by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener and gardening writer living in York County, Virginia
When it’s hot, it’s difficult to think about a cool-season vegetable garden. Yet, it’s time to do just that – and time to begin prepping and planting one. If you have a warm-season summer garden of squash, melons, cucumbers and peppers, maybe some of those plants have produced all they can and can be removed to make room for cooler crops like spinach, lettuces, onions and collards.
From large, sculptural plants to charming succulents, there's a place for houseplants in every home. Green plants add textural interest, fill in drab corners and soften architectural features, and they can enhance mood and freshen air too. Large floor plants are especially ideal when used as an accent plant or as a focal point indoors. And, when it comes to indoor plants, some folks don’t have a reputation for having a green thumb. But, not all plants require equal amounts of TLC, and there are a lot that can put up with a little unintentional neglect.
Bring the outside in with some of our favorite easy-to-care for houseplants -- no green thumb required. Most of us who think that we have bad luck with houseplants simply have not selected the right plant for our space. Before purchasing a houseplant, consider these three simple questions: where is the plant going to live?; what kind of light does the area receive?; and what are the plants watering requirements?
These little golden beauties are grown for their season-long blooms, their beautiful scent, and because they are easy to grow. Marigolds bloom early in the summer and continue non-stop up to the first hard frost in the fall. And, did you know that marigold plants produce unique compounds that give off strong odors that deter many insects and pests? By planting marigolds alongside your vegetables, not only are you providing lovely flowers, but you're also helping keep your veggies safe from pests - naturally!
