Page 7 of 16 · 185 guides
Pots that dry out in a day are usually too small, too porous, pot-bound, or filled with mix that has turned water repellent. How to tell which, and the fix.
September 9, 2026
Pots hold little soil and watering washes nutrients out of it. Why potted plants run short, and a feeding schedule drawn from university extension advice.
September 9, 2026
How to recognize fire blight on apple and pear trees, how far below the damage to cut in winter and summer, how to clean tools, and which varieties resist it.
September 9, 2026
Most outdoor pots need water once a day in summer, and small pots in hot, windy weather need it twice. Check the mix 1 to 2 inches down before you water.
September 9, 2026
How to sharpen lopper blades and hand pruners: clean off sap, file the bevel at 10 to 20 degrees in one direction, remove the burr, then disinfect and oil.
September 9, 2026
How to improve drainage in potted plants: add or clear holes, raise the pot, open up the mix with perlite or bark, and skip the gravel layer that makes it worse.
September 9, 2026
How to overwinter container plants: pick plants two zones hardier, sink or insulate the pots, or store them in a garage at 20 to 45°F, and water through winter.
September 9, 2026
Buying guide Which garden pesticides are lowest in risk for dogs, cats and backyard chickens, which active ingredients to keep away from animals, and how to apply any of them safely.
September 9, 2026
A pot size chart for vegetables and herbs with minimum gallons and depth for tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, carrots and more, plus how to convert pot diameter.
September 9, 2026
Buying guide A self-watering planter stores water in a reservoir under the potting mix and wicks it up to the roots. How it works, pros and cons, and when a regular pot is better.
September 9, 2026
Buying guide Terracotta is porous and dries fast, plastic holds water, and fabric pots air prune roots. Compare the three by watering, winter care and heat, then match one to your plant.
September 9, 2026
What thriller, filler and spiller mean, where each plant goes in the pot, and plant ideas for full sun and shade, with watering and feeding intervals.
September 9, 2026