Garden shears are one of the most essential tools in any gardener’s toolkit. Whether you’re trimming hedges, shaping shrubs, or cutting back perennials, sharp shears make the job quicker, easier, and cleaner. Over time, however, even the best shears become dull, making gardening tasks frustrating and less effective. This in-depth guide will walk you through … Read more
Tomatoes are among the most popular and rewarding crops for home gardeners. However, choosing the right spot in your garden to plant tomatoes is key to a healthy, productive harvest. Improper placement can lead to poor growth, disease, and fewer fruits. This complete guide explains where to plant tomatoes in your garden, why location matters, … Read more
Slugs are one of the most frustrating garden pests. They chew holes through leaves, flowers, fruits, and seedlings—leaving slimy trails behind. Whether you’re growing vegetables or flowers, a slug infestation can quickly destroy your hard work. This complete guide from Start a Garden explains how to get rid of slugs in your garden using safe, … Read more
Squirrels are charming, but when they start raiding your garden, they can quickly become a nuisance. These clever creatures often dig up seeds, feast on fruits, and damage plants. If you’ve noticed squirrels causing havoc in your garden, you’re not alone. This guide from Start a Garden will walk you through various methods to get … Read more
The last frost date is a key milestone in any gardener’s calendar. Once nighttime temperatures stabilize and the risk of frost has passed, your planting options expand dramatically. Late spring is the ideal time to transition from cool-season crops to warm-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive in longer days and warmer soil. In this … Read more
For many gardeners, the arrival of winter signals the end of the growing season. However, with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to extend your harvest—and even grow fresh produce year-round. Row covers and cold frames are two of the most effective and accessible methods for protecting plants from frost, wind, and low temperatures … Read more
Late-season planting offers a valuable second chance for gardeners looking to maximize space and production before frost sets in. Whether you’re replanting after an early harvest or filling in empty garden beds, choosing fast-growing vegetables allows you to enjoy fresh produce in as little as 30 to 60 days. This guide highlights quick-maturing vegetables ideal … Read more
Watering plants may seem like a simple task, but the timing can significantly impact plant health and growth. Whether you’re tending to vegetables, flowers, or indoor houseplants, knowing when to water is just as important as knowing how much to water. One of the most common questions gardeners ask is: Should I water in the … Read more
Mulch is one of the most powerful tools in water-wise gardening. It conserves soil moisture, regulates temperature, suppresses weeds, and improves plant health—all while reducing how often you need to water. But not all mulch is created equal. Choosing the right type for your garden’s needs can make a significant difference in efficiency and performance. … Read more
Starting your first garden can be exciting, rewarding—and a little overwhelming. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or all three, having the right knowledge from the start can mean the difference between struggling and thriving. While gardening is a learning process, certain foundational practices will help any beginner grow with confidence. This guide outlines the … Read more
Pollinators are essential for plant reproduction, food production, and maintaining biodiversity. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, and even some bats play vital roles in pollinating flowers and crops. However, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have caused pollinator populations to decline worldwide. One of the best ways you can help is by creating a pollinator … Read more
The success of any garden begins with the soil. Whether you’re planting vegetables, flowers, or trees, understanding your soil type is crucial to managing water, nutrients, and root development. Different soils absorb, retain, and drain water differently—and this directly impacts how often you should water and what plants will thrive. Not all soil is created … Read more
Slugs are among the most polarizing creatures in the garden. To many gardeners, they are pests that devour tender greens and leave slimy trails behind. To others, slugs are simply misunderstood parts of a functioning ecosystem. So, what’s the truth? Are slugs good for a garden—or should they be eliminated completely? The answer isn’t black … Read more
Garden tools are essential for every gardener—from spades and pruners to rakes and trowels. But even the best-quality tools won’t last long if they’re not properly maintained and stored. Exposure to moisture, dirt, and extreme temperatures can cause rust, wood splitting, and dull edges, significantly shortening a tool’s useful life. Proper storage and basic maintenance … Read more
Trimming hedges is more than just a basic garden chore—it’s a skill that, when done right, shapes your landscape, promotes healthy growth, and enhances curb appeal. Poor trimming can lead to uneven shapes, exposed branches, or stressed plants. But with the right tools, timing, and techniques, you can trim hedges like a pro and keep … Read more
As fruit plants grow, their branches may become heavy with developing produce. Without proper support, this extra weight can cause stems to bend, break, or collapse entirely—damaging the plant and reducing your harvest. That’s why knowing how to stake and support heavy fruit plants is essential for garden success. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, peppers, melons, … Read more
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that promotes physical activity, fresh air, and a connection to nature. But even in such a peaceful setting, injuries and accidents can happen if proper precautions aren’t taken. From sharp tools to sun exposure and allergens, garden tasks carry risks that can be minimized with the right safety practices and … Read more
