What Is It? Wednesday – Root Knot Nematodes on Okra

Sowing seeds doesn’t need to be a tricky business. Whether you are planting vegetable seeds such as chillies and tomatoes, or colourful sweet pea flowers or cornflowers, a dibber will help you out.

Cleve West's Centrepoint Garden, which won a gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show

This hairy-looking flower will develop into a snake bean flower. I recently visited a community garden and was stumped when the groundskeeper asked me if I knew what plant this crazy-looking flower belonged to. After I blanked for some time, I was informed that this flower belonged to the Python Snake Bean plant (Trichosanthes cucumerina), sometimes called a snake gourd or serpent gourd.

This crazy looking flower is a passionflower bloom (Passiflora incarnata). Passionflower is fast-growing vine that is native to the Southeast.

As the nights begin to draw in and summer's heat fades fast, we may spend less time in our gardens and mourn the departure of the sun. But for me, fall is absolutely my favorite time of the year. Though the days are shortening rapidly and the summer garden may be fading fast, there is a lot to love about a garden in this season. 

“Swedish death cleaning” may sound morbid, but the concept is less doom and gloom and more existential and sweet. Think of the decluttering style this way: if the KonMari Method and hygge had a baby, it’d be Swedish death cleaning.  The idea is simple, yet astounding. Swedish death cleaning is a Scandinavian method of organizing that focuses on decluttering your home before you pass on in an effort to lessen the burden on your grieving loved ones. Author Margareta Magnusson coined the phrase in her 2017 book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, and the concept has been gaining traction ever since. 

Q: I have an unknown plant in my garden. I’m not sure if it came in on the wind or bird feeder. I first noticed it two years ago. It never flowers, it self-seeds and it grows to about 110cm. Please advise any details on its name and care. Hopefully it is not some invasive weed. DD, Co Dublin

Seeing a firefly illuminate the dark night sky can feel like witnessing a small miracle. These tiny beacons are not just a sign of warm summer nights; they’re a mysterious blend of science and magic that can signify a variety of things—from ecological balance to spiritual messages. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover – What Does it Mean When You See a Firefly, along with its deeper symbolism, fascinating biology, and unexpected cultural meanings behind these glowing night-time visitors.

Ever wondered what the National Flower of Turkey is and why it holds such significance in the country’s culture and history? You’re about to embark on a fascinating journey that will reveal not only the identity of this captivating bloom but also its deep-rooted symbolism and influence in Turkish society.

Wondering what to plant after potatoes? There are several factors to consider including crop rotation and the time of year. Crop rotation is a key strategy for reducing pest and disease problems, as well as nutrient depletion. The other point to keep in mind is timing. Potatoes can be dug in mid to late summer as a new potato crop or left to mature for a fall harvest of storage spuds. When you harvest your potatoes can influence what you next plant in the bed. Below I share my ten favorite vegetables to plant after potatoes to help you grow a healthy and productive garden.

One thing I sometimes grapple with is how far apart to space seeds and plants in a container. Should I follow the guidelines on the side of the seed packet – or can veg in containers be grown closer together? After playing around with different spacings, I ‘discovered’ some general rules of thumb.

Are you captivated by the almost otherworldly allure of Venus Flytraps but unsure what to feed these carnivorous marvels? Feeding a Venus Flytrap is not just a matter of dropping any insect into its snapping jaws; it’s a fascinating blend of science and natural spectacle. Stick around as we unveil the secrets of Venus Fly Trap Food, debunk common myths, and guide you on how to keep your predatory plant not just alive, but thriving.