Kristina HicksHamblin

You may have heard that zebra calathea is a slightly fussy plant to grow. I’d like to convince you that the care involved is well worth it.All it takes really is learning what this tropical species needs so you can successfully meet its require

When it comes to keeping your cherished houseplants hydrated, not just any old watering can will do!There’s no reason to settle for some unattrac

If the beautiful foliage and the crisp fresh air don’t lure you outside this fall, perhaps the enticement of a prolific autumn vegetable garden will do the trick.Autumn is a wonderful time to plant a

Known for its cheery winter blooms, Christmas cactus is not only easy to care for – it’s also easy to propagate from cuttings.Whether your goal is growing new specimens to

Are you looking for a plant that will remind you of its presence every single day? If so, you might not find a better candidate than the vivacious ‘Triostar.’This houseplant has vibrantly colored leaves that will prevent you fr

Purple sage is an arid climate native, and its silver foliage and purple blooms fill the air with a beguiling aroma.This shrub attracts pollinators like bees an

The peacock plant is a gorgeous variety of prayer plant with beautifully patterned, variegated leaves. This houseplant provides texture and color to living spaces, and including one in your collection is an absolute must!We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links,

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tasty tropical treat – and with the right techniques and know-how, you can grow your own crop at home.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If

Chinese lantern is a charming ornamental plant that can bring a touch of whimsy to your garden, with its delicate red-orange husks.Whether you grow it as a curiosity, or with the intention o

The marigold is often suggested as a beneficial companion plant in the veggie garden.But marigolds (Tagetes spp.) can

You’ve harvested the last of your squash, beans, and tomatoes. And now you are thinking about your more cold hardy crops. You may have heard that you can store carrots in the ground over winter – and perhaps you could use some pointers on how best to do this.While keeping them in the garden

Once you have become a seasoned veggie gardener, the next logical step is to preserve seeds from your own crops for future plantings – and future food.Seed saving can save you money, and

Norfolk Island pine trees have a strong association with the Christmas holiday season – but these conifers are houseplants that keep giving all year long!And when you propagate your own, t

As the blooms on your marigold plants fade, you might wonder, “Can I save seeds from these withering flowers to grow new plants in my garden next year?”The answer is a resounding – yes!We li

Infusing your garden with some native wildflowers is a wonderful way to make it more sustainable while creating a unique sense of place. But in order to reap these benefits, both planning and planting right are key!Growing wildflowers involves a bit more than simply opening up a seed packet

Before I moved to a part of the country where there are more tumbleweeds than trees, every autumn I developed a bit of a problem – I became a stalker.Always keeping my eyes on my neighbors’ curbs, waiting for the

Watermelons are such a delightful and refreshing summer staple – it seems almost too good to be true that we can grow these fruits in our own backyards.Of course, there are so many incredible varieties to choose

When it comes to free time, there aren’t many better ways to spend it than relaxing outdoors in a beautifully designed home landscape or ornamental garden.If your own space isn’t quite there yet a

If your garden to-do list includes planting drifts of naturalized daffodils, carefully arranged to look like they popped up and spread of their own accord, it’s important to choose the right varieties.Cultivars that will work for this purpose might be descri

Are you in the market for a long term relationship?If so, let me introduce you to sweetheart hoya. S

Do you ever wish you could grow your very own poinsettias for the holidays? Good news: you can!Christmas flowers, as these plants are also kn

So you’ve made the brilliant decision to grow your own artichokes, a unique and rewarding type of backyard vegetable.But long before you pick your homegrown crop, y

When I hear the word eggplant (Solanum melongena), I immediately think of my all-time favorite Mediterranean dish, the smoky, garlicky baba ghanoush.The next thing I think of is eggplan

Gardening can certainly make you feel like the hero of your own backyard!And without the need for a sky-h

If you have a damp area in your landscape and want to create a strong visual impact, cardinal flower is an outstanding choice.Not only will the beautiful flowers catch your eye, they’

Beet greens, the leaves that grow from beet roots, are tasty and nutritious.Sure, you can co

Kale is really a must for the backyard vegetable garden. Growing this veggie at home makes it easy to have a nutrient-dense green on hand, right outside your back door.To make sure you have a steady supp

How about bringing an evergreen tree into your home for the holidays, one that you won’t have to put on the curb once the festivities are over?Norfolk Island pine is a living Christmas tree that you can keep as a houseplan

If you’re the culinarily adventurous type, you’ll probably want to add a diverse assortment of leafy greens to your garden – and if that’s the case, you don’t want to overlook broccoli rabe!While it may be somewhat uncommon fare in Nort

You have your seed packets, you have your seed starting essentials, and you have a garden plan – sounds like you are ready to plant and grow a garden!But are you sure you know which seeds can go dire

Are you wondering if you can keep your holiday poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) as houseplants rather than throwing them out when Christmas is over and the new year has begun?Contrary to what you might think, these plan

You’ve probably never tasted a really excellent carrot, unless you’ve grown one yourself.Homegrown carrots are crisper, fresher, and come in a much wid

If you’re going for an indoor jungle vibe with your houseplant decor, tradescantia – also known as “spiderwort” or “wandering dude” – is a fantastic plant to have on hand.It has two winning characteristics that make it the per

If you’re hoping to create a more sustainable yard or garden, using native plants in the landscape is a no-brainer: these locally adapted species are beautiful, low maintenance, and waterwise.And some native wildflowers are wide-ranging and high

You’ve made the smart decision to include kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) in your vegetable garden. Kudos, that is an excellent choice.And now you’re wondering which plants are

Pole beans provide a delicious and bountiful harvest when planted in the summer vegetable garden.Grown up trellises or stakes, this vertical crop