Articles written by Melinda Myers
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 46
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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
Brighten your home with blooming houseplants
Brighten your indoor décor with plants that bloom. Whether growing traditional favorites, flowering tropical plants, or annuals moved inside for winter; their colorful flowers are... — Updated 1/10/2019
Plant indoors now for a fragrant new year
Plant away the stress of the of the holidays and add some fragrance to the new year by growing paperwhites. Just plant the bulbs, no cold treatment needed, and watch them grow into... — Updated 1/3/2019
Keep holiday plants looking their best
The holiday season has arrived. That means you will be on the giving or receiving end of a poinsettia, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, amaryllis or other holiday plant. Extend the... — Updated 12/20/2018
Plants for every room in your home
Gardeners know the benefits of digging in the soil. It elevates a person’s mood, improves mental and physical well-being and the outcome is always good — added beauty or tasty... — Updated 11/29/2018
Blooms and bulbs: holiday gifts that keep on giving
Make gift giving easy with unique green gifts that provide weeks and in some cases months and years of beauty. Plus, gifting easy-care blooming plants is an experiential gift... — Updated 11/15/2018
Five steps to a more beautiful landscape
Don’t let a busy schedule stop you from creating a beautiful landscape. Incorporate a few of these changes into your fall landscape care. You’ll create beautiful results with a limited investment of time and effort. Cut the... — Updated 10/18/2018
Plan and plant this fall for three months of color
It's time to think spring and get busy planning and planting for months of colorful blooms. The key to getting a continuous parade of spring flowers is to plant bulbs that bloom at... — Updated 10/11/2018
Start an indoor garden with scraps
The pantry is full of fall favorites like squash, onions and potatoes, but busy schedules may have you finding a few things growing in the back of your cupboard. With little effort... — Updated 10/4/2018
Discover the beauty of double tulips
Celebrate the National Garden Bureau's Year of the Tulip in a big way by planting double flowered tulip varieties this fall for a showy display next spring. Flower arrangers love... — Updated 9/20/2018
Safe suggestions for pet-friendly indoor gardening
Houseplants make a wonderful addition to our home's décor and improve the indoor air quality. Those with pets however may struggle with keeping plants safe from curious pets and... — Updated 9/13/2018
