrant floral displays, or a white pergola with clinging wisteria vines. The Nationwide Hotel hosts more than 75 weddings each year.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.nwhotelandconferencecenter.com/blog.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Send Them Off in Style</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">La Navona&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/InuDUdWRsmQ_JO_MbADGu3dzm_z5leF0I_OcYEhw_55r4HPpEKMm7FrRpt9_Ge5Qv_CTtw9CRR3rtDtKgmiWEqQzDK64BMPRju7uERmzXkkmf8L7b8l8ytLnz6fSUpOkF8kuUPOJ\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This banquet hall wedding venue near Columbus, Ohio, offers one-stop shopping for couples. The rustic setting features reclaimed wood, whiskey barrel tables, and a wrought iron arbor. The outdoor patio sits near a secluded stream and the garden is bursting with flowers. Guests can hold the ceremony and reception on-site, where meals are also prepared and a DJ is available, making wedding planning simple.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://lanavona.com/weddings/ceremonies/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ceremonies</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rambling Rose Ranch</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/JoWz-FVOol39gujChFoUZcksKGyVQM-aD7VEeqGq8cwd36HYSm7x9rhJJMO4qL0TQ198fmdw7bhH_WWKB7O0awOY10E5as4hzN5Mor-nbFPuOO7tR0i8ZnH_b6RX_fjHhhpduJnG\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This country-like location is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. Rambling Rose Ranch is home to horses, donkeys, goats, and chickens. The flagstone patio in the center of a large gravel floor is surrounded by gardens, potted flowers, and oak trees. Nearly all the decor was created by the ranch owners on a shoestring budget. It&#8217;s now one of Austin’s most popular wedding destinations.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.ramblingroseranch.com/blog/2019/1/7/naturestressrelief\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nature=Stress Relief</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Reception House</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7V71g1_YzcUTND7fDn7AUgc3ui3CiWJMWhHWFFWbUSBVPTq1DwRQHI00pf2jYUDZB7tcLDtiFcwmH9fVCJszX3dkMRnlfhtYebu5Cww4EiI8qZI2vE1lBFbM0dSxHQ66gmKpF9e_\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The backdrop for this wedding venue is a beautifully designed and landscaped 18-hole golf course. The Reception House is managed by Schmidt’s, the city&#8217;s iconic food service legacy that goes back more than 100 years in Columbus. Seal your love on the greens or opt for a patio ceremony with a view of the idyllic setting.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://raymondreceptions.com/wedding-receptions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wedding Receptions</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nasher Sculpture Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QWmzv-cuCE0kgB98AgroQOnwou0EIHw_CrxQDG9e3nOQiuqX8_E5sr4l_hUDipKYj__WKY5pmWlDpdBnLw0l7RsZqJXNM4eM9N-xzoN6XiztrRT4MPaYrmcLDrydad1fBwmueoxJ\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine dinner and dancing under the stars next to works by Picasso. That can be your wedding reality at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. The Nasher is home to more than 300 contemporary sculptures by famous artists and has hosted countless weddings. The intimate sculpture garden includes more than a hundred weeping willows, live oaks, and magnolias. The center is a past winner of an Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/read-watch/articles/article/id/168\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweet Pass Sculpture Park Revels in Looseness</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grant Humphreys Mansion&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QaPt7oGF22EXo4HtBJnlwdz6p5jJABRl_CqOyyCzCTBfXJghQthfEoTQB0NG7hwdCz4jkT-eTBRkzQ3Xw-6H-2XNVtFYVHsVbn20YKwBY247xuCt9VjZ-oM4044QPRnxgb_nNbde\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Built in 1902 for James Benton Grant, the third governor of Colorado, Denver’s Grant Humphreys Mansion was sold to oil baron A.E. Humphreys 15 years later. The Colorado Historical Society now manages the property, using the front lawn and back patio (with pergola) for weddings. Photographers rave about this site because it&#8217;s located next to a park and features flower beds, birch trees, and rolling lawns. The lighting at sunset also helps create picture-perfect wedding memories.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.historycolorado.org/research-learn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research &amp; Learn</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Villa Parker</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jhTHupbN2aMxWloJmqAdfiOCZy5uVX99_Lsf6G0xkyaotHlTxaj_8lIr2BtJ4dRdAzV7Nb5W26pBUwVoAwe4X8yHw46qaBw18MTxDqlhNZrY31xTcglnJFc3__MA3ZPnv5eP--Td\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Villa Parker bills itself as the place &#8220;Where the Tuscan Charm Meets the Rockies.&#8221; This wedding venue is just south of Denver and features a grand entrance and brilliant gardens. You&#8217;ll also get great pictures under the archways and courtyard with panoramic mountain views.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.villaparker.com/weddings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Villa Weddings</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fort Worth Zoo</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ck32MichoAh6rMaWaBraxzQLrzrQ6TbEPPcHTWacTmeaU9O_FeVzkgxmNog9SMGfs_GYu1W1QhaRjuRMEcMzVyQJ1E_Si5n--uW_3gREIwe-B9aWxnaVNGD8rjh0bWpcZafN0B-9\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Wedding guests will go ape over ceremonies held at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. This is an unmatched spot for your special day, offering several backdrops. Put black bears and jaguars on the guest list at Texas Wild!, overlook a savanna and gaze at giraffes among the trees. Maybe you prefer the green surroundings of the Museum of Living Art gardens while surrounded (safely) by crocodiles, turtles, and exotic fish.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.fortworthzoo.org/new-at-the-zoo/posts/the-fort-worth-zoo-is-seeing-pink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Fort Worth Zoo Is Seeing Pink!</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artspace111</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1uuVjKAIPRdZJiJD-ZL5jt_Fi7B4yertdiCAW5RBq0GUCVHZpmB51RRfgUJZpBQ7l0JPWmXk80YZPRrBfKBj-RCZH1LeM_tmG32iLmFQFN4wVDgKtpRLcxFC2jd1aEgq27ESLZi7\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This art gallery and wedding venue in Fort Worth occupies a space that’s 110 years old. Enjoy two sculpture gardens and an outdoor patio. Cafe lights strung between the many tall trees create a just-right ambiance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://venue.artspace111.com/elopements-and-intimate-ceremonies/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elopements and Intimate Ceremonies</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Houstonian&nbsp;</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KE7jal_Av-rt0Rk7xpjvPRhHx-rZ8OOvW8ryyuR-zjO8ykj_7ox-Y0gPIE97INkL1T--9DdzsR1mn1xAvodyUGDnm1Ylt7FT1ikf3ePkfOWFFNLmUfwrSz7XBnAtSjOOE8363ILC\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Houstonian sits on 27 wood acres with several beautifully landscaped backdrops for couples to choose from. Pine and oak trees hold lush foliage and flora. Say &#8220;I do&#8221; under the twinkling lights wrapping a majestic live oak. Or spread out over the Event Lawn where, at certain times of the year, you’ll be treated to Houston&#8217;s show-stopping azaleas. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.einpresswire.com/article/509976000/celebrate-everything-azalea-at-the-houstonian-hotel-club-spa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Celebrate Everything Azalea at the Houstonian Hotel Club &amp; Spa</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moffitt Oaks</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wb0lP0KVi0BLhKR7m7ihFdi6kF_tCRbWviwFxKj-SusXGDjcYBVJ9wNz1UW-XPY5YKYqDd4OuRAJ9_ToxuJezTziiAvZUSL6eHQfLRoKWDwxkqUF0-KdaVKWPtpOWZU9YbsBkb3z\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a rustic setting for your wedding? Moffitt Oaks in Houston may have what you want. Say your vows under an arbor next to a lake with a backdrop of mature trees, a green lawn, succulents, and flowers. Or choose a more rural look with a corral fence, an expansive lawn and an arbor dripping with plants and vines.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://www.moffittoaks.com/outdoor-wedding-venues-in-houston-that-will-get-the-party-started/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outdoor Wedding Venues in Houston That Will Get the Party Started</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Longview Mansion</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DMVLSIcSIR1mv9n3S3FXPLwNj1E98YXIAQ2aZr3qhGpqEmgZ3wmQia-D1r8dCCBXSVfBn0qXPWYL_JsM1OruPFdoBstdJwFpyXtx3ntyXGB2wzb_ina7nqwWCcKxeNOc5M-PJoX3\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Longview Mansion was Kansas City lumber baron R.A. Long’s country estate. Built in 1913, it was once known as the &#8220;World’s Most Beautiful Farm.&#8221; Restored to its original splendor two years ago, Longview Mansion boasts numerous perfectly manicured outdoor spaces for weddings. Cultivated gardens, wooded sites, a lake and sprawling fields create a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.longviewmansion.com/choosing-a-wedding-venue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Choosing a Wedding Venue</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Pavilion Event Space</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dbOUOFFxhAP7azFmhfPLTF4baH6fFkNZk77GgUPiSNdy3LOeZ6TKeRHgBs-QUycO3KuszszBq8__eowLmhOH6wOVKV3yNuoRcIETacjwlaP3lcg0GjPWJndzvQmGGSp0sD0HSTs_\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>An open-air chapel is a unique setting for a wedding, and you’ll find just that at The Pavilion Event Space in Kansas City. Surrounded by an expansive lawn, the chapel features trees, a garden, hardscaping, bridges and paths. State-of-the-art amphitheater surround sound and custom lighting make it an outdoor wedding to remember.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.pavilioneventspace.com/single-post/2019/04/09/Moody-Romantic-Wedding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moody + Romantic Wedding</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boojum Tree</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BajKR6O6P6DZ_i53nieCYp3ewEHHMlCxWU7-9Z5wfSZXQUQ7JYnIYvvGJgZwDdIeAyyx5wzTEqlX3mbz2kmCBV5pTmZHxJHNZUep1btF7WsZlHRQXbOV-nTMptgvO8ghv6AuaPUo\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This venue in Phoenix was never intended to be the popular wedding spot it’s become. The owner created the Hidden Gardens as a personal project but soon decided to share its distinctive style.&nbsp; Boojum Tree is a 5-acre forest of trees, fountains — even a waterfall! Couples can tie the knot on the Mexican Plaza, the Tropical Rainforest, or English Garden.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.boojumtree.com/photo-shoot/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photo Shoots</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Royal Palms Resort and Spa</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eRX1mWH3SLt5LZQ9oIre0gFgdiBSLXCIjqvQZOA2vKalv_Ykd-ezbdP7aEwA5AO9TLC4SMLl3TDSZOgJ5ooNdkqMJavb6P2bd55rPpIzOZcBkHF8PRia6NuBPqyQFljSjWuTc57A\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., initially operated as a couples retreat. These days, couples remain in the picture but the focus is on uniting them in marriage. Wedding sites include a stone-walled courtyard surrounded by palm trees, cacti and succulents, a lawn with mountain vistas, and the Camelback Vista with a garden and mountain views.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.royalpalmshotel.com/weddings-outdoor-venues/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weddings Outdoor Venues</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MIM &#8211; Musical Instrument Museum</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BjARXUT0mY14S4At9hfub_7f5q5kMAoF5T-oArTWyvpXUhHThHHfJmZ3CvAIUaddfzzKB7tR6JZsvvsnczKAXoniz6j-s4Jgf5do4zQzEEzpzfscLNMEjSC3q-HI8nsJIL6846PF\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The MIM in Phoenix calls itself &#8220;The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum.&#8221; With more than 7,000 instruments from 200 countries, you’ll find items played by Johnny Cash, Elvis and Tito Puente. Wedding guests in the museum’s courtyard are treated to desert foliage, fountains, the Phoenix sculpture, and gorgeous desert sunsets.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://mim.org/mim-press-releases/celebrating-10-years-of-mim/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Celebrating 10 Years of MIM</a> </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Meadows</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DYDaYhVX22_kUIQCBBDXERrIECNTLkBi1rtk6zog1tqnuX3C12uEpQR1ommQGfq6StFtMWDb4WrXtiRm-RCeDzKHoM7vRL3ha7EeyFTtZ5FzTewndgp1nxNKPOF2hCX_m-awos2A\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Meadows near Raleigh, sits on a heritage farm (owned and operated by members of the same family for more than 100 years). The rolling meadows and mature forests set the scene for couples who want nature to play a role in their ceremony. The Valley offers wide-open spaces, the Lawn gives a more intimate feel in a smaller space and the Meadows puts guests right in the middle of grassy fields.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.themeadowsraleigh.com/ournotebook/gonecamping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gone Camping: The Big Fake Wedding</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Merrimon-Wynne House</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pJ5JqHHKqq_J1jaGvywiYkFtUu90FxcDJD7Lsv-lMPNHETgLjeFES-ZRbU7uKhQYnyvezmZ4dt75pA9j0Sfje_7KjJmcnlZhLomXi7pqDVFSzwOtyH08CYK-VZ_889HxkOcn1mwC\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This historic home in Raleigh, N.C., was built in 1876 by Agustus S. Merrimon, a chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. For years in the 1900s, it was used as a college dormitory. Now, the Merrimon-Wynne House is one of the city’s premier wedding venues. Couples and their guests can experience the ceremony on The Lawn, under 100-year-old pecan trees, or in front of The Carriage House, with a sloping yard and a pergola.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.merrimonwynne.com/blog/non-diamond-engagement-rings-that-still-have-plenty-of-sparkle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 Non-Diamond Engagement Rings That Still Have Plenty of Sparkle</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Van Dusen Mansion</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qb8ZweaDJfyas9hr49BvWob2Xi0vL90Y_Y8Ju6_dZ9urIbWc3gJkkGe1cDV_o9dwA2k9vr8rEudlpTLZa2bowfnzo6YCX8GR886vlMDb8Dno4NratVbhJTX4GDSI0tK_sOlaaS4D\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This Minneapolis, Minn, mansion was built in 1892 for George Washington Van Dusen, a grain mogul. After years of commercial use, the historic property was set to be demolished, but an investor swooped in and restored it to its original splendor. Weddings at this castle-like estate are sure to impress. Ceremonies on the brick pavers in the courtyard are surrounded by gardens, trees, and flowering shrubs; an oasis in the city.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.thevandusenmansion.com/van-dusen-blog/minnesota-bride-awards-2020/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2020 Minnesota Bride Awards</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Japanese Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BnkZGa8UBKNRVnEjAZWNzSiAXCy67iwOlaP36ioOXpqNagiay6CQBceZpHsbqPW_tVUHCZI-ZUz0OlWrpVsOVYY8BjWKtMkt5nX4GGA4KGrWlv_lDLawc5QaDTiAOQ8lROtxi4D0\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Japanese Garden is part of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn. This 2-acre gem was built in 1972 on a swampy area behind the college. A professional garden architect from Tokyo helped design the space. Couples who wed at The Japanese Garden find a serene setting with shrubs sheared into specific shapes such as clouds or hills.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://www.normandale.edu/community/japanese-garden/get-involved\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Japanese Garden Beckons in All Seasons</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Princess Wedding</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/5dlEURh9YQNNhAcDuBwKZpaneWZM3Zpkt85_NaGa-uHle3PxqB6TOR2AQJdLB27fnsWt4T6y1YMG7fsPb4W3UwxFaSC_ShuLKUwfVYp3rUKuvb2esRxjVEFHsTgkchuglE30UntD\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Brides and their Prince Charmings can say their vows like royalty at this venue in Minneapolis. Set in &#8220;Cindyrella’s Wedding Garden,&#8221; the backdrop for your special day features old country charm and unique landscaping. There’s a vineyard with Edelweiss and Swenson red grapevines, a 100-year-old willow tree, a flower garden, and a lake. Best of all, you arrive at the site in a white carriage.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://theprincesswedding.com/ceremony.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ceremony</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Outing Lodge at Pine Point</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/s45RniOSidtwsB86RA6Pfp9V9_sdga0yhAPXaA__5JLOIntB8EA4jggEusid8N1_tNuos_sIxtpV10NIulvrok-ehv3das1pDTJPEC2FdUEor37YApRiylxy7hU3OG4KzSajGzuG\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This historic property in Stillwater, Minn., has an unusual past. It was founded in 1858 as a poor farm<em>, </em>a place for the chronically indigent. The farm was discontinued&nbsp; 100 years later and eventually abandoned. Today, fully renovated, The Outing Lodge at Pine Point, serves as a pastoral setting for weddings. With 300 acres of wooded paths and rolling land amid hundreds of pines, the setting offers something for everyone.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://outinglodge.com/rooms/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Theme Rooms</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mission Inn Resort &amp; Club</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Oa27X_ZjdJIkjkFn6XPi61vba1UV9yUby4JvL3XlGv_ycsokD5V4gnyqkdlHbi8hvaPRPbDQwTgPt2UrQULEspL-pGg56P-63_9D5XF34qPIBOxm-U8J6g3sDNwfIsor42aiXnoM\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Mission Inn Resort &amp; Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, a Central Florida town northwest of Orlando, is home to one of the earliest golf courses in the state. Built in 1917 to attract investors to the owner’s citrus business, the property declined during the Depression. Many years and renovations later, an inn was built based on Spanish Colonial architecture. Couples today can choose from three outdoor spaces; Legends Courtyard, Marina del Rey, and Plaza de la Fontana, all with spectacular landscaping and water views.