![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/crocuses-snow-peter-stenzel-flickr-cc20.jpg\")
A telltale chill in the air first thing in the morning signals that fall is quickly approaching, with winter not far behind. Truthfully, the idea of fall and winter makes me a little sad. With the change in seasons comes the annual winterizing of the garden that transforms my yard into a somewhat depressing, lackluster […]
\n","content":"\nA telltale chill in the air first thing in the morning signals that fall is quickly approaching, with winter not far behind. Truthfully, the idea of fall and winter makes me a little sad. With the change in seasons comes the annual winterizing of the garden that transforms my yard into a somewhat depressing, lackluster space. But there is a cure…plant flowers specifically for the winter that flourish in the cold!
\n\n\n\nGardeners in warmer, southern climates certainly have winter gardening easier than those of us who have chosen to withstand snow and freezing temps. They have a much wider selection of flowering plants suitable for their climates. Finding plants hardy enough to survive single-digit temperatures is more challenging, although not impossible. It just takes some research and a bit of creativity to design a flowering winter garden.
\n\n\n\nTo make it easier on you, I’ve gone ahead and done some of that research for you, listing some of the best plants for winter flowers and color in the cold weather of northern and transitional climates.
\n\n\n\nThe plants have been divided into two categories: those suitable for the northern hardiness growing zones 4, 5, and 6; and plants suitable for the transitional area of the country encompassing the hardiness growing zones 6, 7, and 8. Plants in the northern zones can be planted in the transitional zone. However, the plants listed under the transitional zone are not hardy enough to survive through the harsher northern winters.
\n\n\n\nIf you are unsure which hardiness zone you live in, you can use the USDA interactive map to determine it.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/flowering-kale-terren-in-va-flickr-cc20-1024x683.jpg\")
To get the most color during the winter, opt for some of the following plants. They add color to your garden through their decorative foliage, brightly-colored berries, and/or cold-tolerant flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/camellia-bud-snow-ruth-hartnup-flickr-cc20.jpg\")
All of the plants mentioned for the frozen north can be planted for winter color if you live in the transition zone, as your winters are typically milder. These next three specimens are a little less hardy than the aforementioned plants but will tolerate your winter climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snowdrop-329712-c-Tony-Atkin.jpg\")
While fall bulbs are a great way to add late-season winter color or early-season spring color to your yard, these bulbs usher in spring but won’t brighten your yard all winter.
\n\n\n\nSome annual plants can also hang around long enough to provide some winter color in your garden. Anyone who has planted a viola, a pansy, or snapdragon in their flowerbeds understands the tenacity of these plants. They are grown as annuals but will survive well into the cold months if left to grow and easily reseed to self-propagate for the following spring.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: “Snowy cotoneaster,” Liz West, CC 2.0
\n","title":"14 Winter Flowers and Plants to Color Your Garden","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.521311475409836,"src":"/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/1789c/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/107df/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/293e9/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/f2cbb/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/1789c/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/a48d1/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.jpg 3248w","srcWebp":"/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/1dd6e/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/67b76/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.webp 320w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/8df11/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.webp 500w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/98a65/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.webp 800w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/1dd6e/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.webp 960w,\n/static/8dd99d3868e4a0dfd16f41dccdf1169d/e5a0e/cotoneaster-liz-west-flickr-ccc20.webp 3248w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"14 Winter Flowers and Plants to Color Your Garden | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"d16e2d6b-56c8-59e2-83f4-27ffd9dd8cd8","slug":"benefits-composting-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Ruma Akter","id":"b4adb332-066f-5309-a11a-ada9d71b73f7","path":"/author/opushaon10/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ebb2426fcf700731e458d89422adc475?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Looking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer. You may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too. What Is Compost? Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps […]
\n","content":"\nLooking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer.
\n\n\n\nYou may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7siWPz9hIYZNaFizVvrLv1ilgO2v5ZEN6q_jZTkH9LyzmiTKBQ-wplgwMSshwyJel0FpzwSEjtWWWzWiVQY7qEuHWGV0kuQrn-qt3FS5grSQfBs4xY62AB-ltZieVNlrBe1SUz3h\")
Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps and yard waste (grass clippings, raked leaves, and remnants of garden plants) make up most compost. Compost also happens on its own in nature with fallen leaves, twigs, and branches. By adding fruit and vegetable scraps, you put back into the soil the ingredients it needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nFood products that don’t compost well include tea bags (the tea residue works well but only if you remove the bag) and highly acidic citrus fruits and tomatoes (they may kill the good bacteria that break down the compost). Peelings from other fruits and vegetables are also excellent for the compost bin (remove the small paper stickers on them).
\n\n\n\nWhat you don’t want in your compost? Weeds. The weed seeds will spread and regrow in your yard.
\n\n\n\nLawns are dormant in winter, but it’s still a good time for maintenance. Composting supports the root system during dormancy. The organic matter helps the soil retain water, making it more available to the grass roots. Nutrients that would otherwise wash away, (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), make their way down to the roots. The healthier your lawn’s roots are, the deeper they grow and spread under your yard. This holds the soil together and helps it resist wind and water.
\n\n\n\nWith healthier roots created by composting comes healthier soil. The primary nutrients are joined by micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. The fertilizer you buy doesn’t always have these components. But compost breaks down slowly, so it acts as a slow-release fertilizer. The more diverse the ingredients in the compost, the more different types of nutrients sink into the soil. The decomposed compost (also called humus), will also neutralize both acidic and alkaline soils, creating pH levels that enable your grass to absorb the nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn helps break up compacted soil. But compost creates clusters of particles, called aggregates, for a stronger soil structure. These bundles have air channels and tiny holes that keep in water, nutrients, and air. There are basically three types of soil, and organic matter affects each one in different ways.
\n\n\n\nThis dense, heavy soil can be tough to work with. But when maintained, it’s one of the best soils for lawns and gardens. Adding organic matter like pine bark and finely ground leaves creates better soil structure. It also gets rid of drainage problems and compacted soil. Start with 3 to 6 inches of compost on your topsoil and work it down into the ground about ten inches over time. As the matter decomposes, it improves the quality of clay soil.
\n\n\n\nSandy soil is dry with large, coarse particles and a lot of air pockets, so it doesn’t need aeration. It’s also not ideal for growing things because all that space lets water drain before it can provide moisture to plant roots. Fertilizer is ineffective because it washes away before doing any good. Horticulture Agent Charlotte Glen of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension says, “Because they naturally lack nutrients and cannot store nutrients provided by fertilizers, plants growing in sandy sites often show nutrient deficiency symptoms like stunting, yellow leaves, and sparse flowering or poor fruit production.”
\n\n\n\nThe good news is that sand is lightweight and porous and easy to work with. This type of soil needs 3 to 4 inches of compost as topsoil. Till it deep into the ground. Then, in the future, let grass clippings fall onto the yard when mowing. The clippings add to the compost.
\n\n\n\nThis is the best type of soil for growing plants and grass. It’s a mix of equal parts clay, sand, and silt (sediment deposited by running water). While loamy soil already provides excellent growing conditions, you can improve any soil with compost. Do this once a year to lower its pH to a level that works well with grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fXTp3fOUPxxEJfrU4ABu64j_Zld8HZGr_VZc6ZpQOmTIkGU2ukwTl22wTLSETZwBt11kHl7TGBemnJ5-skvzmyBYzYT8xgSiYPixheaoIRMEWt_nrohyBSv7zGXMzLbyIKHk1BcF\")
Healthy turf is about 50% air, held in pockets and spaces in the soil. When that soil is compacted, moisture and nutrients don’t filter down to the plant’s roots as well as they should. Compost creates more accommodating surroundings by loosening the soil, creating natural energy.
\n\n\n\nSo how do you know if your soil is compacted?
\n\n\n\nWorking organic matter into the ground is the best way to fight compaction. For extreme cases, you may need to use up to 50% compost. This will also help decompose thatch buildup in the fall. Too much thatch causes the root system under your lawn to choke itself.
\n\n\n\nPerhaps the best perk from composting is how it benefits the environment. By putting your vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and other kitchen scraps in a compost pile, you’re keeping it out of landfills. You also eliminate the need for fertilizing. Make sure the organic matter stays damp, and it will keep insects away, negating the need for insecticide. And the air pockets created in the soil will hold more water, meaning you won’t need to water as often.
\n\n\n\nComposting is a win-win in many ways, but poor quality soil with too much clay or sand needs a little more work. After spreading more than an inch of compost over the yard, spray the grass blades with liquid nitrogen to speed up decomposition. Healthy lawns take some work but in the long run, are worth it!
