Garden Myth: You Can Use Sterilized Garden Soil to Start Seeds
Sterilizing potting soil is generally a waste of time. Photo: sublimesucculents.com Question: On Facebook, I saw that you can sterilize theContinue Reading
Author: Larry Hodgson
Garden writer and blogger, author of 65 gardening books, lecturer and communicator, the Laidback Gardener, Larry Hodgson, passed away in October 2022. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career.
Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all.
Fittonias : A Fragile Beauty
Fittonia is a charming houseplant, but suffers severely from dehydration in the winter months. Photo: yates.com.au Winter is hard onContinue Reading
Using Leaf Blowers Safely and Wisely
Photo: OPEI Here are a few reminders about using a leaf blower: Pay attention when using a leaf blower. Focus onContinue Reading
For Vole Control, Act Early
A vole is so small, but does so much damage! Photo: J. Maughn, Flickr If there is one animal thatContinue Reading
Is Pruning Shrubs After They Bloom Really Necessary?
Before you prune a shrub, make sure there is a good reason for doing so. Ill.: www.wannapik.com. Question: Is it reallyContinue Reading
Chestnut Trees for Canada
Fruits of the common chestnut (Castanea sativa). Photo: Exeter Trees Question: When I lived in France, we always collected chestnuts inContinue Reading
Soil Your Underwear to Test Your Soil
Did you know that you can check the biological activity in your garden soil by burying cotton underwear in it?Continue Reading
SMA Urban Tree of the Year 2020
A huge specimen of common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis). Photo: chadwickarboretum.osu.edu Every year, members of the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) nominate and voteContinue Reading
A Kitchen Tool for Your Cactus
Ill.: clipartmax.com & pikpng.com Spiny houseplants like cactus and euphorbias are awkward to handle. You reach you hand down toContinue Reading
Clover in the Lawn: From Friend to Weed to Friend Again!
How did such a wonderful plant as clover come to be considered a weed? Photo: life.shared.com Here’s a quick overviewContinue Reading