Slugs can be a persistent problem in vegetable gardens, flower beds, and container setups. They thrive in moist environments, feed on tender leaves, and often strike at night, leaving behind slimy trails and damaged plants. While many gardeners reach for baits or barriers, a more sustainable and effective solution is to attract natural predators that … Read more
Freezing garden peas is one of the easiest and most effective ways to preserve your homegrown harvest. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned grower, learning how to freeze peas properly means you can enjoy that sweet, crisp taste long after the growing season ends. In this guide from Start a Garden, we’ll show … Read more
Encountering a large, colorful spider in your garden can be startling, especially if it’s hanging in the center of a large web. Known as garden spiders, these backyard guests are common in many regions and often misunderstood. Their intimidating appearance and prominent webs lead many to wonder: are garden spiders poisonous? In this comprehensive guide, … Read more
Watering is one of the most essential tasks in gardening, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Too much water can suffocate roots, while too little causes wilting and poor growth. So, how often should you water your garden? The answer depends on many factors—climate, soil type, plant species, and the season. There’s no … Read more
Container gardening is a practical solution for those with limited space, urban balconies, or indoor setups. One common question among beginners is whether they can simply scoop soil from their garden beds and use it in pots. After all, garden soil is free, accessible, and already supports plant life. However, using garden soil in pots … Read more
Slugs are one of the most debated creatures in home gardening. To many, they’re destructive pests that chew through lettuce, hostas, and young seedlings overnight. But others argue that slugs also have beneficial roles in composting and soil health. So, are slugs good for a garden, or are they just slimy nuisances? The answer depends … Read more
Grasshoppers are a common sight in gardens and fields, particularly during late summer and early fall. With their powerful legs, long antennae, and leaf-chewing habits, these insects often catch a gardener’s attention. While some people view them as destructive pests, others wonder if they offer any ecological benefits. So, are grasshoppers good for your garden? … Read more
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths play an essential role in our ecosystems. They help fertilize plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another, which is critical for producing fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. However, many pollinator species are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Starting a pollinator garden … Read more
Garden snakes can be both helpful and problematic, depending on where you live and the types of snakes in your area. While many snakes are harmless and beneficial to your garden by controlling pests like rodents, others may pose a danger or simply cause unease. If you’re dealing with unwanted garden snakes, this guide provides … Read more
Rabbits may look cute, but in the garden, they can quickly become destructive pests. They chew through tender shoots, nibble on vegetables, and dig into flower beds—often wiping out entire sections overnight. While it’s important to protect your plants, it’s equally essential to use humane, environmentally friendly methods. This guide offers safe, smart, and effective … Read more
Dogs can be both delightful companions and persistent garden invaders. Whether it’s digging up your plants, trampling your flower beds, or leaving unwanted “gifts,” dogs can wreak havoc on your garden. If you’re tired of your furry friends causing trouble in your garden, this guide offers effective, humane strategies to keep dogs out and protect … Read more
Animals such as deer, rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons can wreak havoc on your garden, ruining your hard work and eating your plants. If you’re tired of battling with wildlife in your garden, this guide will provide you with actionable strategies to protect your plants and keep animals out effectively. From physical barriers to natural deterrents, … Read more
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be a major threat to home gardens. These burrowing rodents have an insatiable appetite for garden plants, often causing significant damage to vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Their ability to dig deep burrows and quickly strip plants of their leaves, stems, and roots makes them one of the most … Read more
Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or Armadillidiidae, are small, grayish bugs that roll into a ball when disturbed. While these creatures might look harmless, they can wreak havoc on your garden by feeding on young plants, roots, and decaying organic matter. If you’ve noticed that your plants are being damaged by these little … Read more
Deer are beautiful creatures, but when they wander into your garden, they can cause significant damage. From munching on your flowers to destroying vegetables, deer can quickly turn your well-maintained garden into a buffet. Fortunately, there are several methods to keep them away, ensuring that your plants remain safe. This article explores various techniques to … Read more
Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are infamous for causing damage in gardens. Their burrowing habits and fondness for fruits, vegetables, and flowers make them a common nuisance for gardeners. If you’re tired of watching woodchucks feast on your hard-earned plants, this article will guide you through effective ways to keep them out of your garden. … Read more
Chipmunks are small, cute creatures that may seem harmless, but when they invade your garden, they can cause significant damage. Known for their burrowing habits, chipmunks can destroy plants, dig up bulbs, and even steal vegetables. If you’re dealing with these garden invaders, this article provides effective, natural solutions to help you get rid of … Read more
If your garden vegetables are being damaged but you aren’t sure what’s causing it, two common culprits may be to blame—squirrels or blue jays. Both are known for visiting gardens in search of food, especially when fruits and vegetables are ripening. While these animals can appear charming, their behavior often results in chewed produce, missing … Read more