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: normanack, CC 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.336116910229645,"src":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/107df/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/293e9/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/f2cbb/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/356ef/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/67b76/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/8df11/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/98a65/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/93f70/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"62032e10-2302-5f13-82e3-9581ef40a502","slug":"how-to-use-lighting-to-transform-your-outdoor-space","path":"/home-garden/how-to-use-lighting-to-transform-your-outdoor-space/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"September 12th, 2018","excerpt":"There are many ways that added lighting can completely change the overall feel of an outdoor space. Many products are on the market that are available in multiple applications to fit every need for outdoor lighting. Consider the following ways to transform your outdoor space by using well placed lighting fixtures. Update Old Lights Replacing […]
\n","content":"There are many ways that added lighting can completely change the overall feel of an outdoor space. Many products are on the market that are available in multiple applications to fit every need for outdoor lighting. Consider the following ways to transform your outdoor space by using well placed lighting fixtures.
\nReplacing outdoor fixtures is an easy way to create a larger feeling patio to instantly upgrade and increase the value of your outdoor space. Consider choosing fixtures that match the overall look of your house. Many finishes are available and matching a new light fixture to your door handles should be quite easy. Hardwired fixtures come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and can be tailored to your needs. Consider this modern choice that will provide a lot of light as well as beauty.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/pathway-lighting.jpg\")
Photo: photo-suit.com
\nWalkways are a primary area of concern when trying to navigate a dark yard. Consider adding easy to install pathway lighting in order to light up the walkways from the driveway to the front door. Choosing this lighting will help to ensure that guests and family members don’t trip while trying to navigate a dark yard. Other features of this type of lighting include being able to see hazards in the pathway like sports gear or even nocturnal animals that emerge only at night. Pro Tip: Be extremely careful when trimming your walkways with that four stroke string trimmer, or better yet remove the lights when doing your edging.
\nIf your outdoor space includes a covered porch or deck area, consider using outdoor ceiling lights that can be easily installed to provide overhead lighting. These lights can be easily added to the ceiling or perhaps consider recessed options like this style that will provide a clean overall look to your outdoor space. Using ceiling lights will provide lighting for those using your porch and deck space as well as encourage a level of safety in adding extra light around doorways and windows. Consider installing a timer for ceiling lights to automatically go on at sunset in order to provide safety when getting home after the sun goes down.
\nJust because the sun has gone down doesn’t mean that you don’t want to still view your beautiful blooming plants. Consider adding lighting that will spotlight your favorite bush or tree with this garden spike that rotates a full 180°. Placing a few around your garden will help to draw attention to those plants that are in full bloom even at night. Other options include placing this lighting fixture in front of displays or artwork in your garden that you would like to also enjoy at night.
\nIf you have a pool or water feature in your outdoor space adding a light that is rated for underwater use like this option will help illuminate those areas of your yard. Not only will showcasing these water features create extra beauty at night but they also help to keep these areas safe. Lighting up the water features of your yard will help guests easily identify these hazards as well as keep children and pets from accidentally falling into areas of water.
\nInstalling outdoor lighting is an easy way to instantly upgrade your outdoor living areas. Consider adding important pathway, ceiling, and underwater lighting in order to create a safe atmosphere. Lighted garden spikes can be used to showcase your garden as well. Replacing old fixtures with new options can also transform your outdoor area quickly. Follow these lighting tips in order to transform your outdoor space.
\nTop photo: tblawncare.com
\n","title":"How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.527972027972028,"src":"/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/1789c/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/107df/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.jpg 320w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/293e9/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.jpg 500w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/f2cbb/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.jpg 800w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/1789c/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.jpg 960w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/9a368/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.jpg 1748w","srcWebp":"/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/1dd6e/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/67b76/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.webp 320w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/8df11/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.webp 500w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/98a65/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.webp 800w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/1dd6e/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.webp 960w,\n/static/96d2c5c5bf8988f90869e4bf32de5b89/6c452/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot.webp 1748w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"854e8d74-58ed-5216-8d94-56a59594746c","slug":"10-best-vines-to-grow-in-your-garden","path":"/gardening-tips/10-best-vines-to-grow-in-your-garden/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9d2e17fb-2d94-54d0-842f-ab7f7fc9f750","name":"Gardening Tips","count":3,"path":"/category/gardening-tips/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"February 9th, 2019","excerpt":"Thunbergia (Black-eyed Susan) Known for its bright yellow flowers, Black-eyed Susan is an easy to grow vine. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil under bright sunlight. Black-eyed Susan can be easily trained to twine up fences, walls, pergolas, and privacy screens in a garden, deck or backyard. This lovely vine can grow up to […]
\n","content":"Known for its bright yellow flowers, Black-eyed Susan is an easy to grow vine. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil under bright sunlight. Black-eyed Susan can be easily trained to twine up fences, walls, pergolas, and privacy screens in a garden, deck or backyard. This lovely vine can grow up to 5 feet and produces attractive flowers in early or mid-fall. Some varieties also bear orange, white, blue and violet flowers.
\nPopular varieties include Thunbergia alata (yellow, orange and white flowers) and Thunbergia grandiflora (violet flowers).
\nClematis are one of the widely planted and the best vines to grow in gardens. They are popular for their attractive flowers that come in many different shades of red, pink, yellow, blue, purple and white. Clematis are usually easy to grow in a warm and sunny spot but they can tolerate spells of cold when protected from chilling winds and frost. The spring bloomers can be trained to twine up trellis and pergolas. The vine can grow up to 15 feet or more. A large number of varieties varying in size, growing habit and color of flowers are available for gardeners and horticulturists.
\nParthenocissus is a small genus of climbing vines from the family of grapes. These fast-growing plants are the best vines to grow against a wall, fence, or almost any other structure in your garden that you want to cover or hide. These clinging vines can easily attach themselves to almost any surface with abundant and beautiful foliage. Most species of Parthenocissus benefit from bright sunlight and a well-drained soil. Popular species include Parthenocissus quinquefolia (also know as Virgina Creeper) and Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy).
\n","title":"10 Best Vines to Grow in Your Garden","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Vines to Grow in Your Garden | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"cd6cba7b-0d03-533d-8b50-07d0825d97bf","slug":"getting-rid-of-grass-in-driveway-cracks","path":"/weeds/getting-rid-of-grass-in-driveway-cracks/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"e80a46cb-c990-5ffe-81c8-aa77d74e07ad","name":"Weeds","count":2,"path":"/category/weeds/"}],"date":"October 22nd, 2019","excerpt":"Maybe you got a nasty notice from the homeowners association. Or maybe you spent the weekend weeding, only to come home and find grass or dandelions poking up between your pavers or the cracks of your sidewalk. They’re unsightly and can cause serious damage to your walkway. Before you reach for the spray bottle of […]
\n","content":"\nMaybe you got a nasty notice from the homeowners association. Or maybe you spent the weekend weeding, only to come home and find grass or dandelions poking up between your pavers or the cracks of your sidewalk. They’re unsightly and can cause serious damage to your walkway.
\n\n\n\nBefore you reach for the spray bottle of Roundup or some other toxic weed killer containing glyphosate, take a look in your kitchen. You may already have all the ingredients to kill weeds and grass in driveway cracks. Homemade solutions are both cheap and eco-friendly.
\n\n\n\nLet’s start with why grass and weeds are attracted to sidewalk cracks. The cracks and crevices look small, but the spaces between pavers hold an amazing amount of dirt and organic matter. This matter gets swept by wind and rain and snow. Those crevices also hold onto moisture a little longer than flat surfaces, so it’s a perfect incubator for the weed seeds or grass.
\n\n\n\nThe setup also gives grass and weeds a little protection from you. It’s tough to get to the grass roots, or taproots of the weeds when all you can do is try to pull the unwanted plants by their tops. And you’re not likely to mulch those areas, as you would your flower beds, to prevent a return. But you can find everything you need to get to the root of the problem, in your kitchen — without turning to chemical herbicides sold at the garden center.
\n\n\n\nThe good news is that because the unwanted intruders are in driveway or sidewalk cracks, you don’t need to be as precise when applying your homemade remedies. A poorly aimed squirt has less of a chance to hit and accidentally kill desirable plants.
\n\n\n\nFirst, a word of warning: These common kitchen ingredients aren’t toxic in small doses, but they’re not benign, either. “Several can be harmful to people/pets during mixing and application, owing to inhalation, skin or eye contact, or spray mist. Some have unpleasant smells or have an allergenic effect,” writes Deborah Smith-Fiola and Stanton Gill for the University of Maryland Extension. Some hazards are obvious: Boiling water can burn you if you are not careful with it. Others aren’t as obvious. Don’t take chances and handle all of them carefully.
\n\n\n\nThe pros of homemade weed killers are that yes, they do provide some level of weed control, without the environmental or health risks that toxic chemicals can leave behind. That’s more peace of mind for parents, pet owners, and for people who care about the environment. It also gives you more control over your weed problem, killing those stubborn grasses and new weeds that seem to pop up all too often in the driveway cracks and crevices of your hardscaping. If you apply natural weed killer enough and at the right time, you may finally be free of those pesky plants that ruin the look of your yard.
