All posts

Page 182

Close-up of a wilted, diseased mum plant displaying large, layered flowers with yellow, rotting petals and wilted green foliage.

Flowers

9 Mum Diseases and How to Treat Them

In addition to their shining fall color, hardy garden mums are relatively carefree perennials. While susceptible to a number of diseases, they’re usually problem-free, and if detected early, plants often recover. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in a look at common diseases for chrysanthemums and how to treat and prevent them.

Close-up of a gardener's hand harvesting broccoli, revealing dark blue-green leaves with prominent veins fanning out around a dense, central cluster of tightly packed green buds.

Vegetables

How and When to Harvest Broccoli for the Tastiest Crop

Broccoli is a tasty, tender crop with lots of nutrients. It’s perfect for backyard gardens! You may wonder when it ripens, and when you should harvest its heads. Wonder no more, since we’ll discover when and how to harvest your growing veggies. Learn to cut your broccoli heads in this guide alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

Close-up of freshly harvested oblong-shaped Delicata squash fruits with creamy yellow rind, deep green stripes running along its length, and subtle ribbing.

Edible

How and When to Harvest Delicata Squash

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.

A bed of coneflower seed heads surrounded by dry, drooping petals on tall vertical stems in a fall garden.

Gardening Tips

21 Perennials You Shouldn’t Cut Back in Fall

While many plants benefit from a good fall cutback as they prepare for winter, some perennials are better left standing. They bring winter insulation, forage for birds and wildlife, shelter for pollinators, and unique attributes for lasting seasonal interest. Explore which perennials should not be cut back this fall with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

A bright yellow rake is leaning against a large pile of dry, curled brown foliage, resting on green grass under a tree in a sunlit garden.

Soil Improvement

Do Fall Leaves Make Good Compost?

Fall leaves are a nutrient-rich soil amendment, but do they make good compost? They do, but they’ll need extra care to morph into rich, crumbly soil. Learn how to turn fall leaves into beneficial compost with backyard composter Jerad Bryant.

A hand holding pruning shears is cutting light pink and yellow blooms in a vast flower field under soft sunlight.

Flowers

How To Prune Mums For Strong Growth and Flowering

Hardy garden mums are easy-growers with high seasonal color spanning summer and fall. Chrysanthemums benefit from easy, light pruning to get the best form and flowers. With gardening expert Katherine Rowe, explore pruning benefits and basics for these lovely autumnal selections to ensure healthy flowering for years of recurrent color.

A close up shot of an orange vegetable crop cut in half that is one process of how to save squash seeds

Seeds

Saving Squash Seeds for Next Year’s Garden: 7 Pro Tips

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.

The vibrant pink chrysanthemums bloom brightly against the backdrop of their fading yellow leaves, creating a striking contrast in the garden.

Plant Problems

Why Are My Mum’s Leaves Turning Yellow?

Noticing your mums’ leaves turning yellow can be a bit alarming, but don’t worry - there’s usually a simple explanation! In this article, gardener and biologist Lindsay Miller explains the common reasons behind this issue and how you can get your mums back to their vibrant best.