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9 Old-School Gardening Hacks That Never Made Sense

staff@foodrepublic.com (Sophie Morelli) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:02:00 +0000

People who enjoy getting their hands dirty in the garden have a lot of rituals surrounding how they plant. Some of these are outdated and unreliable.

The Average Lifespan Of Your Potato Plants

staff@foodrepublic.com (Max Dean) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:17:00 +0000

If you have potato plants, or are looking to grow some in your yard, balcony, or patio, you might wonder how long a potato plant will live and produce.

Should You Use Pickle Juice To Kill Weeds In Your Garden?

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:17:00 +0000

Pickle juice, whether you use a vinegar-base or simply one that is laced with salt, can be an effective weed killer. However, be careful as you apply it.

Do Pennies Really Help Your Vegetables Grow?

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:17:00 +0000

You may have heard the old wives' tale that putting a penny in your garden can help impart copper into your soil, but how true is this myth?

How Ina Garten Designed Her Thriving Vegetable Garden

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 12:17:00 +0000

Ina Garten is more than queen of the kitchen (and catering). She has a thriving vegetable garden, and the layout she chose is not only aesthetic but it's smart.

Does Oat Water Work As A Fertilizer For Your Vegetable Garden?

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:17:00 +0000

You might have seen people soaking oats and using the water as a homemade fertilizer, but just how well does it actually work? Here's what you should know.

How To Prevent Tomato Hornworms In Your Vegetable Garden

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 23:17:00 +0000

One of the most common pests in a vegetable garden is the tomato hornworm - a destructive caterpillar that, fortunately, can be repelled quite easily.

You Should Consider Growing Your Tomatoes And Cucumbers Away From Each Other

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:17:00 +0000

If you're just starting to plan your garden, make sure that you don't plant your cucumbers and your tomatoes too closely together. Here's why.

How To Grow Spicier Peppers With This Simple Habit

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:17:00 +0000

Growing hot peppers in the garden is only half the battle; without the right environmental conditions, they'll never reach their full fiery potential.

Grow This Companion Plant Next To Potatoes For A Bigger Harvest

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:17:00 +0000

While potatoes are cheap, easy to grow, and economical with their use of space, finding the right companion plant for them can be difficult.

How To Grow A Watermelon Plant From Your Leftover Seeds

staff@foodrepublic.com (Max Dean) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:17:00 +0000

Yes, you can absolutely grow a watermelon with leftover seeds from one you've eaten. Here's what you need to know to have the most success when planting.

Grow Healthier Cilantro By Adding One Ingredient To The Soil

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:17:00 +0000

Cilantro, like many plants (and especially herbs), thrives when you add this one specific thing to the soil, not only for health but to encourage leaf growth.

Why It's Smart To Grow Oregano Next To Your Grill

staff@foodrepublic.com (Alba Caraceni) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:17:00 +0000

You might think it curious to grow an herb like oregano right next to your grill, but it's actually a genius idea. Here's why you should and what else to grow.

Are Spoon Tomatoes Hard To Grow Yourself?

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 23:17:00 +0000

You may have seen spoon or tomberry tomatoes in the store and marvelled at how small (and delicious) they are. Are they hard to grow yourself at home?

11 Edible Shrubs That Will Attract Hummingbirds To Your Garden

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:17:00 +0000

If you're looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you can select plants that serve a dual purpose. These 11 edible shrubs will attract feathery friends.

Martha Stewart's Simple System For Keeping Her Garden Seeds At Arm's Reach

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Mon, 25 May 2026 23:17:00 +0000

No matter the scale of your garden, organization pays off. Luckily, Martha Stewart has a clever method to help you keep track of your seed collection.

Don't Throw Away Your Wine Bottles – Turn Them Into Practical DIY Garden Hose Guides

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jennifer Waldera) — Mon, 18 May 2026 12:17:00 +0000

Watering plants can be perilous if you have delicate herbs or veggies that get trampled by your hose. Use wine bottles to create a hose-guide for your garden.

Martha Stewart Says This Household Item Can Speed Up Seed Starting

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Sun, 17 May 2026 20:17:00 +0000

Attention, gardeners! Martha Stewart highly recommends using this household item to expedite your plants' growth and get them into the soil faster.

How To Protect Your Vegetable Garden From An Overnight Freeze

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:17:00 +0000

It's no secret that unexpected cold snaps and overnight freezes can destroy an unprotected vegetable garden. Here's how you can protect your plants.

How To Prevent Ground Ivy From Wreaking Havoc On Your Vegetable Garden

staff@foodrepublic.com (Jack Rose) — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:17:00 +0000

Ground ivy is an aggressive spreader both above and below the soil; however, you can prevent it from wreaking havoc on your vegetable garden.