\n\n\n\nImage credit: “Hordeum leporinum,” by Matt Lavin, CC by SA 2.0
\n","title":"Getting Rid of Weeds, Grass in Driveway Cracks","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/1789c/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/107df/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/293e9/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/f2cbb/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/1789c/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/356ef/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/1dd6e/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/67b76/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/8df11/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/98a65/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/1dd6e/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/758039ca3b2de2ecb8e7a4ee81da9156/93f70/rsz_weed-in-driveway-crack-matt-lavin-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Getting Rid of Weeds, Grass in Driveway Cracks | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"ba5cdb43-1c19-5c48-bf94-ae00008c4748","slug":"best-fragrant-houseplants","path":"/container-garden/best-fragrant-houseplants/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"b87ecb56-cbac-5bd5-b24f-adfeba93668a","name":"Container Garden","count":3,"path":"/category/container-garden/"},{"id":"8a05a295-4bd0-5eda-ba9e-1bb0d3dfa56d","name":"Flowers","count":4,"path":"/category/flowers/"},{"id":"b5095c78-e261-58bd-bd7a-5fc64a137b2d","name":"Indoor","count":4,"path":"/category/indoor/"}],"date":"February 27th, 2018","excerpt":"Indoor plants, especially fragrant houseplants are ideal when it comes to bringing nature and its goodness to your home. Weather you are looking for plants for your living room, patio, or the sunroom garden, fragrant houseplants freshen up the air and add that distinctive and irresistible natural look to your indoor space. The following are […]
\n","content":"\t\t\t\tIndoor plants, especially fragrant houseplants are ideal when it comes to bringing nature and its goodness to your home. Weather you are looking for plants for your living room, patio, or the sunroom garden, fragrant houseplants freshen up the air and add that distinctive and irresistible natural look to your indoor space. The following are some of the best fragrant houseplants you should consider for your home:
\n![\"Gardenia\"](\"https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3054/2828384877_5a1b9ec845.jpg\")
\nGardenia is one of the best fragrant houseplant you will find. Their dark green leaves and creamy-white flowers are a sight to behold and easily compliment any décor you may have. Gardenia may not be the easiest indoor plant to care for, but the look and fragrance they offer your living space are all worth the extra effort.
![\"Jasmine](\"https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1271/767609245_07530f86aa.jpg\")
\nJasmine plants produce a particular nighttime scent and belong to a class of winter blooms. Not all of them are sweet smelling, but Jasminum polyanthum is what you will be looking for if the nighttime fragrance is your goal. Just make sure they sit next to a sunny window and are in an area with adequate air circulation.
![\"Scented](\"https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3280/4560541487_d6485de88b.jpg\")
\nThere is a wide variety of Scented Geranium with each having a distinctive scent. They are natives of South Africa and rarely survive the American winters outdoors. Scented Geraniums feature bright green lemon-scented leaves and colorful flowers. You can train them as standards, have them in hanging baskets and put them in cute pots for your living room or kitchen.
![\"Spearmint](\"https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/14909369440_c9f09e99c3.jpg\")
\nMost of us want a plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Spearmint releases a unique minty smell to make any living room feel fabulous. The aroma is almost similar to that of peppermint but has less menthol. Spearmint has a square-shaped stem and spear-like leaves. It is pest-resistant and is rich in vital nutrients, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. You can harvest leaves to spice up your morning tea and evening dessert.
![\"Lavender\"](\"https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9335116991_efa658aced.jpg\")
\nLavender has a reputation for its sweet fragrance and appealing flowers. It is generally a low maintenance plant that also repels mosquitoes and other bugs. They thrive in dry climatic conditions, and it’s perfectly fine to water them once per month. However, lavender requires a good dose of lighting so placing them on a windowsill is a good idea.
For more information on fragrant houseplants and gardening tips, check out Michelle’s website: https://www.gardeningleave.org\t\t
\n","title":"Best Fragrant Houseplants for Your Home","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Fragrant Houseplants for Your Home | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"d51626b4-31cf-532e-a90e-587dd42960c6","slug":"benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn","path":"/blog/landscaping/benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"Keeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; […]
\n","content":"\nKeeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; it just means you use plants and landscaping that needs little water. So if you’re ready to give up those water-hungry plants and lower your monthly water bill, join the crowd.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1a-vG2kR6WgTmvVLrtHGejLDqaXJP7j2caONyxpIKfaY03T4HnZ3oBoykjLVJghuVhJDwX-4j3Q65fY9n-qnuvSwzp47hMKKBDboA6msh62_4igT70m74vd0WECRDRi5yHHlR39X\")
The term “xeriscape” comes from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry. Denver Water, the city’s utility service, coined and copyrighted the word in the 1980s when Colorado was experiencing a worse-than-usual drought. The water department looked at the soil in most yards, (clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly), and the types of sprinkler systems people were using. The city began by offering rebates to people who used drip irrigation and turfgrass that requires little water. You’ll notice by the front of the office, the utility practices what it preaches.
\n\n\n\n“Traditional Kentucky bluegrass is lush and hardy, but it requires a substantial amount of water in our semi-arid climate,” according to Denver Water. “One way to use less water is to reduce the amount of bluegrass turf in your landscape. Native or low-water-use plants, patios, decks, or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water. Also, try planting turf such as buffalo grass, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue, and fine fescues to reduce water use in your landscape.”
\n\n\n\nThe North Marin Water District, which provides water to Novato and other communities just north of San Francisco, offers a “Cash for Grass” program that pays rebates to customers who remove lawns and plant approved low-water plants instead. In 2019, almost 15,000 square feet of turfgrass were converted.
\n\n\n\nThe district also saw xeriscaping as a way to stop people from fertilizing their lawns and gardens. Native plants and grasses are adapted to the soil, so they need few amendments. What little they need can be provided by grass clippings and other organic matter … things that won’t harm the ocean or waterways.
\n\n\n\nAs long as you’re making your lawn water-wise, go a step further and make your garden more efficient. Plant drought-resistant plants such as agave, juniper, yarrow, and lavender. Many herbs and spices are also drought-tolerant, such as thyme, sage, and oregano. The native and drought-tolerant plants will also attract local wildlife and pollinators to your garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZEhlju3G6ZCAaw6jn0gF2iZIqU1ztxS2JYJ6ajV9qWS-KrBC-xAfbEPjHrfGxAVLpjz0WqDPWLQqTkfa_foDgJQcwANxKrtTtNGVAQxl5yDwbCgOuaV0Z-am26dM57JqO8OkkT2L\")
If you’re ready to take the plunge and xeriscape, don’t rush out and dig up all your flowers and turf. Start by mapping out your yard, noting where the shade trees are and which areas get the most sun. It’s also a good idea to see how much rainfall your yard gets in a typical year. You want plants that will thrive with the water nature provides.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not crazy about drought-tolerant grasses, consider a rock garden or mulched border around your patio and yard. Mulching around trees and plants helps keep moisture from absorbing. Plant ground covers around sloped areas to prevent any water from running off. While a completely hardscaped backyard may sound appealing, check with your city or county. Some municipalities, including Austin, Texas, require a percentage of your land to be landscaped, to prevent rainwater from pouring into the street.
\n\n\n\nThe Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 50% of irrigation water usage is wasted. By opting for a xeriscaped yard, you can save hundreds of gallons of water from being squandered over just one scorching summer. So go ahead and plant a cactus and other succulents. Your lawn will look sharp for years to come.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Downtowngal, CC-by SA-3.0
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\n","content":"\t\t\t\tHalloween is time of the year when you want to give your garden a little scary and spooky looks with Halloween pumpkins, scary characters and mysterious lights. Browse these excellent examples of Halloween theme garden designs for your inspiration. These Halloween inspired designs prove that you do not have to be a garden designer to create a scary but inviting garden. All you need is a little creativity.
\n![\"\"](\"http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d1f1e5fb007ee381_8-3063/traditional-exterior.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/f09187da02404e0b_8-4120/traditional-kids.jpg\")
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If you have ever watched your dog excessively sneeze, scratch, and lick its paws, you’ve wondered what’s going on. You may find the two of you have something in common. As you blow your runny nose and rub your watery eyes, cursing the outdoors, your four-legged buddy may be suffering right alongside you. Dogs can […]
\n","content":"\nIf you have ever watched your dog excessively sneeze, scratch, and lick its paws, you’ve wondered what’s going on. You may find the two of you have something in common.
\n\n\n\nAs you blow your runny nose and rub your watery eyes, cursing the outdoors, your four-legged buddy may be suffering right alongside you. Dogs can get seasonal allergies, too.
\n\n\n\nThe culprit may be right under your dog’s paws. Grass allergies are the second-most common canine allergy (right after flea sensitivity).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XCXPM8-SERDg3bdXvTmKDN6GJK6NTgMpLHw0MIBdfEBm39PnQ1ueU2TjBPW4O5jB_sIbiOcRPDX6B31W-WxAAwg0AIIm_K_5pLUTlbP8l4tHycCaixiDNywa4OqjWlaDwkApw5c9\")
Dogs suffering from endless itchiness may scratch until they harm themselves. Anytime a dog with no sign of flea bites or known food allergies displays signs of excessive itching skin, dog allergies may be the culprit.
