Soil testing garden beds gives you clarity about what your plants actually need before you invest another dollar in amendments. By providing a snapshot of your soil’s current nutrient levels, soil testing helps you decide whether to apply compost, manure, or fertilizer, and how much.

Without testing, it’s easy to overapply nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which is already excessive in many home gardens. Over-fertilizing isn’t just expensive. It can harm plants and contribute to water pollution. Testing first ensures you’re correcting real deficiencies, not creating new ones.

Success in the garden starts with healthy soil, and testing replaces guesswork with direction.

What a Soil Test Actually Tells You

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A soil test can give you information about soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and often organic matter. Soil pH determines whether plants can access nutrients already present. Most garden plants thrive when the pH falls between 5.5 and 7.0. If it’s outside that range, nutrients like phosphorus or iron may become unavailable, even if they’re technically in the soil. Nitrogen fuels leafy growth, phosphorus supports roots and flowers, and potassium strengthens stems and disease resistance. If organic matter falls below 3%, compost may be recommended. But compost also contributes nutrients, sometimes more than you realize.

For most home gardens, a basic Extension lab test is sufficient for soil testing. Micronutrient panels or contaminant testing may be worthwhile in older urban soils, but they’re not always necessary for routine vegetable beds.

How to Collect a Proper Soil Sample

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Extension labs are widely considered the most accurate option and often cost about the same price as a mail-in kit. You’ll want to reach out to your local Extension office for directions on how to sample, but generally, you’ll follow these steps:

• Collect soil 6–8 inches deep.
• Take 10–15 small samples across the garden.
• Mix them into one composite sample.
• Avoid areas where compost or fertilizer was recently applied.

Test in fall or early spring, and repeat every 3–5 years, or as needed.

What to Do After You Get Results

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If pH is high, sulfur may be recommended; if low, lime can raise it. Fertilizer should closely match the recommended N-P-K ratio; applying a generic blend can sometimes create an imbalance in your soil.

If phosphorus is already sufficient (20 ppm is adequate for vegetables), skip phosphorus-containing fertilizers. Compost should be applied thoughtfully, not automatically.

Soil testing garden beds isn’t complicated; it’s clarifying. With one thoughtful test, you can stop guessing, spend less, and grow more confidently for seasons to come.

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Do these 12 raised garden bed tasks before March ends, or lose your head start

12 vegetables to direct sow in the garden right now in March

For 234 years, The Old Farmer's Almanac has published the same frost date tool: a ZIP-code calculator built on three decades of historical climate averages. This spring, for the very first time in its history, the Almanac added something new — a year-specific Last Frost Date Map that predicts whether your region's final frost in 2026 will arrive earlier than usual, right on schedule, or later than normal. It is a genuine first, and gardeners across the country are paying attention. But a map this useful also comes with a few misreadings that could cost you an entire tray of seedlings in March.

Here's what the map actually means, where your region falls, and how to put this new tool to work without getting burned.

What the New 2026 Frost Map Actually Is

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The Almanac's traditional Frost Date Calculator is built on 30 years of historical weather data, calculated at a 30% probability threshold. That means even after your listed "last frost date," there is still a 30% chance of a frost event. It is a long-term average, not a forecast.

The 2026 Last Frost Date Map is different. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, it "combines long-range weather forecasts with historical frost averages to show how 2026 may deviate from that average." In plain terms, it layers current seasonal predictions on top of the historical baseline to give you a picture of this specific year. It does not replace the Frost Date Calculator; it adds a forecast layer on top of it.

The map divides the country into three color zones. Green means your last frost is expected roughly one to two weeks earlier than the historical norm. Yellow means you're close to average. Blue means your last frost may arrive one to two weeks later than usual. Most deviations, the Almanac notes, are modest, but even a few days can make a meaningful difference when you're managing seed-starting timelines.

The surprising part: this map is the first year-specific frost prediction the Almanac has released in 234 years of continuous publication. That is not a small thing. The Almanac began publishing in 1792, and every year until now, its frost guidance was built entirely on historical averages. The decision to layer in a forecast reflects how much more variable spring weather has become, and how much gardeners need real-time insight to plan effectively.

What the Map Says About Your Region in 2026

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Broad swaths of the country fall into green territory for 2026. The Northeast and much of New England are green, as are portions of New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. The Carolinas and eastern Georgia can expect an earlier-than-normal close to frost season. So can Kentucky, much of Indiana, and parts of Missouri and Kansas. In the West, low-elevation California and desert zones are also in green territory.

Yellow covers a wide middle band: the Appalachians, the Deep South, most of the Upper Midwest, Michigan, and the Great Lakes cities, including Chicago, the Pacific Northwest, and the High Plains, including Nebraska, northern Colorado, and the Dakotas. Most of the Mountain West is also near-normal.

Blue territory in 2026 includes the Intermountain West, Idaho, eastern Oregon and Washington, and notably parts of Colorado and Montana. Central Florida near Orlando is also blue. For gardeners in blue zones, Sarah Perreault, managing editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac, told Newsweek that parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado are expected to see temperatures closer to or below seasonal averages for spring 2026.

No matter where you fall on the map, the Almanac's own guidance is worth printing out and taping to the potting bench: "Whether your area is blue, green, or yellow, the advice is the same: watch the weather, trust your soil, and protect tender plants."

What You Can Actually Plant Right Now, Based on Your Map Color

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If you're in a green zone, March is genuinely an invitation to get moving on cool-season crops. Consider sowing peas, lettuce, and spinach one to two weeks earlier than you normally would. If you have indoor seedlings approaching transplant size, begin hardening them off now. The standard process involves seven to ten days of gradually increasing outdoor exposure, starting with an hour or two in a sheltered spot. Keep row covers or frost blankets handy; a green zone is a probability, not a promise.

If you're in a yellow zone, follow your standard planting calendar for your ZIP code. Use the Almanac's Frost Date Calculator to confirm your specific historical last frost date, and plant accordingly. Yellow isn't boring; it's stable, and stability is something to work with confidently.

If you're in a blue zone, resist the urge to compete with gardeners in warmer regions. Raised beds warm up faster than in-ground soil and can buy you valuable head-start time. Cold frames and low tunnels extend your effective season even when the outdoor calendar hasn't fully cooperated. Start warm-season seeds indoors on schedule, but don't rush hardening off or transplanting; a blue-zone seedling that goes out too early is a blue-zone seedling lost, writes Gardening Know How.

The Map Is a Tool. The Garden Is the Teacher.

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The 2026 Last Frost Date Map is a genuinely useful addition to the gardener's toolkit, and the Almanac deserves credit for releasing something new after 234 years of the same approach. But tools serve gardeners, not the other way around. The map tells you something about where you are relative to the average. It cannot tell you about your specific microclimate, your elevation, your frost pocket at the bottom of the garden, or whether the weather system rolling in from the Rockies on a cold April night cares about regional color coding.

Use the map. Check your ZIP code in the traditional Frost Date Calculator. Stick a thermometer in your soil. And when in doubt, reach for the row cover first and the trowel second. Spring this March is more legible than it's ever been; make sure you're reading the whole sentence.

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Best Interest Financial and Clever Real Estate surveyed 1,000 Americans who bought homes between 2023 and 2025 about their feelings toward their recent acquisition. Amid the stress inherent in the homebuying process, the findings also reveal significant buyer’s remorse.

Experts say this is common, especially in the first six to 12 months after closing. Buying a home is the largest financial decision most people will ever make, and it can be an emotional and competitive process. Regret doesn’t always stem from the house itself, though.

“Regret does not necessarily mean someone bought the wrong house,” said Eric Bramlett, broker and owner of Bramlett Partners in Austin, Texas. “It usually means expectations did not align with reality.”

Survey Says: Most Common Homebuyer Regrets

The top regrets among recent homebuyers come down to money: 21% regretted paying too much, while 20% wish they’d negotiated more. Among other common regrets, 17% felt they rushed the buying decision, and 15% say they bought simply to be “done” with the process.

“Feeling rushed is one of the biggest drivers of regret, especially in competitive markets,” Bramlett said. “When buyers believe they have to win the house, they shift from evaluating long-term fit to chasing success in the moment.”

Only about 8% of all recent buyers say they chose the wrong home, and 12% of first-time homebuyers say the same. In fact, 76% of first-timers have regrets about their purchase, compared to 60% of repeat buyers. They were also more likely to rush their decision and ignore red flags.

Ryan Fitzgerald, a realtor and owner of Raleigh Realty in North Carolina, said repeat buyers have usually made mistakes on earlier properties and learned their lesson. They also tend to have a clearer idea of what they want or need. By contrast, first-time buyers often overlook warning signs, compromise on what they want, and go over budget all of which can lead to regret.

“First-time buyers typically cannot separate their emotions from their practical decisions,” he said.

What’s Behind the Buyer’s Remorse?

A few factors are driving remorse among homebuyers. One is information overload, given the wide array of real estate websites, TV shows, and social media influencers. According to the Better Homes and Gardens 2026 Trend Report, nearly half of homebuyers said social media shapes what they want in a home.

“Buyers are drowning in Zillow data but starving for wisdom, said John Gluch, a realtor and real estate coach at Gluch Group. “They think looking at pictures online is research, but they miss the nuances of neighborhood trajectory or structural red flags.”

Unexpected costs, such as taxes, insurance, and repairs, can also lead to regret. Fear of missing out is another factor, especially given that 32% of recent buyers still look at new real estate listings.

Experts point to the housing market in recent years as a significant cause of buyer’s remorse, too. Mortgage rates started rising sharply in 2022, just as housing inventory was hitting its lowest levels in years. About 25% of repeat buyers and 17% of first-timers said they felt pressured to buy because of the limited number of homes available.

“The market over the last few years was a pressure cooker,” Gluch said. “Low inventory forced people to waive inspections and bid $50,000 over appraisal just to get a roof over their heads. That is a breeding ground for regret.”

While housing inventory is still lower than it was a decade ago, it has made up some ground since 2022, with more than 912,000 active listings as of February 6, 2026. More available houses mean buyers will have some breathing room to inspect the property properly. However, with mortgage rates forecast to hold steady or decrease slightly, buyers will need to ensure they look for a house based on what they can afford, not what they’re approved for, to avoid future regret.

