Samantha Johnson

Wisconsin

Freelance Contributor at Freelance

Writer, farm girl, and great wonderer. Inhabitant of the far North. In search of stories. Inspired by hope. In awe of miracles.

Articles

How to Propagate Fruit Trees for an Endless Supply of Apples, Lemons, and More

2 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty / Candy Yam What's better than homegrown fruit? Whether it's apples, peaches, or pears, the possibilities are endless—and the local flavor and freshness can't be overstated. The best way to get even more of these delicious harvests, of course, is to propagate your fruit trees. However, while propagation can be a great long-term goal, the process can be complicated. The first step?
How to Grow Hostas So They Flourish and Thrive, According to Gardening Experts

2 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Grace Cary / Getty Images Key TakeawaysHostas are a very low-maintenance perennial that you can grow in the shade. They require well-draining soil, but only need minimal fertilizing. Make sure to be patient when growing these plants, and water them weekly. Hostas are reliable perennials with beautiful foliage—and they're very easy to grow. As a result, these plants are very popular; since they thrive in the shade, they're perfect for the parts of your garden that don't get as much sun.
How to Grow Hostas So They Flourish and Thrive, According to Gardening Experts

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Samantha Johnson

1 hour agoThey'll make you look better than the company execs, at least. Walk into any tack shop here or abroad. Take a deep breath, and you’ll get the romance of leather. It’s far too important to be relegated to just your wallet or belt. And, unfortunately, sometimes it’s just too damn hot for your favorite …
How to Deadhead Zinnias to Keep Them Blooming All Summer Long

3 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Ronnakorn Chaiyasaengcharoen / Getty Images One of the brightest stars of the summer garden, zinnia flowers offer show-stopping beauty in a rainbow of vibrant colors. While zinnias are low-maintenance annuals that take care of themselves for the most part, deadheading is essential to keep this plant prolific. Deadheading the spent blooms will keep the zinnias producing a steady succession of flowers all season long.
When to Harvest Sweet Potatoes for the Best Flavor

3 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty / Anucha Muphasa Key TakeawaysSweet potatoes are ready to harvest after about 90 to 130 days in the ground. Getting this timing right is very important, as harvesting too early or too late can impact sweet potato flavor. Keep an eye out for signs that your sweet potatoes are ready to harvest, like yellowing leaves or drooping stems. Growing sweet potatoes requires patience, but the results are well worth it.
Plant These 10 Fast-Growing Flowers in June for a Thriving Summer Garden in No Time

3 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty Images Whether time got away from you this spring and you didn't have a chance to start your flower garden, or if you have bare spaces in your plantings you want to fill, June is still a great time to get plants in the ground. To do so successfully, you must find varieties that can withstand getting established in the warmer temperatures and longer days June provides. To help, we spoke to gardening experts who shared the best fast-growing flowers to plant this month.
This Is the Worst Time to Trim Your Hedges, According to Gardening Experts

4 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty Images A hedge is a dense planting of shrubs or small trees that form a natural fence around an area, offering a beautiful way to add privacy, height, and texture to the landscape. Without proper care, hedges can become unruly and lose their shape, taking away from their intended purpose of creating a defined border. Trimming is essential to ensure your hedges look their best and maintain their shape year-round.
How to Add Nitrogen to Soil to Revive Your Garden

1 month ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Corinna Kern / Getty Images Nitrogen is a critical element for the plants growing in your garden. They need nitrogen to help them with photosynthesis, the process by which plants get energy from the sun. They also need nitrogen to help build amino acids, which form the proteins plants need to survive. While the air around us contains nitrogen, most plants can't utilize it in this form. Instead, they must obtain nitrogen from the soil.
How to Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors or Outside

1 month ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty Images The glorious Meyer lemon tree is a small, evergreen variety that makes it possible to enjoy homegrown citrus regardless of location and growing zone. A cross between a citron and a mandarin-pomelo hybrid, these popular trees are a delight to grow and their abundant production of lemons makes them even more special. Here, our experts provide advice for growing your own Meyer lemon tree for fresh citrus cultivated at home.
How to Prune Clematis for Show-Stopping Blooms All Summer Long

1 month ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: graffoto8 / GETTY IMAGES Clematis is a lovely perennial vine that climbs, grows, and can sometimes establish a permanent framework for fresh green growth. This beautiful plant lightens up the garden with large, vivid, colorful flowers that add beauty to your trellises, fencing, and arbors. Pruning your clematis can keep growth in check or help shape the vine, but doing so at the wrong time or incorrectly may cause a reduction in blossoms.