\n\n\n\nUnlike human allergy symptoms, dogs’ allergic reactions are primarily topical — on the skin. Common symptoms of grass allergies include irritated skin, either in isolated patches or spread all over a dog’s body. Watch for redness, hot spots, and bare patches from constant scratching, licking, and biting.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most challenging aspects of grass allergies in dogs is that they can show up out of the blue, even if you don’t have a yard. Some dogs are more susceptible to grass allergies than others. Bulldogs, German shepherds, Irish terriers, pugs, retrievers, and setters are all at higher risk than other breeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/SFeDQchITWvBSGfyKHfuJzs2B9pdxUJisbP-J5XzdBObT1B6oo6F619t9_9Ph7vpT25FFqEk5DrWQhUKWdTOkS8KnaTEdti0ivjzymhI-9K8LWio2SWl4ZLJ5DJlhTQNNPLK8DdY\")
A dog’s allergies to grass can manifest as mild allergic responses such as skin irritation to full-blown condition vets call canine atopic dermatitis (more commonly, allergic dermatitis or canine atopy). Atopy shows up in hair loss and skin infections from incessant scratching. The bottom line? When your dog’s symptoms reach this level, it’s time for a trip to the doggy dermatologist.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no need to panic about the grass you see your dog eating. Grass allergies have nothing to do with the grass underfoot, but rather the seasonal pollen released by the seedheads of unmown grass left to grow to maturity. Of course, there are other pollen-borne environmental allergies that can affect dogs. If you see the symptoms, have your dog tested.
\n\n\n\nPollen is almost invisible as it travels in the air, sometimes over great distances. This is why your dog can suffer, even if you don’t have a yard at home. Grass pollen affects dogs that inhale it into their lungs. It can also create contact allergies when it touches your dog’s skin. This is why it is important to bathe him or her often and wipe down your dog’s legs and paws each time they come in from outside.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XXGTvKtIDgzs-Nfo3gee15Yb2WdXhTPm1OZ2mYRpjUwp_A-jk1-lH6DMif1VnE7pXMqQVZemYd1_XchAxATgxOPpI7tqKhLNksNDsobwlV8C8dI-tjXXxL8RdW3FdwM4MMFId84z\")
Visit a veterinarian if you suspect your dog suffers from a grass allergy. But be warned that getting a conclusive diagnosis of a specific allergen can be difficult. Most vets will recommend an eight- to 12-week elimination diet to rule out food allergies. By the time you’re done, the allergy season may be winding down. Allergy testing includes intradermal skin testing or blood testing. Some vets prefer to offer treatment first to see if it helps clear up the symptoms.
\n\n\n\nYou can help by paying close attention to and keeping track of your dog’s allergy symptoms. It’s important to note when the symptoms started, and when they subsided. Let your vet know if your furry family member displayed any secondary symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or snoring.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/DZW--zdGe5UJTstbCQpjaeCeM4W5ki8Hj61BekJ5wn3DKNwLaVcEeXax2PmzJiDJc-qhG0PPw7nTqXO6bloOcjjCQTvF_RL6d6wXECoYo1qRSVI9ymXopdDKq5zLgeKK4Z0N_4n_\")
Clinical treatment for a dog with grass allergies usually starts with antihistamines and large doses of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have an anti-inflammatory effect, and antihistamines ease itching. In severe cases, your vet may recommend a steroid shot, such as Apoquel. While steroids can cause side effects such as increased ear infections, Apoquel is considered safe and effective.
\n\n\n\nAccording to Dr. Nicole Eckholm, a veterinary dermatologist at Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin in San Rafael, Calif., “Seasonal allergies cannot be cured, but they can be successfully managed in most cases.” She recommends allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, as the first line of defense. Up to 80% of dogs respond favorably to allergy shots.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other allergies, it’s almost impossible to avoid exposure to grass pollen. If your dog has a grass allergy, take the time to treat it and use preventive measures to limit contact. A side benefit: You’ll have a reason to enjoy rainy days. Heavy rain clears the air so your pooch and romp outside without reservation.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Tony Alter, CC 2.0
\n","title":"Diagnosing, Treating Grass Allergies in Dogs","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4479638009049773,"src":"/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/1789c/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/107df/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/293e9/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/f2cbb/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/1789c/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/356ef/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/1dd6e/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/67b76/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/8df11/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/98a65/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/1dd6e/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/5b7bd4d7f2a06a3f887cc38a3f60ab0f/93f70/rsz_dog-grimace-tony-alter-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Diagnosing, Treating Grass Allergies in Dogs | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b173b216-33da-52e1-a78e-c4f8cdd5538b","slug":"prepping-your-garden-for-spring","path":"/home-garden/prepping-your-garden-for-spring/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"September 19th, 2018","excerpt":"Whether you live in a state that digs gardening or have an exponentially green thumb–warmer temperatures and chirping birds mean that spring is in the air. Spring is a busy season for gardeners and it is a very important time to make sure that you have a garden prepped for fruitful success. Check out the […]
\n","content":"Whether you live in a state that digs gardening or have an exponentially green thumb–warmer temperatures and chirping birds mean that spring is in the air. Spring is a busy season for gardeners and it is a very important time to make sure that you have a garden prepped for fruitful success. Check out the following tips on how to prepare your garden this spring:
\nIf you are like most gardeners, there is a chance that there was a tool left behind during the harvest rush last fall. Look over your garden for anything that would delay your gardening season this year. Return forgotten tools to the shed and clear the soil of any leftover plant tags or broken wiring. Make sure that tomato cages and climbing wire are in good shape as well. Take a good look around your garden to make sure that the soil is clear and ready for work.
\nMany homeowners require a fence around their garden area to keep pesky animals away. Spring is the perfect time to look over your fencing and fix any problem areas from last year. Don’t let an entire bed of lettuce go to waste by choosing to overlook that hole in the fence. Also look over trellis’ and gates to make sure that everything is ready to use come planting season.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/test-the-soil-garden.jpg\")
Different plants can add to or remove key nutrients from the soil. Start off spring by testing each area of your garden to make sure that the soil is primed and ready to receive plants. If you find that your soil needs some help, add fertilizer or check with your local hardware store for easy ways to feed the soil. Check the pH level of the soil as well to make sure that it won’t harm seedlings.
\nNo matter if your garden is large or small, having a map of where you plan to plant certain items will help ensure an enjoyable time in the garden. Read the seed packets to know how much space each plant needs in order to plan where it should go in your garden. If there was an area of your garden that was particularly wet last year, consider planting something there that will thrive in wetter soil conditions. Don’t get overwhelmed on planting day by not knowing where to plant something or running out of room. Sketch out your garden beforehand to make your gardening more efficient.
\nGardening tools are the workhorses of a successful gardening season. Does your shovel need a new handle? Could you use a new rake that isn’t missing tongs? Is there a hole in your favorite pair of gardening gloves? Go through your tools now to make sure that everything is in proper working order. If you find that you need to replace an item, or you want to add a new gardening item, check your local hardware store for sales on garden tools this time of year. Make sure that you have the right tools before you start in your garden to cut down on wasted time.
\nGardening is a great hobby to have and it can easily provide beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space. Take time now to clear the area, mend the fence, and make a plan for plants that you want to add to your garden. Test the garden soil and clean your tools in order to get a head start on a successful gardening season.
\nJackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.
\n","title":"Prepping Your Garden for Spring","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4634146341463414,"src":"/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/1789c/vegetable-basket.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/107df/vegetable-basket.jpg 320w,\n/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/293e9/vegetable-basket.jpg 500w,\n/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/f2cbb/vegetable-basket.jpg 800w,\n/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/1789c/vegetable-basket.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/1dd6e/vegetable-basket.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/67b76/vegetable-basket.webp 320w,\n/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/8df11/vegetable-basket.webp 500w,\n/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/98a65/vegetable-basket.webp 800w,\n/static/ca0d74543a1f911399431a3a518fd348/1dd6e/vegetable-basket.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Prepping Your Garden for Spring | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"52ef8ca4-bcc0-593a-8c1a-729125d132f0","slug":"get-rid-of-grub-worms-in-lawns","path":"/pests-and-diseases/get-rid-of-grub-worms-in-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"84a346a7-9ce4-5d70-a95f-abcea3779ced","name":"Pests and Diseases","count":10,"path":"/category/pests-and-diseases/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Lawn grubs are a part of the ecosystem. And, of course, we want to preserve the ecosystem. But too much of anything can be a bad thing. Grub worms become a problem when there is a large grub population. They eat grass roots, weakening the bond between the grass and roots and ultimately killing the […]
\n","content":"\nLawn grubs are a part of the ecosystem. And, of course, we want to preserve the ecosystem. But too much of anything can be a bad thing. Grub worms become a problem when there is a large grub population. They eat grass roots, weakening the bond between the grass and roots and ultimately killing the grass. This article tells you how to get rid of grubs in your lawn using natural methods and conventional chemicals.