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://missioninnresort.com/blog/goodness-from-the-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goodness From the Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LYVqTIwhYTLSQ3BsV5-cP3ixIsM523w-FpE419HW8ZEt3osFk2vtavw-TK7-TRVXOrDQ_X1OTDKXpD0bIUTExeuFPafOaBWd_dwAzWLVzyaYgye184foXD7S3U3JbY1YCFN_XBeS\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1895, Richmond, Va., businessman Lewis Ginter bought property that was once Powhatan Indian hunting grounds. He then built the Lakeside Wheel Club, a place for local bicyclists. After several expansions, the property morphed into the Botanical Garden. Couples choose from three wedding sites: The Rose Garden envelops guests in vivid roses and delicate scents; Flagler Garden features a secluded pagoda, surrounded by a circular screen of trees; and Grace Arents Garden offers a wide lawn, a paved path leading up to an arbor and plenty of bright flowers and plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.lewisginter.org/worms-how-to-make-a-wormery/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Worms! How to Make a Wormery</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blue Bee Cider</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XYkzGurq0lFuFJUy4Sl0SMpNeAG0w7HIADMouxDdEKmo81lx5YnU7tC5BfR0CeT-qRkaxShwKpaAzE-zo6jM6QshwdmLFblRqMW9o4NX1zLs6m7IFOvu2iMekr3iddgfqiZ6QlDf\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Raise a glass to ceremonies at Virginia’s first urban cidery! Founded seven years ago in a historic building in Richmond, Blue Bee creates artisanal ciders from heirloom Virginia apples. This full-fledged cider production and tasting facility makes for a wedding backdrop like no other. The cidery offers French country style buildings and garden with vivid blooms and, of course, cider. Bottoms up!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.bluebeecider.com/blog/persnickety-pawpaws/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Persnickety Pawpaws</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maymont</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4m8SCIeJPbYjiMh7g7h3QYehAIqrZ48_4kzZxXYYOnKS2CDHMCRErIuQUvwDnIyfblEoVFCLLHwxyZBMUlix1OLsBN3zWTmSXRIveFLRy6M-KzcH5-hdyMjyTqrMGrwmJeb_rZRa\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This ornate mansion on 100 acres of manicured lawns, flower gardens and trees started out in 1893 as the home of a wealthy lawyer and his wife. Having no children, the couple left the property to the people of Richmond, Va. Maymont is now a city park and museum and hosts many weddings each year. Impeccably landscaped spaces include the Italian Garden with hundreds of brilliant blooms, the Japanese Garden with a terraced waterfall, and The Robins Nature Center with fish, turtles, and river otters.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://maymont.org/blog/virtual-learning-series-teacher-appreciation/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teacher Appreciation</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 1850 Settlement</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yOZ14a2mtfhjQC3xBxIx-mYBCCPVyh7tQL1hmu5Wq3D8x0UqzyOvCtRkBLprQSzaVNJA1SgOU61fF7AOFf7mJOlCRPXR4bf3_nhgxJidksdNlV3ZUSK3Qnz4xNxlIZO8RHwddQTk\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The 1850 Settlement in San Antonio, Texas, offers a taste of the old Southwest. The property was homesteaded 170 years ago. Couples choosing this venue will find some of the original buildings still standing. Wedding guests will enjoy a spacious lawn, an outdoor firepit and enormous live oak trees, all set against the original homestead and The Settlement Stage Coach Station. &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://shylaurel.com/rainy-day-wedding-rustic-perfection-1850-settlement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rainy Day Wedding</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lambermont Events</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Qfyl2q_qxWVcZz7GggXH5thu7Ooqd0QPu5pZ70j7Pwi0iYv3fxTKKEc9Y86wY3jm4Wtzxp1J5aOrJSTw8KW1hIVCOTWzBIwFZ9h21hJaoJGcSXw8-FCdF31uOuX7izw0eKXELhYx\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This 1894 home is modeled after the chateaus and castles in Belgium and France, as its original owner was Ambassador to Belgium in the early 1890s. The historic house in San Antonio, Texas, now functions as an inn and event venue. Couples who wed outdoors on the lawn have the arches of the mansion, well-kept shrubs, and plenty of mature trees as a&nbsp; backdrop.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://lambermontevents.com/showers-and-birthdays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Afternoon Tea Party</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardens of Cranesbury View</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I8kqEwrhb5qKz_f7KqAUvVbP_6tvJYlBrVm2FPzBJBQSOaEVsz8N1ZpK5brD-exS8-KROh8ysaH67OKLbPbb_y3dI87mx7ZGNwYfpmfyzV_lqE0ID8fEKV7OfNJ0J4KGgpm8_mrZ\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Couples looking for European ambiance and charm in the Austin, Texas, area will find it at The Gardens of Cranesbury View. An Italian Sculptured Garden sits on 32 acres and features intricately designed hedges, rose bushes, and peaceful water features. An ornate gazebo with classic columns completes the picture-perfect look.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.gardensofcranesburyview.com/useful-favors-for-family-friends/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Useful Wedding Favors for Family and Friends</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hummingbird Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PpKdUUSxa60QPPQyS5V1Ovog-zlPnOrk_kEMu8hXONPLrAzYcQpkmWaI6xnl7cf8q5NNwbw_o4ApA1K28mGH8d0cmV4j95_FaudqaBIhu3TnvUPzMiSROmoReMmjDyibNMP_dy89\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine having peacocks on your guest list. That’s the reality for couples who hold their ceremonies at Hummingbird Gardens in Tampa. This family-owned business has been around since 2005, filling the grounds with well-known and exotic plants, trees, and flowers. Wedding guests will see the peacock and his family roaming the gardens, as well as horses and chickens.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://hummingbirdgardens.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Garden Nursery</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Country Villa</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A_HYDn5xQs1AdNEq-gRGttLB69laW1SrPU6_fB4CxTVEKoSVr_Exr_9qw23lYM1VdXPVgBlq_QCIvh2H6Q7wvdgL_BwY_2TSWLeYz3zVyV0gLYFe3Z-Xfmrc8wkqmZolYgM-E6p\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Four acres of natural landscaping just seven minutes from the ocean make this the ultimate wedding venue for couples wanting greenery with a beach nearby. Country Villa in rural Virginia Beach, features white blooming bushes and trees behind a unique altar. You&#8217;ll also find a pavilion surrounded by mature pines, a spiral staircase attached to a vine-covered tree, and a bridge over a rock river surrounded by flowers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://countryvilla.com/the-groom-dressing-room/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Groom’s Room</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dumbarton House</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/B0iZqhAo4heFaxBMnq3JrsVl5Unkha9ofQaTAFJFCz1xB2OIu2Ea8bqSBSHsBgujrZU2BZNg4F9R9xLBLsjqCQ8tpJ-UEHLr5xeuWrtJOQXQtZZQfb2IfpMQvcFmtOpLPBJDulkQ\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Built in 1799, Dumbarton House offers a look at life in the earliest days of our nation’s capital city. The home is famous for being the place Dolley Madison first fled to when learning the British were coming during the War of 1812. These days, the museum is often used as a wedding venue. A courtyard paved with slate is among 1.2 acres of gardens and terraces, including an herb garden growing more than 40 varieties of plants.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://dumbartonhouse.org/dolley-madison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dolley Madison</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Omni Hotel &amp; Resorts Washington, D.C.</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LCuW0U-zFxwSXRg6Mcr6j2ks18A-jcJ09DRVRyOILUXdsjiJ_ETy36f_RkoAaypUHc-ewVa7lIa44KyxO1eMx2AJqMXjnRCCy3rfaTSrL708c3viMaQ2dbb6kArOxHH7mB07iDn2\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This landmark hotel in Washington, D.C., has hosted presidents and world leaders since 1930 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. In 1933, the Omni Shoreham Hotel put on the first inaugural ball for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thirty years later, The Beatles booked the entire seventh floor. Today, the property boasts three garden wedding venues complete with trimmed hedges, cherry trees, tulip beds, and a pavilion on a vast lawn, all surrounded by a colorful forest.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/washington-dc-shoreham/things-to-do/itinerary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">48 Hours In Washington, D.C.</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Keeler Property</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cvTy4qJc8PxFkGYiHsz1YDZ30x_hLm3T-A4g4TdCRWig7qXU-Uzsq962PzNShPILWqJSIXH0T2g6c_bljecCm4oVuzsc-Mmr_NRws3c2jqEWVdzerXzUbnJiXU6lLNQ6asPtCZk-\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This private country estate in Jacksonville, Fla., was discovered by its owner five years ago as she was searching for a one-of-a-kind site for her own wedding. She took the rough space and put in the hard work to make it what it is today. The Keeler Property features Florida’s only covered bridge that’s open for both public and private events, a barn for rustic charm, all set on a lake and surrounded by trees.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://www.thekeelerproperty.com/wedding-music/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Wedding Music Can Make — or Break — Your Reception</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chicago Botanic Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_4a5ZFiUV_WNnWwMxp9loxH1HiWAbGaEihQbaX_3wjf7FCUZMr3vtEvNQ2crviM92DHQd2xKJBFqwtVwKJViXTZKbUmSS7MzFVgG99yp_4bNMMrdIZz0IsYLBhveIGGNJvb6FlWx\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>More than a million people visit the Chicago Botanic Garden each year, some of them brides and grooms. The Garden is a living plant museum and conservation center situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. Wedding parties can choose from many spaces, including a canopied terrace next to the water, an English walled garden, the Rose Terrace with its water features and roses, and the Buehler Enabling Garden, with hanging baskets and vertical flower beds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/elements_design\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Elements of Design</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Coast Botanic Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i-jivfckafGtfkXtvCPktuueF0ti5RSX51Wedya85cf2r6M9l7Csx17Pgwe84WHf8W6l6TlHaugCh8m64NW2t0ZI7aEFhjPnHhwFqQHNIPhPL9THfxQnyV9K0da7usp5KCMUZ100\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>In an epic example of reuse and recycling, South Coast Botanic Garden in the Greater Los Angeles area is one of the first botanical gardens to be created over a sanitary landfill. The garden is proof that land reclamation can help solve refuse disposal problems while creating a brilliant and beautiful space. Couples and their wedding guests enjoy 87 acres of rolling meadows, vivid flowers, a rustic amphitheater, a gazebo and a shaded koi pond patio, experiencing first hand this unique example of environmental improvement.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/garden-weekly-highlight-the-banyan-grove/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Banyan Grove</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cedar Springs Pavilion</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5Udrz2Y-lFktEL8QF2RNrnYyK6wxScUZYEbbFLcC3FQMDc9VRvCTmKLeG__BVxIyL_zSoE5QRaKO-mUfc0AuFhyz48ly3J8e6VwTnKBYJ-Lhb_0hTqJkbxfRtcoEPYOTTE9JWRJU\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The vision of Lisa Brannon, an Ohio native and avid conservationist, sprang to life nine years ago near Dayton, Ohio. While creating a refuge for endangered species, including monarch butterflies, she also came up with a perfect outdoor wedding venue. The backdrop is a Tuscan-style pavilion surrounded by an expansive lawn, trees, stone paths, a pond, and vivid flowers everywhere. Cedar Springs Pavilion bills itself as the place where elegance meets nature.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"http://cedarspringspavilion.com/pergola-garden-site/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gardens</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Little Nell</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fYp_vMbfuGc5Aq-X97PGNf_ioh7jN6OhNvijpGBefDBrfaPLk_xdYpN754SahlA2MraVqr5wvQe3Yc-Del7YMk9q7hwtLYX9qVeAZYO5M0Frl4eX3fUHrpNqhrmfq5Enps7qYXwc\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re looking for a spectacular backdrop for your wedding, you can’t beat the Rocky Mountains. And if you’re looking for five-star luxury, The Little Nell has it. Located in Aspen, Colo., and named for an 1800s lady of the evening, it sits on land that’s been used as a summer hunting grounds for the Ute Indians, a place for miners to rest and a railroad depot. Today’s weddings at The Little Nell are nothing short of amazing, no manmade landscaping needed. Mother Nature already did that with jaw-dropping views of the mountains.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.thelittlenell.com/dining/wine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wine Experiences at the Little Nell</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stonebrook Manor</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Y3rQ7_wiZcGTF53Ve6yMHPKq_4gBv7kKg3TAiUYy8rm_R2iS1ayG2Nigc-y1buCVmho7G9tWRd5OcSmUsqvfa1RfewV293d0lraWVuBgQnmwl_5t3jKPJJH2jOA8Ycfi9vdIcsDK\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>They really know how to throw a party here, as this 24,000-square-foot event center was designed specifically for weddings and banquets. Stonebrook Manor in Thornton, Colorado, features outdoor ceremonies in brightly colored gardens. The greenery is set among bubbling brooks and waterfalls with bridges, gazebos, arbors, and benches.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://stonebrookmanor.com/5-ways-to-make-an-entrance-at-your-wedding-reception/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 Ways to Make an Entrance at Your Wedding Reception</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red Butte Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hVfO5sQf92bescAtovB8ULjaVCrw2YKUyBkkL0_c2m0ySyIgm_yrXagmVJe4cboUruIEVKEzQ7eYD9wUhTBa_dVBqQGR6IRTZw-ru_ckPghBK6s5z5ezgGMOCYUR_diVwmubMY2L\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This living landscape is part of the University of Utah system and is a state arboretum in Salt Lake City. For 35 years Red Butte Garden has been connecting people to plants, with 100 acres of formal gardens, natural areas, waterfalls, and mountain views. Couples can say &#8220;I do&#8221; in the Rose House, the Rose Garden, or the Fragrance Garden where each spring, you’ll find a half million blooming bulbs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.redbuttegarden.org/the-garden-misses-you/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Garden Misses You</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">This Is the Place Heritage Park</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dU2QHjJ2wRPTq0-hiYNXEA01AC2cJZ7UoJJeGWbkmSHncmRkOPFsctackOXjDs5p6kvr33mqdtJ0-pWIDGLMJkLq8Vd1yw9nxmZrEBNOh3vxt_tYavVf7Sk3RmtwKeuzsswCJkJU\" alt=\"\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience the Wild West with your wedding guests at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Featuring 50 historic homes and structures, train rides, panning for gold and mining, the Park takes you back in time. Couples have ten wedding venues to pick from,&nbsp; including two outdoor pavilions. The third option, The Garden Place, is a rustic mountain lodge with French doors that open to a patio with a waterfall, a massive outdoor fireplace, and, of course, a majestic mountain view.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post: </strong><a href=\"https://www.thisistheplace.org/pioneer-childrens-memorial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pioneer Children’s Memorial</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting married outdoors comes with the risk of a hiccup or two. You’ll have to worry about the weather and maybe a few uninvited mosquitoes. But the Wiki-award winning venues have you covered, literally. All have awnings or contingency plans for rain, and each has a bug zapper and plenty of bug spray on hand.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pros for choosing an outdoor wedding venue far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to price. With the average couple <a href=\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/statistics/weddings-are-fun/\">spending more than $22,000</a> to get hitched, saving on flowers and other decor is a huge plus. Keep in mind, like real estate, the cost of any venue depends on location, location, location.</p>\n","title":"Best-Landscaped Outdoor Wedding Venues","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7768595041322315,"src":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1789c/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg","srcSet":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/107df/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 320w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/293e9/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 500w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/f2cbb/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 800w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1789c/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 960w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1ff5b/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 1290w","srcWebp":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1dd6e/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/67b76/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 320w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/8df11/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 500w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/98a65/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 800w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1dd6e/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 960w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/bdec4/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 1290w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best-Landscaped Outdoor Wedding Venues | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"871de580-f86d-546f-85f2-f211c28be975","slug":"top-40-plant-nurseries-us","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/top-40-plant-nurseries-us/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"May 21st, 2020","excerpt":"<p>How does your garden grow? With a lot of help from your local plant nurseries.&nbsp; One thing many of these garden centers have in common? Longevity. It’s customary to find greenhouses that have been around 50, 60, even 100 years!&nbsp; We put together a list of the country’s best. The Wiki-Wonder award judges based their [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>How does your garden grow? With a lot of help from your local plant nurseries.&nbsp; One thing many of these garden centers have in common? Longevity. It’s customary to find greenhouses that have been around 50, 60, even 100 years!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>We put together a list of the country’s best. The Wiki-Wonder award judges based their criteria on:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Years in business.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>The availability of native plants.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customer service.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviews.