Plants that thrive in terrible soil

Beginner mistakes with fertilizer

In today's episode, test your soil before adding fertilizer—collect a small sample or use your county extension—to know nutrients and pH; if testing isn't possible, add compost as a gentle default. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

Plants that smell amazing in summer

In today's episode, make scent the reason you plant: place a fragrant plant where you’ll brush past it — near a door, an open window, or your favorite seat so its aroma becomes part of your day. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

Simple tricks to keep pots blooming

In today's episode, I show a simple deadheading habit for container plants: remove spent flowers so plants don't set seed and instead rebloom. Pick one pot you pass daily and quietly pluck or snip faded blooms. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

Fast fixes for leggy plants

In today's episode, give leggy plants a gentle haircut: trim stems back to a leaf joint, re-root the soft tips in water or damp mix, and move the parent plant to brighter light to encourage bushier growth. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.

Why your peppers aren't growing

In today's episode, learn how to revive stalled pepper plants by reducing afternoon heat and stabilizing root moisture — use light shade (cloth, sail, or companion plants), move pots to dappled shade, and freshen mulch for steady soil. Portions of this program were created with the assistance of AI, including checking the calendar and incorporating weather or seasonal data.