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Even in the middle of winter, gardeners can plan for a bountiful harvest, and because February is the shortest winter month, spring is that much closer! To use February to prepare for a productive spring… Plan Your Garden: Take time to decide which plants you'd like to grow and how you will design your garden. Consider light levels, soil condition and your expertise and enthusiasm for a realistic plan. Order Seeds and Plants: If you haven't already ordered seeds and plants, February is the time to do so in order to have your plants ready for planting at the appropriate...

Deer may be elegant, attractive wildlife, but they can be some of the worst backyard and garden pests as they damage trees, eat gardens and flowerbeds, trample foliage and leave feces throughout the yard. While fences can be effective at keeping deer away, harsh barriers can also be eyesores. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to deter deer that are inexpensive, easy and effective. Strong Odors Deer have sensitive noses and tend to avoid areas with strong odors that might conceal predators or other threats. Crushed garlic cloves can be sprinkled on mulch, or spread human hair clippings to give deer...

It may seem like there is no gardening to do during the holiday season, but in reality there is still plenty to keep enthusiastic gardeners busy even when the weather outside is frightful. Gardening in December means… Pruning for Natural Decorations Pruning berry-laden twigs, lush pine boughs and plump seed stalks can yield beautiful accessories for natural centerpieces, flower arrangements, mantle swags and other decorations for the holiday season. Choose the best trimmings for decorating, or add a unique touch by accessorizing them with holiday bows or metallic paint. Continuing to Compost Your compost pile needs care year-round, and turning...

Gardeners spend countless hours striving to protect their plantings from all manner of harmful grubs and beetles to aphids, cutworms, mealybugs, and countless other unwelcome pests. Some of the most familiar and widespread insects – bees – ought to be welcomed and celebrated in the garden, but they can be inadvertently excluded and even harmed by those same pest control techniques. Creating a bee-safe garden doesn’t have to be difficult, however, and the more bee-friendly a garden is, the more both these beneficial insects and the garden will thrive. Bees Are Excellent Garden Helpers There are thousands of bee species...

Butterflies are beautiful, helpful visitors to the garden as they pollinate a wide variety of blooms to increase flowering and productivity. A great way to bring butterflies to your yard is with a dedicated garden to meet their needs and attract even more species of these winged wonders. About Butterflies Butterflies are brightly colored insects with distinct fluttering flight. There are more than 18,000 butterfly species worldwide, and they are widespread on every continent except Antarctica. More than 700 butterfly species are found in North America alone. Butterflies have been found in the fossil record as long as 55 million...