Seed Starting & Gardening Tips
Dormant Spraying: A Winter To-Do That Pays Off in Spring
Winter may feel like downtime in the garden, but it's actually the perfect opportunity to protect your trees from pests and disease. Dormant spraying, applied after leaves drop but before buds swell, lets you target overwintering insects and fungal spores while beneficial pollinators are safely out of the picture. Horticultural oil smothers soft-bodied pests like aphids, scale, and mites hiding in bark, while liquid copper fungicide tackles diseases like peach leaf curl and fire blight. Apply on a dry day above 40°F, follow label directions carefully to avoid plant injury, and you'll be giving your trees a serious head start on a healthy growing season.
Grow Like a Pro: How to Start Seeds Indoors for a Thriving Garden
Starting seeds indoors is one of the best ways to get a jump on the growing season — and it doesn't have to be complicated. The key is choosing seeds suited to your climate and USDA hardiness zone, then setting yourself up with the right supplies: well-draining seed-starting mix, heat mats for germination, grow lights for consistent coverage, and beneficial nematodes to protect delicate roots from soil-borne pests right from the start. From planting depth to watering technique to labeling your varieties, this step-by-step guide walks you through everything needed to grow strong, healthy seedlings before they ever reach the garden.
Starting Seeds at Home: Save Money & Grow Your Best Garden Yet!
Starting seeds at home is one of the easiest ways to save money, get a jump on the growing season, and grow the exact varieties you want — including heirloom and organic options you won't find at big box stores. This post introduces NaturesGoodGuys' line of heavy-duty, BPA-free, USA-made seed trays and cell pots built to last season after season, unlike the flimsy plastic trays that crack after one use. A simple four-step process covers filling, planting, bottom-watering, and pairing with heat mats and grow lights for better germination. Bonus: every seed-starting purchase comes with a free digital garden planner to help map out your layout and monthly tasks.