#NoRegrets: What Buyers Got Right

If 44% of survey respondents said they followed their heart when buying a home, 56% followed their head, which is exactly what experts recommend. About 64% waited until they felt sure about a property before making an offer, and 66% stayed within or under budget.

“My advice to buyers is to take the time mentally to slow down the buying process, even if the market is moving fast,” Fitzgerald said.

Making a detailed list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves before touring homes can help buyers keep their emotions in check. Matthew Martinez, a luxury broker and CEO of Diamond Real Estate Group in the San Francisco Bay Area, then urges his clients to ask themselves hard questions about the property to stay objective.

For instance, will the home’s kitchen work on a random Wednesday evening, not just on open house day? Does the location accommodate your routine and commute? Can you afford the home and have some leftover for unanticipated expenses? Does the home fit into your five-year plan?

“I make them sleep on offers, even 30 minutes, and game out the ugly what-ifs,” Martinez said. “If the worst case still feels doable, they’re probably good.”

Experts also recommend touring a property more than once before making a final purchase decision. They suggest bringing along someone who is more level-headed to help avoid an overly emotional attachment.

Gluch uses lateral thinking with his clients. This approach uses brainstorming techniques to view a decision through various angles and perspectives. He also encourages them to treat the home purchase like a business acquisition.

“The advice I give my clients is simple: Fall in love with the numbers and the lifestyle, not the backsplash,” he said.

Read more:

Most 2026 Homebuyers Expect Mortgage Rates to Fall, but What Happens If They Don’t?

What Homebuyers and Sellers Are Predicting for the 2026 Housing Market

According to recent IRS filing season statistics, early filers have received an average refund of $3,804, up from $3,453 at the same time last year, representing a $351 increase, or about 10.2%. 

A larger tax refund could be a silver lining in an otherwise uncertain economic environment. With inflationary pressures lingering, the investment outlook unclear, and geopolitical tensions weighing on markets and consumers, any additional cash back from the IRS could be a welcome relief for many households. Yet many taxpayers may still be leaving money on the table.

With April 15th rapidly approaching, financial advisors suggest several strategies could still help many individuals and couples reduce their 2025 tax bill.

Just Add Salt?

This tax season is significant for legislative changes that have brought more deductions. However, tax settings could have easily gone the other way. A slew of cuts originally enacted in 2017 had been set to end at the end of 2025. Had they expired, one estimate shows the average filer would have seen an almost US$3,000 increase to their tax bill starting in 2026. Instead, this year is likely to be a bumper year for tax savings.

For instance, there is an elevated SALT (state and local tax) deduction in effect, which is advantageous for those in high-tax states. The deduction is for taxpayers who itemize their deductions to reduce their federally taxable income and was originally set at $10,000 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). However, for 2025, the legislation for President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" raised the SALT cap to $40,000. 

There are also deductions for tip income. Workers in approved occupations, such as hospitality, who receive qualified gratuities can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from their taxes for the first time. Workers who earn more from overtime hours can also benefit from a deduction for pay exceeding their regular rate. If an employee typically earns $20 per hour and earns $30 per hour when working overtime, they qualify for a deduction of the extra $10 (up to $12,500 per person).

There are savings for older workers, too. Jon Lapp, founder of Haven Financial Advisors, recommends that workers in their early sixties take advantage of the new SECURE 2.0 "super catch-up" contribution. "It is now in effect for people ages 60–63 - if you're in that window and contributing to a workplace plan, your catch-up limit is $11,250 instead of the standard $7,500," Lapp says.

"This will have a very tangible impact", says Lapp. "An extra $6,000 deduction per person (regardless of standard or itemized deductions). But it does start to phase out over $150,000 of income."

These are just the latest available tax breaks, however. Many Americans aren't taking advantage of the benefits already available to them.

Wealthy (And Healthy)

According to Cliff Brockmann, founder of High Touch Financial Planning, one of the most under-utilized strategies is maxing out an HSA (Health Savings Account) - a savings vehicle especially designed to fund medical expenses. 

"The max contribution for 2025 is $4300 for individuals and $8550 for families," says Brockmann. "You are required to have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but most people who have one don't max it out because they are unaware they can invest the money in their HSA for long-term growth." 

HSAs offer a tax deduction today, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualifying expenses. "It's the only triple-tax-advantaged account available," says Lapp. "Also, if you need a last-minute option for tax savings, HSAs and IRAs can be contributed to for the previous tax year up until April 15."

DIY or Hire Help?

Another factor to consider is whether to file your tax return yourself or hire a professional to submit it. More than half of American taxpayers hired professionals in 2025, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Most pay a flat base fee plus extras depending on their case. In 2023, the national average cost for a professional filing was $248 for an individual 1040 return and $604 for a business return.

This extra cost is optional and needless for many people. Lapp says people with simple W-2 income and standard deduction should handle taxes themselves. 

"Any of the common software applications work well for straightforward situations, and FreeTaxUSA, an online platform, provides a free option for federal taxes," he adds.

However, if you have earned rental income, sold real estate, received stock options, had a major income change, or are dealing with an estate, Lapp recommends a pro. 

"The fee is worth it if any of these changes are happening in the near future," says Lapp. "It's better to coordinate with your CPA and financial planner ahead of time. You will have more flexibility and tax strategies available if you are proactive."

Anthony Ferraiolo, partner advisor at AdvicePeriod, agrees that longer time horizons are worth it. 

"For my clients, especially those with ISOs, NSOs, or RSUs, the proactive coordination and record keeping is the key to managing their tax bill," he says. "This is because these types of things that can move the needle can take multiple years to pan out."

As the filing deadline approaches, several strategies remain available to help taxpayers reduce their 2025 tax bill. From maximizing HSA contributions to taking advantage of new deductions and catch-up provisions, a few last-minute moves could make a meaningful difference, especially for those who plan ahead.          

While the down payment is the most expensive upfront cost, it is just one of many that can snowball into a big expense that cash-strapped home buyers aren't prepared to pay.

In addition to their down payment, the average home buyer spends $31,052 on upfront expenses, such as repair costs, closing costs, concession costs, and moving costs. That's quadruple the $8,083 they expected to spend on those expenses.

The total cost can vary, but in general, buyers spend the following amount on these expenses:

• Repairs and improvements during the first year of ownership: $15,073
• Seller concessions: $7,678
• Closing costs: $5,719
• Moving costs: $3,032

Surprisingly high costs can lead to increased stress as buyers scramble for more cash at a time when they're already struggling to afford their down payment.

Breaking It Down

Within a year of moving into their home, more than two-thirds of buyers made repairs and improvements, which cost an average of $15,073. For 55% of buyers, that's more than they expected to spend on maintenance and repairs in their first year of ownership.

Although the strong seller’s market of years past has cooled slightly, low inventory has preserved sellers' leverage. About two-thirds of buyers made concessions to the seller, paying $7,678 on average in concession costs.
Buyers also paid $5,719 on average in closing costs, with 1 in 6 buyers saying closing costs were the most surprising home-buying expense. Finally, moving costs added about $3,032 on average to buyers’ final bill, with 95% of buyers opting to pay for movers.

First-time buyers generally had higher upfront costs, despite buying less expensive homes. Buyers purchasing a home for the first time spent $36,460 on additional home-buying expenses beyond the sale price — about 30% more than the $28,260 repeat buyers spent.

For Some Buyers, It Could Be More Expensive

Buyers have traditionally been spared from one of the single largest costs in the home-buying process: real estate commission.

Although sellers have historically paid commission for their agent and the buyer’s agent, a recent legal settlement with the National Association of Realtors made this arrangement optional instead of compulsory. That means buyers can now be held responsible for their agent’s commission.

If home shoppers had to pay the average buyer’s commission rate of 2.82% on the average-priced home of $534,000, that would add an additional charge of $15,058 for the buyer, bringing the total to $46,560 on upfront costs beyond the down payment.

In most markets, however, sellers are still paying commission for both agents, and professionals caution against trying to save money by cutting corners.

“The risks are high in a real estate transaction,” said Dick Barr, a real estate agent in Illinois. “Going without is often not a good idea. Professional representation, inspectors, and title insurance are all must-haves. There's very little fluff in a transaction that doesn't supply peace of mind and financial protection.”

Regrets Are Common

Almost three-quarters of buyers had regrets about their home purchase, and their specific regrets were overwhelmingly financial.

More than 1 in 5 buyers wish they’d negotiated more, while 1 in 6 regretted that they exceeded their budget. Sixteen percent regretted that they paid too much for their home, and the same percentage thought closing costs were too high.

First-time buyers were much more regretful than repeat buyers, with 85% of first-timers expressing buyer’s remorse, compared to 65% of experienced buyers.

Had they known the true cost of buying a home, 73% of buyers would have made different decisions. This includes 85% of first-timers, along with 66% of repeat buyers.

If they could do it again, just under a quarter of buyers said they’d bargain more aggressively, 20% said they’d make lower offers, 17% would ask for more concessions, and 14% would wait until interest rates declined. Had they revised their strategy, buyers think they could have saved an average of $38,082.

To save more money on a home purchase and avoid regrets, Barr said frugal buyers should think long term, as well as short term.

“Someone looking to save money over the long term should time their purchases to slower market months and search for properties that have been sitting on the market a long time to possibly catch a good deal with good negotiation,” Barr said. “Buyers looking to save cash at closing should work with their agent and lender to identify grant programs offering down payment and closing cost assistance, and shop lenders for the best upfront charges.”

Garden gnomes are back, and they brought personality with them. Whether you've quietly loved them for decades or spent years pretending otherwise, the data makes a compelling case that the gnome's moment has officially arrived.

Why the "Tacky" Label Never Made Much Sense

Garden gnomes have been dismissed as kitsch almost since the moment they became popular, which is a bit ironic, considering their pedigree.

According to the Smithsonian Gardens, Sir Charles Isham introduced the first gnomes to England in the 1840s as whimsical companions in his rock garden, and Victorian society embraced them enthusiastically. It wasn't until they became affordable and widely available to working- and middle-class households that the gardening elite decided gnomes were a problem.

According to the Celtic Farm, the Royal Horticultural Society banned gnomes from the Chelsea Flower Show in 1912, and the ban lasted over a hundred years. That's not a taste judgment; that's class politics dressed up as aesthetics. When the RHS finally lifted the ban in 2013 for Chelsea's centenary celebration, even Elton John painted a gnome for charity.

