Urban Gardening

Top 10 Winter Houseplants

With colder weather approaching, many of us are forced to get our gardening fix indoors. Houseplants can help us maintain a connection to nature and keep our green thumbs in shape ... more >>

Young lambsquarters are relatively easy to pull and the leaves are edible.

Greening for the Holidays

Greening encompasses many aspects of life, not just exercising our green thumbs. Reducing energy use, emissions, and toxic pollutants helps the environment and improves our ... more >>

Composting is the ultimate recycling practice.

Protecting Plants Against Old Man Winter

Even though my witch hazel and aromatic 'Raydon's Favorite' aster are still blooming, I know the gardening season is ending and it's time to take steps to ... more >>

December Q & A

Question: Can you recommend some elementary school gardening curricula?

Answer: You have come to the right place. The National Gardening Association loves kids and has tons of gardening projects and activities for school-age children ... more >>


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Crinum powelli is one of my favorite summer bloomers.

December Gardening Tips

  1. Water houseplants sparingly. During the winter months many houseplants slow their growth and don't need as much water and fertilizer. The exceptions are plants that flower in winter (see my Top 10 Winter Houseplants article), which typically use more water and fertilizer than other plants. Be mindful that overwatering tends to cause more problems than under-watering.

  2. Examine the trees on and adjacent to your property. Weak or broken branches that could cause damage during a wind or ice storm should be removed. If you're not sure what steps to take, call a professional arborist for a consultation.

  3. Visit downtown parks and winter festivals to view holiday displays and get decorating ideas for indoors and out. While there, check out the public activities. During winter many cities offer free admission to public ice skating rinks — always a good way to burn calories and collect bruises.
