Articles written by Melinda Myers
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 56
By 
Put kitchen scraps, landscape trimmings to work in the garden
Convert landscape and garden trimmings into valuable compost. Incorporate this soil amendment into garden soil to improve drainage in clay soil and increase water-holding ability in fast draining sandy soils. It also promotes... — Updated 8/26/2021
Harvest and enjoy mint from the garden
Add a bit of cool flavor to your beverages, meals and desserts this summer with homegrown mint. Try using peppermint leaves in fruit cocktails and ice cream. Add spearmint to your tea or use the leaves to season lamb and jelly.... — Updated 8/12/2021
Garden-fresh vegetables help fight cancer
Cancer prevention starts on your dinner plate; actually, it starts in the garden. Growing your own nutrient-rich cancer fighting vegetables allows you to grow pesticide-free vegetables, harvest them at their peak, and use them righ... — Updated 6/3/2021
Create a garden anywhere with straw bale gardening
Add productive garden space and raise your planting bed with straw bale gardening. This technique allows you to create a raised bed garden on the patio, lawn, or poor compacted... — Updated 5/20/2021
Vacation care for your container gardens
Planning a few long weekends or a vacation may have you rethinking your garden plans. Don't let time away from home stop you from growing flowers and vegetables in containers. I... — Updated 5/13/2021
Grow edamame for better health and nutrition
Add a bit of fiber to your garden and diet. Consider growing edamame (edible soybeans) in this year’s garden. Soybeans help promote overall health reducing the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and high blood... — Updated 5/6/2021
Planting tips for growing success
Increase your growing success by giving your transplants a good start with a few simple planting techniques. Preparing them for the transition outdoors and planting properly will... — Updated 4/22/2021
Cool and refreshing - cucumbers
Add a cool refreshing twist to your meals, beverages, appetizers, and snacks with cucumbers. These popular vegetables are grown worldwide, adding anti-inflammatory vitamin K, vitam... — Updated 4/15/2021
Tips for your seed starting success
You created your wish list, ordered some or all of the seeds you will need, and they are beginning to arrive. Now, make the most of your investment with a bit of planning. Starti... — Updated 2/18/2021
Get the most out of Valentine's Day bouquets
Treat that someone special in your life to a floral Valentine. You will have them smiling within seconds and feeling happier throughout the week ahead. Ensure your gift of cut flowers will look its best and provide many days of... — Updated 2/11/2021
Managing a difficult insect pest on houseplants
A sticky substance on plant leaves, plant stands, and the floor are often the first clue alerting gardeners to a problem. If a closer look reveals bumps on the upper and lower... — Updated 1/21/2021
Save time and increase success by creating a garden calendar
Ringing in the New Year is filled with resolutions that usually involve dieting and exercise. Gardening is a great way to help accomplish those two resolutions, while also improving your mood, reducing blood pressure, managing... — Updated 1/7/2021
Do-it-yourself holiday centerpiece
Dress up your holiday meals with a centerpiece crafted from greens, colorful stems and seed heads collected from your garden. Or purchase fresh materials you need from your... — Updated 12/24/2020
Preserve your garden produce for delicious winter meals
All your hard work is paying off with a bountiful harvest. Fresh produce is filling your garden, countertops, and refrigerator while the garden keeps producing more. Preserve some... — Updated 8/13/2020
Bold and beautiful alliums for every garden
Short or tall, big or small, ornamental alliums are a treat for flower gardeners and for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Plant the bulbs in fall and enjoy months of colorfu... — Updated 9/19/2019
Getting the most out of your tomato harvest
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and when they're left on the plant five to eight days after the fruit are fully colored, the flavor only gets better.... — Updated 9/5/2019
Plant edible, decorative containers for fall
End the growing season with an extra burst of color and nutrition with a few fall containers. A pot of mums or asters can add color to your front steps and a container filled with... — Updated 8/29/2019
Tomato troubles
You have waited all season for that first red ripe tomato only to discover less-than-perfect fruit. But don’t worry, you can still have a great harvest this year while improving... — Updated 8/22/2019
Strategies for growing produce later in season
Don’t let fall or potentially frosty temperatures stop you from enjoying garden-fresh produce. Extend the nutritional value and homegrown flavor into your fall and early winter me... — Updated 8/15/2019
Chemical-free options for managing mosquitoes in your landscape
It’s time to get outside and enjoy summer BBQs, gardening, hikes and much more. Don’t let mosquitoes keep you inside; instead enlist these chemical-free strategies to manage... — Updated 7/11/2019
Cultivate green thumb for long-lasting blooms
A bit of grooming and care will keep your flower gardens looking their best throughout the hot summer months and into fall. Remove the flower stems of salvias, veronicas and... — Updated 7/3/2019
Prevent tick-borne diseases
You’ve grabbed your water bottle, sunscreen and hat for a hike in the park or some gardening. Add a bit of tick protection to your must-have items when you head out the door for an adventure, to garden or play. Continue enjoying... — Updated 6/13/2019
Ways of taking the hassle out of daily watering duties
Proper watering is key to gardening success, but untangling and dragging heavy hoses across the yard, smashing delicate flowers and young vegetable plants along the way is a common occurrence in many yards. If this describes your... — Updated 5/30/2019
Dahlias bring diverse shapes, sizes, colors to the garden
Dahlias have been a fixture in summer flower gardens for generations. But it may be time to update your idea of dahlias. With hundreds of varieties to choose from in a fabulous... — Updated 2/21/2019
Winning tomatoes add color and flavor
Impress your guests with a garden, container and dinner table filled with tasty and colorful winning tomato varieties. Small-fruited varieties are perfect for salads and snacking... — Updated 2/7/2019