The Numbers Behind the Garden Gnome Comeback

This isn't just nostalgia talking. The trend data points in a very specific direction.

According to Atlas Ceramics in Gardening, Etc., the #gardengnome hashtag had accumulated over 17 million views on TikTok in 2022, and gnomes ranked in the top five garden trends alongside raised garden beds, bird baths, and pergolas. Meanwhile, Wayfair reported that on-site searches for garden gnomes surged more than 200% in a single month. Etsy's trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson noted that gnomes tap directly into the rise of nostalgic and vintage styles while giving shoppers a way to express personal style outdoors.

That last point matters more than it might seem. Gardeners today are increasingly treating their outdoor spaces the way they treat their interiors: with intention, humor, and a point of view. With maximalism back in style in a big way for 2026, garden gnomes are the perfect accessory to accompany the on-trend aesthetic.

What 2026 Gnomes Actually Look Like

Here's where the story gets genuinely interesting. The garden gnomes showing up in 2026 trend reports barely resemble the stiff, fishing-rod-holding figurines of suburban lawns past. Today's versions strike yoga poses, hold tiny coffee cups, ride motorcycles, and yes, take selfies.

George Home at Asda alone offered 40 different gnome designs in a single season, including a King Gnome inspired by the Coronation in 2023. Zen and meditating gnomes have become a category unto themselves, complete with solar lighting. The design range now spans from cheeky-maximalist to quietly folkloric, meaning there is, almost certainly, a gnome that matches your aesthetic, whether you lean cottagecore, contemporary, or somewhere playfully in between.

Wayfair's resident style advisor, Dee Fontenot, has noted that gnomes have evolved well beyond novelty, becoming a way for gardeners to express genuine personality in their outdoor spaces.

The Deeper Reason Gnomes Keep Coming Back

Garden gnomes have been declared dead and then revived so many times it almost seems deliberate. The Smithsonian Gardens notes that gnomes surged again in the late 1970s following the publication of The Secret Book of Gnomes in the U.S. They bounced back after both World Wars, outlasted the RHS ban, and have survived being associated with lawn mullets and garden kitsch.

The reason is less mysterious than it sounds. According to the history at The Celtic Farm, gnomes originally served as symbols of protection and good luck, rooted in German folklore about earth elementals who guarded crops and buried treasure. That mythology didn't disappear; it just went underground (appropriately enough) while taste-makers argued about sophistication. When people feel uncertain or want to reconnect with something grounding, they reach for symbols that have meaning.

Post-pandemic gardening brought a surge of people back outdoors, and many of them weren't interested in minimalist, magazine-ready gardens. They wanted spaces that felt personal, a little playful, and genuinely theirs. Gnomes, it turns out, are very good at that.

The Permission Slip You Didn't Know You Needed

If you've been eyeing a gnome at a garden center and talking yourself out of it, consider this: a single surviving gnome from Sir Charles Isham's original 1840s collection, a weathered terracotta figure named Lampy, is currently insured for over one million pounds. The oldest, most serious garden gnome enthusiast on record would have no patience for the idea that gnomes are beneath anyone.

Furthermore, there are an estimated 25 million garden gnomes in Germany today, according to Authentic Provence, a country where gnomes have never once gone out of style. The rest of the world has simply been catching up, decade by decade, trend cycle by trend cycle.

The gardeners who resisted gnomes in recent decades were often following a trend toward "sophisticated" decor that, by most accounts, made a lot of gardens look identical and joyless. The 2026 shift toward maximalism, personality-driven planting, and expressive outdoor decor is a direct correction to that.

A Small Figure With a Very Long Story

In 2026, catching up looks like this: gnomes on terrace balconies in Brooklyn, gnomes tucked into pollinator gardens in the Midwest, gnomes holding tiny solar lanterns in cottage gardens across England. They are showing up in places that have never taken themselves too seriously and in places that are only just learning to loosen up.

Either way, the cheeky little figures with the pointed hats are winning. And honestly? They deserve it.

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You can buy a beautiful blue hydrangea from the nursery, but it won’t stay that way without help. In the absence of the right soil conditions, the plant will start to flower in white or pink rather than that lovely blue hue.

These stunning perennials do need a bit more care than, say, hostas or daylilies. But certain plants are worth a little more effort. Choose the right cultivars and apply some TLC, and you’ll enjoy glorious florals all summer long.

Here’s what you need for a true-blue experience, based on my own research and trial and error as a homesteader.

The Science Behind the Blue

Want blue blooms? Pay close attention to your soil’s pH and phosphorus levels.

A lower pH (6.5 or under) and lower phosphorus allow the plant to plant absorb more aluminum, which it needs to produce blue flowers. If the pH is higher, the aluminum in the soil gets locked down, which means white or pink blossoms.

Think of yourself as a garden chemist: The bluest hydrangeas come from the careful use of aluminum sulfate, in early spring and again in the fall. Follow directions exactly to avoid harming the plant’s roots.

Be patient, since it can take up to two years for the full effect. That’s because the changes will be to developing buds, rather than on the flowers you already have.

#NotAllHydrangeas

Only certain types will turn blue! Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata are the most reliable varieties.

Cultivars with proven track records include Nikko Blue, Endless Summer, and Blue Enchantress. Smaller spaces (including containers) can benefit from more compact varieties, such as Tiny Tuff Stuff and Let’s Dance Blue Jangles.

Hydrangeas need morning sun and afternoon shade. Choose your location carefully. They do best in well-drained soil with low phosphorus, moderate nitrogen, and high potassium. Use a 12-4-8 fertilizer each month from March through July.

Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Mulching with pine needles or bark will hold in moisture while boosting the soil acidity that helps hydrangeas thrive.

Keeping It Blue

If the blue begins to fade, your soil isn’t sufficiently acidic. Again, follow instructions exactly when adding aluminum sulfate to avoid harming the plant’s roots.

Note: Some people use coffee grounds or vinegar for a more natural way to acidify soil. However, the results will be less consistent.

Does all this sound like a lot of work? Look at it this way: Perennials like coreopsis and gaillardia practically grow themselves, which frees gardeners up to hand-hold their hydrangeas a bit.

Besides, soil testing and amending soon becomes just another garden chore – no different than staking tomatoes or pruning hedges. And the results are undeniable: Stunning swaths of blue flowers that set your garden apart from everyone else’s.

Anyone can grow a white or a pink hydrangea. Flex your gardening muscles and go for the blue.

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If you got laid off, you’d have plenty to eat until you find a new job. A deep pantry will also save you money right now, because plenty of food on hand means less reliance on takeout/food delivery. Cooking even half your dinners will save you a ton. So will brown-bagging your lunch now and then.

Food prices could rise as much as 6% in 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Avoid supermarket sticker shock by building your own edible emergency fund.

If you’ve got a dollar or two a week, you can prep a pantry. Here’s how.

Start Slowly

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You don’t need to fill your cupboards all at once. Instead, aim for one or two extra items each time you shop. We’re talking shelf-stable items like pasta, dry or canned beans, ramen, canned or frozen vegetables, dried or canned fruit, peanut butter (or some other nut butter), and canned fish/meat.

When you see a stupid-cheap deal, get as many as you can afford. Just make sure it’s something your household uses. Cream of asparagus soup for 79 cents isn’t a great deal if no one will eat it.

Finding the Sweet (Price) Spot

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Sign up for store loyalty programs to get weekly deals, and maybe additional mailed or downloadable coupons. As store algorithms learn your buying habits, those coupons could be tailored to what you use most often.

Sweeten those deals further with shopping apps like Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, Pogo, and Shopkick, which offer rewards points or rebates for scanning/buying specific items. Trade points for supermarket or big-box store gift cards, then shop for free.

Eat It!

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Write the purchase date on the front (not the top) of each food item, and store it at the back of the cupboard/freezer. The idea is to use the newest stuff last.

Yes, use. This is food you should be using, not hoarding. Because the ingredients were bought at rock-bottom prices, each pantry meal saves you money. This, in turn, frees up a few more dollars for restocking your shelves.

Aim to replace them at the lowest possible price point. Don’t worry: Smart shopping quickly becomes a habit.

Dollar Dinners

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Feeling financially pinched? It’s OK. You can get started on as little as a buck – or maybe a buck twenty-five – by checking the local dollar store.

Pasta, rice, dry and canned beans, canned tomatoes, sugar, teabags, cereal, and other foods will plump up your pantry. Some of these stores, such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General, accept manufacturer coupons.

Dollar stores also sell a ton of snacks, but keep walking. Your focus should be real foods, not cheesy poufs.

Secret Spots for Great Deals

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Grocery stores aren’t the only places to buy food! Here are a few other options:

• Stores like Target, Walgreens, and CVS offer loss-leader prices on some foods. Spaghetti sauce, cereal, ramen, and such might beat the supermarket prices (especially if coupons or rebates are available).
• So-called “ethnic markets” that focus on Asian, Hispanic, or other specialized cuisines offer rice, beans, and other shelf-stable foods at noticeably lower prices than a typical supermarket.
• Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club have good prices on large quantities. You have to buy a six-pack of canned chicken or a giant jug of salsa, but that simply means you can use some now and store (or freeze) the rest of it. Offer to drive a relative or friend who’s already a member (and help unload the items at their home) in exchange for being allowed to shop with them.
• Restaurant supply stores like Cash And Carry or The Restaurant Store offer warehouse-club sizes without a membership fee. Again: Eat some now and some later, or share with like-minded savers.
• Search “Buy Nothing groups near me” on Facebook. Their “give where you live” premise connects neighbors to give, receive, and ask for what they need. Often, that includes food.

Be Prepared

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Food prices aren’t going down any time soon. Is your salary keeping pace? Stock your pantry, and improve your financial peace of mind.

Read more:

13 Plants That Keep Your Wallet Happy and Your Pantry Full

5 Pantry Staples That Are Always Worth Buying in Bulk

Planning ahead is an excellent form of self-care. A few simple steps now means you’ll be fed, hydrated, and (somewhat) comfortable until the illness runs its course.

The following tactics will also see you through sprains, broken bones, and maybe that surprise appendectomy.

Stock Some Food

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Make sure your pantry is well stocked for when sickness hits. Here are a few favorites.

