Subtropical Gardening

How to Use Orange Peels in Your Garden to Boost Plant Health and Deter Pests

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:50:00 +0000

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"Oranges are delectable fruits packed with vitamin C, but believe it or not, orange peels have several benefits for your garden. The peels can act as a compost material to enrich your soil or be used in the garden to deter common pests like aphids. Rather than throwing your peels away, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for using orange peels in the garden." Comments from Martha Stewart.com

As an organic gardener, I am always happy to learn more about using things like orange peel that we usually discard to benefit our garden. So many benefits, but has to be done in certain ways to see the results.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

Cottage Garden Ideas for Creating a Lush, Romantic Landscape at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:46:00 +0000

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"Pristine and perfect? No, thank you. Tracie Fish has long championed a more relaxed approach, filling her family's cottage-style garden in Washington with nostalgic plants, rusted flea market finds, and moss-covered flagstone paths. "Over time, our garden became this cozy, joyful bit of chaos,” says Fish. Here are her top tips for creating a space that evokes classic cottage gardens with their freewheeling abundance of flowers and vintage structures." Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Beautiful!! Would love any of them!!

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

How Often to Water a Jade Plant

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:31:00 +0000

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"Jade plants are beautiful houseplants with thick, glossy leaves that put on a show year-round. Since they're succulents, they don't need to be watered very often, and it's not unusual for them to become overwatered by accident. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that will help you determine whether your jade plant needs water.

Here, we spoke with gardening experts about the ins and outs of watering jade plants. Follow their tips and tricks for a healthy, thriving plant." Comments from Martha Stewart.com

Great plant to grow, but they do have certain water needs you need to learn.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article to learn about jade plants.

Annuals, Biennials and Perennials – 3 Plant Types You Need To Know

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:25:00 +0000

Photo source: Rural Sprout

"Say you’ve only grown houseplants, which are more beautiful than edible, in which case there are definitely a few things you should learn, before you start planting your landscape.

It is important to trust in the process, and it is more than okay to learn as you go, picking up new plant and gardening knowledge along the way." Comments from Rural Sprout

In my part of the world, many annuals are actual perennials unless we have an active winter, like this year.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

Firepit Ideas for the Ultimate Backyard Hangout Space

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:09:00 +0000

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"Between barbecues, bonfires, and outdoor movie nights, your backyard will undoubtedly host many special moments. Create an outdoor space that's conducive to relaxation and social gatherings alike by adding a built-in firepit to your yard. These firepit ideas can help you achieve the ultimate backyard hangout for you and your loved ones." Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

So many great ideas for firepits. At one time, I had a firepit area with a beautiful terracota fireplace, but it was destroyed by the hurricane that hit my house.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article. Check out the great ideas!

Easy Flowers That Practically Grow Themselves

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:14:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"Whether you’re a new or experienced gardener, sometimes you’re just looking for easy flowers to grow. Colorful flowers all season long not only delight humans, the also attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

If you crave color, long bloom times, and flowers you’re not going to have to coddle, there are many annuals and perennials to choose from. The standard advice is that flowers planted in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets tend to dry out fast at the height of summer, so check them daily during hot, dry spells. Not every gardener wants to face those tasks every day, so we've included a few drought-tolerant options that will do just fine without daily watering." Comments from Southern Living

Many of my favorites!

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Easy to Grow Annuals for a Cut-Flower Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:54:00 +0000

Photo source: Rural Sprout

"When it comes to making your living space fresh and inviting, it’s hard to find anything that does the job better than plants. And while I love the creeping tendrils of my philodendron and the fuzzy leaves of my many African violets, I enjoy bringing fresh-cut flowers into my home when it’s summertime." Comments from Rural Sprout

It is one of the reasons I love growing zinnias!

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

Why Southern Grandmothers Sprayed Hydrangeas With Hairspray

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:44:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"Yes, that’s right. Your trusty Aquanet, or more modern equivalent, can be used to sneakily keep hydrangeas looking healthy, full, and alive. When my grandmother, a bonafide amateur florist, told me about the old-fashioned trick, I couldn't quite believe it. But it works!" Comment from Southern Living

Very interesting!

