Even in January, gardening doesn’t have to stop. Start seeds indoors, grow microgreens, force bulbs for color, and use cold frames for hardy greens. January is also the best time to plan, prep soil, and order seeds so you’re ready when spring arrives. Introduction January may feel like the dead of winter in Cleveland, but...
Seed stratification is a pre-germination treatment that mimics winter conditions to help certain seeds break dormancy and sprout successfully. Many perennial and native plants—like milkweed, lavender, echinacea, and coneflower—won’t germinate at all unless they experience a period of cold, moist conditions.This guide explains what stratification is, how to do it at home, which seeds require...
Every fall, Northeast Ohio homeowners fill endless brown bags with leaves, drag them to the curb, and pay taxes for the city to haul them away — only for those same leaves to get composted and sold back to nurseries in spring. Here’s the truth: you already own one of the best mulching systems around...
Sage is more than a fragrant kitchen herb — it’s a hardy, versatile plant that thrives both indoors and outdoors in Cleveland’s Zone 6 climate.Whether you’re growing it for cooking, aroma, or pollinator appeal, success with sage comes down to three essentials: light, drainage, and moderation. Below, you’ll learn how to plant, prune, and protect...
If you love your yard and your dog, you can design a garden that keeps both happy — and even healthy.Cleveland’s USDA Zone 6 climate supports a surprising number of dog-safe herbs, grasses, and vegetables that are easy to grow, thrive in local soil, and can naturally support your pet’s wellness. This guide covers which...
Rabbits may look harmless, but they can devastate gardens by nibbling seedlings, flowers, and bark. Protecting your garden from rabbits requires a mix of fencing, deterrents, and habitat management to keep them from moving in. Rabbits are one of the most common backyard visitors in Cleveland, and while their presence can be charming, their...
Daisies are one of the most cheerful, low-maintenance flowers you can add to a Northeast Ohio garden. With their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers, they fit in perfectly with both cottage-style gardens and neat, formal beds. But to keep them blooming beautifully year after year, you need to understand their needs — and...
Yes, you can still install raised beds or start a garden in July in the Cleveland area. With proper plant selection, soil prep, and a smart watering strategy, July gardens can thrive — especially when using raised beds for late-season vegetables, herbs, or pollinator-friendly flowers. Can You Still Install Raised Beds or a Garden in...
To protect garden beds from summer heat stress, focus on deep watering, smart mulching, partial shade, and heat-tolerant plants. These practical strategies keep vegetables, herbs, and flowers thriving even during Northeast Ohio’s hottest months. How to Protect Your Garden Beds from Summer Heat Stress Northeast Ohio summers are no joke. By mid-July, the cool spring...
Kale is a hardy, nutrient-dense leafy green that grows well in cool weather and can be harvested over many months. Start it from seed in spring or late summer, harvest outer leaves as needed, and enjoy a steady supply of greens fresh, cooked, or preserved. This guide covers everything you need to know to grow,...