\n\n\nGrubs are the larvae of beetles like June bugs, Japanese beetles, and June beetles. After the beetles lay eggs, they hatch into larvae that feed on grass roots and need moisture to survive. They are slimy-looking, squishy, and C-shaped, with legs close to their brown heads.
\n\n\n![\"Japanese](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/aa92a5f5-8ab5-406e-a721-72ac486709fc.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nThe eggs hatch, and the white grubs become active in the spring and summer. In the fall, they feed and tunnel further into the soil for protection against upcoming winter weather.
\n\n\n\nGrubs do more than make your grass look unhealthy. By weakening the bond between the grass and grass roots, grubs cause your grass to become unstable. When pulled, patches of grass come up easily and roll up like a carpet. Grass will quickly die once the roots are severed.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are a few telltale signs of lawn grubs, like increased animal activity, as critters like skunks and raccoons flock to your yard to feed on the grub worms.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs dig into grass roots and cause dead patches. Multiple dead patches that do not improve can be a sign of a grub infestation. Although brown patches can be a sign of lawn disease or drought, they are also a major indicator that grub control may be needed if the grass pulls up easily. Remember, patches of grass will roll up like carpet if there is grub damage.
\n\n\n\nBefore you start the process to get rid of grubs, test your yard to make sure grubs are the problem:
\n\n\n\n— In the suspected area, dig up 1 square foot that is about 3 inches deep.
— If you see 5 or fewer grubs, your lawn is normal. Treatment is unnecessary.
— Unhealthy grass will require grub control if there are five to 10 grubs in a single square foot.
— If you see more than 10 grubs, your infestation qualifies as severe, and you may need professional help to treat it.
You can kill grubs without injuring beneficial insects by using organic methods. Natural treatment can take several years, but you, your loved ones, and the environment will be safer for it.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"beneficial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/85f15946-4a9d-4367-824e-fec8e65433b8.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nThese microscopic worms are natural parasites that kill grubs by releasing bacteria. They naturally live in the soil. Homeowners can purchase them at retailers like Walmart and even online from Amazon. Use them soon after purchase, before they die. Water the grass before and after you release the beneficial nematodes into the lawn. The best time to apply the worms is in the afternoon.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMilky spore comes in powder form and can be sprinkled on the lawn. It is a bacterial disease that only kills Japanese beetle grubs. It can take many years for this bacterium to get rid of grubs.
\n\n\n\nTypically, milky spore can be purchased at the same locations as beneficial nematodes. You can find them online at Home Depot and Amazon.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHomeowners can control grubs with a DIY neem oil solution. Neem oil naturally contains ingredients that act as pesticides, like Azadirachtin.
\n\n\n\nRecipe and Directions. Mix 1 teaspoon of pure Castile soap with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of raw 100% cold-pressed neem oil. Place the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray your lawn weekly until the grubs are gone, or the population is reduced to a normal level. Apply at dawn or dusk to keep from harming beneficial insects.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"bird](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/d5635a6c-233a-43ad-9848-d4f3f21986db.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Anmol Dash / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nGrubs are tasty little treats for birds like bluejays and robins. Put out birdhouses, birdbaths, and food for birds to attract them to your yard. They will eat your grub problem away while you sit back and watch.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re in an area where you experience droughts in the summer, take advantage of it. Dry out the soil even more by not watering your grass for three to four weeks. Since beetle eggs need moisture to live, drought will act as a natural pesticide and kill the eggs. The dry soil will decrease the subsequent year’s grub population.
\n\n\n\nSome grass types are more drought-tolerant than others, but most healthy lawns will green up when you start re-quenching the grass’s thirst.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConventional grub control products, like other conventional lawn care agents such as herbicides and insecticides, come with risks to humans, pets, and the environment. Be sure to read product labels and follow the instructions, taking any necessary safety precautions.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCuratives eliminate larvae before they become pupae. They do not kill beetles when they are in their pupae stage, which is after they are larvae but before they become adult beetles. Products that have the ingredients carbaryl or trichlorfon are effective curative products for grubs.
\n\n\n\nCarbaryl kills grubs in about 10 to 14 days. It is more effective at eliminating certain types of grubs, like European chafer grubs, than trichlorfon. Beneficial insects, including bees, are also harmed by carbaryl.
\n\n\n\nTrichlorfon starts to kill grubs in about one to five days.
\n\n\n\nMow the lawn immediately before applying these chemicals to protect bees. Carbaryl and trichlorfon are toxic to these crucial pollinators. They can be harmed if they visit flowering weeds after the lawn is sprayed. Mowing removes the flowers. After the application of curative products, water the lawn with at least 0.5 inches of water.
\n\n\n\nTreat the grass in the early spring or fall with curative killers since this is when grubs are most vulnerable to pesticides. Do not apply curative treatments after mid-May because grubs are no longer feeding. Using carbaryl or trichlorfon in September will kill 20 – 80% of grubs. They will kill 20 – 55% when used in late October.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you already have a grub problem, preventative pesticides will not work. Preventative products are for homeowners who have had past grub problems or who have noticed that their neighbor probably has grubs. These pesticides will decrease your chances of a grub infestation and stop white grubs from invading in the future.
\n\n\n\nChoose preventative pesticides with the chemicals halofenozide or imidacloprid. Imidacloprid and clothianidin are effective on young grubs like European chafers and will kill them as they hatch.
\n\n\n\nPreventative chemicals are more effective at decreasing the grub population than curative methods. Products with these active ingredients can be used in late summer, fall, and early spring. These chemicals kill 75 – 100% of grubs when applied in early summer, in June or July. Be sure to irrigate immediately after application with 0.5 inches of water to get the optimal killing potential.
\n\n\n\nJust as you would with curative agents, mow the lawn immediately preceding the application of preventative pesticides to protect beneficial insects and to ensure the product reaches the grubs in the soil.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"dethatcher](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hand-scarifiers-g35cd23e32_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: silver bullet66 / Pixabay / License
\n\n\n\nKeeping your lawn healthy will help prevent grubs from taking over and injuring your yard. Thriving turfgrass that is watered regularly (but not overwatered) can withstand five or more grubs per square foot without damage. You want to maintain your grass in a way that facilitates a deeper root system. These lawn care practices will establish the healthy lawn needed to prevent lawn grubs:
\n\n\n\nAre there insecticides that do not work on grubs?
\n\n\n\nYes. The chemicals listed below will not work on grubs unless they are combined with preventative chemicals that are effective for grub control. Do not use products that contain only these chemicals:
\n\n\n\n— Bifenthrin
— Gamma-cyhalothrin
— Lambda-cyhalothrin
— Deltamethrin
— Permethrin
— Cyfluthrin
When is it safe for children and pets to return to the grass after grub control treatment?
\n\n\n\nInsecticides and herbicides, in general, are harmful to humans, especially children, and pets. Wait until after you have watered the grass, and it has completely dried before allowing humans or pets into the affected area.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre there any active ingredients safe for bees?
\n\n\n\nThe chemical chlorantraniliprole is safe for bees. This active ingredient can be found in some preventive conventional grub control products.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other preventives, it can be used on the lawn any time in the spring after green-up. It is not as effective as other preventive agents, but it will decrease grubs by 65 – 80%. You can apply it between early April and mid-July, but applying it before June ensures maximum killing potential.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo grubs go away without treatment?
\n\n\n\nNo, they do not. They not only spread quickly, but they also cause both aesthetic damage and damage to grass root systems. Test for grubs or call a professional if you have signs, and start treatment immediately.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow do you apply conventional curative and preventive grub control products?
\n\n\n\nBoth of these types of products come as liquid and dry granules. Read labels and follow application directions. Liquid pesticides can be applied with a hose spray bottle or a hose sprayer. Granules can be applied with a fertilizer spreader. Some granules need to be mixed with water and sprayed. Some grub control products come in attach-to-hose bottles where the water is automatically mixed upon application.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou have several options to manage a lawn grub infestation. Fortunately, a few grubs do not indicate a problem. A healthy lawn may contain about five grubs per square foot and not have any damage. Always do a test before starting treatment. For the most accurate analysis, call a lawn pest control professional.
WikiLawn can connect you to qualified lawn care pros in your area for all your lawn care needs, including grub detection and treatment.
Main Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/1789c/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/107df/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/293e9/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/f2cbb/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/1789c/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/c26c2/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/1dd6e/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/67b76/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/8df11/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/98a65/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/1dd6e/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7b4584f3d7073b53e65e07e0004481d5/3cc96/86d21984-83b9-45a1-baa5-3f965b05b661-1-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Grubs in Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn about natural living organisms that kill grubs, DIY solutions, and conventional chemicals that get rid of grubs from your lawn."}}},{"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 & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"}],"date":"May 13th, 2020","excerpt":"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 […]
\n","content":"\nIt 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.
