Apartment dwellers already know that they have more than enough tools to create a fantastic kitchen garden, but as you get ready to make your selections for this summer's bounty, consider the fact that not only is a garden in your reach, but composting as well! Some may already have taken to apartment composting... but you can still take advantage of these fantastic tips to make apartment composting even easier!

For many of us, it is grass cutting season again--and that fact is not bringing joy into our lives.

Lawns first originated with the aristocracy in Europe and were a sign of wealth and status. The trend was transported to the Americas and is certainly still with us today. The lawn, and its rigorous care, is without a doubt one of the status symbols of the American suburbs.

Squash belong to two main families: winter squash, which is characterized by its hard shell, and summer squash, which has a soft, edible skin. Summer squash produces prolifically all summer long, providing plenty of starchy freshness for summertime barbeques, salads and breakfast breads. Winter squash has a longer growing season and requires ample growing space and warmth in the summer. However, growing winter squash is well worth the effort, as just a few squash can provide several pounds of food. Use our guide on how to grow squash and get squashed this gardening season! 

We all need a retreat to escape to every once in a while. For those of us who can’t take off on a vacation very often, creating a refuge in your backyard can be its own kind of paradise. Consider creating a Zen garden for meditation and stress relief. Designate a section of your backyard or side yard to use. Choose a space away from noise and fence off the area to keep out children or pets. Even better, use a fence made of natural elements, like bamboo. After you clear the area of weeds and debris, you can start designing your garden. Planning is key, otherwise the space will feel out of balance—and that will affect your mood. Wherever you decide to put your garden, there are several basic structures to include for a serene space.

More than 1,000 plant varieties are found in the allium family, which includes garlic, onions, leeks, chives and several decorative flowers. Alliums have been cultivated for decorative and edible uses as far back as 1594, and wild varieties have been foraged for millennia. The allium family provides at least one of the staple foods in nearly every culture, as onions, garlic and their relatives often provide depth to nearly any savory (and some sweet) dish. Check out our guide on amazing alliums to learn more about the different plant types and how to grown and use them!

As the world turns in the West, we are becoming more and more aware of the negative impact our consumer problem-solving mentality has on the environment and humanity's future. It is becoming increasingly important that we be on the lookout for ways to creatively upcycle and begin to practice fostering a pragmatic do-it-yourself philosophy. And one fun-tastic way to do both is with your approach to gardening. More specifically, with container gardening, by making (and repurposing) your own pots and planters.

Anyone can start a garden, whether big or small, in containers, raised beds or in the ground, indoors or outside. But becoming a successful gardener can take some time, as it requires ample knowledge of plant types, soil science, pests and diseases, and various methods of plant care. To help you delve deeper into the world of horticulture and gain these skills, we’ve rounded up the top five online gardening courses so you can learn from home. Whether you’re looking for a Master Gardener certificate or quick courses for hobby gardening, these resources will provide ample information on keeping a healthy and bountiful garden!

Hops are most commonly known as the flavoring agent in many beers, but are in fact a beautiful vine that can enhance the landscape of any garden. Hops plants are hardy perennials that are very easy to grow and maintain in most climates. These plants are especially suited to chillier winters and warm summers, making them the perfect garden addition in northern states. If you’re thinking about becoming a home brewer, or are just curious about this viney plant, its time to learn how to grow your own hops and use them in numerous ways!

Spring is in full swing and we're all awaiting the heat and blossoms of the summer months. To inspire all of our fellow gardeners and share some of the gorgeous botanical designs from different cultures, we've gathered up pictures of 10 stunning gardens for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy and dream big!

Growing your own vegetables takes time, care and lots of attention, but, as any gardener knows, it is a satisfying task well worth the effort. However, once you’ve grown all of those amazing vegetables and fruits, you realize that you can only eat a certain amount during the growing season. Learning how to preserve and later enjoy the food you grow is a tremendously rewarding, and transforms a garden into plenty of food for year-round consumption. Planning your garden for food preservation will allow you to continue to enjoy your favorite crops until the next season comes along.