Most people looking to pot plants or put new soil in their home gardens will pick up pre-mixed bags of soil at their local garden center. However, you do have the option to blend your own soil. Doing so allows you to better customize the soil to certain plant types and conditions. This is especially […]
Have questions about which type of potting soil is right for your indoor plants? It’s understandable—you’re bound to find a wide variety of soils at your local garden center, including prepackaged mixes for house plants. The type of soil you need really depends on the type of plant you have.
First, it’s important to understand that […]
Soil is a dynamic force in nature and comes in wide varieties that all serve different roles in the ecosystem. It has physical, chemical, and biological properties that work together to create what you see aboveground. Organic matter, gases, liquids, and countless organisms make up every form of soil. Everything from evergreen pines to fungi […]
Change is hard. It can also be controversial. But what is it about the word “change” that can produce such harsh, strong reactions?
Perhaps the single-biggest example we can discuss in the natural world is climate change.
Many experts believe climate change to be the single-biggest threat facing the world today, more than any terrorist organization […]
Sunscreen and sunny days go together like peanut butter and jam. But there is some evidence that a buildup of sunscreen lotions in the water could potentially damage the environment.
One report in the New York Times earlier this year indicated sunscreen can be especially hazardous to the health of coral reefs. Some tour companies […]
Have you ever noticed how many figures of speech we use in our everyday conversations that have some gardening-related themes to them? Consider, for example, phrases such as:
• “The grass is always greener on the other side.”
• “That kid is growing like a weed!”
• “She really has a green thumb.”
These and other phrases are commonly […]
Over the last decade, various forms of kelp and seaweed have become increasingly popular sources of fertilizer and ingredients in soil blends you can find at your local garden store. But why exactly is this?
Here are just a few examples of some of the benefits associated with using seaweed in fertilizer:
This was an especially awful year for forest fires in the western North America. Both British Columbia and California were ablaze most of the late summer and into September before firefighters were finally able to get the flames under control.
Still, there is a misconception that all forest fires are inherently bad. While it’s certainly true […]
A tree’s form refers to its shape, which occurs naturally or can be altered through pruning. Observing the form of a tree can help you identify its species. It can also alter the area surrounding the tree and play a large role in the aesthetics of a yard or piece of land.
Different types of trees […]
Passing trees planted along roads and walkways helps us feel more connected to nature each day. Cities across Canada – and the entire world – have implemented programs to plant new trees to liven up the city streets, shade sidewalks, provide homes to animals and clean the neighborhood air.
However, these street trees are subjected to […]