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To be considered one of Wikilawn’s best, the nursery must also have a website with helpful articles and a sizable presence on social media.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">East Coast Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After years of not being able to find unique plant selections locally, the Cordrey family decided to open their own garden center to fill the void. Today, East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro, Del., has more than 70 greenhouses and brings in plants from around the country, ensuring they always have high-quality plants in stock. The nursery also holds classes on new skills and techniques in gardening and even has a children’s garden area.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loma Vista Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What does a Major League Baseball star do when he retires? If he’s Mark Clear, he opens a plant nursery! Clear, whose 11-year MLB career included two trips to the All-Star game, discovered his love for plants as a kid while working on an avocado ranch. He owned a nursery in California while pitching in the majors, moving to the Midwest after retiring. Located in Ottawa, Kansas, since 1991, Loma Vista Nursery is still family-owned, sitting on 300 acres, with 150 greenhouses and a tree farm. Talk about throwing the winning pitch!</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leaf Landscape Supply</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for landscapers who know their horticulture? Look no further than Leaf Landscape Supply, with two locations in Austin, Texas. Owners Brad Seever and Trey Wyatt hold degrees in horticulture and agriculture. Wyatt founded Leaf Landscape under a different name 37 years ago. Seever bought into the company in 2014. Today, it’s a wholesale plant nursery and landscape supplier, offering unique greenery from across the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hill Country Water Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a water feature to your garden calms the mind and refreshes the spirit. Hill Country Water Gardens &amp; Nursery wants to help you build the water garden of your dreams. Around for two decades, this garden center in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/cedar-park/\">Cedar Park, Texas</a>, has everything you need to build a successful backyard pond or running water feature. You’ll also find fish to put in your pond.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivero Growers</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivero Growers started out as a wholesaler for landscape companies in the Austin area. Now, this plant nursery, specializing in Texas native and adapted plants, grasses, and trees, is open to the public. Whether you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies or a succulent, Vivero Growers has you covered.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ginkgo Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ginkgo Gardens is a lush oasis in the heart of lively Capitol Hill, serving the urban gardener. Founded 20 years ago in Washington, D.C., this nursery offers trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with hardscape goods and landscape design. Ginkgo Gardens also cares about historic preservation, buying a pre-Civil War house next to the nursery and restoring it. It’s now used as a staging area for landscape supplies.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Floral Greenhouse</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1911, the oldest garden center in Denver is still going strong. City Floral Greenhouse sits in the heart of the Mile High City. For the first 50 years, City Floral grew, cut, and delivered flowers to homes and businesses, including the historic Brown Palace hotel. In the &#8217;70s, it started morphing into a garden center and tree nursery, still striving to beautify Denver.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Root Grow Bloom</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing plants without soil? Root Grow Bloom Hydroponics &amp; Organics is here to show you what hydroponics is all about. The technique has been around for thousands of years but didn’t really come into favor in the U.S. until the military used it on a soilless island in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Root Grow Bloom has been a staple in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/fl/orlando/\">Orlando’s</a> hydroponic and organic gardening scene for 20 years and will show you how to get started from the ground up.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cross Creek Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s all in the family for this Richmond, Va., plant nursery that started as a renovated gas station. Back in 1974, Gene and Diane McAuliffe opened Tropical Treehouse and started selling tropical plants and flowers. In the years since then, three sons and several business expansions led to what is today, Cross Creek Nursery. The entire family is involved in the business and also volunteers in the community.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunnyside Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunnyside Gardens comes from meager beginnings as an unassuming, small garden plot. Fast forward 80 years, and it&#8217;s one of South Minneapolis&#8217; premier plant nurseries. Sunnyside offers landscape design, custom containers and, of course, everything in the nursery. Owner Mike Hurley  feels strongly about giving back and holds gardening classes for local children and schools.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strange&#8217;s</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gideon A. Strange worked for the post office but wanted to earn extra cash in his spare time. It was the early 1930s, the time of the Great Depression, so he planted flowers and plants in his yard and sold them from there. Since then, the nursery has changed ownership and undergone massive expansion in the Richmond, Va., area but retains the Strange name. It&#8217;s one of the largest retail garden centers in the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colesville Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Virginian Grown and Owned.&#8221; That&#8217;s Colesville Nursery, in Ashland. The same family has run it for nearly 50 years. It’s a place where generations of growers born and raised in Virginia cultivate plants, flowers, and trees. Certified horticulturists answer your questions about native trees, hard-to-find perennials, and gardening in Virginia.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mother Earth Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In tune with the environment, Mother Earth Gardens specializes in organic gardening and sustainably grown plants. This Minneapolis garden center is open year-round with a different focus for each season. During spring and summer, it&#8217;s organic seeds, veggies, and herbs. Autumn brings locally grown gourds and pumpkins, while winter homes in on herbicide-free Christmas trees.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waldoch Farm</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes, Minn., started out selling chickens in 1916. It didn’t take long before owner William Waldoch expanded into produce. Over the years, his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have picked up the hoe and joined the family business. William continued helping on the farm until he was 100 years old. These days, operations include the popular pick-your-own-vegetable garden, covering 30 acres.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">O&#8217;Toole&#8217;s Garden Centers</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>O&#8217;Toole&#8217;s Garden Centers describes itself in three words: Local. Colorful. Knowledgeable. Serving Denver for nearly 40 years, O&#8217;Toole&#8217;s brings color into your home and yard. On a mission to cultivate gorgeous gardens, keep their employees happy and their communities thriving, this nursery wants to keep Colorado green.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tagawa Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything’s still coming up roses at Tagawa Gardens but, these days, that means a plant nursery that’s morphed into a huge garden center. It started in the &#8217;60s as a long-stem roses greenhouse for florists. The Tagawa family has since expanded into a 110,000-square-foot indoor space and more than an acre outdoors filled with everything you’d hope to find at a garden center. The Denver nursery keeps the rose in its logo as a reminder of how it all started.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Country Fair Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Three generations have put down roots at Country Fair Garden Center in Denver. For more than 70 years, the Gerace family has been showing you how to cope with the Mile High City’s unique growing conditions and tough environment. They believe in giving back, donating seeds and supplies to teachers each year for class projects.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shades of Green</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When two childhood friends were studying horticulture at Texas A&amp;M University in the &#8217;70s, they started a lawn care company to make money. They brought that company home to Dallas after graduating. After many trials and tribulations, Shades of Green transformed into a family-owned and operated garden center, in business now for 43 years.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strader’s Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Strader&#8217;s is one of Central Ohio’s largest employers during peak garden season, with more than 300 staffers on hand in both their retail and wholesale divisions. Started some 60 years ago by Jack and Ruth Strader, it&#8217;s been a family affair, with their four children working alongside them.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oakland Nurseries</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Oakland Nurseries opened its original space in 1940. Now, after opening its fourth location in New Albany, it sports the motto &#8220;32 Acres of Gardening Pleasure.&#8221; After the latest expansion, three generations of Gustav Reiner&#8217;s family now work in the Columbus area, selling horticulture products, along with designs and living landscapes.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liberty Landscape Supply</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Landscaping’s the name of the game at Liberty Landscape Supply in Jacksonville, Fla. In their perfect world, people would spend more time outside working on their yards, creating beautiful landscapes. They hope to accomplish this by making landscaping easy. Liberty has everything from mulch to stone to trees and plants. They also offer expert tips and solutions for bringing your landscaping dreams to life.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Garden Center in San Antonio sells plants, fertilizers, and gardening success. Family owned-and-operated since 1985, this independent retail nursery hand-picks plants from local growers that will <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/tx/san-antonio/native-plants-and-flowers-that-thrive-in-san-antonio/\">do well in the South Texas</a> climate.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rainbow Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing you with top quality plants and helping you succeed as a gardener is what they do best at Rainbow Gardens. This San Antonio nursery brings in local experts for seminars where they share what works and what doesn’t when it comes to growing. There’s even a Kids Gardening Club where the little ones see, smell, taste, and feel what gardening is all about.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shades of Green</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow the winding brick road (well, pathway) at this nursery, you’ll find a diverse collection of garden art, fountains, and containers. Head indoors at Shades of Green and see a vast array of native plants and shrubs that are adapted to the San Antonio climate. Shades of Green in San Antonio (not to be confused with the nursery of the same name near Dallas), stays away from toxic chemicals and practices the organic method of gardening</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Earth Works</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 30 years ago, Earth Works started as a small lawn-maintenance company. Today, it’s a full-service landscape business and garden center in the Jacksonville area. Earth Works plans on being there for its customers for years to come. The goal of their landscape team is to make your backyard the best room in the house.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Supply Company</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not a landscape. It&#8217;s a lifestyle. Dig in.&#8221; That’s the motto of Garden Supply Company in Cary, N.C. Started 20 years ago as a landscape and design company, the original three-person crew has grown to 40 staff members, 6 acres and a building filled with plants, flowers, and supplies for container gardening. They also carry everything you&#8217;ll need for beekeeping.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Delights Nursery Inc.</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant Delights has a physical nursery in Raleigh, N.C., but does much of its business online. At any given time, the website has more than 1,500 plants for sale, and specializes in rare and unusual perennials. The owner, Tony Avent, has made 60 expeditions to countries including China, South Africa, and Argentina, looking for exotic flowers for his customers.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Foliage Concepts</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most plant nurseries focus on the outdoors; landscaping with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Foliage Concepts is an interiorscape company featuring high-quality interior plantings. Located in three North Carolina cities, the company has provided design and build services to hospitals, hotels, and office buildings since 1985, also working hard to be &#8220;green&#8221; by recycling soil, grow pots and moss.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jack Frost Landscapes &amp; Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a name like Jack Frost, you’d think this garden center would be in a snowy, cold city, but this nursery is near the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach. When owner, David Dubinsky, arrived in the city 37 years ago, he had $500 in his pocket. He has since parlayed that meager amount into his full-service landscape and garden center. Jack Frost also offers hardscaping, creating patios, seating walls, and fire pits.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four Seasons Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Four Seasons Nursery in Virginia Beach, has served both commercial and residential customers for nearly 50 years with a full-service plant nursery, as well as landscaping materials sold in bulk. With four certified horticulturists and several master gardeners on hand, you&#8217;ll certainly find plants that are just right for your lifestyle and budget.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Berridge Nurseries</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Berridge Nurseries in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/az/phoenix/\">Phoenix</a> was founded in 1938 and forced to move to its second location in 1971 when some boys set a series of fires in the city. Berridge Nurseries rebuilt, then moved one more time to its current location on Camelback Road. The nursery remains in the family with the third generation now owners and operators.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A.J. Rahn Greenhouses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine a business that’s been in the family for 130 years! In 1890, A.J. Rahn Greenhouses was one of 19 family-owned plant companies operating in an area of Cincinnati known as Wooden Shoe Hollow. Rahn is still going strong, offering flower bedding, houseplants, vegetables, and fruit plants. The fifth generation of the A.J. Rahn family now runs the nursery, keeping their proud heritage intact.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Funke’s Greenhouses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This family-owned greenhouse has deep roots in the Cincinnati area. It started in Spring Grove, a village that fed the city with fresh produce. Over the years, the city grew up around that village but Funke’s family farm spirit remains. Their mission includes providing plants and knowledge to home gardeners so they can take control of their own food supply.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Burger Farm &amp; Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You won’t find any golden arches here, but you will find a large white barn with timbers that are 140 years old. Back in the 1800s, Burger Farm and Garden Center was a dairy farm. The family switched to crops around 1950 and continued another 30 years before opening the garden center you see today. Customers give them rave reviews for helping create what they say are the most beautiful yards in Cincinnati.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oakdale Greenhouses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This Charlotte, N.C., company has more than 20,000 square feet under glass. Its greenhouses are filled to the brim with houseplants and tropical plants. Doing business for more than 40 years, Oakdale Greenhouses boasts that it is &#8220;Charlotte’s best source for plants.&#8221; In addition to its wide variety of greenery, they add expertise on koi fish and water plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Southern Styles Nursery &amp; Garden Center</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When designing your garden, Southern Styles Nursery and Garden Center offers this advice: Start with trees. It calls them the backbone of a garden setting. Southern Styles has an immense selection of trees, from exotic to common shade, Japanese maple, and evergreen. Once you’re done with that, you can explore the rest of this Charlotte, N.C., nursery to pick out the rest of your landscape items.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grass Pad</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite Grass Pad’s logo, they’re not smokin&#8217; it, they’re growin&#8217; it! What started out on a 700-acre sod farm at the end of a long gravel road in Missouri grew into today’s five locations in the Kansas City area and one in Omaha, Neb. They’re still transforming lawns with green sod, but have added full-line nurseries at each warehouse site.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rolling Meadows</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The man behind Rolling Meadows, Jesse Meadows, worked in landscaping for 15 years before making his garden center dream a reality. With a focus on creativity and quality, Jesse offers both residential and commercial landscaping in the Overland Park, Kansas, area. You’ll also find eco-friendly products and classes on how to go green.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer Winds Nursery</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both serious and casual gardeners will find what they need at Summer Winds Garden Centers, which has locations in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/az/phoenix/\">Phoenix</a> and the Santa Clara Valley in California. The company is one of the largest independent retail nursery businesses in the nation. Putting water and energy-saving initiatives into practice, Summer Winds is committed to the responsible use of our natural resources.