Gardening How-To’s
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Ask a Gardener: What Is “Well-Drained” Soil?
In the first installment of Ask a Gardener, our new gardening advice column, BBG gardener Laura Powell answers your spring questions.
By Laura Powell -
Make a Lasagna Garden in a Raised Bed
You can compost and grow vegetables in one simple wooden frame. Layer clippings, leaves, and other materials in the fall, and by spring you'll have a healthy growing medium for tomatoes, peppers, and more.
By Jenny Blackwell -
Starting an Herb Garden in a Small Outdoor Space
If you’ve got access to an outdoor space with some direct sunlight you can create a small herb garden. Here's how to start one from scratch or expand from established plants
By Sara Epstein -
Make Your Garden a Haven for Insect Diversity
Create a habitat for pollinators as well as the amazing array of less beloved, but still important, insects out there.
By Ashley Gamell -
Why Prune in the Winter?
When your woody plants are dormant and bare-branched, it may be time to break out the shears.
By Jesse Brody -
Want to Feed Birds? Leave Your Perennials Standing
Leaving native perennials uncut through the winter season can help support a wide range of birds and insects.
By Ellie Shechet -
Germination Test: Are Your Old Seeds Still Good?
High demand and current safety protocols have added a week to 10 days to many online seed orders. If you have unused seeds from last year or even earlier, they very well might be viable.
By Maureen O’Brien -
Caring for Ferns as Houseplants
Plant-lovers have adored ferns since Victorian times. They have a reputation for fussiness, but with a little thought and attention, they can thrive as houseplants.
By Jeanne Rostaing -
How to Wrap a Fig Tree to Protect It for the Winter
Fig trees are native to the Mediterranean region, but they are beloved by Brooklyn gardeners. Learn how to protect them through a New York City winter.
By Maeve Turner -
Witch-Hazels: Winter Flowers, Fall Foliage, and Lovely Form
Witch-hazels have a lovely natural form, smooth gray bark, and vibrant fall foliage. Maybe best of all, they have unusual, fragrant flowers that bloom when few other flowers do.
By Laura Powell