News

A shaded yard is great for keeping cool in the summer, and it's a misconception that vegetables don't do well when they're cool too. In fact, a shady yard can be ideal for a rich, productive vegetable garden, if gardeners know how to make the most of their shade with the appropriate produce and attentive care. Vegetables That Thrive in Shade While there are many popular vegetables and fruits that require full sun to be productive, it is important that gardeners not overlook shade-loving produce. Many garden favorites that bear lush, edible leaves and tasty roots do best in shade,...

Man’s best friend can suffer from allergies in the same way many humans are affected by them. In fact, a wide variety of things may cause allergic reactions in dogs, and it may be difficult to pin down the exact cause in your dog. Dander is often the culprit for allergies in dogs; it is the flakes of dead skin that gets lodged in the fur coat of the animal. Fleas can also spark an allergic reaction in dogs, as well as other inhalants and even certain food products. Inhalants that may cause allergies are pollen, dust, or mold. Some...

Starting seedlings indoors has many benefits for gardeners and can increase the productivity and variety of your garden. It's not difficult, but does take some special considerations to be sure the seedlings can thrive both indoors and when they are transplanted. Why Start Seeds Indoors? Starting seeds indoors is a great idea for gardeners to… Satisfy winter gardening urges when outdoor gardens are not available. Extend the growing season in northern areas. Add garden variety by enjoying produce that needs more growing time. Enjoy an earlier harvest with staggered seedling plantings. Save money by buying seeds rather than plants. Choose...

Houseplants need regular watering in order to take up nutrients from the potting soil, to nourish new growth, and to keep their foliage lush and full. But overwatering can cause a variety of problems, and can even be fatal for a houseplant. The Watering Houseplants Need Different houseplants can have dramatically different watering needs. Understanding the factors that can affect how much water plants need will help you be sure to provide each plant with adequate water without the risk of overwatering. When watering different plants, consider… Species – Many tropical plants with large, lush foliage and bright blooms can...

Housetraining a puppy can be a challenge, but what about an adult dog? No matter what the age of your canine companion, there are ways to housetrain an adult dog and help improve their potty habits. Why an Older Dog May Need Housetraining An adult dog may need housetraining for many reasons. If the dog has been adopted, it may never have been housetrained previously, or it may have spent a long period in a kennel or shelter and lost its housetraining habits. Dogs that have always lived outdoors may not have been formally housetrained, or older dogs may need...