Why a clover lawn is so much better than a grass lawn
Americans use more than 7 billion gallons of water a day on their lawns. Over half of that doesn't even help lawns. People overwater, which is bad for the grass. Some water just evaporates or runs into sewers, carrying pesticides with it. That's a pretty heavy environmental cost. "But people like Read More...
The ultimate guide to making a quarantine garden—even without much space
Throughout both World Wars, the US government encouraged its citizens to “sow the seeds of victory” and plant War Gardens to assist in the fighting effort. Every day folks were expected to convert every idle plot of land they could muster into gardens to grow crops, which freed up resources for Read More...
How to make a spring garden that is resilient to climate change
With springtime in the air and the days getting longer, you may well be daydreaming about your garden or flower bed and the quiet weekend hours you hope to spend there in the weeks to come. But knowing what to plant as temperatures climb and precipitation patterns change around the world can be a Read More...
Want to help bees? Consider adding these plants to your garden
Bees are critical members of our food chain. These buzzing backyard insects pollinate three-quarters of all fruits, nuts, and vegetables, but they are on the decline. Fortunately, of the 20,000 known bee species in the world, 4,000 are native to the US and there are many flowers you can plant in Read More...
School holds gardening classes to reconnect kids with their food
As technology and supermarkets have made buying food easier and more convenient than ever, people are increasingly losing interest in learning about crops, food production, and healthy eating. Now, to reconnect children with food and promote healthy learning, some school districts have integrated Read More...
Boost your local wildlife by rewilding your lawn or just mowing it less
Removing the lawn from your home and allowing it to grow wild with flowers and native hedges can do wonders for local wildlife and pollinators. But if you’re not ready to remove your lawn or your neighborhood doesn’t allow it, consider this: In a new study, researchers found that even a modest Read More...
Say yes to ants: how these little creatures keep your plants disease-free
Ants may be pesky nuisances in the kitchen, but a new study indicates that the insects may be your allies in keeping your outdoor plants healthy and free of diseases. The new research, conducted by Danish scientists, revealed that ants produce antibiotics that prevent the growth of at least 14 Read More...
This smart vase has a screen that shows you how your plant is feeling
Plants are like pets; they can’t talk to you, per se, but they communicate nonetheless. They droop, sprout, and grow in a nonverbal language that almost seems to communicate emotions. For anyone who’s ever wondered, “How does my plant really feel?” finding the answer could get a whole lot Read More...
Enjoy the outdoors with these earth-friendly spring activities
Flowers are blossoming, trees are growing greener by the day, and people are slowly transitioning from winter coats to shorts and flip-flops. Yes, it must be spring—the perfect time to head outdoors and feel renewed. It’s also the perfect time to contribute to a healthier planet with some Read More...
Turn your leftover eggshells into an all-natural fertilizer for your plants
You may not realize it, but the leftover eggshells from your sunny side up can help your garden grow greener and stronger. You see, eggshells are full of calcium, which is an essential plant nutrient, as well as other minerals. By fusing hot water and eggshells, you can make an eggshell tea (yum!) Read More...