How to Grow
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How to Grow and Care for Monkey Flower — Mimulus
Mimulus–commonly called monkey flower–is a spreading perennial commonly grown as an annual. Mimulus produce dragon-like two-lipped flowers that cover the plant from summer to early fall. Flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. Flowers are often spotted with contrasting colors. The Mimulus genus includes about 150 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. […] More
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How to Grow Speedwell — Veronica
Veronica, best known as speedwell, is a vigorous, easy-to-grow plant with a rich palette of colors including true blue, violet-blue, pink, and white. Veronica is a group of long-blooming annuals and perennials. Speedwells grow 12 to 36 inches tall depending on the species. They bear colorful 6- to 8-inch spikes of tiny flowers mostly in […] More
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How to Grow Primrose — Primula
Primrose is a large genus of popular garden plants. There are at least 425 species of hardy and tender perennials commonly called primroses or primulas. Primroses are usually semi-evergreen. They produce rosettes of narrow to broadly rounded leaves and clusters of tubular, bell-shaped, or funnel-shaped flowers. The name primrose is believed to come from the […] More
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How to Grow and Care for Poppies
Poppy flowers–members of the Papaver genus–are bright additions to the summer garden. Poppy flowers bear solitary or double cup-shaped flowers from 2 to 4 inches (5-10cm) across. Flowers often have a crepe-papery texture. Colors can be white, yellow, pink, red, orange, salmon, and purple. There are annual and perennial poppy flowers. Best known are the […] More
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How to Grow and Care for Cosmos
Cosmos is an old-fashioned favorite that bears clouds of daisylike flowers on long stems above feathery foliage. Cosmos can be started from seed indoors and transplanted into the garden two or three weeks after the last frost in spring. It will bloom from late spring into autumn. Mass cosmos in large bands or groups in […] More
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How to Grow Zinnia
Zinnia is a low, bushy annual with oval dark green leaves, and red, yellow, purple, pink, and sometimes green daisy-like flowers from summer to early fall. Zinnias offer masses of color in beds and borders and can be grown in small groups in containers and pots. Zinnias are hot-weather plants. They do best after the […] More
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in How to Grow
Pruning Pepper Plants for Healthier Growth and Bigger Harvests
As a seasoned gardener who has grown countless pepper plants over the years, I’ve learned that pruning can be one of the most effective ways to boost plant health, improve fruit production, and increase overall yield. When I first started growing peppers, I didn’t give much thought to pruning, and while the plants grew, they […] More
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How to Grow Hot Peppers in Containers: Tips for Small Spaces
Growing hot peppers in containers is an excellent solution for gardeners with limited space, such as those in apartments, urban environments, or areas with poor soil. I’ve personally enjoyed growing hot peppers in containers for years, and this method not only allows you to control growing conditions but also gives you flexibility in placement. Whether […] More
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in How to Grow
How to Increase the Heat of Hot Peppers Naturally
Over the years, I’ve experimented with growing hot peppers in different conditions, testing what truly makes them spicier. From scorching summer heat to strategic watering techniques, I’ve learned firsthand how small adjustments can significantly impact the heat level of homegrown peppers. There’s nothing more satisfying than biting into a pepper you’ve nurtured, only to feel […] More
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Best Sweet Pepper Varieties to Grow
Over the years, I’ve grown dozens of sweet pepper varieties in my garden—some turned out to be reliable favorites, while others struggled with my climate and growing conditions. Through trial and error, I’ve learned which sweet peppers thrive, produce abundantly, and deliver the best flavor. Whether you want a classic bell pepper, an elongated Italian […] More
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in How to Grow
How to Water & Fertilize Sweet Bell Peppers for Maximum Yield
Through years of growing bell peppers in different conditions—raised beds, containers, and traditional garden rows—I’ve learned that proper watering and fertilizing make all the difference between a mediocre harvest and an abundant one. Early on, I struggled with issues like blossom end rot, slow growth, and low yields, but after experimenting with different watering schedules […] More
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When and How to Transplant Pepper Seedlings Outdoors
Over the years, I’ve learned that transplanting pepper seedlings at the right time and under the right conditions can make all the difference in achieving a strong, productive harvest. When I first started growing peppers, I made plenty of mistakes—transplanting too early, failing to harden off seedlings properly, or planting them in soil that wasn’t […] More
Stephen Albert