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>London Bridge Greenhouses &amp; Nursery</p>\n\n\n\n<p>London Bridge has been a Virginia Beach gardening tradition since 1976. Look for bulk sales of mulch, gravel, and organic mushroom compost. Their greenhouses are home to a huge selection of flowers. And butterfly lovers, rejoice! They even have a certified monarch butterfly waystation.</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>There are more than 13,000 plant nurseries in the U.S., so there’s a possibility we missed your favorite. </em></strong></p>\n","title":"The 40 Top Plant Nurseries in the U.S.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3544444444444443,"src":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1789c/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/107df/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/293e9/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/f2cbb/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1789c/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/7199d/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 1219w","srcWebp":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1dd6e/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/67b76/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/8df11/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/98a65/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1dd6e/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/6413b/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 1219w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 40 Top Plant Nurseries in the U.S. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"90d1e743-1f33-5119-8043-e3d4eeb03789","slug":"50-best-gardening-blogs","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/50-best-gardening-blogs/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"dc5a6fd2-e7cc-55b0-9210-0271a38e33b8","name":"Garden Decor","count":4,"path":"/category/garden-decor/"},{"id":"52e12a37-ef3f-522d-9050-b4638c87aa4e","name":"Garden Design","count":10,"path":"/category/garden-design/"},{"id":"30471fa8-4345-5ffd-ba99-adeaf54ad75b","name":"Garden Dispatch","count":2,"path":"/category/garden-dispatch/"},{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"May 13th, 2020","excerpt":"<p>It takes more than a green thumb to grow a good garden: usually a lot of blisters, calluses, and dirt under the nails. It also helps to rely on the expertise of others — as long as they really are experts. To make things easier, Wikilawn has plucked the best gardening blogs for you. Our [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>It takes more than a green thumb to grow a good garden: usually a lot of blisters, calluses, and dirt under the nails. It also helps to rely on the expertise of others — as long as they really are experts.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make things easier, Wikilawn has plucked the best gardening blogs for you. Our judges scanned thousands of blogs, looking for innovative ideas, eco-friendly advice, and the quality of writing. To win the Wiki-Wonder Award, the blog also had to have a presence on social media. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11.png\" alt=\"Wiki Wonder Award\" class=\"wp-image-11021\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11.png 650w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-300x300.png 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-150x150.png 150w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-600x600.png 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11-480x480.png 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the 50 top gardening blogs worthy of the Wiki-Wonder Award:</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardening Know How</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Heather Rhoades, Staff</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7b06kCuEJAJosJmvL1PQDGkHSJCZHFIo5oQHyPPoCEC5OJx2ZXsF-REnyTSSuhITZIi6_92fzadDkBwrpl7j31SyfxOTdxdTkeywJJPgU-zlcH0xr99FEQ7iNy4rnr-4Nt8bH4o2\" alt=\"Gardening Know How\" width=\"306\" height=\"147\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Gardening Know How started small after gardener Heather Rhoades had trouble finding user-friendly gardener websites and decided to focus on non-technical information that anyone could use. She wants folks to feel comfortable asking for gardening advice and not made to feel incompetent.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/top-of-the-crop/7-veggies-to-grow-for-dogs/\">Dog-Friendly Vegetables: 7 Garden Veggies to Grow for Dogs</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Busy Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Amy Andrychowicz</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gxXjy9Gf2nVIgdKD09lSQ7FPyza85dy3FGBJ3jQRyZErRUjaYS1IF_2kuINRibJOuJL-A_53a8Ny4QeMov0wUMUWQz4u6ZYSrTpZmCJygGcARNNBLhSagLDloc4lAWaX-GQgIfEa\" alt=\"Amy Andrychowicz\" width=\"154\" height=\"201\" align=\"right\" /></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Amy Andrychowicz aims her blog at new gardeners, but Get Busy Gardening also has information for those with an experienced green thumb. Amy’s been gardening most of her life and has grown everything from trees and shrubs to flowers and fruit. If you want to get your hands in the dirt but don’t know where to start, Get Busy Gardening is for you.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://getbusygardening.com/honey-bees-need-our-help/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Rant</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Founders: Susan Harris, Elizabeth Licata, Michele Owens, Amy Stewart</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0SQgYqlhLGTuK6GXg4TJmU-1D3gj07qot4xqY0H0iVLc4b0_bY692fBvtR7AdgJvMaDEV1fUMuPqj7TatQLGtavhXNRkkHEwRMIydXGgAyVhN2-J2RxRRLj6J6oSIjrKkKJqeb3_\" alt=\"Garden Rant\" width=\"286\" height=\"185\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Garden Rant isn’t your average, everyday gardening blog. Its writers take the word “rant” seriously! You’re not likely to find how-to’s on this site; instead, they may take a side on a gardening issue and rant or rave about it, usually with humor. Amusing conversations about gardening is what Garden Rant is all about.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.gardenrant.com/2020/04/a-very-rocky-obsession.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Very Rocky Obsession</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Care Today</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Gary Antosh</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XNySyIWvD1je_a-7wmxIOmt73ra_1qKkST6oTvUdzi-urotVMbsfJfYPFNbwoIx9r7rXLphFXQmoBoX55ANczXZkD-FwDdO9vKmln9rHj0x3IQIvOG-Ic5GQX5p7vGDddpYKepMi\" alt=\"Plant Care Today\" width=\"144\" height=\"161\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Gary’s blog has been online for nearly eight years, but his journey into the world of plants started 47 years ago. Growing rare plants is his specialty. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced gardener, Gary says you’ll always find something to learn and something to share on Plant Care Today.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://plantcaretoday.com/8-mistakes-tomato-growers-make-when-planting.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 Mistakes Tomato Growers Make That Cause Problems</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Organic Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Various Garden Experts</strong></p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Xv0hwYDfraZtMLC-wmgv4CTEeH4yXq7dx-Xxi5aE2aY7BTiMKBR9OA_ZHLtWkmVGafoUq0KDoSJDZrzMomkyYANgMUNr8zLduS9Oi4Va_9_3aJiGhq3URbod8w24lcatcA5e2ysI\" alt=\"Urban Organic Gardener\" width=\"326\" height=\"157\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"></figure>\n</div>\n\n\n<p>Interested in growing your own food? Urban Organic Gardener’s got you covered. These experts help you grow an organic, non-GMO garden year-round. UOG promises to get your hands in the soil and get you reconnecting with nature.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2020/04/kids-will-love/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gardening Projects Kids Will Love</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Way to Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Margaret Roach</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J9u7ido4f4QaBTwOAet7HlNRJJ2jGnSOIXnf3oQNDKbZc1QO7f5qECNe5IjI99S1bsV8PH9fZZrIfIaKu76wOLaoWiFyUlwplF9_2E18F0nmOj26FUf84Qt5gBRlUS2qec3DoQ_O\" alt=\"A Way to Garden's Margaret Roach\" width=\"193\" height=\"166\"/ hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGn=\"right\"></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Margaret Roach named her blog after a book she wrote early in her gardening career. She’s a retired newspaper and magazine garden editor, an organic-style gardener, and a vegetarian. According to Margaret, you should “always say no to chemicals and yes to great plants.”&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://awaytogarden.com/growing-potatoes-organically-when-and-how-to-plant-hill-and-harvest/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Growing Potatoes Organically: When and How to Plant, Hill and Harvest</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Ambition</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Lucy M. Clark</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dEqoN9gPvVJCqT1EsP8bXdPGdg1BSoKSfv27cf_I-IcFh6GSuajKI4ZDTnQ5s1hAT51v8bpTZDOay9pxKTdWLJjrLEe7MO4ktR_EfjT4FYXukJbQ9-qcVm7aXAo6uAX2gXHKXkt_\" alt=\"Garden Ambition\"/ hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGN=\"right\"></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When Lucy started gardening about 14 years ago, she says she had no idea what she was doing! She spent a lot of time speaking to successful gardeners face-to-face. She hopes her blog allows you the same opportunities online. Garden Ambition is for wannabe gardeners who aren&#8217;t sure where to start.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020:</strong> <a href=\"https://gardenambition.com/how-to-get-rid-of-clover-naturally/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 Tips on How to Get Rid of Clover Naturally</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grow a Good Life</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Rachel</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fuP7w6hsGHxJmTNFXE9KRLH7MkywUd6rwDKAQFWJq_W8ZIWMIj28pXqn8NOJ97jumfd3D0iiD1XaP06_DmnNJ_V8cJN3M5pPmzGnr0iI3sOtcEKvHl5Nr8NTotPIGbNPWaPpgwVV\" alt=\"Grow a Good Life\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGn=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to make some big changes in your life but not sure where to start? Rachel, creator of Grow a Good Life, says get back to basics: Grow organic food, preserve the harvest, and make delicious meals from fresh ingredients. Learn how to use a mix of sustainable gardening methods, end your reliance on grocery store produce and preserve what your grow, so you can eat it year-round.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://growagoodlife.com/crop-rotation/\" target=\"_blank\">Benefits of Crop Rotation for Your Vegetable Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Espoma Organic</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Various Writers</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nQ1kWKz1kdaAixmA8zCyxtBgUHLyChZFIHg58mIonglp3PiPh8x0HnEeEcxauo8N_l0m1s53H7rQtWEanJ-W_zX45SWbxgHiUOxeCL9yBOagvcpJDb5ZAFVrcpY627CiUQTKh1UG\"  hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" ALIGn=\"right\" alt=\"Espoma Organic\"/ width=\"257\" height=\"146\"></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The family-run Espoma Company’s been around for nearly 100 years and is the leading provider of organic fertilizers for the lawn and garden industry. The Espoma blog hasn’t been around nearly as long, but it’s quite popular, with more than a quarter-million followers on Facebook. You’ll find tips and information on flowers, plants, and mulching.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.espoma.com/gardening/indoor-gardening/gothic-gardening-the-darkest-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gothic Gardening — The Darkest Plants</a>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardener’s Path</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1zwxnQQS97E7KuM8z3FTR2cxwdmu4uRjDnrBAcSSdVHbk-ubR_Pi0doH-xMF8CCTopTMKS1EkzDSUxGwBJ_Paot6Nynvs0ni6HrEoO9f3BcriwFzUB57azcR9ek-R5JNtaOmlQeU\" alt=\"Gothic Gardening\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Writers and photographers for Gardener’s Path come from across the globe, bringing advice, troubleshooting tips, and in-depth reviews to its readers. You’ll find posts on a variety of plants, from annuals to edibles to ornamental. Gardener’s Path hopes to help you take your gardening skills to the next level.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit-trees/grow-olive-trees/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Grow </a><a href=\"https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit-trees/grow-olive-trees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a</a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit-trees/grow-olive-trees/\" target=\"_blank\">nd Care for Olive Trees</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Epic Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kevin Espiritu</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3-aSrVXRMGZlftqAAT_JNXWHYFem8WwGfoklP2-5bSKFesBE11aYVqFveaDuqdKtvq8qnfAGBqLGMtRT-AuP_QXbnHPk2dNMBxMyh0LZkvc7GBsSvujPm6P-et4NQStFKfpCNOZF\" alt=\"Epic Gardening\" width=\"167\" height=\"167\"/ hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" ></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kevin Espiritu gets straight to the point when it comes to the goal of Epic Gardening. He wants to help 10 million people around the world learn how to grow plants. His blog blends science and nature to bring you the best information on growing your own food, preventing garden pests and diseases, and creative gardening techniques like hydroponics!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.epicgardening.com/regrow-green-onions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Regrown Green Onions and Sprouted Onions</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Survival Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: David The Good</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sjcWD4el9LFWKI5cBgXcNKTjDB0dzKQOronQuPElbwjBs4vt9CGkDbNYmACgnYGayssz1rOY273H5z7Ks5_h6mN4QmF8PLSaDCN9SK0ZsoowaqJaR2f7nx6_QmpH1KbB0nmCPstM\" alt=\"The Survival Gardener\" width=\"160\" height=\"166\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>With more than 30 years of gardening experience, David The Good is about growing the most food with the least amount of work. He started his site eight years ago in Florida and has since gone international. The Survival Gardener focuses on old fashioned farming, natural ecosystems, and “lots” of experimentation.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://www.thesurvivalgardener.com/watermelons-growing-sand/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Watermelons Growing in Sand</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Big Blog of Gardening</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Todd Heft</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RwJ5TV3BgA-4XIXScG-9jfslcVFWGtQ84-dTFzZ9fsu12uS8XqwtAmCvUxQ_odGrOWLxLl4ptSPeJOGhdIEdDLiQy7AfdkH3klSsCDibAhzYN_r4s2BkZ2poFeQ69d69TRbe6Sq\" alt=\"Big Blog of Gardening\"  hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"  width=\"151\" height=\"128\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, lawns; you can find advice and information about all of them at Big Blog of Gardening. Founded 11 years ago by Todd Heft, the site centers around organic/sustainable gardening. Or, as Todd calls it, gardening and landscaping.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.bigblogofgardening.com/a-short-history-of-the-american-lawn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Short History of the American Lawn</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Therapy</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Stephanie</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IDYe1TCroe4rNFFXsIh5Jn2tv5lg_Ifw3AIpEZDEtn6OUZAPallxyDDyHZwxrqghNBQWqh4nssMG84T_NNloCPEdG4fpRln6bFJbPBWTpIl2PYv2UXS554saHwH2Yn_P0VtluZV-\" align=\"right\" alt=\"Garden Therapy\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>After illness kept her in bed for a year-and-a-half, Stephanie discovered gardening as a way to restore both her physical and mental health. Soon she was growing flowers and, after that, vegetables for food. She uses her blog to connect with others who spend time in the garden to heal.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardentherapy.ca/easy-way-to-start-a-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Start a Garden From Scratch Without Breaking the Bank</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Impatient Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Erin</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jo6M0-qNkGh7trg0mEPw_6r3TyCqoE28jJKmrQNssWfnoEeH3sQOgwg1_k3Pe8uNXmI5sZJmxJqNF3bFmnZZSxujVnxKxc5NeIRhWuzFdMEtSB8npPfLqMAvuh6yPio8c3N30Dki\" alt=\"The Impatient Gardener\" width=\"175\" height=\"174\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Erin started gardening when she was a toddler, at least according to family photos. Fast-forward to adulthood, where she filled an apartment patio with so many plants, no one could see or walk through it. That led to her buying a house with enough room for three gardens. The Impatient Gardener leads you through real-life gardening; the good, the bad, and the funny!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.theimpatientgardener.com/compost/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Compost 101 (Just Do It)</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardenerd</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Christy Wilhelmi</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jgiTChaJlOX15OBAHJnAKlcSp2eWDqEPLWJDkYwlJv3f2Ws_gHg_3CS6foQlK1ghk-kjoswLxeBBetAZO7UwVN7pI3b67yf0on5RcAkXopnCoCLGzLcoJn4NIJJTvAkYAwHgTBLJ\" alt=\"'Gardenerd' Christy Wilhelmi\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"136\" height=\"147\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you obsessed with gardening? Christy Wilhelmi wants you to visit her blog. Gardenerd offers up organic gardening advice such as how to turn land into a productive vegetable garden. Christy is convinced gardening combines physical activity and healthy food choices to provide “a grounding spiritual and creative outlet.”&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardenerd.com/blog/recipe-intro-to-aquafaba/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recipe: Intro to Aquafaba</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cold Climate Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kathy Purdy</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LwstR5tLZR-M7bQjSfueVp98CQBoCbS6Qqe9MXP02e4HEfKU2g7FpHbNLPzF1TWM53Rrgfd8upohqoWxxriTgUh16kLw-7YIBqkGhEQjYd3akSLMwDn8a6QIhyjinoJFHixoDdvm\" alt=\"Cold Climate Gardening's Kathy Purdi\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in a cold climate may not seem to lend itself to gardening. The trick, says Kathy Purdy, is to choose plants suited to the temperatures and the soil. Cold Climate Gardening is your site to find information on plants that survive the cold, particularly in upstate New York, where she’s gardened for more than 25 years. You&#8217;ll also learn how to grow climate-friendly vegetables, garden design, and hardscaping.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://www.coldclimategardening.com/2020/01/04/worried-for-your-plants-with-this-weather/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Worried for Your Plants With This Weather?