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Beautiful Greenhouse Ideas for Year-Round Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:39:00 +0000

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"Often, we can only enjoy our favorite flowers, veggies, and herbs for a few months out of the year. However, greenhouses can create a bountiful garden year-round, keeping plants and seedlings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

There is a wide variety of greenhouse options, from farmhouse-style A-frames to modern geodesic domes. A bonus? They're a special way to spend time outdoors—and grow unique plants—no matter the weather. Here, we’ve gathered some expert-recommended greenhouse ideas that can accommodate a variety of spaces and flora so you can enjoy gardening rain or shine." Comments from Martha Stewart.com

My favorite greenhouse is the one pictured above, although I would take any of them.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

How to Use Epsom Salts for Stronger, More Vibrant Rose Bushes

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 13:28:00 +0000

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"Roses are a popular flower amongst gardeners. The perennial fills a landscape with a sense of timelessness that other flowers have a hard time replicating. But despite their appeal, roses have a reputation for being difficult to maintain. If your roses are looking a little worse for wear, there is one cure that gardeners swear by: Epsom salts. The compound contains elements that are known to reduce the risk of disease, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve flower quality." Comments from Martha Stewart.com

Although I have tried to grow roses in the past, I would always kill them. But I didn't know what I was doing. Learning about the plants you grow is so important. This article has excellent information to give you better luck with growing roses.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

How To Revive An Orchid That's Stopped Blooming

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"If the last time you saw your orchid bloom was when you brought it home from the garden center, it doesn’t mean it will never bloom again. With a few tweaks to its care, you’ll see its elegant blooms again in no time. The first step is making sure your orchid is healthy and free from pests and disease. More light, cooler night-time temperatures, and the right balance of water and nutrients can help. Read on to learn how to give your orchid the right care and get it back on track for re-blooming." Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

When Is The Best Time To Plant Dahlias?

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:40:00 +0000

"While brightly colored dahlias have been a part of Southern gardens for hundreds of years, social media and the wedding industry have made these stunning blooms popular stars in the garden. If you are growing dahlias for the first time, knowing when to plant the tubers will make a difference in their successful growth. Learn more about planting dahlias and what they need to produce gorgeous flowers." Comment from Southern Living

I wish I could grow them in my zone, need to be a little further north. Those are beautiful flowers.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

How To Fertilize Hydrangeas Before Spring For Bigger, Better Blooms

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:24:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"With their showy blooms, hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs in gardens across America. With so many varieties, there is sure to be a hydrangea that appeals to your sensibilities. Proper fertilization is a key component to those blooms, and timing is critical. Learn more about fertilizing all types of hydrangeas for bigger blooms." Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

How to Propagate Monstera Successfully

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:13:00 +0000

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"Monstera deliciosa, aka Swiss cheese plant, gives any space a tropical, modern look. If you want to expand your indoor jungle for free, this houseplant is easy to propagate into more plants. Here's how to create more plants from your monstera via stem cuttings or air layers. Keep the new plants for yourself or share with friends and family. And if you happen to have a rarer variety, perhaps you could even make a little money on the side." Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Love this plant and never tried to propagate. Hope to get another chance.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

Climbing Plants That Practically Grow Themselves

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:16:00 +0000

Photo Source: Southern Living

"Whether they're trailing across a fence or delicately covering an arbor, climbing vines and flowers add a cottage charm to gardens. But while these plants may look like they require hours of care and attention, there are actually a number of climbing plants that thrive in Southern gardens with little to no effort.

Whether you love the continuous colorful blooms of clematis or the sweet scent of jasmine, here are nine low-maintenance climbing plants for your garden." Comment from Southern Living

The climbers have such a dramatic appearance. My favorite to grow is bougainvillea.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Hummingbird Myths You Should Stop Believing

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:34:00 +0000

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"There's a lot of bogus ideas out there about these brilliant birds. Learn the truth behind these common hummingbird myths." Comment from Birds and Blooms

There is so much to learn about hummingbirds.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article to learn more.

