Tag: gardening

Good News for 2024: Consumer Focus on Gardening Likely to Continue Rising

green plan it gardening outdoor nature explore classroom gardenersInterest in home gardening continues to rise despite concerns about the economy, weather, and increased time spent at work in 2023. A new study found that home gardeners spent more time and money on gardening in 2023 than they did in 2022. More important, they will spend even more time and money, plant more, and expand their gardens in 2024.

The research, conducted by Axiom Marketing, a Minneapolis-based marketing firm serving the horticultural, agricultural, and home improvement markets, found meaningful increases in time and money spent on gardening in 2023 and planned gardening activities for 2024 especially among Gen Z and Gen Y gardeners.

“Fifty percent of respondents say they spent more money in 2023 compared to 2022,” says Mike Reiber, founder and CEO of Axiom. “Forty three percent of respondents reported spending 50% to 100% percent more time in 2023 compared to 2022, and 50.5% expect to spend more

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‘I’m literally never buying herbs again’

Rosemary can enhance the flavor of many dishes, so it’s a great spice to have on hand whenever you need it.

And thanks to one gardening hack on TikTok, you’ll never have to worry about running out of rosemary again.

The scoop

In a viral TikTok video, Martha (@marfskitchengarden) shared a gardening trick that seems almost too good to be true: endless rosemary.

“Did you know you can grow a lifetime’s supply of rosemary just using one packet of cut rosemary from the supermarket?” she says.

First, strip the bottom leaves from the stem and trim the bottom. Place your rosemary sprigs in water to promote root growth and propagation. Be sure to change the water each week, and after about three to four weeks, you’ll notice roots growing.

Once you notice the roots, it’s time to plant them in pots. Rosemary thrives in a free-draining, soil-based mix, so

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Tropical Gardening: Remember dads now and throughout the year

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Everyday Cheapskate: Little known ways to get free seeds, tools and garden supplies

There’s nothing like spring and the promise of warmer summer days right around the corner to awaken one’s inner gardener.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, given these inflationary times, you may need more time to fork out money on gardening supplies and tools. Well, take heart! There are a number of places where you may be able to pick up gardening supplies for free.

LOCAL GARDENING GROUPS

Looking for gardening groups in your local area is a great idea. More than likely, you’ll meet experienced gardeners who are eager to help beginners get started. Any who have recently upgraded their gardening equipment, have extra soil or mulch, or even plant cuttings available for propagation, may be willing to donate them to help spread the joy and encourage newbies to the gardening scene.

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LOCAL CITY OR COUNTY GOVERNMENT

The

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Houston ranked among top 15 best cities for urban gardening

Pearland student promotes healthy eating using hydroponic gardening

A 16-year-old Pearland High School student who believes in healthy eating is on a mission to combat school nutrition challenges nationwide.

HOUSTON – Houston is known for a lot of things, and now we can rack up gardening among them. 

PREVIOUS: Spring is here! But is it too early to plant your gardens?

A recent study by LawnStarter looked at 200 of the biggest U.S. cities based on four categories that were then broken down into 12 metrics. 

Researchers also looked at cities with easy access to gardening space, supplies, an ideal climate, and a big gardening community.

The data led them to rank Houston as the 11th best city for urban gardening. Houston was the second city that was high up in the rankings but was outperformed by Austin, which was named 8th best. 

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The Amazon Gardening Sale Making Us Want to Plant All the Things

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Gardening Show returns to Porter County

Although winter is still here, gardening fans will want to look ahead and plan for the upcoming growing season in the Region.

And they can do so at the 17th annual Gardening Show on Jan. 21 at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso.

“We are so excited to have the show again,” said LuAnn Troxel, publicity chairwoman of the show. “We missed two years,” she said, referring to the halt of the event due to the pandemic.

Troxel said there will be many features and activities to engage the public at the event. Everything from plant and gardening supply sales to presentations, demos and a seed exchange will be in the spotlight. There are more than 120 vendors participating in the show.

“It’s not a lot different from previous shows,” she said adding they’ve listened to feedback from past show attendees about what they loved seeing at the event.

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Anyone’s thumb can be green in 2023!

Sometimes when I tell people I am a gardener, they respond: “I would love to grow a garden but I don’t have a green thumb!” As an ethnobotanist and agricultural anthropologist who has studied the history of plant cultivation, I believe we all have the capacity for a green thumb.

Even if you have never cultivated soil, you are part of an ancient chain of humans who have. In many parts of the world, growing plants has been part of human culture for thousands of years! In fact, it is only relatively recently in American history that most of us are no longer involved in farming and gardening as a profession and/or a way of life. If we were all to look back in our family lineage we would find ancestors and loved ones who were adamant farmers and gardeners. In this way,

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Your garden is key to keeping New Year resolutions

As we ring in 2023, many people will start thinking about resolutions for better living, losing weight, and whatnot. However, I would wager a guess that any of your resolutions, no matter what they are, can be accomplished in the garden.

Exercise more. Moving your body and being active will help burn calories, stretch muscles, and produce a healthy heart rate. According to many activity trackers, including MyfitnessPal, Noom, Calory, and a lengthy meta-analysis1, getting out in the garden can have compounding positive effects on burning calories and an overall positive sense of well-being. So don’t get stressed about making it to that CrossFit class when you can go in your backyard and pull weeds for 30 minutes to exercise and have a measurable benefit in your yard.

Save money. I, too, have heard the joke about folks spending $150 on gardening supplies for a $1 tomato. I agree tomatoes

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The magic of children in the garden

Editor’s note: This column is a revision of an article published in 2012.

Each summer, our grandchildren, Jared and Jade, enjoy a one-week sojourn from Anthem to our home five miles northeast of Flagstaff. Hugh, my husband, takes a few days off work so he can enjoy their visit. Since I would like my grandchildren’s gardening experiences to provide them with pleasant memories, I gather some key gardening supplies before their arrival.

Whether last year’s garden gloves are worn out or not, I buy each grandchild a new pair in the brightest neon colors available. Also, since they may not be around in a few weeks to enjoy the fruits of their labors, I purchase perennials or shrubs already in bloom and ready to plant. Indeed, children appreciate instant gratification as well as adults. Hats, sunscreen, and gardening tools complete the list of

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