Cleveland in December can make any beginner gardener wonder if the season is completely over. The days are short, the skies are gray, and the first hard frost is long behind us. For gardeners in USDA Zone 6a–6b, that usually means outdoor planting has mostly wrapped for the year. But that does not mean you...
✅ Key Takeaway Kentucky bluegrass might be the right choice for you if you want a lush, soft, and classic-looking lawn and you’re willing to put in some patience and seasonal care. It’s a great fit for homeowners in northern climates who have full sun, decent soil, and can commit to consistent watering and fertilizing...
Planting under evergreen trees like blue spruce is tricky due to dense shade, shallow roots, and needle drop that acidifies the soil. To succeed, choose shade-tolerant, shallow-rooted plants and improve the soil with compost and regular watering. Can You Plant Under a Blue Spruce or Other Evergreen Tree? That big blue spruce in your yard...
The Complete Guide to Lily of the Valley A fragrant groundcover that thrives in shady, difficult spaces 🌱 Quick Overview Botanical name: Convallaria majalis Common name: Lily of the Valley Type: Perennial groundcover Zones: USDA 3–8 Light needs: Part to full shade Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining, slightly acidic Growth habit: Spreading via underground rhizomes Mature...
🌱 Quick Overview Botanical name: Pachysandra terminalis Common names: Japanese Spurge, Carpet Box Type: Evergreen groundcover Zones: USDA 4–9 Light needs: Full to part shade Soil: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic Growth habit: Spreading mat via underground rhizomes Mature height: 6–10 inches Life Cycle of Pachysandra Pachysandra is a perennial evergreen — meaning it stays green...
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,...
Crabgrass is a fast-growing, heat-loving annual weed that thrives in thin, compacted, or poorly maintained lawns. It germinates in spring, spreads aggressively in summer, and drops thousands of seeds before dying in fall. The best defense is healthy turf, timely mowing, and targeted pre- and post-emergent treatments. 🌱 What Is Crabgrass? Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) is...
In July, weeds grow aggressively thanks to heat, sun, and rain. Spotting and treating invaders like crabgrass, nutsedge, and creeping Charlie now can prevent them from taking over your lawn or garden. The key is timely ID, targeted removal, and ongoing prevention. What Weeds to Watch Out for in July (And How to Stop Them)...
It’s not too late to deadhead spring blooms in June! In fact, removing spent flowers now can encourage reblooming, tidy up your garden, and help perennials conserve energy for next season. Is It Too Late to Deadhead Spring Blooms? Introduction Spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, columbine, and bleeding hearts often put on a show early—but...
Arborvitae (Thuja) Care Guide: Everything You Need for a Healthy Privacy Hedge Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) are the backbone of many Northeast Ohio landscapes. They are fast-growing, evergreen, and provide year-round privacy. However, a “set it and forget it” approach often leads to brown, sparse, or dying trees. To maintain a lush, dense screen in the...