The Odd and Edible Zigzag Cactus
A young zigzag cactus, whose stems are just starting to arch down. Photo: crocus.co.uk Certainly one of the strangest lookingContinue 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.
What Makes a Flower a Wildflower?
A wildflower meadow dominated by black-eyed Susans. Photo: asergeev.com A wildflower will grow on its own, without cultivation. It willContinue Reading
Can You Reuse Soil From Outdoor Planters?
Don’t throw away the soil from your containers. It can be reused! Photo: Gary Pilarchik Question: I’ve been emptying my outdoorContinue Reading
When Centipedes Live in Houseplant Soil
Yes, centipedes do sometimes reside in the soil of houseplants. Photo: Palica, Wikiedia Commons Question: I need your help. The soilContinue Reading
Acclimatizing Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings rooting “under glass” need to be gradually acclimatized to the outside air. Photo: rainbowgardens.biz Question: I recently tried rooting aContinue Reading
Do Orchids Need Cooler Night Temperatures?
Whether phalaenopsis truly need distinctly cooler night temperatures is debatable. Photo: jaycwolfe.com & bellefioriflorist.com One persistent semi-myth about growing orchidsContinue Reading
Yew Suffering From a Sexual Identity Crisis
Hey, Taxus × media ‘Densiformis’! Are “yew” a male or a female? Photo: springmeadownursery.com Question: Could you tell me if the hybrid yew ‘Densiformis’ (Taxus × media ‘Densiformis’)Continue Reading
Garden Myth: Aspirin as Rooting Hormone
Photo: consommerdurable.com & pngtree.com Question: Can you use aspirin as a rooting hormone? Zofia Walnik Answer: No, or at least, you could,Continue Reading
Pee Planters May Save Lives in Amsterdam
GreenPee planters have a urinal on the side. Photo: theceomagazine.com 12 new green urinals have been installed in Amsterdam toContinue Reading
Growing Vegetables Indoors Over the Winter: Not So Simple!
Don’t believe it when magazine articles and blogs promote growing vegetables indoors as something the average home gardener could do:Continue Reading