\n\n\n\nTo 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.
\n\n\n\n![\"Wiki](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-11.png\")
Here are the 50 top gardening blogs worthy of the Wiki-Wonder Award:
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Heather Rhoades, Staff
\n\n\n![\"Gardening](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7b06kCuEJAJosJmvL1PQDGkHSJCZHFIo5oQHyPPoCEC5OJx2ZXsF-REnyTSSuhITZIi6_92fzadDkBwrpl7j31SyfxOTdxdTkeywJJPgU-zlcH0xr99FEQ7iNy4rnr-4Nt8bH4o2\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Dog-Friendly Vegetables: 7 Garden Veggies to Grow for Dogs
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Amy Andrychowicz
\n\n\n![\"Amy](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gxXjy9Gf2nVIgdKD09lSQ7FPyza85dy3FGBJ3jQRyZErRUjaYS1IF_2kuINRibJOuJL-A_53a8Ny4QeMov0wUMUWQz4u6ZYSrTpZmCJygGcARNNBLhSagLDloc4lAWaX-GQgIfEa\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden
\n\n\n\nFounders: Susan Harris, Elizabeth Licata, Michele Owens, Amy Stewart
\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0SQgYqlhLGTuK6GXg4TJmU-1D3gj07qot4xqY0H0iVLc4b0_bY692fBvtR7AdgJvMaDEV1fUMuPqj7TatQLGtavhXNRkkHEwRMIydXGgAyVhN2-J2RxRRLj6J6oSIjrKkKJqeb3_\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: A Very Rocky Obsession
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Gary Antosh
\n\n\n![\"Plant](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XNySyIWvD1je_a-7wmxIOmt73ra_1qKkST6oTvUdzi-urotVMbsfJfYPFNbwoIx9r7rXLphFXQmoBoX55ANczXZkD-FwDdO9vKmln9rHj0x3IQIvOG-Ic5GQX5p7vGDddpYKepMi\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: 8 Mistakes Tomato Growers Make That Cause Problems
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Various Garden Experts
\n\n\n![\"Urban](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Xv0hwYDfraZtMLC-wmgv4CTEeH4yXq7dx-Xxi5aE2aY7BTiMKBR9OA_ZHLtWkmVGafoUq0KDoSJDZrzMomkyYANgMUNr8zLduS9Oi4Va_9_3aJiGhq3URbod8w24lcatcA5e2ysI\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Gardening Projects Kids Will Love
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Margaret Roach
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J9u7ido4f4QaBTwOAet7HlNRJJ2jGnSOIXnf3oQNDKbZc1QO7f5qECNe5IjI99S1bsV8PH9fZZrIfIaKu76wOLaoWiFyUlwplF9_2E18F0nmOj26FUf84Qt5gBRlUS2qec3DoQ_O\")
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.”
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Growing Potatoes Organically: When and How to Plant, Hill and Harvest
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAuthor: Lucy M. Clark
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dEqoN9gPvVJCqT1EsP8bXdPGdg1BSoKSfv27cf_I-IcFh6GSuajKI4ZDTnQ5s1hAT51v8bpTZDOay9pxKTdWLJjrLEe7MO4ktR_EfjT4FYXukJbQ9-qcVm7aXAo6uAX2gXHKXkt_\")
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’t sure where to start.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: 8 Tips on How to Get Rid of Clover Naturally
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAuthor: Rachel
\n\n\n\n![\"Grow](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fuP7w6hsGHxJmTNFXE9KRLH7MkywUd6rwDKAQFWJq_W8ZIWMIj28pXqn8NOJ97jumfd3D0iiD1XaP06_DmnNJ_V8cJN3M5pPmzGnr0iI3sOtcEKvHl5Nr8NTotPIGbNPWaPpgwVV\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Benefits of Crop Rotation for Your Vegetable Garden
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAuthor: Various Writers
\n\n\n\n![\"Espoma](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nQ1kWKz1kdaAixmA8zCyxtBgUHLyChZFIHg58mIonglp3PiPh8x0HnEeEcxauo8N_l0m1s53H7rQtWEanJ-W_zX45SWbxgHiUOxeCL9yBOagvcpJDb5ZAFVrcpY627CiUQTKh1UG\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Gothic Gardening — The Darkest Plants
\n\n\n\nVarious Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Gothic](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1zwxnQQS97E7KuM8z3FTR2cxwdmu4uRjDnrBAcSSdVHbk-ubR_Pi0doH-xMF8CCTopTMKS1EkzDSUxGwBJ_Paot6Nynvs0ni6HrEoO9f3BcriwFzUB57azcR9ek-R5JNtaOmlQeU\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: How to Grow and Care for Olive Trees
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Kevin Espiritu
\n\n\n\n![\"Epic](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3-aSrVXRMGZlftqAAT_JNXWHYFem8WwGfoklP2-5bSKFesBE11aYVqFveaDuqdKtvq8qnfAGBqLGMtRT-AuP_QXbnHPk2dNMBxMyh0LZkvc7GBsSvujPm6P-et4NQStFKfpCNOZF\")
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!
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Regrown Green Onions and Sprouted Onions
\n\n\n\nAuthor: David The Good
\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sjcWD4el9LFWKI5cBgXcNKTjDB0dzKQOronQuPElbwjBs4vt9CGkDbNYmACgnYGayssz1rOY273H5z7Ks5_h6mN4QmF8PLSaDCN9SK0ZsoowaqJaR2f7nx6_QmpH1KbB0nmCPstM\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Watermelons Growing in Sand
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Todd Heft
\n\n\n\n![\"Big](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RwJ5TV3BgA-4XIXScG-9jfslcVFWGtQ84-dTFzZ9fsu12uS8XqwtAmCvUxQ_odGrOWLxLl4ptSPeJOGhdIEdDLiQy7AfdkH3klSsCDibAhzYN_r4s2BkZ2poFeQ69d69TRbe6Sq\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: A Short History of the American Lawn
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Stephanie
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/IDYe1TCroe4rNFFXsIh5Jn2tv5lg_Ifw3AIpEZDEtn6OUZAPallxyDDyHZwxrqghNBQWqh4nssMG84T_NNloCPEdG4fpRln6bFJbPBWTpIl2PYv2UXS554saHwH2Yn_P0VtluZV-\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: How to Start a Garden From Scratch Without Breaking the Bank
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Erin
\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jo6M0-qNkGh7trg0mEPw_6r3TyCqoE28jJKmrQNssWfnoEeH3sQOgwg1_k3Pe8uNXmI5sZJmxJqNF3bFmnZZSxujVnxKxc5NeIRhWuzFdMEtSB8npPfLqMAvuh6yPio8c3N30Dki\")
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!
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Compost 101 (Just Do It)
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Christy Wilhelmi
\n\n\n\n![\"'Gardenerd'](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jgiTChaJlOX15OBAHJnAKlcSp2eWDqEPLWJDkYwlJv3f2Ws_gHg_3CS6foQlK1ghk-kjoswLxeBBetAZO7UwVN7pI3b67yf0on5RcAkXopnCoCLGzLcoJn4NIJJTvAkYAwHgTBLJ\")
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.”
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Recipe: Intro to Aquafaba
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Kathy Purdy
\n\n\n\n![\"Cold](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LwstR5tLZR-M7bQjSfueVp98CQBoCbS6Qqe9MXP02e4HEfKU2g7FpHbNLPzF1TWM53Rrgfd8upohqoWxxriTgUh16kLw-7YIBqkGhEQjYd3akSLMwDn8a6QIhyjinoJFHixoDdvm\")
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’ll also learn how to grow climate-friendly vegetables, garden design, and hardscaping.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Worried for Your Plants With This Weather?