• Soup is a proven winner: It lasts for ages and doesn’t overcrowd your studio apartment’s “kitchen” cabinets. From basic chicken noodle to elegant bisques, there’s a soup for every stage of illness.
• Applesauce is easy on a sore throat, and the syrup from other types of canned fruits will help combat nausea.
• Plain crackers can also soothe an upset stomach, and are a good way to get peanut butter (or some other protein-rich nut butter) into your system as you convalesce.

As illness recedes and appetite returns, you’ll want something more substantial than consommé. Keep some of your favorite frozen dinners on hand, or shelf-stable meals such as Compleats or Tasty Bites.

Plan Your Beverages

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By all means, drink water! Dehydration is a real possibility, especially if you’re feverish or have been vomiting. Oral rehydration powders or solutions can make tap water more effective (and tasty).

Stock additional drinks, too:

• Bottled or frozen juice
• Herbal tea (hot drinks are so comforting)
• Ginger ale 
• Electrolyte replacement beverages

Stash Some Meds

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A cold is different than the flu, and the flu is different than a wrenched ankle. Be ready for anything by stocking everything: decongestants, flu meds, throat lozenges, expectorants, and OTC painkillers.

These meds can be very expensive, but tend to go on sale in early autumn. Watch for sale prices and don’t be afraid to buy the store brand. Bonus frugal points if you use shopping/rebate apps like Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, or Shopkick.

Other useful sickroom supplies: oral thermometer, ice pack, heating pad, and a compression bandage for sprains. Oh, and those  “lotion” tissues are totally worth it.

Design Your Sick Space

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Think about where you’d likely spend the most time – bed, couch, recliner – and how you’d set it up for maximum effect:

• A soft, cozy throw plus the pillows from your bed make a sofa or chair much more comfortable.
• If there’s no electrical outlet nearby, go buy an extension cord right now. Maybe a power strip, too, so you can charge more than one device simultaneously.
• You’ll need a small trashc an, since a sickroom littered with tissues and lozenge wrappers is a pretty glum place. Or use a grocery bag to corral the clutter.

Taking Care of Yourself

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Being sick is nobody’s idea of a good time. But it would be a lot worse if "Flu You" had to stagger to the closest convenience store for supplies, or pay top dollar for a delivery service to drop off pills and Powerade.

Here’s hoping you never need this plan but if you do, you’ll be ready. 

Read more:

15 Household Items That Can Make Us Sick

Flu in the House? Here Are 15 Things to Clean ASAP

Stores offer loads of ready-to-eat foods, and after a long day, it’s tempting to let someone else do the cooking. But precooked chickens and frozen entrées cost a lot, and such foods tend to be high in sodium and additives.

Grocery shelves are also packed with cookies, chips, ice cream, candies, and other delicious indulgences – and we don’t even have to leave the couch to get a frozen lasagna or a bag of chips. Many supermarkets now deliver the sugary goods, and companies like DoorDash and Instacart let us order groceries or fast food 24/7.

Fortunately, a simple tactic called “goal-oriented shopping” can help you get a handle on your spending – and a leg up on your dreams.

Prioritizing Our Goals

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Here’s how goal-oriented shopping works:

• Make a shopping list, and vow to follow it. No unnecessary items!
• Start that list with a short- or long-term goal. Use all caps and write it with a black Sharpie; if you’re using Notes or some other app, use bold and/or larger type. You want this goal to stand out!
• Every few items, either repeat that goal or write down a new one.

Your shopping list might look something like this:

Bread
Apples

Aluminum foil

PAY OFF CREDIT CARD BALANCE

Toothpaste

Canned tomatoes

Oatmeal

CONTRIBUTE TO ROTH IRA

Pet food

Lotion

Laundry soap

DOWN PAYMENT FOR MY FIRST HOME

If you’re tempted to toss unnecessary items in the shopping cart, the list reminds you of goals that will make your life better, either in the short or long term.

Does goal-oriented shopping always work? Of course not! We’re human, after all. On high-stress, low-willpower days, our snack cravings might overrule our good sense.

But writing your goals in bold capital letters is the first step toward achieving them. It’s a reminder that the more aimlessly you spend, the further away your dreams get.

Our Choices Have Consequences

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Thinking, “Oh, it’s just a bag of chips” or “I deserve chocolate chip cookies after the week I just had”? According to government research, the average cost for chocolate chip cookies and potato chips are $5.35 per pound and $6.63 per pound, respectively

We’ve done the math for you: The weekly costs represent $278 to $344 per year, or $2,780 to $3,400 gone from your wallet over the next decade. (Or more, if you really like chips.)

What could that money have done for your bottom line?

We get it. Life is chaotic, and sometimes a little treat is what keeps us going. But if we consistently overspend, we give up the right to complain about how hard it is to get ahead.

It’s tough to change long habits, but it can be done. Start slowly. For example, you could:

• Cook once or twice a week instead of relying mostly on takeout or supermarket meals. (Pro tip: Cook more than you need and freeze the rest for lunches or for fast dinners later in the month.)
• Make cupcakes or a batch of brownies (a boxed mix is fine!) instead of buying $7 treats.
• Stop automatically buying new pet toys! Your floof is probably just fine with the ones you already have.
• Instead of hitting the pub every Friday, pick up a craft six-pack and invite friends over a couple of times per month.

And so on.

Use goal-oriented shopping to take control of your spending. You’ll be surprised at the wiggle room this gives your budget.

A new study by Clever Real Estate and Best Interest Financial found that about 42% of those planning to buy in the coming year expect mortgage rates to fall below 5%, making it possible for them to enter the housing market. However, forecasts and expert analysis indicate the change will be far more subtle, leaving these buyers at risk of potential disappointment.

With 30-year mortgage rates set to move very little this year, if at all, buyers may end up staying on the sidelines, as the survey found most would-be homebuyers surveyed say they’ll only accept rates under 6 percent. Current homeowners with low locked-in rates may also remain reluctant to sell.

Experts say, though, that buyer expectations about mortgage rates are likely off the mark due to misconceptions about how rates are set. Moreover, the survey shows that many consumers consider ultra-low rates following the COVID-19 pandemic the norm rather than the exception. Setting the record straight will be key to getting more homes on the market — and more buyers into them.

Homebuyer Expectations vs. The Data

Consumer predictions about mortgage rates are mixed: 43% expect rates to stay between 5% and 7%, which aligns with expert forecasts. Nearly as many people predict rates will fall below 5%, while 16% believe rates will spike to 7% or higher.

“The average homebuyer feels they have a fairly good understanding of mortgage rates; however, their understanding is often flawed,” said Elena Novak, who leads real estate research and analysis at PropertyChecker.com.

Accurately predicting where mortgage rates will land this year is nearly impossible, as they could take several different paths. Furthermore, any prior predictions could be upended if Kevin Warsh, the nominee for Federal Reserve Chairman, is confirmed.

Warsh often talks about cutting interest rates, which could help lower mortgage rates. However, several other factors suggest little movement in rates this year.

“If economic activity slows significantly and unemployment rises, mortgage rates could drop further,” said Selma Hepp, chief economist at Cotality, a mortgage data analytics firm. “In addition, the Federal Reserve’s response and the new appointees’ approach to evolving economic conditions could affect the rate path.”

Busting Buyer Misconceptions: How Are Rates Actually Determined?

Clever’s survey shows that most consumers don’t understand how mortgage rates are set. Their blame for high rates is also varied: 29% attribute it to inflation, and 27% to the Trump administration’s policies. Approximately 9% say the Federal Reserve is responsible.

“Everyone thinks when the Federal Reserve lowers rates, mortgage rates will also come down,” said Jonathan Maula, owner and chief investment officer of Castle Hill Capital. “It’s tough to point a finger at anyone in particular.”

The data most closely linked to the 30-year mortgage rate includes inflation, the unemployment rate, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield. The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge is the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which indicates that inflation is 2.8%. Having spent much of 2025 in the 2.6% to 2.7% range, the PCE suggests little movement for mortgage interest rates this year.

Additionally, rates typically fall when unemployment is high. At the end of 2025, the unemployment rate was 4.4%, up slightly from 4.1% year over year. Such a small difference is unlikely to move mortgage rates too much.

The 10-year Treasury note yield typically moves in sync with mortgage rates and is often the best indicator of where rates are headed. Treasury yields would need to fall below 4% in the coming months to pull the mortgage rate below 6%.  

“The market is driven by supply and demand, and there are many factors that can impact the 10-year Treasury,” Maula said.

Rates Are Considered Moderate Historically, but Where You Live Matters

Experts say it’s important for potential homebuyers to understand that the COVID-era mortgage rates of 3% or less were anomalies, not the norm. Over the last 20 years, rates were typically in the 7%–9% range, peaking at 18.6% in 1981.

The current rate of 6.1% is close to the lowest point we’ve seen in the last three years, Novak said. It’s down significantly from the nearly 7% rates of a year ago.

“The current mortgage rates are higher than the extremely low pandemic rates; however, the current rates are below the long-term average, and they sit in a middle range compared with decades of mortgage rate data,” she said.

Today’s median home price-to-income ratio is 4.9, indicating that it would take nearly 5 years of income to purchase a home. Nineteen states have home price-to-income ratios at or above this number, indicating lower affordability. Hawaii has the highest at 8.8.

“Because prices in these areas are significantly higher than the average household income, lower rates can have various side effects that actually worsen affordability for many local buyers,” Novak said.  

Even if mortgage rates decline, homeowners with low rates are likely to remain in their homes, she explained. This keeps the number of available homes low and intensifies competition, making it more difficult for low-income buyers or those who may need to buy a new house before selling their current one.

Worst-Case Scenario: What If Rates Increase?

Experts say there’s no reason to expect rates to rise in 2026 unless the U.S. experiences some sort of significant economic disruption. However, if another pandemic or financial crisis occurs, buying a home will become more expensive for most people.

“Mortgage rate increases in 2026 would dramatically reduce homebuying,” said Kristina Morales, founder and CEO of Loanfully. “Real wages have declined, and the increased cost of living combined with higher mortgage rates would be a significant barrier to new buyers in the real estate market.”

Current homeowners with low rates would be even less inclined to sell, further stretching an already tight housing market. That is, unless they also see their incomes cut or vanish altogether, leaving them unable to afford their houses.

The lesson, experts say, is to put down the crystal ball and focus on affordability. Trying to predict where rates will land — and holding out for a substantial drop — will only delay homeownership.

“You know what you can and cannot afford,” Maula said. “Do not place yourself in a house with a huge bet on rates coming down quickly and being able to refinance to save money. Stay within your budget and play the cards that are currently dealt.”  

