Nature Conservancy of Canada urges people to be vigilant for ticks
Beware of little freeloaders this summer Many people are making plans to enjoy the rest of spring and summer outdoors.Continue 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.
Vegetables Cross-Pollinating: Not to Worry!
By Larry Hodgson I regularly receive letters from gardeners concerned that their fruiting vegetables might cross-pollinate, that is, that byContinue Reading
A Miniature Conifer Container Garden: Beauty Without Blooms!
By Larry Hodgson Gardeners are often so focused on flowers that we sometimes forget there are other plants of interestContinue Reading
Trees and Shrubs That Sucker
By Larry Hodgson Most trees produce only a single trunk over their entire life. The average shrub, too, produces allContinue Reading
Cold Climate Woes: Dieback on a Smoketree
By Larry Hodgson Question: I don’t know how to take care of my smoke tree. What I find on the InternetContinue Reading
Which Vegetables Self-Pollinate?
Par Larry Hodgson Question: I’ve been told that tomatoes self-pollinate and don’t need bees to pollinate their flowers. What other vegetablesContinue Reading
Vegetables on Your Balcony? It’s in the Bag!
You don’t need a pot to start a vegetable garden on your balcony or terrace. You can grow vegetables andContinue Reading
What Does Bolting Mean?
By Larry Hodgson Bolting, also called going to seed, is one of those arcane horticultural terms that throws beginning gardeners.Continue Reading
Fruit Trees and Plants: Patience Needed
By Larry Hodgson Question: Three years ago, we planted two apple trees: a ‘Macintosh’ and a ‘Gala’. Much to our disappointment,Continue Reading
Which Lettuce is the Best Choice for Laidback Gardeners?
By Larry Hodgson Most home gardeners know that head lettuce (Lactuca sativa capitata) is hard to grow well (true enough!), so theyContinue Reading