Gardening Naturally Simple Solutions and Creative Ideas for the Garden

Growing Tomatoes: Seed Starting
Starting tomatoes from seed is the first step in growing healthy tomatoes in the home garden. Learn when and how to start tomato seeds to transplant into your tomato garden when the weather warms.

Growing Tomatoes: Caring for Tomato Seedlings
Proper care and adequate light for seedlings produces hardy tomato plants ready to transplant to the garden in spring. Learn the secrets to growing healthy robust tomato seedlings.

Growing Tomatoes: Preparing the Soil
Preparing soil for growing tomatoes provides them with the moisture and nutrients they need to thrive and produce juicy ripe tomatoes. Learn how to get them off to the best start.

Growing Tomatoes: Hardening Off Tomato Plants
You've worked hard to grow healthy tomato plants for the garden. Don't risk losing your tomato seedlings because you didn't take the time to harden them off properly and prepare them for planting.

Growing Tomatoes: Plant Seedlings on Their Side for a Strong Root System
Plant tomato seedlings on their side to encourage a strong root system and vigorous growth. Learn tips for choosing the healthiest seedlings and how to transplant them for optimum growth.
Growing Tomatoes: Determinate or Indeterminate
Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes have very different growing habits. Be sure you choose the one that is right for your garden.

Growing Tomatoes: When and How to Prune Tomatoes
Knowing when and how to prune your tomatoes may make the difference between robust plants brimming with vine-ripe fruit and a sprawling monster with hundreds of tiny green tomatoes.

I've always admired rustic trellises made from natural twigs, but was always a little hesitant to try to make one on my own. This year, I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it really was to make. if you are interested, take a moment to read all about how I made this trellis in an afternoon.

How to Make a Rustic Garden Trellis with Cedar and Grapevine

If you are longing to add some quality shrubs to your landscape, but you really can't fit it into your budget, it time to start taking root cuttings from friends and neighbors to start your own shrubs. Why not organize a plant swap so everyone will benefit.

How to Start Root Cuttings from Shrubs

Photo by Mira Pavlakovic/sxc.hu

How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder From Test Tubes

Attracting hummingbirds to your yard or garden is as easy as putting out a feeder. Although there are many commercial feeders available, why not create unique feeders of your own to add color and sparkle to your yard. Making feeders from test tubes and a little copper wire will bring you hours of enjoyment and will have your neighbors talking, too.

How to Clean a Glass Hummingbird Feeder

Glass hummingbird feeders are designed to last for years retaining their natural beauty despite exposure to the elements. Keeping glass hummingbird feeders clean can be a bit of a challenge, particularly if the glass is colored making it difficult to determine if the inside is clean. By following a few simple steps, you can be sure your glass hummingbird feeders clean are free of harmful mold.

DIY Hummingbird Feeders from Recycled Bottles

Making hummingbird feeders from recycled bottles is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Not only will you save money, with a little effort you will soon turn your yard into a virtual hummingbird oasis that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Commercial weedkillers are filled with toxic chemicals that pose health risks to children and small pets and may harm the environment too. The good news is, you don't need them. Learn how to make your own organic weedkiller from common household ingredients.

How to Make Organic Weed Killer

How to Predict the Frost Date

Don't get caught unprepared for a frost. Knowing when it is likely to occur provides you with ample time to cover tender fruits and vegetables and prevent them the damaging affects of frost. Learn how to tell if a frost is on the way.

Photo by fishmonk/sxc.hu

How To Germinate Cucumber Seeds Overnight
Get a headstart on planting by using this method to germinate cucumber seeds inside so they are ready to begin growing when you pop them in the ground in your garden.

photo by dydydada/sxc.hu

How to Make Thistle Feeders Purchasing quality thistle feeders to attract finches to your yard may cost anywhere from $20 to $40. If you desire more than one, the cost can quickly add up. Fortunately, you can make your own thistle feeder for pennies when you take advantage of recycled products lying around your home.

Photo by webber1/sxc.hu

Attracting the American Goldfinch to Your Feeder
The American Goldfinch is one of the most loved birds. The brilliant flash of yellow brightens the feeder and provides hours of enjoyment for birdwatchers. Attracting Goldfinches to your feeder is easy, but it does require attention to maintaining a steady supply of food.

Attracting the Eastern Bluebird to Your Backyard
Attracting bluebirds to your backyard may take a little effort on your part, but the reward of watching this beautiful little bird flit happily through your yard is well worth the effort. Find plans for building bluebird houses, bluebird feeders and a recipe for bluebird suet plus other ideas for attracting and keeping bluebirds in your yard.

photo by BrandyCorc /sxc.hu

How to Grow Echinacea Purpurea: The Purple Cone Flower

Purple Cone Flowers (Echinacea Purpurea) are striking plants that create a focal point in your perennial garden. These easy to grow flowers return each year with little care from you. Learn how to care for your Purple Cone Flowers for the biggest and brightest blooms.

Photo by goody2230/sxc.hu

Five Signs of a Nitrogen Deficiency in Plants
Nitrogen deficiency is one of the major reasons plants fail to thrive. Learn to recognize the signs that your plants need more nitrogen and correct the problem before it is too late.

A Phosphorus deficiency can cause your garden plants to be stunted and fail to produce fruit. Learn to recognize the signs and correct the problem.

Five Signs of a Phosphorus Deficiency in Plants