Succulents are known for their fleshy leaves and diverse look. These hardy plants have mastered the art of propagating in the most unlikely places in nature. If you are already familiar with growing succulents, you may wonder just how long they live. Often, you can maximize the lifespan of your […]
Fertile ground: what you need to know about soil to keep your garden healthy
Petra Marschner As the weather warms and days lengthen, your attention may be turning to that forgotten patch of your backyard. This week we’ve asked our experts to share the science behind gardening. So grab a trowel and your green thumbs, and dig in. Most people think of soil only […]
Five ways to use your garden to support your wellbeing
Emma White, University of Surrey and Sarah Golding, University of Surrey COVID-19 has shown that pandemics can seriously affect people’s physical and mental health. Stress, anxiety and depression have increased around the world, with the greatest effects for those living under the strictest lockdowns. Many people’s physical activity levels also […]
Why Do Flowers Smell?
Richard L. Harkess, Mississippi State University Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. Why do flowers smell? – Henry E., Age 9, Somerville, Massachusetts Imagine walking through a tropical forest as a […]
How to manage plant pests and diseases in your victory garden
Matt Kasson, West Virginia University; Brian Lovett, West Virginia University, and Carolee Bull, Penn State Home gardening is having a boom year across the U.S. Whether they’re growing their own food in response to the pandemic or just looking for a diversion, numerous aspiring gardeners have constructed their first raised […]
Mothers behind bars nurture relationships with visitors in this unusual prison garden
Julie Stevens, Iowa State University Leaves are rustling. You can hear the sound of children kicking a ball, plinking the keys of a toy xylophone. People are laughing and talking. Are you picturing a prison? My colleagues and I did – and we turned these visions into reality. The garden […]
Organic food has become mainstream but still has room to grow
Kathleen Merrigan, Arizona State University Organic food once was viewed as a niche category for health nuts and hippies, but today it’s a routine choice for millions of Americans. For years following passage of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, which established national organic standards, consumers had to seek […]
Do kids who grow kale eat kale?
Garrett M. Broad, Fordham University It’s back-to-school time in the United States, and for countless children across the nation, it’s also time to get back into the school garden. For centuries, educators and philosophers have argued that garden-based learning improves children’s intelligence and boosts their personal health. In recent years, […]