This project is equal parts dirt and imagination, and someone will absolutely name a fairy Twinkle. Maybe your kid takes charge as the city planner, or maybe they’re in charge of fairy fashion either way, everyone gets a role in this tiny neighborhood.

If you're looking for something that works for all age groups, grab a bag of soil and some paint this is the one.

1. Pick a Container and Add Soil

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You can use almost anything a raised metal box like she did, a large pot, a wooden crate, even an old drawer. It just needs to be deep enough to hold soil and shallow enough for tiny hands to reach into. Pick a spot where you’ll see it often: by the front steps, near the porch, or in a shady garden corner.

Pour in potting soil and flatten it with your hands or a small shovel. Kids can do this part easily. It doesn’t need to be perfect it’s dirt, not cake.

2. Plant the Flowers

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Choose small flowering plants or ground covers that won’t outgrow the space. Marigolds, alyssum, creeping thyme, or mini succulents work well. Take them out of their pots and space them out across the soil.

Don’t clump them together, spread them out so each one has its own little plot. Add a few low-growing ones in the center to mimic grassy patches. Once they’re in, give them a quick pat and water if needed.

3. Add the Decorations

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Now comes the building of the tiny world. Use mini fences (garden edging) to surround the flowers each one gets its own little yard. Place white or colored pebbles around the plants and along the edges to create tiny paths. They don’t need to be straight. Just make them look like something a fairy would actually walk on.

Add your fairy houses and mushroom figurines around the garden. Place tiny bridges across the pebbles to mimic a river and a bridge. Use a mix of colored pebbles with white ones lining the edges to make the paths pop. Let the kids decide where everything goes. Some fairies live by the flowers, others hang out near the bridge it’s their call.

Tuck in fairy figurines wherever they fit. There’s no wrong placement. If one ends up riding a fake snail, let it happen.

4. Make and Place Signboards

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Use craft sticks, wooden tags, or anything flat enough to paint on. She made signs like “Strawberry Street,” “Fairies Welcome,” and “Blueberry Lane.” Let the kids name a few they’ll come up with wild ones.

Paint the signs, let them dry, and stick them around the garden. One by the bridge, one near a house, one tucked into the flower patch. These signs make it feel like a real little village.

Keep It Going

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Fairy gardens don’t have to be one-and-done. Swap out the decorations once in a while, add a new plant, or leave little fairy notes for the kids to find. You can even pop in some solar lights to make it glow at night.

It’s a simple project that grows with them and gives you something fun to do together that doesn’t involve screen time or glitter explosions.

Turns out, digging in the dirt might be one of the oldest wellness practices on record. And there’s plenty more where that came from. Here’s how a seedling, some compost, and a trowel may be the best unpaid therapists out there.

1. Gardening Is a Workout Disguised as a Hobby

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You won’t need a smartwatch to count your steps; your back knows you’ve been digging. Your thighs remind you the next day. So much of our modern stress sits in the body, even if our minds don’t name it. We clench. We scroll. We freeze up. Gardening pushes that tension out through movement.

Gardening gets you bending, lifting, squatting, pulling, and reaching in all directions. It may not feel like exercise in the traditional sweat-drenched sense, but your body reaps the same cardiovascular benefits. Doctors recommend moderate physical activity for heart health, and gardening slips neatly into that category

2. It Anchors You in the Present

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One minute you're weeding, before you know it, it's an hour later and you're still humming to your lettuce. Gardening isn’t passive. You’re feeling textures, inhaling healing scents, using your hands, and solving little and big problems, like why your carrots are struggling. It pulls you into the moment, and you don’t even realize how focused you've become until you’re back inside.

That sense of presence does something vital: it gives your brain a breather. With constant notifications and half-processed thoughts swirling in your head, the garden becomes a grounding place somewhere your mind finally gets to park for a while without revving.

3. Nature Lowers Stress

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Being outdoors makes you feel better. The simple act of being around green spaces has been linked to lower cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone) and reduced blood pressure. Your body naturally slows down when you're outside. Gardening is one of the few experiences that taps into all five senses in real time and it does so gently.

There’s real weight behind the connection between gardening and mental well-being. A study in Brisbane, Australia, followed middle-aged and older adults and found that those who spent at least two and a half hours a week gardening reported significantly better mental well-being and greater life satisfaction compared to those who didn’t garden at all.

4. It Connects You to People

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Start a garden, and somehow, people find you. Maybe it’s a neighbor leaning over the fence to comment on your tomatoes. Maybe your kids start helping, and conversations grow where they usually wouldn’t.

Gardening has a funny way of building community without trying too hard. It gives you common ground and something to talk about that doesn’t involve bills or politics. There’s also the gentle joy of giving away extra zucchinis or sharing your kale with someone who didn’t even ask.

Keep on Gardening

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Gardening is physical therapy for your soul and a nudge toward better health that doesn’t always demand perfection, unless you’re growing Wisteria. Plus, the dirt is good for you, too.

So, next time someone suggests gardening is just a hobby for retirees or folks with time to kill, hand them a trowel. Let them dig in and find what we already know: some of the best healing doesn’t come in pills or podcasts. It comes in rows, roots, and rhythm.

If that’s how you’ve been gardening, SageSmokeSurvival on TikTok wants a word. He’s fronting regenerative gardening, which has flipped the gardening script for him and his friends. Instead of dumping chemicals into the soil and using pesticides, this method works with nature to grow richer, healthier soil every single year. You get better output and fewer weeds trying to ruin your zen every time you plan a garden walk.

Here’s how to start a back-to-Eden team-effort gardening with nature.

1. Clear the Grass and Lay Compost

First, say goodbye to the lawn in your planting area. Grass is fine for Sunday afternoon picnics, but it hogs space and drinks up nutrients your garden needs. Rip out the sod where you want to grow. Once the grass is gone, start layering. They used compost and spread it about three inches over the planting rows.

If you have no compost, don’t throw your hands up yet. Use what’s on hand—grass clippings, hay, or straw. Lay it down about six inches deep. It might look excessive, but it’ll shrink down as it breaks down into compost.

2. Cover Everything in Mulch

Next is the mulch blanket. Spread a six-inch layer of wood chips across the entire garden—planting rows, walkways, all of it. This layer smothers weeds before they get ideas and keeps moisture locked in, so you won’t have to water nearly as much.

Bare soil is a party invite for weeds, and they all arrive with their plus ones. Mulch blocks the light, keeps things cool, and slowly breaks down into rich, living soil.

3. Loosen the Soil

Once the mulch has broken down, it’s time to break up the soil under it. You don’t need a plow pulled by three oxen to prep your soil. Instead of tilling, grab a broad fork—or a regular pitchfork if your garden’s small—and gently work it into the ground to loosen things up.

This makes it easier for roots to spread and microbes to multiply. You’ll end up with healthier plants and way less work later on.

4. Know How to Plant in Mulch

Mulch is great at stopping weeds, but it’ll also stop your seeds if you don’t plant them right. To plant seeds, he recommended digging little trenches in the mulch down to the soil. Tuck your seeds into the soil itself and cover them up. Once they sprout, bring the mulch back in around them to keep the soil moist and the weeds away.

For things like potatoes, dig a trench in the soil, drop them in, and pile mulch on top. They’ll push through when they’re ready.

5. Keep a Compost System Going

One of the best things you can do for your garden is keep feeding it. Set up a compost bin and toss in grass clippings, weeds, kitchen scraps, and anything from the fridge that got a little too enthusiastic about ripening. This breaks down into nutrient-rich compost you can reuse in the next growing season.

Sometimes, he says, plants even sprout right in the compost, and they let them grow. That’s nature’s way of giving you a head start.

Watch It Thrive

Once your garden’s set up, nature starts showing up to lend a hand. In their case, frogs and toads moved in. That’s a win as they snack on the bugs that would’ve snuck on your plants. Worms start tunneling through the soil, feeding the microbes that keep everything thriving.

And because your garden isn’t bare, weeds don’t get a chance to take over. And once you get going, the garden kind of runs itself, and you reap the benefits of eating food that’s better than organic.

Before you know it, you’ve spent half an hour wrestling with your own belongings. This article highlights six brilliant organization methods that have become popular online.

These simple, effective tricks can help you tame the chaos in your home, one cabinet and closet at a time.

1. Mug and Water Bottle Reality Check

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Many kitchen cabinets suffer from an overpopulation of mugs and water bottles. This method involves gathering every single one you own and placing them on a counter. Then, you conduct an honest assessment of how many you actually use. The ones that are cracked, mismatched, or have been sitting unused for a year are placed in a donation box. The keepers are then returned to the cabinet, which now has ample space.

You force a direct confrontation with the clutter. Instead of just rearranging an overflowing collection, you are curating it down to the essentials. This creates a more functional and visually appealing space. It also makes your daily routine smoother; finding your favorite travel mug in the morning is much easier when it’s not hidden behind a dozen others you never touch.

2. Vertical File Folding for Towels and Clothes

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Say goodbye to messy stacks of clothes and linens. Vertical file folding involves folding items like t-shirts, pants, and towels into neat, rectangular packages that can stand up on their own. Instead of stacking them on top of each other in a drawer or on a shelf, you arrange them in rows, like files in a filing cabinet. This allows you to see every single item at a glance.

When items are stacked, you can only see the one on top, and you often forget about what's underneath. File folding lets you view your entire collection at once, making it simpler to pick out what you need without disturbing the entire pile. This saves time and helps keep your drawers and closets tidy for longer by giving everything a designated, easy-to-access spot.

3. Magnetic Spice Racks

If your counter space is limited, look to your walls. Magnetic spice racks utilize the vertical space on your refrigerator or another magnetic surface to store your spices. These systems typically consist of small containers with magnetic bottoms that stick directly to the surface. Spices are transferred into these containers, labeled, and arranged for easy access.

This approach is a fantastic solution for small kitchens or for anyone who wants to clear their countertops. It keeps your most-used spices within arm's reach while you cook, which streamlines the meal preparation process. By moving your spices off the counter or out of a cluttered cabinet, you free up valuable workspace and make your kitchen feel more open and organized.

4. Lazy Susans for the Fridge

The back of the refrigerator can be a mysterious place where jars of pickles and forgotten condiments go to expire. A Lazy Susan, or turntable, brings everything into view with a simple spin. By placing one on a refrigerator shelf, you can store jars, bottles, and small containers on it. When you need something from the back, you just rotate the platform until the item is front and center.