</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Park Seed</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mHqsPwxdau2WQUWdBieMqgw8PZcOqwwIASLqmjntzsj20q_bOtpmCdXtO3Gdl8ec8cLBFb6eFxUMOIQUaOJvNLIzN7-wmNaxUPgb8bcOkmD5VW_sEjQiKSkeAIkpJ_69hXtw5Dbt\" alt=\"Park Seed\" width=\"277\" height=\"83\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The blog is an offshoot of the Park Seed Company, which dates back to 1868. There have been a lot of advances in gardening since then and the blog reflects that. You’ll find posts on vegetables, herbs, flowers, germinating seeds, and tips on protecting your garden from predators. Park Seed is one of American’s oldest mail-order seed and plant companies and you’ll find info on pretty much all things gardening on their blog.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://blog.parkseed.com/2020/02/20/rascally-rabbits-how-to-stop-rabbits-from-eating-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rascally Rabbits: How to Stop Rabbits From Eating Plants</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Harvest to Table</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Steve Albert</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pcK8a38Eyckc8swCl7F6Eai1A53MTcj9CITn8ybLHbbZfAGMLYKT8zJnnpUcUPU9gbrHA8qi7HnTeGXyB_nkjz4rb5slo7mX-bHeFONxsiAaZrJWHiCJD7dw5IdFVlI1xqc7CHyP\" alt=\"Harvest to Table\" width=\"134\" height=\"177\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Steve writes his blog from his utility room with the door to the kitchen on one side and the door to the garden on the other. Appropriate, as he cooks and eats what he grows (and gives plenty away, too). Harvest to Table is for gardeners of all levels. The goal is to find easy solutions to common garden problems. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://harvesttotable.com/companion_planting_in_the_vege/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden</a>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seed Money</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mL5mz25ByVjTiawr2LE-wt4W1OjQOuyr9ErkN0oISRtAVNsFiM2YKlP1DC3c4n1l2ioNo61p7ZrDpEtJTwGcIR1WwWVlMClk1pK_asChfUEHdhzwdiiWATZ7PeevZDqZonFANUMx\" alt=\"Seed Money\" width=\"239\" height=\"133\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This site originally focused on helping home gardeners. Today, it centers around supporting and helping finance public garden projects such as school, community, and homeless shelter gardens. Look for pieces on the value of home gardens, some how-tos on planting, and documentation of the projects Seed Money has worked on.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://seedmoney.org/blog/update/roosevelt-high-school-urban-farm-three-sisters-culinary-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roosevelt High School Urban Farm, Three Sisters Culinary Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Grow Girl</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Gayla Trail</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wwMq5AbTldIVT_EDfrDvLr6z7XDfTc5x56XA-wmVCNgWE2q2QZ1Jh0Sfk7-DYCE-x96c4UdBnnMXXXFGO4GKAGU1zbrpmnBhLydoNjaR_i93Rm4d0YScagixLhVzKftMahcO4mmd\" alt=\"You Grow Girl\" width=\"130\" height=\"195\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s been 20 years since Gayla launched her blog. It has grown into a site that seeks to change our relationship to plants. You Grow Girl takes a laid-back approach to organic gardening, looking at affordability, environmentalism and style. Gayla says her blog is for everyone from gardeners to cooks, to creators, to the just plain curious.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://yougrowgirl.com/the-first-leafy-greens-harvest-of-the-season/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The First Leafy Greens Harvest Of The Season</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Betty</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Linda Ly</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wgn8RociLOayNAdJte6UubQUjVvvILupzqIQxm_k6Fxh0N-LBmgod0eF-MbLVXi1WbMPwp3Tu1y4eEyBXewGKcJnd-k1uJpK9fPiCdGeDjSo_H-CtBX5KPxZixUxHq8MhR5qQNQT\" alt=\"Garden Betty\" width=\"138\" height=\"183\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Linda Ly started her site as a personal blog but it&#8217;s now one of the leading resources on gardening. The focal points of Garden Betty are modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring. Linda is also the author of the “No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook,” finding ways to use up all the veggies we grow or buy.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.gardenbetty.com/defending-the-dandelion-its-not-just-another-weed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Defending the Dandelion: It’s Not Just Another Weed</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bee Better Naturally</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Helen Yoest</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0LtPSUFdDw4sI9nP-rN-0sGIX0jTwkJy0Pm87UI45sraOv9Ivx16eLNmK275N0i-VuV0KARC8uz7CREuRncRzoK3LI3mtbs-BNn0z1nRjwSbF6s97f3jghS9V_FTgIn6ZxgJfME0\" alt=\"Bee Better Naturally\" width=\"119\" height=\"170\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Helen Yoest wants to better the world, one garden at a time, by giving wildlife what it needs to survive. Bee Better Naturally teaches you how to select the best plants to sustain our birds, bees, and butterflies over their lifecycle. Linda emphasizes being pesticide-free, even from organic pesticides. You’ll learn to accept that there will be damage done to plants that host insects, and that’s OK.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Favorite Post 2020: <a href=\"https://www.beebetternaturally.com/blog/2020/3/31/14-days-during-2020-pandemic-the-garden-never-looked-better\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">XX Days Lockdown During 2020 Pandemic: The Garden Never Looked Better!</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Morning Chores</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rhwfNl8SFX0KXLjmCsAyHQeWGgceaTRJ5C_JtAMrNGdd5hDVKwZesqLwaCP9jEXzrpniLeLjwz9IxevHT_dCH0l_sC-DIWAwLSMTqDr1MA3OyKZ183RudVMi4toB5yXDgQWT-x56\" alt=\"Morning Chores\" width=\"178\" height=\"178\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Created with the premise that it’s hard to find gardening guides you can trust, Morning Chores aims to bring you information and stories that help you grow a thriving garden, learn new skills, and save money. The writing team is scattered across the U.S. and around the world. The one thing they all have in common? Each one has experience in gardening, so they know their plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://morningchores.com/ingredient-substitutions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15 Easy Ingredient Substitutions if You Can’t Get to the Store</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Collage</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LaZrmDDpotUTWFd7cL-pGa40MPL0Jw4Z2bwiQxlhu6DJx6Y5iOWcwlaeqYU5lGE-DZ-ZJJlCMiQyYUeqrbMr_Bwndia4ZzqBKrMBKlxlRvCk-dk-J9DB8wTUsN8DTdDZ8zxUFJ7B\" alt=\"Garden Collage\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"129\" height=\"129\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>This contemporary look at natural living with posts on herbal healing, seasonal foods, and the stories plants can tell. You’ll find categories such as “Nourish,” “Heal,” “Change,” and “Inspire.” With a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and hundreds of thousands of followers, Garden Collage uses influencers to bring their stories to social media.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardencollage.com/gallery/five-classic-fairytale-love-stories-plants/0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 Classic Fairytale Love Stories About Plants</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Digging</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Pam Penick</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qEYg9qxfGJ9PlhKziCufOyd9zc2Sl97wx8EHzG2TO4teVsxgVtqvgVPExtNFUED5XiZdk4oI6yGSgu99j9fvQlSbcIHGaOB1umV7YQoi39_CLiyfdJXK1gswiBNwpCU4L9bS60XH\" alt=\"Digging\" width=\"138\" height=\"140\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Pam Penick is a Texan with a penchant for getting dirt under her nails. Digging is for folks who want to feel connected to nature, through real-life plant info, garden design, and virtual garden tours. Like Pam says, it’s for “dirt-under-the-nails types and armchair gardeners alike.”</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.penick.net/digging/?p=69543\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grapey Gorgeous Texas Mountain Laurel</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gardening Gone Wild</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Fran Sorin</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SgZRF9ZYeP8-m0ApjlVnRXC5pWlkMYWnJASbmr1bnJU-E-jbweJB3eKA1J3P3-JQhhwsp5Rr1UFqd2IPJiUdzaI6atEEHWlBeyWB1Mn0ox7LeC0jIDbhcxjQl2RYwjr1qLQoijvM\" alt=\"Gardening Gone Wild\" width=\"175\" height=\"116\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Fran Sorin started her blog back in 2007, with an emphasis on how to create bold, organic, low maintenance and drought-resistant gardens. These days, you’ll still find those types of posts, along with more. Want to know how to effectively use color in your garden? Gardening Gone Wild’s got you covered. How about amazing photos of unique plants and flowers? Covered. You&#8217;ll also learn why gardening’s good for your health.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://gardeninggonewild.com/can-landscaping-protect-a-home-from-wildfire/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can Landscaping Protect a Home From Fire?</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mother Earth News</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/72SJ1aXi6J6Bsom6EEdNV2mJDjupct9zoYNEk1slOC3_WxBK7hoyLkKgwTc1n5X9ZZXxM49waxcRlNVKjHGnRP2yHIDrxIm7ap4FOBSe_qhgptaSS3UAJ_mQqpYpBzShLzuBQ-hB\" alt=\"Mother Earth News\" width=\"253\" height=\"113\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living green is what it’s all about at Mother Earth News. It’s the longest-running sustainable-lifestyle magazine, and the advice on the pages carries over to the online posts. Organic foods, country living, green transportation, and natural health are some of the topics you’ll find. And if you’re wondering what to do with the veggies you just picked, Mother Earth News has recipes, as well.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/canning/home-canning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home Canning Guide: Learn How to Can Your Own Food</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Gardeners Republic</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Various Authors</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1YdhRfn3JZfb1ENkT_U1y5dygdYsRKWi1xFfFN4ljjRV0jUsMLbP0lrds5HzUJ_lN_QnYzv5EXeVGeFoqJ_ahVF7TF5a1RVuGVLeZRG1cvCgNKy1neOXGe7gXOM7d9cI1uSO_247\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" alt=\"Urban Gardener's Republic\" width=\"223\" height=\"127\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>City living doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden. Urban Gardeners Republic’s mission is to create 1000 gardens in 100 cities around the world over the next five years. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this blog aims to encourage you to grow your own food, teach your kids how to garden, and build a green space at home.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://urbangardenersrepublic.com/indoor-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indoor Garden Tips and Ideas For All Gardeners</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Serenity in the Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jan Johnsen</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/iDOudVnzwQg8Tkbb8Z1oszcAX5ihoNwhVvQQg8mA4DBHf8kRRMss9V2cGBsku4E1hrERwZNFgYYCtyDuRuwm6Frn7VOcKEQp8rAkUBfm1L0gU_5PFdmIGMw8TfcHiNZCQ8DnES_A\" alt=\"Serenity in the Garden\" width=\"122\" height=\"170\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Going green is what it’s all about for Jan, who designs landscapes and pools and writes books, including “Heaven Is a Garden &#8211; Designing Serene Outdoor Spaces for Inspiration and Reflection.” Serenity In The Garden aims to show you how to use a garden to enhance your wellbeing.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://serenityinthegarden.blogspot.com/2015/04/milk-carton-gardening-build-those.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Milk Carton Gardens</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Savvy Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Authors: Jessica Walliser, Niki Jabbour, Tara Nolan</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cRgPvzckrdTayxUnETWe5BJEvAzPvv4H2isFq1C5mp6b4WhMb9zHxA6Gx_fUL3UawdXsq40OjQlVg9uE-CL4h6P_TH7mxvtt1WDtj9dh4oSi0hsCCb6kWm8h80GMcALh0xLNbJP7\" alt=\"Savvy Gardening\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Three voices of gardening expertise make up Savvy Gardening. Jessica, Niki and Tara want you to get out in your garden and experiment. The blog offers information on food, interactions between insects and plants, and ways to reconnect with nature.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://savvygardening.com/landscape-borders/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Landscape Borders: Eye-Catching Edging Ideas</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Washington Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kathy Jantz</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-roubdCJ8Dh9oQzQF_OEdYK0gcgQYsuRX1eVXixOwHG7B2lm3ksQk0UmH_AZnCLs95NRXITB4cAuVJ1UrGu0YEfFx0K6Ra0BK8VXYgH6BE1pwymv9wPZvo6J22pWEJ0On-2IwGLy\" alt=\"Washington Gardener\" width=\"92\" height=\"140\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kathy is determined to leave a very small environmental footprint behind and is committed to doing all she can to protect the planet. At Washington Gardener, they source 100% wind power and use vegetable-based inks and recycled paper for printing. In this blog, look for tips on building a garden, safety, and transitioning the kitchen garden from spring into early summer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/03/plant-profile-carex.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Profile: Carex</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Food Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Isis Loran</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y2og6TXrWkJuE31xPeHQkf50s0MJkIUxXzvoXY6_oHRzVmRI0wkbcxXwqSGITLzQGow9PwvK80k51ToxM1tncyhJMWxOl9x4Oi0euVhpUJH4-m_YjzBNfvDd6OR-FZops6pMy4zW\" alt=\"Family Food Garden\" width=\"208\" height=\"156\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When you grow your own food, you can control what you put into your body, whether it’s tea, herbs, wild foraged food, or fruits and vegetables. Isis loves growing heirlooms and experimenting with plants. Family Food Garden covers garden planning, homesteading and permaculture, such as growing a pollinator garden.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.familyfoodgarden.com/how-to-keep-your-greenhouse-cool-in-the-summer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Keep Your Greenhouse Cool in the Summer</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Home Garden Joy</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jeanne Grunert</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/7lxZO7nsKlhibmJSY16WRa2dqHSUFwP6vIeYbxbza_zQVnmiBPOzTkgjHsXvLkAUIVQ1ihNdL-oZPrwne2kvYf1eSmOcgwo-UQKm1q6iML7nEkBHl8we82KraMoe_98PcHcLUFfk\" alt=\"Home Garden Joy\" width=\"112\" height=\"168\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>On her voyage from a city slicker to farm girl, Jeanne moved from New York City to Farmersville, Va. Regardless of where she was living, plants and gardening were her thing. Home Garden Joy shares posts on how to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs plus some surprising info like how to make a bee water station with things you find at the dollar store.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://homegardenjoy.com/site/2020/05/murder-hornets.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Asian Murder Hornets: What Gardeners Need to Know</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tilly’s Nest</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Melissa Caughey</strong><br></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3QBjGjCCvwKxsTNKIobyMk4a3KiEQjX7Ep8PLmKucaCadV3BX--2gmA6gRkxwvuObZ8YtApmTkOHJhTHWW8UcZtguH68EBHf4J8xxv6OGZq4R8rmVlEHnPA9IWBYNeWjFXHsnB-U\" alt=\"Tilly's Nest\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you notice about Tilly’s Nest is chickens. Lots of chickens. A second to the fowl is gardening. Melissa lives by the New England seaside and keeps you updated on chickens, gardening, bees, art, and food.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.tillysnest.com/2019/05/spring-awakenings-delights-season/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spring Awakenings: Delights of the Season</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small Town Gardener</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Marianne Willburn</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/71JejNFhVzmdKqSpv3218elWFjVAcz_I4a05i81wrRVlu7y5EuERscFU9bovKJx3xwrBjgLZKlHcElAG6rIN-m7g-wYn08rvYeuHl4w04bk30jPxO-tiytVoVVg1YQ01-OjW0CIF\" alt=\"Small Town Gardener\" width=\"128\" height=\"192\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing plants reminds Marianne how fulfilling it is to work with your hands. These days of digital living find some gardeners glued to Pinterest and other sites, collecting information but forgetting to do anything with it. Small Town Gardener helps you reconnect with the actual garden, whether it’s on your balcony, in your backyard, or on ten acres in your field.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://smalltowngardener.com/smallscalevegetablegardening/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vegetable Gardening on a Smaller Scale</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red Dirt Ramblings</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Dee Nash</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/H34Ltk9U2G5UJ-ffRQOKNXYzNWEOnjb3--5ybs0eEpnezw2x8h1gp4rOk7flih1NjiWrnEIfM_h66vkUTLMZm52LBx4WyzYEezM62Fz5dBgyKsC_21SPs_fyElRb4VvWY8HsWzC0\" alt=\"Red Dirt Ramblings\" width=\"255\" height=\"128\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Dee once grew 90 rose bushes and more than 200 daylilies. You might say she’s garden-obsessed. Oklahoma born and raised, she loves getting her hands in the red dirt. Her blog offers tips on how to grow your own transplants from seed, when to buy bulbs for spring flowers, and the basics of container gardening.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite </strong><a href=\"https://reddirtramblings.com/heart-shaped-plants/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Post 2020: Heart-Shaped Plants</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Green Talk</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Anna Hackman</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ORWxmwN3NWaxsVcCgYLXDIidwS0bfl2lzqybJ5kqtXmdwAAh7cWQLPLIMoE_pTIUFOCwHDcKLvmSpO6IBTEuk9iZX_B6OIOrWW5qwqmS_Xm56D5Ly3EJ2kPmPKXc1gS23wthHcNY\" alt=\"Green Talk\" width=\"174\" height=\"125\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Green Talk began as a blog about green building, as Anna had just finished building an eco-friendly house. It’s evolved into a site about gardening, herbs, and food preservation, with some green living still sprinkled in. Anna promotes health, hope, and happiness, which she says you can achieve by growing and preserving your own food.