Gardening Tips

Lavender care for beginners: give 6 to 8 hours of sun and fast-draining soil, water weekly only the first season, skip feeding and trim a third after bloom.

Rose care for beginners: plant in 6+ hours of sun, water about 1 inch a week at the base, prune as buds swell and track each season on a simple care map.

Hydrangea care for beginners: know your type before pruning, give morning sun, about 1 inch of water a week and 2 to 3 inches of mulch through the first year.

When and how to sow snapdragon seeds: surface sow indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost at 65 to 70°F, with 14 to 16 hours of light, then plant out early.

When and how to sow calendula seeds: direct sow 2 to 4 weeks before last frost or indoors 6 to 8 weeks early, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, in cool 60 to 70°F soil.

When and how to sow nasturtium seeds: direct sow 1/2 to 1 inch deep after last frost in warm, lean soil, or indoors 2 to 4 weeks early in plantable pots.

When and how to sow sweet pea seeds: sow in fall in mild zones or 6 to 8 weeks before last frost elsewhere, 1/2 to 1 inch deep in deep cells at 55 to 65°F.

When and how to sow marigold seeds: start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost or direct sow in warm soil, 1/4 inch deep, with sprouts in 5 to 10 days.

When and how to sow sunflower seeds: sow 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep after last frost in soil above 50°F, expect sprouts in 7 to 10 days, and guard rows from birds.

When and how to sow cosmos seeds: sow 1/4 inch deep after last frost in warm soil, or indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier, and expect sprouts in 7 to 10 days.