If you think you’re out of time to start seeds and grow even more vegetables this year, think again. There’s a long list of cool-weather crops out there that love autumnal conditions. You can grow many of them in less than two months. You could even harvest baby greens in less than one month, if you get started now. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep reveals 13 of these fast-growing crops to help you plan your fall garden.
Did you grow delicata squash this past summer? Are the gourds finally starting to look ripe on the vines? You may be wondering exactly how and when to harvest delicata. This winter variety is a bit unusual looking. It’s not as simple as harvesting an orange pumpkin. Plant biologist Emily Estep will tell you everything you need to know about this colorful fruit, including how and when to harvest delicata squash.
Did you grow the biggest pumpkin of your gardening career this year? Were your delicata squash particularly beautiful? Are you just looking to spend less money on seeds next year? There are many reasons why you may want to save squash seeds for next year’s garden. The process is simple and rewarding. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through the steps and provide 7 pro tips.
There’s a surprising amount of work to be done in the fall garden, not only to set the stage for the best spring ever but also to protect your perennials, soil, and local wildlife through the coldest months of the year. It’s easy to make a mistake or two, especially after an exhausting summer of keeping track of all your plants. Plant biologist Emily Estep will help you steer clear of pitfalls by listing 11 fall-gardening mistakes to avoid.
Not sure about exactly when to harvest Brussels sprouts? How do you get the most out of each plant, and how do you do so without causing damage? This long-season veggie is a bit different from its other brassica cousins. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through a series of tips to make sure you’re on the right track.
With black leaves, oddball shapes, and possibly even carnivorous appendages, there are way more spooky houseplants out there than you’d think. Some are easier to grow than others, but they all add a creepy ambiance to the home. Just in time for the holiday, houseplant enthusiast Emily Estep has gathered a list of Halloween houseplants for you to add to your seasonal or year-round collection.
Not sure what to plant next as the days get shorter and the first frosts approach? There are probably way more cool-weather crops you can plant in October than you realize, even if you live in a fairly cold zone. Now is the time to start brassicas, root veggies, and tons of salad greens. Plant biologist Emily Estep lists 17 crops you can plant in October to give you some ideas.
Gardeners plan for big, round pumpkins that are uniform in color, but sometimes you have to harvest them early when they’re still green. Whether you had an early frost or had to protect your precious gourds from disease, you may now be wondering how to ripen green pumpkins. Thankfully, it’s a simple process that only takes a few weeks. Plant biologist Emily Estep will tell you everything you need to know about how to ripen green pumpkins.
Looking for the perfect purple-blooming shrub to plant in front of your house, to create a border, or to bring butterflies to your yard? You’ve found it in Mexican bush sage, a type of Salvia that couldn’t be easier to maintain. Its gorgeous purple flowers change in fall, when white petals come into view. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through all the details on how to pant, grow, and care for this warm-climate perennial.
Are you sick of seeing the same mums over and over again? Or perhaps you love mums but want even more color, texture, and height? There are hundreds of heirloom mum varieties out there for gardeners who are ready to step up their mum game. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep has selected 23 heirloom chrysanthemum varieties you may want to pursue for your fall garden.
September and incoming signs of fall don’t have to be a downer for gardeners. Whether you’re in a warmer region or in a zone about to see frost, there’s still tons you can do to make September the best month in the garden. Plant biologist Emily Estep names 11 tasks and ideas to consider this month to make the very best of it.
If you’re looking for privacy around your home, skip the picket fence and opt for a living privacy fence instead. Planting tall, dense shrubs or small trees creates a natural barrier that benefits the ecosystem while adding a sense of seclusion to your space. Plant biologist Emily Estep shares a list of living privacy fence ideas for your landscape.