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.green-talk.com/lighting-to-grow-seeds-indoors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Successfully Grow Indoor Seedlings Using the Right Light</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Horticult</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Authors: Chantal Aida Gordon, Ryan Benoit</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_5ekLkx2ab5SD9wfVqNRSLm-81FhpWfPcObZvj64EthlW3tcJqrZYvcnnC9e_7zF5BTfvXIW9Y8v564UQ125Yr_we_zhuMW8uRpdWIfiCOnit2U3RzBP7wDnT0U5CjbpjrZj5rqQ\" alt=\"The Horticult\" width=\"256\" height=\"144\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Chantal and Ryan created their blog seven years ago as newbies to gardening. As they experimented with plants and interviewed the experts, they shared everything they learned with their readers. Now, accomplished gardeners, they bring to The Horticult a guide to enjoying a plant-infused lifestyle, including how to serve up herb-garnished cocktails.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://thehorticult.com/show-thyme-how-to-build-an-outdoor-theater-in-your-garden/\">Show Thyme: How to Build an Outdoor Theater in Your Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">May Dreams Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Carol Michel</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HtdGPwH6rboWOIrAnOHk5-kMiQTlEBRN_G0WVLc_mFvl0s-NgEsoueOcQ0tYGGDlmfPs6yWLNz3qj_AEMRMohPg93y_wwV-bNAWJFUKyWfS7yGYGtgqBgA6KYTVX0KO9m5JqKMpL\" alt=\"May Dreams Gardens\" width=\"157\" height=\"157\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Carol calls herself an eccentric gardening geek. This Indiana gardener writes about how to select and use the right tools, gardening clubs you may want to join and, of course, house plants, outdoor plants, and colorful blossoms. May Dreams Gardens also encourages you to keep a garden diary. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start your own garden blog.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2020/05/the-garden-fairies-may-need-to-defend.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Garden Fairies May Need to Defend Themselves</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Desired Home</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Eva</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/izvZvsAW5ZIggPNfRfAXlNzFF_-E7Ib0veYr75OfP_44-Zukm0qzelZ3k4ZFCSTYbipr-z8RxJu1u4CK7SaoVgRwcWjtsuKOgHAvQZOdjfZyrd3WkKJiarZcleNiVPC5mTUxRhoN\" alt=\"My Desired Home\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>My Desired Home describes itself as the place to go when home deco and DIY need inspiration, but the blog also focuses on gardening. Want to know the secret to growing tasty tomatoes in pots? Learn why bamboo is the new trend for your garden. Or read about DIY ideas to transform a tree trunk into a beautiful garden decoration.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://mydesiredhome.com/dipladenia-the-amazing-brazilian-jasmine-in-your-pot-and-garden/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dipladenia, the Amazing Brazilian Jasmine in Your Pot and Garden</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 104 Homestead</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jessica Lane</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3PyptlLBYdTWVbuIL0sQYlDXyWgoDSIfpTDoYktHTuzfLMYmWlPAZ_KWfhLGIpCb4CISwCq2KQOWb928hYODCKDwqNGYaCKE_5yz24QxISpxKiACwwsuWB4wpCGM99q0FwU6VYE5\" alt=\"The 104 Homestead\" width=\"146\" height=\"146\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Jessica lives a nearly self-sufficient life with her three kids in Maine. She grows as much food as she can and what she can’t grow, she barters for. The 104 Homestead follows her journey into homesteading. If you want to be more self-sufficient but don’t know where to start, you’ll find the answers on this blog.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://104homestead.com/growing-food/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">There’s No Reason Not to Grow Your Own Food</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bees and Roses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jenny</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i7pELAdyVkTwDzgnEMXvz9XIOEVHWAZxc_tpPj6RM2NL9mbJ14h77aW5NAycFa3yGbLRFCJHwacr6B3TdLmLIR1mCChkZfTAqQ6euuA_dzGdim8-VOVEIhnpLRyoJq-NSUgAFgrE\" alt=\"Bees and Roses\" width=\"205\" height=\"95\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>A certified master gardener, Jenny wants to tell you all she can about outdoor living. Whether it’s landscaping, planting trees, or flowers, Bees and Roses has what you need to be successful in the garden. Jenny’s posts include advice on creating permaculture designs for your backyard and tips for growing tomatoes upside down. That’s right. Upside down!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://beesandroses.com/2020/04/29/victory-gardens-a-blast-from-the-past/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Victory Gardens: a Blast From the Past</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real Men Sow</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Jono Stevens</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LfSInuEAxob-dUj2oH-fCpXQzWFK71OthYXJW2IkCoVCLzC0znpKOBo4hzBJvTWOhcPEF4iqMDLhy9YKppqLedqF7H8dnVWyeSrSq_-UdsP7rH_FaOlCXPpH00RF3SV0yNulBa_r\" alt=\"Real Men Sow\" width=\"133\" height=\"147\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Thirteen years ago, Jono took up gardening with his mom. He says a steady stream of tasty fruits and veggies have made their way to his kitchen ever since. You’ll find advice for beginning gardeners and tips for buying cheap seeds. Jono hopes his blog captures the joy of growing your own food and living within the seasons.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://www.realmensow.co.uk/?p=4707\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6 Tips for Composting Down Your Spent Crops</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shawna Coronado</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Shawna Coronado</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8uTZUK5M5Wx8a9F4k8-nF5DHUlKBIgMEdBkxOW1Josr5E58tU1WyZqZlnGAItNEFj2I5tikhmCi9I0-8nMWrS1hUuViUDXnZnZIBASm-J1mXNK4-5acVSMpmsPcdRV1C5ZIlhLA_\" alt=\"Shawna Coronado\" width=\"135\" height=\"135\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>When Shawna was diagnosed with a debilitating disease, she set out to find ways to decrease the pain. Focusing on growing organic produce and plants for food, while also sharing anti-inflammatory recipes, Shawna has a “make a difference” passion, zeroing in on wellness.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://shawnacoronado.com/purple-basil-great-ornamental-edible/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purple Basil Is a Great Ornamental Edible</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High Altitude Gardening</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kate</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zh9QZTBjxQVjs-y9fQlPvIcXFzKPekUDHAzS7Rxx1wlEmGnj6XqZpHRFN347Q7kX73SN-s7G1cOCRC3FdNacshfvNLmwpn2dmc2T14bmYdiziDoEpy11vz3XeIUdKDHqDBWJlBxX\" alt=\"High Altitude Gardening\" width=\"167\" height=\"136\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kate gardens in a high-plain desert at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Sound challenging? It is. This Utah blogger is a certified master gardener who plants native flowers to adapt to the dry, harsh conditions. High Altitude Gardening offers advice on which seeds to buy and which vegetables to plant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://highaltitudegardening.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-divine-inspiration-of-onions.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Divine Inspiration of … Onions?</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skippy’s Vegetable Garden</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Kathy</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wuw6jUzkv0WCYxMXMzW6Yj5VdRddFA_fgfNxZ3H7xlxB8J9IpPK696cPq4bA0I0atSzFW5bwSnPSgB9BknWUEFFX7XxoyXrKk9Bc0kNeRaomNDNEZkd73oWIeO7rsu5yvs36qHHB\" alt=\"Skippy's Vegetable Garden\" width=\"170\" height=\"147\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\"/></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kathy is a biochemist who gardens as a hobby. The blog is named after Skippy, her first dog who followed her through the garden. Though Skippy is no longer here, his memory lives on through the blog. Kathy shares advice from expert gardeners, including gardening projects you can do in your kitchen and templates for garden plans.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://skippysgarden.com/2020/03/growing-sprouts-and-microgreens.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Growing Sprouts and Microgreens</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urban Gardens</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Robin Plaskoff Horton</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/LCtPsh06n9u638ddxmBxHJ3swQYu6NgsT8lYlLBvjEijXcf3ulshPDsG1C9R4npM4WVSawfbl2oBFXOkpmLwkBLD_-G_sfL-vrLT6ygegn3VwsTLBPXbktbhOK0luv1roirakUdC\" alt=\"Urban Gardens\" width=\"160\" height=\"155\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Urban Gardens starts at the beginning, from planting and cultivating to harvesting. The blog combines urban style, design, sustainable living, and travel. Robin grew up in several countries and uses her experience on her blog, scouting the world for food and design trends.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://www.urbangardensweb.com/2020/01/14/horticultural-therapy-cultivates-healing-and-hope-for-seniors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Horticulture Therapy Cultivates Healing and Hope for Seniors</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Veg Plotting</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Michelle</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZnCnOGVWTmpffLBoYB427OJ7KaCcK6ktwgkK656ZPEqxFs_eVgBugWBNtyompLAyYqffnTLQ4W7o-OeBbwV_ejHiq_w2mhAmu_U-GQgI48yvhs0WIQvqKJqiuYC0UFO0UISD3KHD\" alt=\"Veg Plotting\" width=\"204\" height=\"152\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>Michelle doesn’t claim to be an expert gardener but she hopes you’ll find useful information in Veg Plotting. She writes about discovering things about gardening, cooking what you grow, and spotting spring flowers. The gardening bug didn’t really bite her until she was an adult, but she’s making up for lost time.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"http://vegplotting.blogspot.com/2020/05/it-started-with-lemon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">It Started With a Lemon</a></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Landscape Design By Lee</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Lee Miller</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RgA6MJ4vnacjGsa0mpHWfs6ky3sksbFQtzdO0ux0JVu-pKA6DhXTteiQgKz5p91SvzuHenx_efXbUbrmC1ArjEHUD4CBDIdUI8I6r_a5GA5jApjhzt38tKGU67maDibhdyjm9nO3\" alt=\"Landscape Design by Lee\" width=\"186\" height=\"140\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p>ee says she’s had a shovel in her hand since age 5. She’s a lifetime gardener, book author and now a landscape designer. Lee stays current with horticulture practices and shares what she learns on her blog. You’ll also find gorgeous pictures of flowers and plants on her page.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Favorite Post 2020: </strong><a href=\"https://landscapedesignbylee.blogspot.com/2020/03/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-foliage.html#.XrXCoWg3nIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Garden Bloggers Bloom Day &amp; Foliage Follow</a></p>\n","title":"50 Best Gardening Blogs of 2020","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5515151515151515,"src":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1789c/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/107df/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/293e9/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/f2cbb/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1789c/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/a2a79/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1dd6e/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/67b76/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/8df11/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/98a65/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/1dd6e/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/6bdcfb08eef3cd45b3286f91a10e07c1/7aa54/gardener-planting-flower-plant-man-tree-1586951-pxhere.com_.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"50 Best Gardening Blogs of 2020 | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0cae6c7f-d05a-55a4-9bf8-5213acbf89bd","slug":"victory-garden","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/victory-garden/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Brenda Stuart is a radio journalist and content manager whose goal is to have the greenest lawn and prettiest garden on the block.","name":"Brenda Stuart","id":"fcad9a7b-532b-583f-832f-0cffbbcfa0a3","path":"/author/brendastuartryangmail-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5e5ae7b8ac8b21db046b4f507fbec2aa?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home &amp; Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"April 14th, 2020","excerpt":"<p>How a Modern-Day ‘Victory Garden’ Can Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, a growing number of state governments are requiring people to stay at home and make only minimal trips to stores for necessities. Besides making sure their households have enough hand soap and sanitizer, people are also trying to [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>How a Modern-Day ‘Victory Garden’ Can Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, a growing number of state governments are requiring people to stay at home and make only minimal trips to stores for necessities. Besides making sure their households have enough hand soap and sanitizer, people are also trying to lay in enough food, water, medicine, disinfectants, and other supplies to last for several weeks of self-isolation.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>During uncertain times like these, it’s natural to wonder whether you could practice social distancing and simultaneously minimize your long-term dependency on the grocery store by growing food and natural remedies in your own backyard. The answer is yes — with plenty of planning, effort, and time (which, if you’re stuck at home, you’ll have more of than usual). Here are things to think about, plus tips for preparing, planting, and maintaining a garden that can help you survive an emergency.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Survival Gardening: What Is It? Why Is It a Good Idea?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don’t have to become a full-blown prepper or try to survive exclusively off the land. Think of it more like the <a href=\"https://www.history.com/news/americas-patriotic-victory-gardens\">victory gardens</a> your grandparents or great-grandparents may have planted. You can grow some herbs and vegetables in pots on a balcony or convert a large portion of your yard to staple crops, or anything in between. Either way:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You can save money and unnecessary trips to the grocery store by supplementing your food supply with healthy, homegrown produce. And you’ll also have food you enjoy in case there are shortages.</li><li>You can grow and make your own home remedies in case over-the-counter medicines become scarce or you’d rather not venture out to procure them.&nbsp;</li><li>Social distancing is easier when you don’t need to go out and encounter people as often.</li><li>There are psychological and physical benefits to getting outdoors for family members of all ages.</li><li>Gardening is a great way to spend lockdown time that might otherwise make you stir-crazy. Enlist your kids in the project and take the opportunity to help them work off some pent-up energy — while introducing some homeschool-type lessons on topics ranging from geometry to physical education to biology.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Can Make a ‘Survival’ or ‘Victory’ Garden?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Anyone! </strong>Obviously, the space you have and the time you’re willing to spend will determine the scale. Few people can completely support themselves, especially right away — but anything you grow helps your budget and saves a trip to the store.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially if you’re new to the gardening game, it can help to:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Set realistic expectations</strong> for your time, space, and other resources. Ask yourself: Should this be a small, medium, or large operation? How much space do I have? How much time and energy can I spend on planning, planting, watering, weeding, etc.?</li><li><strong>Start small.</strong> First-time gardening involves a learning curve, so take baby steps if you’ve never gardened before. Begin with a potted herb like basil or mint, or a medicinal plant such as aloe or marigolds. Definitely plant a few easy-to-grow vegetables, including green beans or potatoes. From there, add new crops as you wish.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ajPU9FrhuAjKC-fQLjorDE1Vor0MHxPQqBa8Q9l0T-sG2jnvW9tG5b3pS30SEzuT-nwjcTJXJgAGF5p5JAmmpFgm--1oJFdPCXGymEU8A6Csz8DBImQLpd7cyF1LONqtRLpJ8uJZ\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing Your Own Food: 6 Things You Need to Get Started</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1) A plan</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want good results, you can’t just start sticking plants in the ground. Gardening depends on a lot of factors, and you need to consider them first. (THEN you can start sticking plants in the ground!)&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>What vegetables you actually like to eat that grow well in your climate, as well as the calorie, protein, and vitamin content of those choices.&nbsp;</li><li>How many people you hope to feed and what you’ll be able to store or preserve.&nbsp;</li><li>Which medicinal herbs and other useful plants you want to grow.</li><li>How and where you’ll grow it all. Indoors or outdoors? in containers, <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/gardening/growing-vegetables-on-hills-rows-or-raised-beds/\">hills, rows, or raised beds</a>? In a greenhouse? Maybe even a hidden garden?&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Space</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The country’s <a href=\"https://garden.org/special/pdf/2014-NGA-Garden-to-Table.pdf\">median garden size</a> is about 96 square feet (8 feet by 12 feet). That’s very close to 100 square feet — the ideal size for a <a href=\"https://todayshomeowner.com/choosing-the-right-size-vegetable-garden/\">summer vegetable garden</a> that can fill the needs of one person.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how much food can a space like that yield? One gardener writing for <a href=\"https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/edible-landscaping-zmaz09djzraw\">Mother Earth News</a> calculated her 100-square-foot plot’s annual yield at 77.5 pounds of tomatoes, 15.5 pounds of bell peppers, 14.3 pounds of lettuce, 2.5 pounds of basil, and 126 pounds of zucchini!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also pay attention to the amount of sun and shade your intended plot will get, so you can decide which plants should go where. Lots of gardening websites offer <a href=\"https://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/\">garden planners</a> to help you visualize and design your plot.