This is a brilliant way to prevent food waste and make your fridge more efficient. Items no longer get lost in the dark corners, so you are more likely to use them before they go bad. It also eliminates the need to pull out half the contents of a shelf just to reach one thing. This simple rotating tray makes accessing everything in your fridge effortless and helps maintain order.

5. The Reverse Hanger Method for Closets

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This trick is a fantastic way to declutter your wardrobe. At the beginning of a season, or any time you choose, hang all your clothes with the hangers facing backward. After you wear an item and put it back, hang it the correct way. After a few months, or at the end of the season, you will have a clear visual representation of what you’ve actually worn. The hangers that are still facing backward are holding the clothes you haven’t touched.

This method provides undeniable evidence of which clothes are just taking up space. It takes the guesswork and emotional attachment out of deciding what to donate or sell. Instead of trying to remember the last time you wore that shirt, you have a clear answer right in front of you.

6. Drawer Dividers for Everything

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Drawer dividers are not just for your sock drawer. These organizational tools can be used in almost any drawer in your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom to your desk. By creating smaller, designated compartments within a larger drawer, you can assign a specific home for every item.

This prevents things from rolling around and getting mixed up, turning a "junk drawer" into a highly functional space. Using dividers transforms chaotic drawers into orderly, manageable storage. You can instantly find what you are looking for. When everything has a place, it’s easier to put items back where they belong, preventing clutter from building up again.

Practical Solutions for Everyday Clutter

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Taking control of your home’s organization is within reach. Often, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones. Now that you have these six ideas, you can begin to reclaim your space.

Consider starting with the area that causes you the most daily frustration. Is it the overflowing coffee mug cabinet or the jumbled mess in your t-shirt drawer? Tackling that one spot first will give you a quick win and the motivation to continue.

The numbers are officially an 8.4% decrease in month-over-month existing home sales, and a 4.4% year-over-year decrease. A CNBC news report quoted the NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who labels the situation "a new housing crisis."  

More Affordable But Less Attainable

What makes these figures stand out is how the national housing affordability index (HAI) has actually improved. The index rose in each region, ranging from a 9% increase in the Northeast to a huge 17.1% in the West. Therefore, why are Americans reluctant to buy and sell their homes if the HAI is better?

"This (improved HAI) is due to wage gains outpacing home price growth and mortgage rates being lower than a year ago," says Yun. "However, supply has not kept pace and remains quite low." 

In reality, an improved HAI looks good on paper, but it may hide the fact that affordability has gone from dismal to slightly less expensive. What's more, the drop in home sales could also be related to high mortgage rates, as outlined by the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) hub. 

The Mortgage Rate Waiting Game

The price of borrowing rocketed through 2022 and 2023 before falling marginally in 2024; yet, rates are still above 6% and almost twice the pre-pandemic rate. Furthermore, this lack of house-buying confidence could reflect a tough, albeit growing, employment market. 

However, there is good news. Mortgage rates are expected to fall to levels that get more homebuyer attention, according to the U.S. News & World Report. The news site's post in mid-2025 pointed to four in five buyers waiting for rates to fall, with a quarter of that number hoping to see them drop below a 5% safe zone.  

Nevertheless, homebuyers might need to watch how patient they are. House price appreciation in 2025 has been alarmingly high, according to a recent MoneyLion update. The numbers are stark: U.S. home prices have almost doubled in the past 10 years and quadrupled in the past 30 years. During this time, the middle class has shrunk.

The Middle Class Continuum

Investopedia's Gina Young shared insight in a review of what is happening to this demographic, which is being redefined in new ways. Identifying as middle-class in 2026 is a far cry from how it felt 40 years ago. For one, access to the usual life-affirming events, with home ownership high on the list, has become harder for many. 

"Costs are the culprit, with today's price tags making traditional milestones feel out of reach," writes Young. "The median U.S. single-family home price over [sic] doubled between just January 2012 and January 2026, jumping to $357,275 from $164,000."

Challenges for New Homeowners

Moreover, the typical cost of raising children has gone up almost threefold over the past 25 years. For illustration, it was $165,630 in 2000; twenty-six years later, a child will cost on average $414,000 to raise.

Regardless, Young remains positive about how to combat the risk of falling away from American dream territory.

"Individuals can take steps to plan smarter, diversify income, and set realistic goals," she says. "The challenge, and opportunity, is redefining the middle class on terms that work for a new generation."

Crucially, America's new middle-class hopefuls have entrepreneurial opportunities their forebears never had. In an era when Internet literacy can be a revenue-grabbing weapon, perhaps the future for homebuyers doesn't look so bleak.

"Residents from multiple neighborhoods said they woke up to flooded basements and no running water," reads the report. Moreover, plumbers have been overwhelmed by demand for emergency repairs, citing "Frozen sewer lines, frozen water lines, (and) frozen sprinkler lines."

Unprecedented Cold Risks

The article has words from people on the front lines of the cold snap. "Our region is built to handle freezing temps, but not freezing temps for as long as we've had them this year," said master plumber Phillip Renninger. 

Of course, Northeasterners are no strangers to cold periods, and the architecture and infrastructure are built to withstand them. Yet, the extended frigid conditions have been unprecedented in 2026, and they continue to astonish. 

The Frozen Pipe Conundrum

A common feature of extended cold weather events is backed-up pipes, wherein the pipes freeze, blocking anything else from escaping. Naturally, there are many ways to mitigate this scenario, not least letting faucets drip. 

The principle behind the dripping faucet method is encouraging water to keep moving, making it less likely to freeze. However, one must be careful to select the right temperature, according to a recent Hunker feature from Ryan Cashman on this subject. While keeping the cold running is necessary, even with insulated pipes, it may not be enough. 

Lukewarm Water for the Win

It all depends on how well insulated your pipes are, because even the most covered pipes might not be as protected as you think. For instance, if those pipes run along long exterior walls, some warm water may be required to prevent disaster. 

"This keeps both lines open and allows your hot water heater to continue to cycle and heat the water inside the pipes," Cashman writes. 

Furthermore, in the event there is a power outage and the hot water isn't running, he also recommends keeping both running. "If you don't want to worry about this at all, however, locate your main water shut-off and turn your water off to the home for the night," he adds. 

Detecting Frozen Pipes

Thankfully, there are signs to watch for to prevent freezing pipes from any unfortunate bursting, according to a Master Plumbing, Heating & Cooling guide.

Certain symptoms will appear on the pipes' exterior, especially in the most vulnerable parts of the plumbing. The most obvious of these is ice forming on any pipe covering. Other signs that might indicate a frozen pipe include little or no water coming from faucets or an offensive sewage smell.

In addition, it is important to check the outside or colder points in the pipe network, such as garages, basements, and crawlspaces. "For instance, the faucet that connects to the hose…can freeze and let cold air inside the plumbing," reads the post. 

It certainly pays to be pipe-ready during this unpredictable winter weather.

Purple, green, and gold symbolize justice, faith, and power, colors that naturally lend themselves to pansies, violas, marigolds, roses, and nasturtiums.

From King Cakes to cocktails, these blooms blur the line between garnish and centerpiece.

Choosing the Right Mardi Gras Edible Flowers

For mild flavor, turn to pansies and violas, which have a light wintergreen taste. Nasturtiums add a lively, peppery kick to salads and savory bites. Marigolds contribute a golden color with a slightly bitter-sweet edge, while roses lend a fruity essence to syrups and desserts.

Only use flowers labeled edible and never those treated with pesticides. If you don’t know for certain that it’s edible, don’t serve it.

To avoid bitterness, remove stamens and use only petals when recommended. For example, calendula centers should be discarded.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Edible Flowers Into Mardi Gras Decorations

King Cake Accents

Fresh pansies or candied violets pressed gently into icing instantly transform a King Cake. Candied flowers, crystallized with egg white and sugar, hold up longer and add sweetness along with sparkle.

Apply blooms just before serving to prevent wilting, and keep the cake refrigerated until display time.

Floral Cocktails & Ice Cubes

Freeze violas or marigold petals into ice cubes for champagne buckets or festive punches. A single floating blossom in a cocktail adds elegance without overpowering flavor.

Butterfly pea flowers can even tint drinks a dramatic purple color naturally.

Masks, Wreaths & Table Displays

Layer edible flowers onto serving platters, cheese boards, or appetizer trays for a cohesive look. If embellishing decorative masks or wreaths, keep edible blooms separate from non-food-safe materials and transfer them to plates before guests help themselves.

How to Keep Edible Flowers Fresh and Safe

Harvest or purchase blooms the day you’ll use them. Store delicate flowers between damp paper towels in the refrigerator. You’ll want to rinse the blooms gently in cool water just before serving, especially with low-growing blossoms like squash flowers.

For the best quality, pick flowers in the morning when they’re vibrant and just opening.

Celebrate With Color

Mardi Gras is meant to delight the senses. By incorporating Mardi Gras edible flowers into your decorations, you create a celebration that’s not only vibrant and festive but also deliciously memorable.

The traditional colors of purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power were chosen by the Rex Organization in the 19th century. When woven into floral arrangements, these hues instantly signal celebration.

With the right Mardi Gras flowers and decor, your home can feel as joyful as a parade rolling down St. Charles Avenue.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Mardi Gras

Purple Power Blooms

Deep purple irises, often associated with the fleur-de-lis, create dramatic focal points. Hyacinths and allium add height and sculptural interest, while tulips in rich violet shades offer a softer touch.

Golden Accents

Brilliant yellow narcissus and tulips embody the spirit of the Mardi Gras season. Their cheerful tone keeps arrangements feeling bright rather than heavy. Yarrow adds texture and small bursts of gold.

Lush Greens & Texture

When green flowers are scarce, foliage steps in beautifully. Ivy cascading over a vase, leather fern tucked between blooms, or fragrant myrtle branches create movement and balance.

Easy Floral Decorating Ideas for Mardi Gras

Statement Centerpieces

For a statement piece, don’t be shy; abundance is part of the charm here. Go big with the number of flowers you use. Add feathers for height, wrap vases in beads, or place arrangements on mirrored trays with votives to amplify color and light.

