It starts innocently enough. A few bags of leaves. A pile of grass clippings. Maybe some trimmed branches stacked neatly by the curb, waiting for pickup. Most homeowners assume yard waste is the easiest part of home maintenance — rake it up, bag it, and move on with your life. But here’s the surprise that’s…
garden tips
Vets Warn: This Common Yard Plant Is Sending Pets to Emergency Clinics
A lot of gardeners plant “tough” ornamentals because they survive heat, drought, and neglect—and they look great doing it. The problem is that one common yard plant shows up in landscaping all over the southern US, and pets treat it like a chew toy, a snack, or a digging prize. When that happens, the bill…
Water Authorities Warn Homeowners: Your Rain Barrel May Be Contaminated
Rain barrels have become the eco-friendly badge of honor for modern homeowners. They promise lower water bills, greener gardens, and a feel-good sense of sustainability that makes you feel like you’re doing your part for the planet. But behind that wholesome image, water authorities and environmental experts are raising serious red flags about what’s actually…
Gardening Experts Issue a Warning About Soil Problems Spreading Fast in 2026
Something strange is happening in gardens, farms, and backyard beds across the country, and seasoned growers are starting to sound the alarm. Plants look healthy one week and suddenly struggle the next, harvests shrink for no obvious reason, and once-reliable soil starts acting like it has a mind of its own. Gardening experts aren’t pointing…
This Winter Gardening Habit Is Spreading Mold and Root Rot, Experts Warn
Winter makes gardeners nervous, and that nervous energy often turns into “extra care” that plants don’t actually want. When daylight drops and indoor air gets stagnant, one winter gardening habit can quietly turn a healthy pot into a science experiment—mold on the soil and roots that start to rot. It’s frustrating because the plant may…
Gardeners in the Carolinas Warned: Soil Mix Is Testing Positive for Lead
If you love the feel of dirt under your fingernails and envision a backyard brimming with juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs, this might feel like a punch to the gut — but it’s something every gardener in the Carolinas needs to know. Recent soil testing and scientific studies have shown that lead contamination in soil…
Pet Owners in Florida Warned About a Toxic Garden Shrub Gaining Popularity
Florida yards love anything that grows fast, stays green, and shrugs off heat—and that’s exactly why one toxic garden shrub keeps popping up in new landscapes. The problem is that “tough” often means “chemically protected,” and pets don’t read plant labels before they chew. If a dog noses through hedge clippings or a cat snacks…
Wildlife Officials Say This Popular Bird Feeder Setup Is Spreading Disease
Your backyard bird feeder probably feels like a wholesome little oasis of nature, a peaceful place where goldfinches, cardinals, sparrows, and chickadees gather like regulars at a neighborhood café. For many people, feeding birds is relaxing, joyful, and deeply satisfying, especially when those familiar wings return year after year. But wildlife officials and biologists are…
Why Ignoring Winter Garden Cleanup Leads to Bigger Pest Issues
Winter garden cleanup sounds boring, cold, and optional, which is exactly why so many people skip it. After all, plants are dormant, flowers are gone, and everything looks “dead” anyway, so what’s the harm in leaving it until spring? The problem is that your garden doesn’t go to sleep the way you do. Insects, rodents,…
9 Low-Cost Alternatives to Store-Bought Garden Fencing
An attractive garden fence can make a yard feel finished, intentional, and protected, but the price tags on store-bought fencing can crush the most enthusiastic garden plans. The good news is that a beautiful, functional fence does not have to come from a big box store or drain your budget. With a little creativity and…