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Water</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A clean water supply is important, of course. Unless your area gets a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably be watering from your household water supply by hand, hose, or sprinkler. It’s easy to install a water filter to prevent chlorine, salts, and other chemicals from getting into your soil and your food — there are filters that screw right onto your garden hose!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Soil</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ll also need fertile soil that’s been tilled or loosened and is free of rocks and debris. If you’re converting a yard from turf, turning the soil for the first time will be one of the most time- and labor-intensive steps in the process. Prepare yourself now!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn things about your soil in the process, including its history of pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer use. You’ll also get to know the consistency of the soil texture — what <a href=\"https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/what-type-of-soil-do-you-have/9120.html\">proportions of sand, silt, clay, or loam</a> it contains — plus how much rock you’ll need to remove.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) Time</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A garden will take up as much time as you give it, but most sources seem to agree that once plants are in the ground and growing, you’ll devote at minimum 5-10 hours per week to planting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, etc.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, when starting a survival garden, you probably want the period from planting to harvest to take as little time as possible, so consider sowing some fast-growing plants in your first crop. (See <strong>17 Fastest-Growing Backyard Crops</strong>, below, for suggestions.)<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) <strong>Tools</strong>&nbsp;</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some basic <a href=\"https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/tools.html\">tools every backyard gardener needs</a> to begin with, including:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Gardening gloves.</strong> They should fit snugly and be thick enough to prevent calluses and protect from thorns.</li><li><strong>Shovel and/or spade</strong>. Try breaking ground and digging into soil without them. You won’t like it.</li><li><strong>Trowel. </strong>&nbsp;Use this handheld version of a shovel for digging and scooping soil.</li><li><strong>Cultivator. </strong>Also called a garden fork or hand rake, use it to break up soil.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Shears.</strong> These small, handheld “garden scissors” are used to cut stems, twigs, vines, etc.</li><li><strong>Rake.</strong> It can’t be beat for gathering cuttings and debris, clearing topsoil, etc.</li><li><strong>Garden hose and nozzle.</strong> A nozzle helps spread and regulate water flow.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Watering can.</strong> Used for watering in places the hose won’t reach.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your garden starts growing and you get a little deeper in, you also might need:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Loppers.</strong> A long-handled tool with scissor-like blades that cuts branches, vines, etc.</li><li><strong>Hoe</strong>. This long-handled tool with a flat blade is used for cutting weeds, turning soil.</li><li><strong>Pitchfork.</strong> Spread straw or other ground cover with this tined tool.</li><li><strong>Axe and/or hatchet.</strong> Cut branches and trunks of larger plants.</li><li><strong>Pruning saw.</strong> With this serrated metal blade you can saw off stems, shoots, etc.</li><li><strong>Wheelbarrow</strong> Transport soil, plants, tools, and everything else.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FCQrAn04mB_snbI5J9SjwmYuTLmEicgYhZF9N0T6y1cl_h2p4XyTEf-acUONsMvrIsACQPGYgYJ4s6K_if6UsVvKi3QNmBLrONRS3rdQp_N7JFdA-zW_2Mo9ThUqh4iTc4bWeAN2\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing Food: Start With Staples&nbsp;</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to selecting crops for a survival garden, everybody has different needs and tastes. Here’s a basic example of the types of staple crops you can plant:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Root vegetables: </strong>beets, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, sweet potatoes.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Leafy greens:</strong> chard, collards, kale, lettuce, spinach.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Crucifers:</strong> bok choy, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower.</li><li><strong>Legumes:</strong> beans or peas, <strong>which grow well with</strong> corn, squash, zucchini.</li><li>And <strong>tomatoes: </strong>of course! They’re everybody’s favorite vegetable (that’s really a fruit).</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These veggies have <a href=\"https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/succession-planting/5016.html\">different growing seasons</a>, which can allow you to start a few kinds of plants at a time and focus on establishing them before it’s time to get the next crop going. (Just make sure to plan your garden layout with enough room for everybody.) This also means there should be something new that’s ready to harvest throughout most of the year.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of different lenses to help you focus your plant choices. You can consider growing time; ease of cultivation; protein, calorie or vitamin content. Luckily, many plants show up on multiple lists and grow well in your area. If you like to eat them (and bonus: if your kids like to eat them), then give them a try in your victory garden!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17 Fastest-Growing Backyard Crops&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember growing bean sprouts in school? There’s a reason kindergarten teachers everywhere choose them: The seeds sprout and turn in visible results in almost no time.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Food</strong></td><td><strong>Average days from </strong><strong><br></strong><strong>sowing to harvest</strong></td></tr><tr><td>green onions</td><td>20-30 days</td></tr><tr><td>radishes</td><td>25 days</td></tr><tr><td>spinach</td><td>30 days</td></tr><tr><td>arugula</td><td>30 days</td></tr><tr><td>carrots</td><td>30-50 days</td></tr><tr><td>lettuce</td><td>30-45 days</td></tr><tr><td>summer squash/ zucchini</td><td>35 days</td></tr><tr><td>bush beans</td><td>60 days</td></tr><tr><td>bok choy</td><td>45-60 days</td></tr><tr><td>cucumbers</td><td>50 days</td></tr><tr><td>beets</td><td>greens: 30 days / roots: 50 days</td></tr><tr><td>okra</td><td>50-55 days</td></tr><tr><td>kale</td><td>50-65 days</td></tr><tr><td>snow peas</td><td>60 days</td></tr><tr><td>broccoli</td><td>60 days</td></tr><tr><td>turnips</td><td>greens: 40 days / roots: 60 days</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your first survival garden season with some of these fast-growing crops, and you could be harvesting dinner within a few months.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Hardest and Easiest Crops to Grow at Home</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some crops are just easier than others. First-timer? You might want to stick with the crops easiest to grow in your area. Got some dirt under your nails? Go for the more finicky varieties.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Easier-to-grow crops</strong></td><td><strong>Harder-to-grow crops</strong></td></tr><tr><td>cucumbers</td><td>arugula</td></tr><tr><td>garlic</td><td>bok choy</td></tr><tr><td>green beans</td><td>broccoli</td></tr><tr><td>kale</td><td>cauliflower</td></tr><tr><td>lettuce</td><td>eggplant</td></tr><tr><td>peas</td><td>mustard greens</td></tr><tr><td>potatoes</td><td>onions</td></tr><tr><td>radishes*</td><td>radishes*</td></tr><tr><td>summer squash/ zucchini</td><td>spinach</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*Wondering why radishes show up on both the easy-to-grow and hard-to-grow lists? Because it’s easy to get radishes sprouted and growing, but not always easy to keep this cool-weather plant from <strong>bolting</strong> (prematurely flowering and going to seed before producing food) in warm weather. The same is true for many on the hard-to-grow list.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7Yq5PyMIaG19xvaGbAMWwzljZf_L_koSskCafJvn8meFWXnRMFxb0edNXNBihTTJW1xyEGBoMtLgMgnN88fiY6iGmKuroL_LpaSULhzy8WrKYPzC1Dz2pvOe9cD4-PU8MBa6s8Mn\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 Calorie-Rich Survival Garden Crops</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re trying to keep your family fed in a crisis situation, calories (<em>boosting them</em>, that is — not cutting them down!) may become more important than you ever thought possible. These are among the most calorie-dense crops you can plant.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Food</strong></td><td><strong>Average calories</strong></td></tr><tr><td>sunflower seeds&nbsp;</td><td>700 kcals per cup (shelled)</td></tr><tr><td>avocado&nbsp;</td><td>370 kcals per cup (puréed)</td></tr><tr><td>soybeans</td><td>300 kcals per cup</td></tr><tr><td>potatoes</td><td>260 kcals each (medium)</td></tr><tr><td>lima beans</td><td>210 kcals per cup</td></tr><tr><td>corn</td><td>130 kcals per ear</td></tr><tr><td>sweet potatoes</td><td>130 kcals each (medium)</td></tr><tr><td>pinto beans&nbsp;</td><td>80 kcals per cup</td></tr><tr><td>Source: <a href=\"https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/\">USDA Food Data Central</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 High-Protein Backyard Crops</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein is also important for maintaining proper health. There are plenty of ways to get protein into your garden and onto your plate.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Food</strong></td><td><strong>Average protein per cup</strong></td></tr><tr><td>soybeans</td><td>68 grams</td></tr><tr><td>pumpkin seeds</td><td>36 grams</td></tr><tr><td>pinto beans</td><td>28 grams</td></tr><tr><td>quinoa</td><td>24 grams</td></tr><tr><td>buckwheat</td><td>22 grams</td></tr><tr><td>peanuts</td><td>16 grams</td></tr><tr><td>chickpeas</td><td>14 grams</td></tr><tr><td>broccoli</td><td>2.5 grams</td></tr><tr><td>Source: <a href=\"https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/\">USDA Food Data Central</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides legumes and grains, many green veggies are high in protein — such as broccoli, which contains <a href=\"https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/tips-and-ideas/archive/yes-plants-have-protein\">more protein per calorie than steak</a>. (You’d just have to eat <em>many</em> more mouthfuls of greens to get the same number of calories as you’d get from the animal products.)<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17 Foods You Can Regrow From Kitchen Scraps</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A smart way to reduce food waste and get more of the crops you already like to eat is to regrow food from cuttings. This also saves unnecessary trips to the store or garden center. If you’ve never done this before, now is a great time to start. Here are some foods you can regrow.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"424\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/foods-grow-from-cuttings-424x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10985\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/y3g3ijCjNGPvHrh4BSQpVnskWjnV4j85j1X7lgbPoC-vgSwK_MwmBaOl4IP53eiGu8hBPZhcrGx_RW2KUFt1aGmOGdgsxLiV-GaYCIJbtpPFAPpQyyH8fM8kgdJ2rZlnDTlybKUp\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing Medicine</strong>: <strong>Backyard Plants</strong><strong> </strong><strong>With Healing Properties</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both in the soil and in your home, vegetables in your survival garden will be complemented by other plants. <a href=\"https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/conditions/medicinal-herbs-can-grow/\">Medicinal herbs</a> can replace store-bought supplements or pharmaceuticals in healing injury and relieving illnesses, and other plants can help you replace household items.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conditions You Can Treat With Backyard Plants</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Self-sufficiency is always a great feeling, but it’s of much greater importance during a crisis. If store-bought pharmaceuticals are unavailable, you might be able to harvest something from the garden to help relieve an injury or malady. These are some conditions that have been treated using medicinal herbs:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>scrapes&nbsp;</li><li>cuts&nbsp;</li><li>bruises&nbsp;</li><li>burns&nbsp;</li><li>insect bites&nbsp;</li><li>itching or irritation&nbsp;</li><li>infection&nbsp;</li><li>swelling/ inflammation&nbsp;</li><li>aches&nbsp;</li><li>pains</li><li>cramps&nbsp;</li><li>fever&nbsp;</li><li>headache&nbsp;</li><li>stomachache&nbsp;</li><li>indigestion&nbsp;</li><li>diarrhea&nbsp;</li><li>sore throat&nbsp;</li><li>cough&nbsp;</li><li>congestion&nbsp;</li><li>trouble breathing&nbsp;<br></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 Healing Plants You Might Already Have in Your Garden</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"515\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-515x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10987\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-515x1024.png 515w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/medicinal-gardening-plants-480x954.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 515px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12 Plants to Make Into a Tea&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For centuries, people have made tea from the leaves of various plants to relieve certain ailments. Here are some plants that make herbal teas believed to offer health benefits:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>blackberry leaf&nbsp;</li><li>chamomile&nbsp;</li><li>clove&nbsp;</li><li>dandelion</li><li>echinacea&nbsp;</li><li>elderberry&nbsp;</li><li>feverfew&nbsp;</li><li>ginger</li><li>lemon balm&nbsp;</li><li>lemongrass&nbsp;</li><li>mint&nbsp;</li><li>rosehips&nbsp;<br></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6 Plants to Make Into Topical Salves</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of their natural antiseptic and pain-relieving benefits, these plants can be made into topical applications — oils, ointments, washes, poultices, or salves — to relieve skin irritation, inflammation, or muscular pain, as well as heal cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>aloe&nbsp;</li><li>arnica</li><li>calendula&nbsp;</li><li>chamomile</li><li>lavender&nbsp;</li><li>witch hazel</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11 Poisonous Plants to Be Careful About&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some medicinal plants look like other plants that can be toxic or even deadly, so make sure you pay attention. (And remember: This is by no means a comprehensive list!)</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>blue cohosh&nbsp;</li><li>calla lily&nbsp;</li><li>castor bean plant</li><li>belladonna (aka deadly nightshade)&nbsp;</li><li>foxglove&nbsp;</li><li>hemlock&nbsp;</li><li>oleander&nbsp;</li><li>pokeweed&nbsp;</li><li>rosary pea&nbsp;</li><li>white snakeroot&nbsp;</li><li>wolfsbane&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, some plants have similar names. For example, don’t confuse <strong>black cohosh</strong> — used for easing menstrual cramps and hot flashes — with <strong>blue cohosh</strong>, which can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. The raw berries also can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children if ingested.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9 Plants Whose Leaves You Can Use Instead of Toilet Paper</strong><a href=\"https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-plant-experts-leaves-toilet-paper-a4383856.html\"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, you won’t run out of toilet paper or any of the next-most-useful replacements like tissues, napkins, or paper towels. But if you get to the point of looking for rugged, old-school solutions, leaves are your best bet. Check your backyard. The following trees and plants are good candidates because of the size, softness, thickness, and durability of their leaves. As a bonus, they also generally don’t contain any skin-irritating chemicals.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"530\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-530x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10986\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-530x1024.png 530w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/leaves-toilet-paper-480x928.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 530px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don’t already have access to any of these, it might not be a bad idea to plant a few — just in case. Mullein, mallow, lamb’s ear, and asters do well in gardens across the U.S. Corn lily and thimbleberry are mountainous and grow best at higher altitudes. (Remember: It’s important to make sure you know exactly what a plant is before you use it on any part of your body.)<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5 Plants You Can Use to Make Rope</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course you’ve stocked plenty of rope among your supplies. But what happens if it gets lost, stolen, or somehow compromised? You make your own rope, of course —&nbsp;armed with know-how, plenty of time, immense patience, no small amount of labor, and any of these plants.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-792x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10988\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-792x1024.png 792w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/plants-to-use-for-rope-480x620.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 792px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these fibrous plants will work better than others in your garden. Milkweed complements mainstream garden life, encouraging butterflies that help with pollination. Conversely, because of their unfriendly properties, dogbane and stinging nettle require a more out-of-the-way spot.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be Zone-Savvy: Set Yourself Up for Success by Knowing Your Hardiness Zone</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The United States is immense, so there’s no single typical growing season or harvest period. Instead, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has designated “<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">plant hardiness zones</a>” to guide planting all across the country. The zones are determined by the lowest winter temperatures (historically averaged) as they occur across the geographic areas of the U.S.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HQQYKeGK6GIU9sUn_w4EXbso5sQmYqCPfoOlFyo9Mrdbcdq9nkiAHy5FYKOjtyyqKW_7BIexOk_bETF1_Iz7Obdrki04UicfuEG07ykbCRvc2TgpT4-5lyMpf0C1Wxf8Nazx10r-\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.backyardgardener.com/garden-forum-education/hardiness-zones/plant-hardiness-zone-map/\">Hardiness zone maps</a> are also accessible by state or by region. Using them to figure out the specific temperature range for your area can help you gauge which plants will grow best and last longest.