Which organic nematode products actually control vine weevils and how to apply them for potted rhododendrons
I lost more than a few beloved potted rhododendrons to vine weevil a few years ago before I finally turned to biological control. After reading studies, testing products in my own patio pots and talking to other gardeners, I now use nematodes as a regular part of my pest-control kit for containers....
Featured
How to stop early blight on tomatoes using copper fungicide and practical cultural fixes
I remember the first season I lost half my tomato crop to early blight — those telltale brown...
How to force spring bulbs in pots on a radiator or sunny windowsill for early blooms
I love the little magic of forcing bulbs indoors: a handful of cool, dormant bulbs turning into...
Which bee-friendly annuals bloom through summer heat and exactly when to sow them for nonstop pollinator visits
When summer arrives and temperatures climb, many gardeners worry that blooms — and the...
How to stop root rot in containers: diagnose the cause and save plants in five targeted steps
I hate losing a favourite container plant to root rot. Over the years I’ve rescued tomatoes,...
Which compact drip irrigation timers work best for balconies under 20 litres a week (tested recommendations)
I tested a handful of compact drip irrigation timers on my own balcony to find practical, reliable...
Create a year-round scented border with lavender, scented geraniums and a cheap drip timer for evening fragrance
I love an outdoor border that greets me at dusk with a gentle, lingering perfume — the kind that...
Latest News from Groupegarden
Plant Care
Why your tomato plants drop flowers and how to fix it this week
I planted a second round of tomatoes last month and watched, heart in my throat, as healthy-looking plants produced clusters of perfect yellow flowers that then shriveled and fell away. If that’s happening in your garden, you’re not alone — blossom drop (when flowers fall before setting...
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Pests & Diseases
Natural homemade spray recipes that actually stop aphids on roses
I hate seeing my roses coated in tiny, sap-sucking aphids. Over the years I’ve tried commercial sprays, sticky traps and staggered plantings, but my favourite approach is a set of simple, natural homemade sprays that actually work — when used correctly. Below I share the recipes I use in my...
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Plant Care
When to prune spring flowering shrubs for bigger blooms next year
I love the way a shrub-heavy border sings in spring—clouds of lilac, lemony bursts of forsythia, and the soft flaring of azaleas. Over the years I’ve learned that timing the pruning of spring-flowering shrubs correctly is one of the easiest ways to make those displays even better next year....
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Plant Care
The best container mixes for fast draining pots and bigger root systems
I often find that the difference between a pot that struggles and one that thrives comes down to the potting mix. When you want fast-draining containers and bigger, healthier root systems, the right mix is everything. Over the years I've tested dozens of blends on balconies, raised tubs and patio...
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Plant Care
How to revive soggy soil in raised beds without digging everything up
I often get questions about raised beds that stay waterlogged — soggy, smelly soil that seems to suffocate roots and zap plant vigour. I’ve had my share of beds that looked promising after a big planting project, only to turn into a sponge after the first heavy rain. Over the years I’ve...
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Eco Gardening
How to create a pollinator corner with native perennials on a tight budget
I love creating small, buzzing pockets of life in corners of the garden that weren’t doing much before — and a pollinator corner is one of my favorite weekend projects. With a tight budget, a little planning and a focus on native perennials, you can turn an overlooked patch into a refuge for...
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Garden Design
A simple waterwise planting plan for a small south facing balcony
South-facing balconies are tiny pockets of sunshine and possibility — I’ve turned a narrow 1.5‑metre balcony into a productive, fragrant and low-maintenance spot by focusing on smart plant choices, right-sized containers and a few waterwise tricks. If your balcony bakes in the midday sun,...
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DIY Projects
Step by step: build a recycled pallet vertical herb garden that lasts
I love turning simple materials into useful garden features, and a recycled pallet vertical herb garden is one of my favorite weekend projects. It’s cheap, stylish, space-saving and—when built well—surprisingly durable. Below I’ll walk you through how I build one that lasts, step by step,...
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Seasonal Planting
Planting calendar for beginners: what to sow now for steady summer harvests
I love the promise of a summer harvest that keeps giving—tomatoes ripening one after another, beans climbing the trellis, salads that never run out. For beginners, the secret isn’t magic; it’s timing and simple routines. Here’s a practical planting calendar and the “what to sow now”...
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