Articles listed under “basics”
Video: Loading and lifting a wheelbarrow — July 15, 2008
Loading and lifting a wheelbarrow can be back-breaking work — unless you know the correct technique. Find out the best and safest way to do these tasks.
Video: Filling a large container — June 24, 2008
If you like to plant in large containers, you know that filling one with potting mix can be expensive. Check out these helpful tips for saving both mix and money.
Video: Tagging plants — May 27, 2008
It’s always a good idea to label the plants in your garden. Check out four easy and inexpensive ways to identify everything from bulbs to trees and shrubs.
Clothes hamper tool organizer — May 13, 2008
Are you tired of having your tools propped in a tangled mess in the corner of your garden shed? Here’s an easy-to-make organizer for both your hand and long-handled tools.
Blue bottle lights — April 22, 2008
Here’s a clever idea for lighting your garden path that uses empty liquor or wine bottles and icicle holiday lights.
Video: Baby your house plants — April 8, 2008
A buildup of dust and grime makes it hard for your house plants to absorb the light they need to stay healthy.
Pop starts — April 1, 2008
In spring, most gardeners have a cluster of newly purchased plants waiting to be set in the ground.
Video: Attracting birds to your feeder — March 18, 2008
What can you do to get more birds to visit your feeder? You can’t send out written invitations to let them know where the party is.
It’s in the mail — February 19, 2008
Have trouble keeping your garden hose neatly coiled? Try this hose storage tip.
Overwatering house plants — January 29, 2008
Overwatering house plants is just as bad as underwatering them. How do you tell if your plants are overwatered?
Confine your twine — January 22, 2008
If you’re tired of chasing that runaway ball of twine, perhaps it’s time you tried this trick.
Frost crack — January 22, 2008
Frost cracks occur in trees during winter when the sun heats the sap enough to cause it to flow through the trunk.
Video: Recycling Christmas trees — January 1, 2008
Christmas is over and it’s time to take down the tree. You could just throw it away, but why not recycle it and use it out in the garden?
Wrapping up a container plant — December 25, 2007
Even the hardiest trees and shrubs need a little winter help when they’re living in containers.
Live Christmas trees — December 11, 2007
Let’s face it: the saddest part of the holidays is when you take down the Christmas tree. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Video: Save snow-laden trees — December 4, 2007
The weight of snow on branches can damage trees and shrubs. Should you shake it off or leave it alone?
Give your trees a checkup — November 13, 2007
Late winter and early spring are the best times to prune trees. Look for problems now so you can plan to have them taken care of.
Video: Covering roses — November 6, 2007
Learn the secrets of helping your grafted roses survive the winter. It’s easier than you think.
Protecting new divisions — October 30, 2007
Fall’s one of the best times to divide your pulmonaria or other perennials, so here’s a tip for helping the divisions survive.
Video: Wrap a tree — October 16, 2007
On sunny winter days, the bark of young trees can develop frost cracks. It’s a good idea to protect them by wrapping their trunks in fall with some white tree wrap.
Video: Fixing clay pots — September 11, 2007
Breaking a clay pot doesn’t mean you have to throw it away. Here’s a way to get at least a couple more seasons of use out of it.
A twist in time trains vines — September 4, 2007
If you ever wanted to train a vine up a brick wall without having to drill into it to install a trellis or hooks, try this technique.
Moving a plant in the heat — August 21, 2007
It’s not ideal. But sometimes you can’t avoid moving a plant in the middle of summer. However, this project doesn’t have to spell disaster (or crispy plants).