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Various Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Park](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mHqsPwxdau2WQUWdBieMqgw8PZcOqwwIASLqmjntzsj20q_bOtpmCdXtO3Gdl8ec8cLBFb6eFxUMOIQUaOJvNLIzN7-wmNaxUPgb8bcOkmD5VW_sEjQiKSkeAIkpJ_69hXtw5Dbt\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Rascally Rabbits: How to Stop Rabbits From Eating Plants
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Steve Albert
\n\n\n\n![\"Harvest](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pcK8a38Eyckc8swCl7F6Eai1A53MTcj9CITn8ybLHbbZfAGMLYKT8zJnnpUcUPU9gbrHA8qi7HnTeGXyB_nkjz4rb5slo7mX-bHeFONxsiAaZrJWHiCJD7dw5IdFVlI1xqc7CHyP\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden
\n\n\n\nVarious Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Seed](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mL5mz25ByVjTiawr2LE-wt4W1OjQOuyr9ErkN0oISRtAVNsFiM2YKlP1DC3c4n1l2ioNo61p7ZrDpEtJTwGcIR1WwWVlMClk1pK_asChfUEHdhzwdiiWATZ7PeevZDqZonFANUMx\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Roosevelt High School Urban Farm, Three Sisters Culinary Garden
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Gayla Trail
\n\n\n\n![\"You](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wwMq5AbTldIVT_EDfrDvLr6z7XDfTc5x56XA-wmVCNgWE2q2QZ1Jh0Sfk7-DYCE-x96c4UdBnnMXXXFGO4GKAGU1zbrpmnBhLydoNjaR_i93Rm4d0YScagixLhVzKftMahcO4mmd\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: The First Leafy Greens Harvest Of The Season
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Linda Ly
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wgn8RociLOayNAdJte6UubQUjVvvILupzqIQxm_k6Fxh0N-LBmgod0eF-MbLVXi1WbMPwp3Tu1y4eEyBXewGKcJnd-k1uJpK9fPiCdGeDjSo_H-CtBX5KPxZixUxHq8MhR5qQNQT\")
Linda Ly started her site as a personal blog but it’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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Defending the Dandelion: It’s Not Just Another Weed
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Helen Yoest
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0LtPSUFdDw4sI9nP-rN-0sGIX0jTwkJy0Pm87UI45sraOv9Ivx16eLNmK275N0i-VuV0KARC8uz7CREuRncRzoK3LI3mtbs-BNn0z1nRjwSbF6s97f3jghS9V_FTgIn6ZxgJfME0\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: XX Days Lockdown During 2020 Pandemic: The Garden Never Looked Better!
\n\n\n\nVarious Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Morning](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rhwfNl8SFX0KXLjmCsAyHQeWGgceaTRJ5C_JtAMrNGdd5hDVKwZesqLwaCP9jEXzrpniLeLjwz9IxevHT_dCH0l_sC-DIWAwLSMTqDr1MA3OyKZ183RudVMi4toB5yXDgQWT-x56\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: 15 Easy Ingredient Substitutions if You Can’t Get to the Store
\n\n\n\nVarious Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LaZrmDDpotUTWFd7cL-pGa40MPL0Jw4Z2bwiQxlhu6DJx6Y5iOWcwlaeqYU5lGE-DZ-ZJJlCMiQyYUeqrbMr_Bwndia4ZzqBKrMBKlxlRvCk-dk-J9DB8wTUsN8DTdDZ8zxUFJ7B\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: 5 Classic Fairytale Love Stories About Plants
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Pam Penick
\n\n\n\n![\"Digging\"](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qEYg9qxfGJ9PlhKziCufOyd9zc2Sl97wx8EHzG2TO4teVsxgVtqvgVPExtNFUED5XiZdk4oI6yGSgu99j9fvQlSbcIHGaOB1umV7YQoi39_CLiyfdJXK1gswiBNwpCU4L9bS60XH\")
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.”
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Grapey Gorgeous Texas Mountain Laurel
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Fran Sorin
\n\n\n\n![\"Gardening](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SgZRF9ZYeP8-m0ApjlVnRXC5pWlkMYWnJASbmr1bnJU-E-jbweJB3eKA1J3P3-JQhhwsp5Rr1UFqd2IPJiUdzaI6atEEHWlBeyWB1Mn0ox7LeC0jIDbhcxjQl2RYwjr1qLQoijvM\")
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’ll also learn why gardening’s good for your health.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Can Landscaping Protect a Home From Fire?
\n\n\n\nVarious Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Mother](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/72SJ1aXi6J6Bsom6EEdNV2mJDjupct9zoYNEk1slOC3_WxBK7hoyLkKgwTc1n5X9ZZXxM49waxcRlNVKjHGnRP2yHIDrxIm7ap4FOBSe_qhgptaSS3UAJ_mQqpYpBzShLzuBQ-hB\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Home Canning Guide: Learn How to Can Your Own Food
\n\n\n\nVarious Authors
\n\n\n\n![\"Urban](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1YdhRfn3JZfb1ENkT_U1y5dygdYsRKWi1xFfFN4ljjRV0jUsMLbP0lrds5HzUJ_lN_QnYzv5EXeVGeFoqJ_ahVF7TF5a1RVuGVLeZRG1cvCgNKy1neOXGe7gXOM7d9cI1uSO_247\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Indoor Garden Tips and Ideas For All Gardeners
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jan Johnsen
\n\n\n\n![\"Serenity](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/iDOudVnzwQg8Tkbb8Z1oszcAX5ihoNwhVvQQg8mA4DBHf8kRRMss9V2cGBsku4E1hrERwZNFgYYCtyDuRuwm6Frn7VOcKEQp8rAkUBfm1L0gU_5PFdmIGMw8TfcHiNZCQ8DnES_A\")
Going green is what it’s all about for Jan, who designs landscapes and pools and writes books, including “Heaven Is a Garden – 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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Milk Carton Gardens
\n\n\n\nAuthors: Jessica Walliser, Niki Jabbour, Tara Nolan
\n\n\n\n![\"Savvy](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cRgPvzckrdTayxUnETWe5BJEvAzPvv4H2isFq1C5mp6b4WhMb9zHxA6Gx_fUL3UawdXsq40OjQlVg9uE-CL4h6P_TH7mxvtt1WDtj9dh4oSi0hsCCb6kWm8h80GMcALh0xLNbJP7\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Landscape Borders: Eye-Catching Edging Ideas
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Kathy Jantz
\n\n\n\n![\"Washington](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-roubdCJ8Dh9oQzQF_OEdYK0gcgQYsuRX1eVXixOwHG7B2lm3ksQk0UmH_AZnCLs95NRXITB4cAuVJ1UrGu0YEfFx0K6Ra0BK8VXYgH6BE1pwymv9wPZvo6J22pWEJ0On-2IwGLy\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Plant Profile: Carex
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Isis Loran
\n\n\n\n![\"Family](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y2og6TXrWkJuE31xPeHQkf50s0MJkIUxXzvoXY6_oHRzVmRI0wkbcxXwqSGITLzQGow9PwvK80k51ToxM1tncyhJMWxOl9x4Oi0euVhpUJH4-m_YjzBNfvDd6OR-FZops6pMy4zW\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: How to Keep Your Greenhouse Cool in the Summer
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jeanne Grunert
\n\n\n\n![\"Home](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/7lxZO7nsKlhibmJSY16WRa2dqHSUFwP6vIeYbxbza_zQVnmiBPOzTkgjHsXvLkAUIVQ1ihNdL-oZPrwne2kvYf1eSmOcgwo-UQKm1q6iML7nEkBHl8we82KraMoe_98PcHcLUFfk\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Asian Murder Hornets: What Gardeners Need to Know
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Melissa Caughey
![\"Tilly's](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3QBjGjCCvwKxsTNKIobyMk4a3KiEQjX7Ep8PLmKucaCadV3BX--2gmA6gRkxwvuObZ8YtApmTkOHJhTHWW8UcZtguH68EBHf4J8xxv6OGZq4R8rmVlEHnPA9IWBYNeWjFXHsnB-U\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Spring Awakenings: Delights of the Season
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Marianne Willburn
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/71JejNFhVzmdKqSpv3218elWFjVAcz_I4a05i81wrRVlu7y5EuERscFU9bovKJx3xwrBjgLZKlHcElAG6rIN-m7g-wYn08rvYeuHl4w04bk30jPxO-tiytVoVVg1YQ01-OjW0CIF\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Vegetable Gardening on a Smaller Scale
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Dee Nash
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/H34Ltk9U2G5UJ-ffRQOKNXYzNWEOnjb3--5ybs0eEpnezw2x8h1gp4rOk7flih1NjiWrnEIfM_h66vkUTLMZm52LBx4WyzYEezM62Fz5dBgyKsC_21SPs_fyElRb4VvWY8HsWzC0\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Heart-Shaped Plants
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Anna Hackman
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ORWxmwN3NWaxsVcCgYLXDIidwS0bfl2lzqybJ5kqtXmdwAAh7cWQLPLIMoE_pTIUFOCwHDcKLvmSpO6IBTEuk9iZX_B6OIOrWW5qwqmS_Xm56D5Ly3EJ2kPmPKXc1gS23wthHcNY\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: How to Successfully Grow Indoor Seedlings Using the Right Light
\n\n\n\nAuthors: Chantal Aida Gordon, Ryan Benoit
\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_5ekLkx2ab5SD9wfVqNRSLm-81FhpWfPcObZvj64EthlW3tcJqrZYvcnnC9e_7zF5BTfvXIW9Y8v564UQ125Yr_we_zhuMW8uRpdWIfiCOnit2U3RzBP7wDnT0U5CjbpjrZj5rqQ\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Show Thyme: How to Build an Outdoor Theater in Your Garden
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Carol Michel
\n\n\n\n![\"May](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HtdGPwH6rboWOIrAnOHk5-kMiQTlEBRN_G0WVLc_mFvl0s-NgEsoueOcQ0tYGGDlmfPs6yWLNz3qj_AEMRMohPg93y_wwV-bNAWJFUKyWfS7yGYGtgqBgA6KYTVX0KO9m5JqKMpL\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: The Garden Fairies May Need to Defend Themselves
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Eva
\n\n\n\n![\"My](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/izvZvsAW5ZIggPNfRfAXlNzFF_-E7Ib0veYr75OfP_44-Zukm0qzelZ3k4ZFCSTYbipr-z8RxJu1u4CK7SaoVgRwcWjtsuKOgHAvQZOdjfZyrd3WkKJiarZcleNiVPC5mTUxRhoN\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Dipladenia, the Amazing Brazilian Jasmine in Your Pot and Garden
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jessica Lane
\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3PyptlLBYdTWVbuIL0sQYlDXyWgoDSIfpTDoYktHTuzfLMYmWlPAZ_KWfhLGIpCb4CISwCq2KQOWb928hYODCKDwqNGYaCKE_5yz24QxISpxKiACwwsuWB4wpCGM99q0FwU6VYE5\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: There’s No Reason Not to Grow Your Own Food
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jenny
\n\n\n\n![\"Bees](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i7pELAdyVkTwDzgnEMXvz9XIOEVHWAZxc_tpPj6RM2NL9mbJ14h77aW5NAycFa3yGbLRFCJHwacr6B3TdLmLIR1mCChkZfTAqQ6euuA_dzGdim8-VOVEIhnpLRyoJq-NSUgAFgrE\")
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!
