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.
Plastic cups used for seedlings.
by Larry Hodgson March 8, 2021 4
Gardening Sowing Seeds Sustainability

Sowing and Recycling Should Go Hand in Hand

When starting seeds, you can use a whole range of recycled products. Photo: countrylivinginacariboovalley.com In the Northern Hemisphere, March isContinue Reading

Small, brown, round Ussurian pear (left) and large, pear-shaped, red and yellow 'Flemish Beauty' pear (right)
by Larry Hodgson March 5, 2021 4
Fruit trees and small fruits Gardening Hybridizing Pollination

When Two Different Pears Cross, Does It Change their Taste?

If a Ussurian pear (left) is pollinated by a ‘Flemish Beauty’ European pear (right), will it take on its taste?Continue Reading

Confused boy looks at seed capsules but doesn't know when to sow seeds.
by Larry Hodgson March 4, 2021 4
Annuals Gardening Sowing Seeds

Sowing Calendar for Annual Flowers

Ill.: zynga2-a.akamaihd.net, clipartandscrap.com & assets.podomatic.net The following list presents about 150 annuals with the recommended sowing date for each one.Continue Reading

by Larry Hodgson March 1, 2021 2
Bulbs Forcing Houseplant of the month Houseplants

Springtime bulbs: March 2021 Houseplants of the Month

  The Story of Springtime Bulbs Springtime bulbs are the impulse purchase extraordinaire: how can anyone resist them!? And nothingContinue Reading