The best time of day to water

Why your hydrangea isn't blooming

In today's episode, don't prune mophead and lacecap hydrangeas in spring — they set flower buds on last year's wood; check for rounded buds at leaf nodes and only remove dead wood, leaving the plant to bloom. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

Garden myths everybody believes

In today's episode, check soil with your finger and only water deeply when the soil feels dry a couple inches down. This prevents overwatering, encourages deep roots, and helps plants cope with heat. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

The easiest pollinator plants

In today's episode, create a small pollinator patch of long-blooming, forgiving plants in a sunny spot—group blooms, water gently, mulch lightly, and avoid chemicals to welcome bees and butterflies. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

One-minute tomato support tips

In today's episode, a quick tomato-support tip: place a short stake near the main stem and loosely tie with soft cloth or twine low on the plant so it can sway; add another loose loop higher as it grows. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

Why container plants dry out so quickly

In today's episode, give your containers a light top-dressing of organic mulch — about a thumb's width — leaving space around stems to reduce evaporation, keep soil cooler, and stabilize moisture between waterings. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.