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Victory Gardens: a Blast From the Past
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Jono Stevens
\n\n\n\n![\"Real](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LfSInuEAxob-dUj2oH-fCpXQzWFK71OthYXJW2IkCoVCLzC0znpKOBo4hzBJvTWOhcPEF4iqMDLhy9YKppqLedqF7H8dnVWyeSrSq_-UdsP7rH_FaOlCXPpH00RF3SV0yNulBa_r\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: 6 Tips for Composting Down Your Spent Crops
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Shawna Coronado
\n\n\n\n![\"Shawna](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8uTZUK5M5Wx8a9F4k8-nF5DHUlKBIgMEdBkxOW1Josr5E58tU1WyZqZlnGAItNEFj2I5tikhmCi9I0-8nMWrS1hUuViUDXnZnZIBASm-J1mXNK4-5acVSMpmsPcdRV1C5ZIlhLA_\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Purple Basil Is a Great Ornamental Edible
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Kate
\n\n\n\n![\"High](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zh9QZTBjxQVjs-y9fQlPvIcXFzKPekUDHAzS7Rxx1wlEmGnj6XqZpHRFN347Q7kX73SN-s7G1cOCRC3FdNacshfvNLmwpn2dmc2T14bmYdiziDoEpy11vz3XeIUdKDHqDBWJlBxX\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: The Divine Inspiration of … Onions?
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Kathy
\n\n\n\n![\"Skippy's](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wuw6jUzkv0WCYxMXMzW6Yj5VdRddFA_fgfNxZ3H7xlxB8J9IpPK696cPq4bA0I0atSzFW5bwSnPSgB9BknWUEFFX7XxoyXrKk9Bc0kNeRaomNDNEZkd73oWIeO7rsu5yvs36qHHB\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Growing Sprouts and Microgreens
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Robin Plaskoff Horton
\n\n\n\n![\"Urban](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/LCtPsh06n9u638ddxmBxHJ3swQYu6NgsT8lYlLBvjEijXcf3ulshPDsG1C9R4npM4WVSawfbl2oBFXOkpmLwkBLD_-G_sfL-vrLT6ygegn3VwsTLBPXbktbhOK0luv1roirakUdC\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Horticulture Therapy Cultivates Healing and Hope for Seniors
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Michelle
\n\n\n\n![\"Veg](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZnCnOGVWTmpffLBoYB427OJ7KaCcK6ktwgkK656ZPEqxFs_eVgBugWBNtyompLAyYqffnTLQ4W7o-OeBbwV_ejHiq_w2mhAmu_U-GQgI48yvhs0WIQvqKJqiuYC0UFO0UISD3KHD\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: It Started With a Lemon
\n\n\n\nAuthor: Lee Miller
\n\n\n\n![\"Landscape](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RgA6MJ4vnacjGsa0mpHWfs6ky3sksbFQtzdO0ux0JVu-pKA6DhXTteiQgKz5p91SvzuHenx_efXbUbrmC1ArjEHUD4CBDIdUI8I6r_a5GA5jApjhzt38tKGU67maDibhdyjm9nO3\")
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.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post 2020: Garden Bloggers Bloom Day & Foliage Follow
\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":"955df50b-3a49-5c55-b019-eb27187a6285","slug":"keep-outdoor-faucets-freezing","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/keep-outdoor-faucets-freezing/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"October 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit is the magic temperature that puts your faucets at risk. If you and your pipes and faucets are not ready when the cold weather hits, you could end up paying the plumber a lot of money to fix the water damage. Here’s how to keep your outdoor faucets from freezing in the […]
\n","content":"\nThirty-two degrees Fahrenheit is the magic temperature that puts your faucets at risk. If you and your pipes and faucets are not ready when the cold weather hits, you could end up paying the plumber a lot of money to fix the water damage. Here’s how to keep your outdoor faucets from freezing in the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/O1TWH61XpDdiFBQGLmJDSGl_w5Ks3bz9YRiCiJF8YPnf14mneyiSWMI3PlrEYMBR0fLh-OAAypzKxPacHs0EU-w34mHZfjc3wMqDD7D97FgQD-yFVhIUuRKlTQHlW83saCzSMsQq\")
First, let’s go back to middle school science class to understand what happens to your faucet when water freezes. Not only do freezing temperatures make the metal in your faucet more brittle, but it also changes the water too. Scientists at the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam are the expert on what happens to water in different conditions. They explain that as water begins to cool, like most liquids, it shrinks. But when the temperature drops below freezing, that changes. “When liquid water is cooled, it contracts like one would expect until a temperature of approximately 4 degrees Celsius is reached. After that, it expands slightly until it reaches the freezing point, and then when it freezes, it expands by approximately 9%,” says the IAPWS. It’s like your water pressure on steroids. That 9% expansion is bad news for your outside faucet, and that’s why winterizing is necessary.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ud3jrOn9iFhnvA1pTOKAeQWyQL3bJlEovDdA1R9wR7-felw7mu_7vxwlT3tXQCDQkzudZMWPrg0sz3UlX-wZ83l_gUINWpONkSQHNxccY_9rxQapuN1IXlOUfh9luqRPwoWpQU69\")
There are two to-do lists here.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in a cold part of the country, such as New England or the Upper Midwest, you’ll want to follow both lists.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in a warmer part of the country, like Texas or Florida, you’ll need to follow only the second list because your exterior faucet will only be at risk for days, or at most, weeks, during the cold months.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in Miami or Honolulu, you can go back to the pool and stop reading.
\n\n\n\nPeople in warmer areas probably need access to your faucet and water supply sooner than folks who live in the deep freeze. But be careful, many cities and counties have watering restrictions in place year-round).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3467jMMZnZLxCBy-KWgF5YBnuPJHYNLo3ssQKYN_5rheq2NrV7Z1fQ_2YzVG9VfnusaJRzkLGLP-4voVwdV9f_3vb5wdVF5FkaKjDP06l2nfCMXbzBKOMyde3nKpswRj39UsDwJp\")
If you do it correctly, you save yourself the headache of a cracked faucet or a burst pipe.
\n\n\n\nOnce you have your outdoor faucet covered, think about your pipes as well. Homes in colder climates are pretty well frost-proofed for all but the most extreme cold. Builders often place pipes inside of homes. But if you live in a warmer climate where builders aren’t as concerned about deep freezes, or you can see pipes outside the walls of your home, you’ll want to winterize those pipes and spouts as well. The same cold temperatures that can crack your faucets can damage your pipes. You can pick up pipe sleeves and other accessories a home improvement store at the same time you get the faucet covers.
\n\n\n\nYou should see the individual shutoff valves for each line leading to a faucet. If you don’t have individual shutoff valves, consider installing a hose bib, or sillcock. A frost-free sillcock runs inside the house where it’s warmer and prevents the water from freezing and causing damage.
\n\n\n\nWhatever you do, DON’T use a hairdryer for a quick thaw! If ice is filling the pipes, the freeze damage is already done. A quick thaw will cause the pipes to burst and that’s when you’ll have water damage throughout your house.
\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t matter what part of the country you’re in when it comes to outside faucets. Most homes have at least one faucet on an exterior wall, and the physical properties of water, metal, and frigid temperatures are universal — and a good reason to cover up this winter!
\n","title":"How to Keep Outdoor Faucets From Freezing","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1789c/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg","srcSet":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/107df/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 320w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/293e9/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 500w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/f2cbb/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 800w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1789c/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 960w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/4fb49/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1dd6e/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/67b76/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 320w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/8df11/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 500w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/98a65/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 800w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1dd6e/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 960w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/62477/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Outdoor Faucets From Freezing | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"postCity":{}}}}