Latest articles by Tyler Schuster
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These 6 Common Seedling Fertilizer Mistakes Can Make or Break Young Plants – Here’s How to Avoid Them
The difference between strong seedlings and ones that wither away can come down to a few common fertilizing mistakes. I'll tell you how to avoid them.
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Are Your Houseplants Looking Leggy After Winter? Here’s the Secret to Making Them Bushier than Ever
Winter can do a real number on houseplants, with low light and shorter days leading to stretched and spindly growth. If your plants are looking leggy, here’s how to revive them to their lush and bushy glories
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Worried about Your Soil Health? Before You Buy a Test Kit, Try This Simple Fizz Trick
Confused about your yard's soil pH and not sure where to start? This simple fizz test uses household staples to reveal if your soil is acidic or alkaline, helping you to plant smarter this spring
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Customize Your Garden Tool Handles With This Simple Fix to Prevent Gardener’s Thumb
Don't let hand pain ruin your season! This simple guide will turn your pruners into an ergonomic dream.
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This Common Invasive Plant is Linked to Higher Populations of Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks – Identify It and Destroy It
This invasive shrub has been popular at garden centers all over the US and it is linked to higher rates of Lyme disease. Find out if you have it in your yard.
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Don’t Cut These Plants to the Ground – You Need to Stagger-Prune for Nesting Birds
Traditional aggressive pruning hurts bird populations. Follow our guide to stagger pruning for better blooms and happier nesting.
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Beware of Fake Fruit Branches! Prune These Energy-Stealing Shoots From Fruit Trees Before Spring Arrives
You might not know it, but fake fruit branches could be growing on your trees right now – and if left in place they will cause misery at harvest time. Here’s how to banish those energy thieves in late winter to help boost productive wood before the spring
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I'm Never Buying Plastic Seed Trays Again! Soil Blocking Is the Simpler Way to Start Seeds
Ditch the plastic trays! Learn how soil blocking builds strongerroot systems and makes transplanting your indoor seedlings effortless.
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How to Grow a New Hedge From Twigs – Yes, This Winter Method Really Works
You may not think a stick in the mud can be magic – but you’d be surprised. Here’s how to plant twigs in your yard to create a whole new living boundary
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7 Seeds You Can Plant on Your Windowsill in February – No Grow Lights Needed
Start seeds on your windowsill with no fuss or fancy grow lights. Just use the sun from your windows to get a head start planting these 7 seeds this month.
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Should You Really Follow Plant Spacing Guidelines? When It’s Okay to Break the Rules
Are plant spacing guidelines actually a lie? Find out what you can get away with and when you should stick to the playbook.
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Plants Popping Out of the Soil in the Frost? Here's Why and How to Replant Them Safely
It's unsettling to see your plants being shoved out of their garden beds in the middle of winter. Learn about frost heave and how to fix your perennials safely.
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All Out of Salt? Try These 6 Effective Homemade Ice Melts You May Already Own
If you've run out of rock salt, these homemade ice melts will save the day. Here are 6 alternatives you probably have in your house right now.
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Rooting Hormone for Easy Plant Propagation: Your Guide to Commercial and Natural Options
Rooting hormone can improve the odds of successful plant propagation if used correctly. Learn about the various options and best practices.
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They Say Never Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs in Winter – But Here’s When You Can Break the Golden Rule
The pruning rule for spring flowering shrubs says wait until after bloom, but there are times when you need to prioritize plant health, safety, and sanity. Here’s when you should consider going rogue…
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The Simple February Soil Fix That Can Change Your Hydrangea Color for Summer
Most gardeners wait until the first bloom to worry about hydrangea color, when now is the time it gets locked in. Here’s how a quick fix now can switch up your hydrangea’s summer wardrobe
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People Are Pouring Pasta Water on Their Plants, But Experts Say There's a Better Option
Pasta water seems like a free fertilizer for houseplants, but better cooking water alternatives exist that actually help plants without the salty downsides.
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It Sounds Wrong, but Scattering Seeds on Snow Actually Helps Some Seeds Germinate – Here’s How
Tossing seeds on frozen ground feels backward, but nature’s freeze-thaw cycle is the ultimate planting tool. Learn how to frost seed for tougher spring roots
