Yes, you can easily grow new plants from cuttings, but simply sticking a random piece of stem directly into the dirt doesn't always work. Your success relies on selecting the right part of the plant and encouraging it to grow new roots.
Cuttings can thrive not only in plant soil, but often also in a glass of water. If you let the cuttings root directly into soil, the seedlings are easier to pot up, as the roots have already formed as solid balls. Water-rooted cuttings have more brittle roots, so be extra careful when potting them up.
Yes, plants actively lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Both interacting with greenery and consuming specific plant-based supplements can trigger significant stress reduction.
In gardening, the "70/30 rule" is a flexible guideline used in several different ways depending on your gardening goals. The three most common interpretations involve native plants, garden design, and vegetable growing.
Hardwood cuttings are taken from mid-autumn until late winter from vigorous healthy shoots of the current year's growth - this will be woody but pliable. Use for deciduous climbers, shrubs, trees (including fruit) and some evergreens such as hollies.
It is illegal to propagate some plants primarily to protect intellectual property (such as plant patents or trademarks), to prevent the spread of agricultural diseases, or to control invasive species.
October is the prime time to plant spring-blooming bulbs, cool-season vegetables, and hardy perennials. The warm soil and cooler air allow roots to establish before winter. Popular options include spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils), brassicas (broccoli, kale), and root crops (carrots, garlic).
October is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, conifers, and hardy perennials—or spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils—and if you're looking to sow cover crops or install lawns, now is the time for that as well.
The "3-hour gardening rule" is a safety guideline advising gardeners to avoid working outdoors between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the summer months. This window is when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest and temperatures peak, posing risks for both you and your plants.
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that can be ready to harvest in just 20-25 days. It thrives in cooler temperatures and prefers partial shade. Sow the arugula seeds directly in pots or garden beds, and keep the soil evenly moist. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavour.
The classic plant that universally says "I love you" is the Red Rose. However, if you are looking for long-lasting houseplants or specific symbolic meanings in the Victorian language of flowers, there are several wonderful alternatives to express your deepest affections.
Research has shown that English Ivy can eliminate up to 78% of airborne mold within 12 hours. This makes it particularly useful in humid areas like bathrooms and basements where mold growth is more common.
Plants help reduce anxiety by improving indoor air quality, releasing calming aromas, and promoting a meditative connection with nature. The act of plant care itself actively lowers stress levels. Key choices include:
For a quick start, the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings are Pothos, Philodendrons, and Tradescantia. Simply snip a stem just below a leaf node, place it in a glass of water, and watch roots grow in just a week or two.
Yes, gardening can effectively help lower blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic Health System outlines three main reasons why:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic Balance for Root Health
ACV is fermented from apples, retaining beneficial acids (like malic acid) and trace minerals (potassium, calcium) that stimulate root growth. It also acts as a mild fungicide, preventing soil-borne pathogens from attacking vulnerable cuttings.
The Amish water their crops by prioritizing natural soil moisture retention over mechanical irrigation. For fields that require supplemental watering, they rely on gravity-fed systems or manual labor using buckets, totes, and traditional watering cans filled from nearby creeks, ponds, or cisterns.
Read on to learn some of the most common mistakes made by beginner gardeners—and how to avoid them.
These can wilt after just a day or two without water, especially in a hot, sunny spot and especially when recently planted. And although new summer annual flowers and veggies can go three or four days without rain or watering, they also can begin to suffer beyond that.
It is not inherently illegal for you or a farmer to replant seeds, but it is illegal to replant patented seeds or those protected by commercial contracts. Seed companies use these legal mechanisms to protect their investments in agricultural research and development.
To help guide your fall gardening to-do list, here are 10 common perennials you should avoid planting in autumn if you want them to thrive.
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
The two birth flowers for October are the Marigold and the Cosmos. These flowers perfectly represent the autumn season, providing vibrant colors in gardens until the first frost, symbolizing warmth, creativity, and peace.
Beauty is entirely subjective, but a few plants consistently capture the title of the world's most beautiful depending on whether you value classic floral elegance, rare exotic geometry, or unique foliage.
Hotter summers, extended droughts, and dry winds are becoming more common, and hydrangeas are paying the price. Gardeners from coast to coast report the same issues: leaves crisping and curling in early summer, stems wilting despite regular watering, and blossoms fading far too quickly.