Susan Albert

1 day ago | gardeningknowhow.com | Susan Albert

The benefits of a backyard compost pile or bin are well known by seasoned gardeners, but sometimes achieving the right mix for that finished “black gold” can be tricky. If the pile is open, it can be derailed by too much or not enough rain, critters, lack of microorganisms, or cool weather. We can cause problems too by adding inappropriate materials, or not watering or turning the pile. Keeping your compost pile in balance will eliminate many problems before they start.

1 week ago | gardeningknowhow.com | Susan Albert

Diversity in a garden keeps things interesting – and one way of ensuring this is by including different textures, colors, and heights. Most gardeners adore bright or dramatic tones, plants that are capable of magnificent structures, and impressive foliage, whether that’s large leaves, variegated tones, or sweeping arches of ornamental grass. But how about fuzzy leaf plant options that catch the light, tickle the fingers and dazzle the senses with their silvery, furry folds?

1 month ago | gardeningknowhow.com | Susan Albert

If you live in an area that experiences cool weather in the spring and fall and predisposes your plants to frost injury, take heart. You can enjoy cool-weather vegetables earlier in the spring and extend your fall harvest well into winter. How? A DIY cloche (pronounced klōsh) for plants will warm the air around the plants at night and protect them from frost. Cloches were developed first by the French in 1623.

1 month ago | gardeningknowhow.com | Susan Albert

Growing hydroponic strawberries is increasing in popularity for many gardeners. It uses less space and 90 percent less water than strawberries grown in soil. Plus, soil-borne diseases are eliminated, as well as many pests. If all that wasn’t enticing enough, there are no weeds to pull!So if you fancy growing strawberry plants in a cleaner and potentially faster way, try something new and learn this simple deep-water-culture system.

2 months ago | gardeningknowhow.com | Susan Albert

Gardeners may find the celebration of a furry garden pest taboo, but the festivities for Groundhog Day get bigger every year spanning the U.S. and Canada. Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous weather-predicting groundhog who got his start in Pennsylvania. Learn more about Phil and start your own celebration. Gardeners who have trouble with groundhogs feasting in their gardens may want to get rid of groundhogs rather than celebrate Groundhog Day.