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know your zone, you can begin to figure out a timetable that will work for gardening in your area. Several websites provide a <a href=\"https://veggieharvest.com/calendars/\">planting and harvest calendar</a> for each zone, as well as suggestions for vegetables and general planting advice.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preparing the Soil</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you’ve decided <em>what</em> to grow and planned <em>where</em> and <em>when</em> to grow it, it’s finally time for the <em>how</em>: Get your hands dirty and dig into the soil!&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Designing Your Dirt&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Raised beds</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common gardening methods, <a href=\"https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/raised-bed-basics/8565.html\">planting in raised beds</a> involves turning the bed soil, then adding more soil and compost on top. Beds can be contained in boxes where the entire surface is raised, or soil can be formed into mounds or rows above the original surface. A raised-bed design can offer several advantages:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>improved drainage</strong> – Gravity draws and spreads water and nutrients down into the soil, where roots can make use of them (rather than letting water pool, which can cause rot).&nbsp;</li><li><strong>warmer temperatures</strong> – Soil on top heats up faster, allowing for earlier planting, which is especially great for cooler growing zones.</li><li><strong>better airflow</strong> – Looser, fluffier soil lets air in to enhance root growth.</li><li><strong>improved soil composition</strong> – Even if your soil quality is poor to begin with, you can add organic soil and compost to make a fine growing medium.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>easier weed control</strong> – Tightly spaced plants leave less room for weeds, and looser soil makes them easier to pull.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>bigger yields</strong> – Plants in raised beds can be planted closer together, taking advantage of succession planting (different crops throughout the year) and vertical space (see hills, below) to yield more food in a smaller space.&nbsp;</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hills</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’ve heard the expression “doesn’t amount to a hill of beans?” Yep, beans grow best in hills. Planting in hills (or mounds) works well for vining plants like beans, squash, cucumbers, and melons. Often they’re planted with a vertical frame for the vines to climb.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rows</strong>&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional gardens planted in rows can be especially useful for supporting large crops like corn, canning tomatoes, potatoes and other produce that takes up a lot of room.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Improving Soil Quality</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When your food is coming from it, you want to make sure your soil is as clean, chemical-free, and nutritious as possible. If you or previous land occupants have used pesticides or herbicides in the bed soil, you’ll probably want to make raised beds and add organic soil and compost. After that, adding an annual layer of compost adds nutrients and continually improves the soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fertilizers From the Kitchen</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>You’re also probably looking for a shorter timeline than it takes for a compost pile to “ripen” for use, so meanwhile, you can divert these classic compost ingredients directly into the soil as DIY fertilizers:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"696\" src=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10990\" srcset=\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost.png 800w, http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-add-to-soil-compost-480x418.png 480w\" sizes=\"((min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px)) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" /></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Planting: Should You Use Seeds or Seedlings?</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegetables and other plants vary in the forms they best grow from: seeds or seedlings. Here’s an overview of each type, plus some advice on getting them started:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foods That Grow Easily From Seeds&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To grow some vegetables, you can just stick a seed in the ground, let it germinate, and cultivate it from there. Easier than cuttings, and cheaper than seedlings! These plants include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>arugula&nbsp;</li><li>beans&nbsp;</li><li>beets&nbsp;</li><li>carrots&nbsp;</li><li>corn&nbsp;</li><li>cucumber&nbsp;</li><li>lettuce&nbsp;</li><li>peas</li><li>pumpkins&nbsp;</li><li>radishes&nbsp;</li><li>spinach&nbsp;</li><li>squash</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://homeguides.sfgate.com/basics-planting-seeds-64807.html\">basics of planting seeds</a>, of course, are the much the same as for any type of planting:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Begin with rich soil that’s not too wet or dry.&nbsp;</li><li>Choose a plot (or pot) that receives adequate sunlight for the seeds you plant (corn, tomatoes, and peppers need full sun, but spinach, lettuce, and other greens like fewer sunny hours).&nbsp;</li><li>Pay attention to the specifications for depth and space that your seeds are known to like. Too deep, and they won’t reach the surface; too shallow, and they won’t stay anchored.</li><li>Water regularly enough to keep the soil moist, but not so much that it feels soppy or looks flooded.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Creative planting tip: Did you know you can </strong><a href=\"https://www.southernliving.com/garden/flowers/how-to-start-seeds-in-eggshells-video\"><strong>sprout seeds in eggshells</strong></a><strong>?</strong> Simply take several clean, empty shells, carefully poke a drainage hole in the bottom of each, then set into an egg carton. Fill each shell with some potting soil, sprinkle a few seeds of your choice, then lightly rake a little soil over them. Set in a sunny spot and keep moist with a mister until leaves sprout. Then, you can plant the entire thing into a pot, and the eggshell will fertilize the plant it helped sprout! This can also be done with hollowed-out citrus peels.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plants That Start Best From Seedlings&nbsp;</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some plants are notoriously hard to germinate from seeds and/or keep alive. Seedlings are more mature and stronger (as well as more pest-resistant) when they’re transplanted, so you’re less likely to lose plants at the beginning. Plants grown from seedlings also mature faster, getting you to harvest sooner.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>basil&nbsp;</li><li>broccoli</li><li>Brussels sprouts&nbsp;</li><li>cabbage&nbsp;</li><li>cauliflower&nbsp;</li><li>celery&nbsp;</li><li>chives</li><li>collards</li><li>eggplant</li><li>kale</li><li>kohlrabi</li><li>leeks</li><li>mustard greens</li><li>peppers</li><li>parsley</li><li>tomatoes</li><li>zucchini</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/EvElFSghgX6CRJsBbzhdgW8IBwqB2VQdCWHX82pxMRbEMLUZ2xKkrbPyO2RRH-sP__hp1iw3HS_ZOS7aPx0QSCPsHKlOHY6dJsT5IZ8DMPUoLv0VOF574z4yYHiaZ6YAFFyAi6aU\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Growing and Tending: Creative Victory Garden Hacks</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once they’re in the ground and doing their thing, your job is to keep watch over your plants and protect them from all the things that can cause them harm. Fortunately, there are several creative gardening hacks to help you tend your plants and help them grow. Here are just a few.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Line flower pots with coffee filters</strong> to hold moisture in and prevent excess drainage.</li><li><strong>For sweeter tomatoes</strong>, sprinkle some baking soda on the soil.</li><li><strong>Snip basil blossoms before they flower.</strong> This will keep the plant from going to seed, instead extending its growing season and giving you a bigger harvest of its leaves.</li><li><strong>Let worms help you cultivate</strong>. As they plow through soil, worms break down organic matter into nutrients, increase the amount of air and water that gets into the soil, and leave behind a very valuable type of fertilizer.</li><li><strong>Stick plastic forks in the ground</strong> around tender young plants; the sharp tines will keep away curious critters like cats, rabbits, or mice.</li><li><strong>Plant batches of lettuce and other short-lived items a week apart </strong>so they don’t all mature at the same time and you have a steady supply of fresh produce.</li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Grows Best Around The U.S.?&nbsp;</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the planting seasons for vegetables, some fruits, and herbs in different parts of the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>What and When to Plant in the U.S.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Region</strong></td><td><strong>Spring (March-May)</strong></td><td><strong>Summer (June-Aug)</strong></td><td><strong>Fall </strong><strong><br></strong><strong>(Sept-Nov)</strong></td><td><strong>Winter (Dec-Feb)</strong></td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>Pacific Northwest</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-9a</a>)</td><td>apples, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, collards, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsnips, peas, pears, pole beans, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, radishes, scallions, shallots, snap peas, snow peas, strawberries, spinach, sorrel</td><td>bush beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, eggplants, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, peppers, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, winter squash, parsley, rhubarb</td><td>fava beans, garlic, mustard greens, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips, chives</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>West Coast</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-9a</a>)</td><td>beans, beets, blackberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, turnips, basil, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary</td><td>beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, corn, cucumbers, onions, peppers, radishes, squash, tomatoes</td><td>beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, squash</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>South Central and Southwest</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 3b-11a</a>)</td><td>asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, bok choy, cantaloupes, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, figs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, melons, okra, onions, peanuts, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, scallions, snap peas, spinach, tomatoes, watermelons, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley</td><td>beans, beets, cantaloupes, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, gourds, kale, lettuce, melons, mustard greens, okra, peanuts, peas, tomatoes, tomatillos, turnips, beans, sweet peppers, hot peppers, watermelon, basil, cilantro, dill</td><td>arugula, beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, garlic, kale, leek, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, parsnips, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips, cilantro, dill, parsley</td><td>beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, lettuce,snow peas, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley</td></tr><tr><td><br><br><strong>Midwest</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-7b</a>)</td><td>apples, arugula, beans, beets, blackberries, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, carrots, chard, cherries, corn, cucumber, edamame, endive, fava beans, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, lima beans, parsnips, peaches, peas, pears, persimmons, potatoes, radishes, radicchio, scallions, spinach, squash (summer and winter), strawberries, turnips, watermelon, basil, chives, cilantro, fennel, parsley, sorrel, summer savory, witch hazel</td><td>arugula, beans, beets, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumber, edamame, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, okra, parsnips, radishes, rutabaga, peas, pumpkin, scallions, squash (summer and winter), turnips, watermelon, basil, cilantro, parsley, sorrel</td><td>arugula, broccoli, cabbage, collards, endive, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Southeast</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-11a</a>)</td><td>broccoli, blackberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, collards, corn, eggplant, figs, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet potatoes, basil, cilantro, dill, lavender, oregano, thyme, witch hazel</td><td>beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, kale, lima beans, pole beans, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash</td><td>chard, kale, onions, pumpkins, rosemary, turnips</td><td><br></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Northeast</strong><br>(<a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/\">USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-8a</a>)</td><td>beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, melons, sweet peppers, snap peas, squash, tomatoes, watermelons, zucchini, basil, chamomile, ginger, mint, parsley, witch hazel</td><td>beets, bok choy, broccoli, cantaloupe, cabbage, carrots, chard, corn, greens, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, pole beans, snap beans, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, squash, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelons, zucchini, arnica, basil, borage, chamomile, dill, fennel, marshmallow, oregano, parsley, purslane, skullcap, thyme</td><td>arugula, beets, broccoli, garlic, greens (mesclun, rapini, mache, frisee, etc.), kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, radishes, shallots, spinach, turnips,cilantro, chamomile, echinacea, holy basil, lemon balm, oregano, purslane, skullcap, sorrel, thyme</td><td>arugula, kale, lettuce, basil, cilantro, dill(start indoors in pots)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gardening Glossary</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aerating</strong> &#8211; Loosening soil or compost to allow air to circulate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Annuals</strong> &#8211; Varieties that complete their life cycle in one year or less, requiring sowing every year. Annual flower varieties often bloom profusely and over a long period of time.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biennials</strong> &#8211; Varieties, both flowers and vegetables, that complete their life cycle in two years, usually just showing only leaf growth the first year, and flowers the next</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Companion planting </strong>&#8211; Planting different plants together that benefit one another. For example, sowing a plant that attracts pollinators next to a plant that requires pollination; corn, squash, and beans are common companions.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cutting </strong>&#8211; Developing a new plant by cutting a piece of leaf, stem, root, or bud from a parent plant, then inserting it into a growing medium (water or soil) to form roots</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Composting</strong> &#8211; Using decomposed plant material to replenish soil nutrients while reducing landfill waste</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fertilizing</strong> &#8211; Adding organic or synthetic material to soil or plant to improve the nutrient value and help plants grow stronger&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Germination</strong> &#8211; The moment when a seed begins to grow</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hydroponics</strong> &#8211; Growing plants in water instead of soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Planting/ sowing </strong>&#8211; Putting seeds in soil and allowing them to germinate and grow&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Perennials</strong> &#8211; Varieties that grow and flower for two or more years. These can be evergreen or may die back to the ground but will grow again the following season.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pollination</strong> &#8211; The fertilization of a flower by wind, insect, birds, etc., resulting in a seed, sometimes surrounded by an edible fruit&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seedling</strong> &#8211; Tiny plant developing from a germinated seed, ready for planting</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thinning</strong> &#8211; Reducing the number of seedlings so remaining plants are spaced properly to grow</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Transplanting</strong> &#8211; Transferring a plant to a different growing space or medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA hardiness zones</strong> &#8211; Zones designated for planting as determined by the historical, average, lowest winter temperature in specified geographic areas of the U.S.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Variety</strong> &#8211; A species that has naturally formed a unique characteristic distinguishing it from similar plants (For example, kale and kohlrabi each adapted unique characteristics that differ from cabbage, the original species from which they came.)</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n","title":"Social Distancing in Your Backyard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5086792452830189,"src":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1789c/social-distancing-backyard.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/107df/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 320w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/293e9/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 500w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/f2cbb/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 800w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1789c/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 960w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/19c60/social-distancing-backyard.jpg 1999w","srcWebp":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1dd6e/social-distancing-backyard.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/67b76/social-distancing-backyard.webp 320w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/8df11/social-distancing-backyard.webp 500w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/98a65/social-distancing-backyard.webp 800w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/1dd6e/social-distancing-backyard.webp 960w,\n/static/4697d7c41b2492787ca191a3565dd6d1/acfdf/social-distancing-backyard.webp 1999w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Social Distancing in Your Backyard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"metaTitle":"Everything You Need to Know About Blog Page % Page | Wikilawn %","metaDescription":"Looking for info on Blog ? 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