When Hummingbirds Are Expected To Return To The South

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:26:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"As winter loosens its grip across the South, one of the season’s smallest migrants begins its return. Hummingbirds, fresh from wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, are already pushing north, and Southern backyards are their first stop." Comment from Southern Living

I am hoping they will visit my yard this year.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Butterfly Host Plant Myths and Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"Plant it and they will come. Believe it or not, it really is that simple when it comes to butterfly host plants. Scatter dill seeds among your lovely pink cosmos, and soon you’ll see swallowtails. Plant a patch of milkweed, and you’re bound to get monarchs. Got an out-of-the-way corner for nettles? Get ready to welcome red admirals. Butterfly gardening truly is this easy, but myths abound, so let’s set the story straight." Comment from Birds and Blooms

If you are in my part of the world, zone 9b, pentas attracted the butterflies into my garden more than the other plants. I had them planted all over my property.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

Top 10 Trailing Houseplants to Grow in Hanging Pots

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:56:00 +0000

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"Growing houseplants is a great way to brighten up the indoors when the outdoors is gray and chilly. Whether you’re an expert gardener or a total newbie, many houseplants don’t require a ton of tending—and they add a welcome burst of green to any room. Hanging houseplants, much like spring and summer’s hanging flower baskets, provide eye-catching intrigue to an indoor garden. Check out these simple, easy-to-grow trailing houseplants for hanging containers." Comment from Birds and Blooms

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms very informative article.

Ways to Prevent Damping Off in Seedlings

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:48:00 +0000

Photo source: Garden Betty

"Did your seedlings suddenly fall over and die overnight? It’s not from pests, and it’s not because the wind knocked them over. In fact, the problem starts below the surface… not above it. Find out why damping off disease happens to even healthy seedlings and how to prevent this common fungal infection." Comment from Garden Betty

An important phase in growing from seed that needs to be learned.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

How To Grow And Care For Camellias

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:34:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"The South is the heart of camellia country. Indeed, common camellia (Camellia japonica) is even Alabama's state flower. Although it seems like these evergreen flowering shrubs, which are so well suited to our area, must have been born here, they actually hail from eastern and southern Asia. Camellias are members of the tea family, Theaceae, and bring beautiful blooms to our gardens during the cold months.

More than 3,000 named kinds of camellias exist in a remarkable range of colors, forms, and sizes. They are not browsed by deer, another plus point for life outdoors in the South. These beautiful shrubs—some grow as much as a foot a year to eventually form a small tree—can be planted in the fall through early spring in Southern gardens. Read on for more tips on planting and tending camellias." Comment from Southern Living

Trying to learn as much as I can about this beautiful plant I'd love to grow.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Camellia Flower Facts and Why This Shrub is So Popular

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"If it seems like the camellia flower blooms almost all year, that's because they do. Sometimes called the rose of winter or the queen of winter flowers, camellia varieties usually bloom during the colder months. What does a camellia look like? In addition to resembling roses, camellia flowers can be shaped like anemones or peonies. The blooms can be single, double, and semi-double, and come in red, pink, white, or a mix of these colors. There's more to camellias than just their beautiful blooms—here are some fascinating facts to make you love them even more." Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

This is one plant that I have always wanted to grow, but never did. It is so beautiful!

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

Grass Alternatives For A Low-Maintenance Lawn

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:18:00 +0000

Photo source: Southern Living

"Americans are rethinking their relationship with lawns. While traditional turfgrasses do serve many purposes in the landscape, such as a place to play, erosion control, and mitigating solar heat, they are not always the best solution. They require vast amounts of time and resources to maintain while supporting little ecological diversity. In the face of increasing drought and water restrictions, the time has come to consider grass alternatives." Comment from Southern Living

I'm looking into all possibilities so I can get rid of the grass and weeds that I totally dislike.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Perlite vs. Vermiculite: How and Why to Use Them

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:01:00 +0000

"Do you know what’s in your potting mix? Perlite and vermiculite are natural soil additives that help improve soil structure in similar ways, but this one key difference between them can make or break a gardening project." Comment from Garden Betty

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

Fast-growing Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"With hummingbirds, there’s no time to wait. They constantly desire food, plus we crave the instant satisfaction of watching them. But many perennials take a season or two to bloom, and shrubs might even take years. So how to attract hummingbirds right away?

First, look at the bigger picture, says Karen Bussolini, senior horticultural advisor at White Flower Farm. Use flower choices that invite them to nest in your yard, rather than just pass through, by choosing plants that bloom across the growing season and offer abundant nectar.

“Surprisingly, insects are a large portion of their diet, too,” says Karen. Add native plants to your garden and you will see hummingbirds vacuum up the protein-filled insects that feed on these plants.

Here are some ideas for fast-growing flowers that hummingbirds love."

Comments from Birds and Blooms

I hope to once again try to attract hummingbirds to my garden, so I need to learn from this article.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.