Mini Bouquets Throughout the Home

Instead of focusing only on the dining table or main centerpiece, create smaller bundles for mantels, entryways, and even powder rooms. Tucking beads inside the vase, water, or gluing strands around the exterior instantly nods to tradition.

Edible & Wearable Floral Touches

Decorate cupcakes with purple and gold blooms, or attach flowers to bead necklaces for an interactive party element. These details make the decor feel immersive.

Get Decorating!

Start with the color trio of purple, gold, and green. Choose two or three focal flowers, add generous greenery, and layer in beads or metallic accents. Whether you opt for a simple vase of purple tulips or a feather-topped centerpiece, the key is joyful abundance.

Because when it comes to Mardi Gras flowers and decor, more really is more!

We've all been there: attacking that spare room plaguing our mind for months, only to find we have no idea where to begin. Furthermore, having no plan or the wrong mindset for the operation can demotivate even the most willing participant. 

Why We Have Trouble Letting Go

What's more, it can be an emotional journey for some, not least when going through old items that rekindle memories. The web guide Becoming Minimalist shares scientific reasons for this domestic dilemma, citing things like "the endowment effect" and "fear of regret." 

These terms explain why we often find ourselves at an impasse, clinging to clothes we haven't worn in a decade because we feel so attached. "The endowment effect" relates to memory bias, which puts an unwarranted higher value on items we own, making us fearful of saying goodbye.

Keeping a Clear Mind Isn't Easy

For instance, that space-hogging giant panda you won at the county fair may only be worth two dollars, but its memory gives it a priceless quality. For some, the panda will never leave, gather dust, and prevent a clear mind. 

Thankfully, decluttering experts have made steps to soften the blow for mere mortal organizers suffering this turmoil. Good Housekeeping's Juliana LaBianca shared insight from a declutter expert, who weighed in on what can help in this situation. Primarily, she has a solution for those moments when you become stuck on keeping or binning something. 

Always Ask This Big Question

Vanessa Lane of Nest & Bloom Concierge recommends making one consideration to help make those heart-churning decisions. Answering the question, "Would I buy this again today at full price?" could be a make-or-break moment in your declutter quest. Answering in the affirmative may suggest it's time to move on. 

Her next step would be to "Grab a box and go through each visible and portable item in the room." If the answer to the buying question is negative, you put the item in the box. "When full, date the box and place it in the garage. If you haven't reached for it in 30 days, donate or gift the contents to their new home."

Other solutions come from Elizabeth Metcalf of House & Garden. She spoke to professional declutter wizard Mimi Bogelund, combing for wisdom. Advice she unearths includes decluttering by category, developing a system, and being realistic about the time you need to complete the task. 

Go with Your Heart

Perhaps the best advice she finds is to "declutter with your heart and not your head," which goes against what our instincts sometimes tell us. Moreover, to alleviate the guilt of items going to the landfill, why not list these items for donation or sell them on the local marketplace? 

Ultimately, decluttering gets harder the more clutter accumulates, so there is a simple step Metcalf inherits from Bogelund. "Keep surfaces clear and commit to tidying them at the end of the day so you don't wake up to piles of clutter," she suggests. 

Whatever your declutter dilemma, just remember that many have gone before you and struggled in order for you to declutter without stress. We salute those brave pioneers. 

Soil testing garden beds gives you clarity about what your plants actually need before you invest another dollar in amendments. By providing a snapshot of your soil’s current nutrient levels, soil testing helps you decide whether to apply compost, manure, or fertilizer, and how much.

Without testing, it’s easy to overapply nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which is already excessive in many home gardens. Over-fertilizing isn’t just expensive. It can harm plants and contribute to water pollution. Testing first ensures you’re correcting real deficiencies, not creating new ones.

Success in the garden starts with healthy soil, and testing replaces guesswork with direction.

What a Soil Test Actually Tells You

pH: The Gatekeeper of Nutrients

Soil pH determines whether plants can access nutrients already present. Most garden plants thrive when pH falls between 5.5 and 7.0. If it’s outside that range, nutrients like phosphorus or iron may become unavailable, even if they’re technically in the soil.

N-P-K and Organic Matter

A standard lab test measures nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and often organic matter. Nitrogen fuels leafy growth, phosphorus supports roots and flowers, and potassium strengthens stems and disease resistance.

If organic matter falls below 3%, compost may be recommended. But compost also contributes nutrients, sometimes more than you realize.

Do You Need the Extra Tests?

For most home gardens, a basic Extension lab test is sufficient for soil testing. Micronutrient panels or contaminant testing may be worthwhile in older urban soils, but they’re not always necessary for routine vegetable beds.

How to Collect a Proper Soil Sample

Extension labs are widely considered the most accurate option and often cost about the same price as a mail-in kit. You’ll want to reach out to your local Extension office for directions on how to sample, but generally, you’ll follow these steps:

• Collect soil 6–8 inches deep.
• Take 10–15 small samples across the garden.
• Mix them into one composite sample.
• Avoid areas where compost or fertilizer was recently applied.

Test in fall or early spring, and repeat every 3–5 years, or as needed.

What to Do After You Get Results

If pH is high, sulfur may be recommended; if low, lime can raise it. Fertilizer should closely match the recommended N-P-K ratio; applying a generic blend can sometimes create an imbalance in your soil.

If phosphorus is already sufficient (20 ppm is adequate for vegetables), skip phosphorus-containing fertilizers. Compost should be applied thoughtfully, not automatically.

Soil testing garden beds isn’t complicated; it’s clarifying. With one thoughtful test, you can stop guessing, spend less, and grow more confidently for seasons to come.

These accessories would swivel, flip, and rotate, turning a morning routine into a mechanical performance. While modern bathrooms favor open shelving and minimalism, these hidden gems from the past offered a level of cleverness we rarely see today.

Here are three built-ins we don't see much of anymore.

1. The Revolving Toothbrush Holder

The star of the mid-century bathroom wall was undoubtedly the revolving toothbrush holder. It looked like a simple chrome square flush against the wall. But with a push or a pull, the panel would spin 180 degrees to reveal a storage compartment for the family's dental tools. This design kept toothbrushes hidden from sight, leaving the vanity completely clear. Hall-Mack, a company famous for these accessories, called it a "concealed lavatory unit."

These units weren't just about looks; they were meant to be hygienic. By hiding toothbrushes behind a chrome shield, people thought they were protecting them from airborne germs. Ironically, this design disappeared for the very same reason. As dental science evolved, we realized that trapping a wet toothbrush in a dark, unventilated wall cavity was a perfect way to grow bacteria.

2. The Recessed Tumbler Holder

Alongside the toothbrush unit, you would often find a dedicated spot for the bathroom cup, or "tumbler." In many setups, this was part of the same revolving mechanism, or it existed as its own flipping panel. The idea was simple: a drinking cup shouldn't sit out collecting dust or taking up precious counter space. Instead, it lived inside the wall, waiting for someone to need a rinse.

The decline of the recessed tumbler holder mirrors the decline of the bathroom cup itself. As people moved away from shared rinsing cups due to germ concerns, the need for a permanent, wall-mounted shrine to a cup faded. Furthermore, cleaning the little nook where the cup sat proved frustrating. Gunk and water spots would accumulate in the recesses, turning a device meant for cleanliness into a chore.

3. The Concealed Soap Dish

The third member of this triumvirate is the hidden soap dish. This invention tackled the perennial problem of the slimy soap bar. By hiding the soap away when not in use, the bathroom maintained a pristine appearance for guests. It prevented the unsightly residue that often pools around sink-top dishes. For a generation that valued presentation highly, hiding the soap was a small but significant victory in the war against mess.

Ultimately, the shift from bar soap to liquid soap rendered this gadget obsolete. Pump bottles don't fit into shallow wall recesses. For those who still use bar soap, the issue of air circulation returns. A wet bar of soap sealed inside a wall cavity stays wet, turning into mush faster than one left on an open dish. The metal mechanisms also tended to rust or stick after years of exposure to moisture, leading to jammed units that refused to open.

Bringing The Charm Back

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While you likely won't see builders installing revolving toothbrush holders in new subdivisions, the concept of recessed storage is making a sophisticated return. The logic remains sound: hiding functional items makes a small space feel larger and more luxurious.

If you love the vintage look, you can sometimes find original units on auction sites or at architectural salvage yards. Installing one requires cutting into the drywall, so check for studs and pipes first. For a safer route that captures the spirit without the vintage price tag, look into modern shower niches or recessed medicine cabinets.

His latest opinion editorial is like a harbinger of woe, and he says the first category is at the highest level of risk. Citing falling yields for the first time in decades, he offers a sobering look at the current numbers. 

Let's look closer at these 3 threats to the global food supply. 

1. Falling Yields Are Sounding Alarm Bells

As any grower knows, producing food consistently is never straightforward. When you scale this understanding to the global food production industry, the pressures on this agricultural miracle increase. 

"Total factor productivity … has stood at 0.76% over the past decade," Fickling writes, adding the implications for this figure. He concedes it will be barely a third of what the planet will need with a population of 10 billion people. That number is the United Nations' 2050 rough prediction. 

Staple Crops Under Threat

Finkling's next assertion may prove a warning to start experimenting with certain staples of your own. "The picture is even worse if you look at some individual plants," he warns. "Yield growth for the three main cereals — corn, rice, and wheat — has nearly flatlined over the past five years."

What's more, major vegetable oils are in the same predicament, partly affected by the rise in demand for biofuels. Therefore, we can expect price increases, according to a report from the agriculture market research platform Tridge. 

Of course, the one resource farm production relies on is water, which may be behind this gradual decline. 

2. Water Supply and the Ground Beneath Us

On the domestic front, America's groundwater crisis was making headlines over a decade ago. In short, the country's groundwater stocks have been suffering depletion; some states are in a continuous crisis. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines this problem as "long-term water-level declines caused by sustained groundwater pumping."

If you farm property in states like California, Texas, and Kansas, chances are you are going to face a groundwater crisis one day if things worsen. A 2025 research paper explores which states have the poorest groundwater health and how long their aquifers will last. 

It's bad news for homesteads and backyards in California's Central Valley, Southwest Kansas, and the Texas/Oklahoma Panhandle counties. These four states currently face a bleak outlook unless something changes.

Of course, there are a variety of ways anyone who plants in this region can use to save and conserve water. Moreover, modern farmers and growers always have one weapon on their side: technology and smart solutions.

3. Global Conflicts and Their Effects on Trade

The final element in Finkling's prophecy is the food trade. His post comes with a chart showing all the world's food exporters. Of the 19 countries listed, only 12 are major operators. Such a reality means the pressure on those exporters grows as the world's population's demands increase. 

It isn't hard to find examples of when food insecurity is a consequence of conflict. Ukrainian sunflower oil production came into conflict, pushing prices up across the world. Alarmingly, Ukraine is the second-highest exporter of food, after the United States. 

Sadly, war and trade disputes are common, leaving the cost of food production vulnerable. Clearly, there has never been a better time to grow one's own produce or support local farming. 

This Valentine's Day will bring some mind-boggling statistics, if the last few years in America are an indication. The flower company, Rio Roses, published a recent breakdown of what Americans spent in 2025, and it is staggering (a total of $27.5 billion). 

Say it with Roses

While flowers don't exceed candy as America's go-to Valentine's gift, at least 41% of Americans bought some last year.  The Society of American Florists' About Flowers webpage reveals 83% of the U.S. Valentine's Day participants bought roses for their significant other. It equates to $250 million spent on roses alone. 

Furthermore, a 2024 report from Waterborne Environmental looked at the impact of the rose industry. "Often grown outside the United States in South America or Africa, roses are a water-intensive crop that requires irrigation systems to maintain their lush appearance," reads a post. "The expansion of commercial rose cultivation often comes at the expense of natural habitats."

Rising fuel costs, flowers traveling thousands of miles, and rising societal adoption have put pressure on flower growers during this period. It presents questions for homesteaders and backyard gardeners, who have the wherewithal to grow their own. 

Romance and Backyard Basics

Perhaps the most meaningful flowers of the year can just grow slowly at home, rooted in local soil, and planted with pollinators in mind. Michael Pope of the National Environmental Education Foundation concurs, explaining where most of our February blooms originate.

"Most of the United States is still firmly within winter's grasp when February 14 rolls around," says Pope. "That means most of the bright red bouquets you see filling your local store came from somewhere else—most likely Ecuador or Colombia."

What's more, to mitigate wilting, these foreign flowers travel by air freight and are then delivered in energy-burning refrigerated trucks. Therefore, the carbon footprint cannot be ignored.

Multipurpose Valentine's Gifts

"Instead of the traditional rose bouquet," writes Pope, "what about giving your special someone something that won't wilt and die in a few days?" He suggests something like a succulent, or if your partner likes cooking, a pragmatic choice, such as rosemary, basil, or mint. 

Notwithstanding the ecological benefits, multi-use gifts such as these kitchen-friendly perennials serve more than one purpose. Not only do they help with cooking, but they also become a reminder of a partner's romantic dedication. 

Pollinators for Pleased Partners

Furthermore, planting for the garden's ecosystem can also add more ethos to one's Valentine's Day goals. For instance, choosing flowers that are welcoming for nature's pollinators can also blend romance with a healthy garden community. 

Help comes from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a useful resource for any grower's repertoire. The platform has a list of recommended species by state, and every member of the union is included. 

Homegrown is the Way Forward

What's more, for those unable to grow flowers at home, a glossary of suppliers for each state's indigenous or thriving plant species also resides here. For anyone with the ability, space, and time to grow their own Valentine's Day flowers, a multitude of helpful platforms, such as Food Hero, exist. 

Perhaps it is time to ease the strain on commercial growers and bring some much-needed color to the garden, ready for the February 14 date. The more growers can learn about the commercial flower industry, the better. If it means we one day see a pivot to more self-grown figments of romantic intent, this can only be positive.

Knowing your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone saves time, money, and heartache, especially when it comes to selecting trees, shrubs, and perennials that are meant to live outdoors year after year. It helps you avoid guesswork, plan winter protection wisely, determine when to start seeds for your garden, and choose plants that actually stand a chance in your climate.

What “Plant Hardiness” Really Means

Plant hardiness is about winter survival, not overall plant health.

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map predicts whether a perennial can survive your coldest winter temperatures, not whether it will grow fast, look lush, or thrive in summer.

As the USDA explains, the map is based on “the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature,” not typical winter weather.

How Zones Are Calculated—and What the Numbers Mean

Zones are divided into 10°F temperature bands, with “a” and “b” subzones representing 5°F differences. Lower numbers mean colder winters; higher numbers mean milder ones. The USDA uses 30-year climate averages to determine the zones and will update the zones as needed as data improves or changes.

Zone 6a isn’t better or worse than 6b; it’s simply colder. That half-step can matter for borderline plants like figs, roses, or blackberries.

The Fastest Way to Find Your Zone

The simplest method to determine your plant hardiness zone is through the official USDA interactive map. Enter your ZIP code, and you’ll see your zone and temperature range instantly.

Just remember: zones are guidance, not a guarantee. A rare cold snap late in the spring can still damage plants rated for your zone. Choose perennials that are rated for your zone, or default to the colder zone if you’re near a boundary. Winter care matters immensely, so use tools like deep mulching, protection such as burlap, and frost covers to help protect your plants.

Why Your Yard Might Feel “Different” Than the Map

Microclimates matter. Cities often run warmer than nearby rural areas due to heat retained by buildings and pavement. Elevation, slopes, and nearby water can also shift winter lows. Newer USDA maps (including the 2023 update) are higher-resolution, showing smaller pockets of variation, but no national map can capture every backyard.

A common misconception is using zones to decide when to plant. Zones don’t tell you if it’s too late to plant onions or when to set out tomatoes; that’s what the last frost dates are for. (You can determine your last frost date on the Farmer’s Almanac first/last frost date calculator.)

It is a literal phrase and comes from the Swedish snötvätt, a technique originating from the times before Sweden had Ikea and Volvos. Yet, snow washing is making a modern comeback, thanks to an army of willing video stars. 

Laying it Down

Naturally, the new phenomenon is surfing the wave of social media glory. As expected, influencers and lifestyle media characters are lining up to give it their verdict. For the terrestrial TV audience, Nathan Coleman demonstrates snow washing in a Weather Channel YouTube short. 

Lying down a sheepskin rug and woolen socks on the fresh snow, Coleman proceeds to shovel powdery Quebec snow over the textiles. "There you go; let it soak; wait some time; just pick it up, and shake it off," he says, revealing a rug that looks visibly whiter. "Just like Taylor Swift said." 

A Cost-Effective Solution for Cleaning Wool

While Tay-Tay probably won't be using this technique at her palaces in Tribeca or Rhode Island, others might want to try. The cost of electricity continues to climb, and working families need all the help they can get. Moreover, fiber science experts at Cornell University testify that the process is effective. 

Fran Kozen and Larissa Shepherd argue that snow washing woolen garments makes perfect sense, considering the textile's fragile nature. The machine cycle can shrink and damage the fabric. Still, they do add caveats for anyone thinking of utilizing nature's free washing machine. 

"It must be very cold, and the item should be cold before it is put in the snow," says Kozen. "The snow must be the fluffy, dry sort." Shepherd also adds that scoured or mercerized wool is not ideal for this method, as the lanolin (the waxy oil natural to animals' wool) is removed, preventing the bond between snow and stain. 

Choosing the Right White Powder

That fluffy, dry snow type is a sticking point in snow-washing mastery. It may be tricky for some, as the United States has more than one kind of snow, depending on the region. Coastal mountain chains, such as California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, or the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest, get heavy, wet snow. 

Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain states get little natural moisture, which creates the dry, light snow that one can blow from their car. However, while most coastal Eastern mountains get the same water-heavy snow as the West, certain higher elevations can get the powdery stuff, falling most likely on their leeward side, not facing the precipitation. 

No Snow Washing for the Rockies This Year

Ironically, the Rocky Mountains aren't seeing much of the powdery stuff this season. In contrast to the 2024-2025 season, 2026 has suffered from a severe snow drought. The situation is so dire in Colorado, reports CBS, that it needs "five to eight feet of mountain snow just to break even."

Sadly for Coloradans, Utahns, and Wyomingites, the snow-washing videos may need to wait until next year. For the Northeastern states, however, it can be a snow-washing free-for-all.

If you’d love to see more than the usual robins and sparrows during your count, the secret isn’t in adding another feeder. It’s native plants.

Why Native Plants Matter for the Great Backyard Bird Count

Growing native plants is the key to attracting more birds to your garden. As Cornell’s Becca Rodomsky-Bish explains, “If you love supporting birds and seeing them up close, then you can make a huge contribution to them and to yourself by growing these kinds of plants.”

Native plants support the insects that birds depend on for food, especially caterpillars. According to Douglas Tallamy, a single clutch of chickadees can consume over 9,000 caterpillars in just 16 days.

If you have space for one tree, make it a native oak, cherry, willow, or birch. These trees host the caterpillars that feed warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers. A study by Burghardt et al (2009) found that yards dominated by native plants hosted four times as many caterpillars as those filled with ornamentals.

Serviceberry, elderberry, dogwood, viburnum, and holly all provide fruit that ripens at different times of year, drawing thrushes, waxwings, cardinals, and orioles. These shrubs don’t just feed birds; they offer nesting cover and shelter from predators. Gardeners often notice a visible jump in bird diversity once berry-producing natives mature, especially during fall migration.

Purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, asters, sunflowers, and goldenrod are goldfinch magnets. Leave seedheads standing through winter; birds will return again and again.

Native grasses such as switchgrass and little bluestem add another layer, offering both nesting habitat and winter seeds.

What to Plant First

You don’t need to transform your entire yard. Research suggests that reaching about 70% native plants in your garden delivers most of the benefits.

Start with one native tree, two berry shrubs, and a patch of seed-bearing perennials.

By the time the next Great Backyard Bird Count rolls around, you may be tallying far more than you expected. And the best part? Every bird you count will be there because your garden gave it exactly what it needed.

In reality, a few thoughtful adjustments to your garden can dramatically increase both the number and diversity of birds you’ll see.

Why the Great Backyard Bird Count Matters

Held each February, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) invites participants to spend at least 15 minutes counting birds and reporting them to help scientists track population trends and habitat use. As organizers explain, the four-day event creates a global “snapshot” of bird life in winter. Even small backyard improvements can expand usable bird habitat at a critical time.

Start With Habitat, Not Just Feeders

While it's too late to make a difference this year, native plants are important for future years. So you might as well start planning now while you're thinking of it. 

“Native plants are the foundation to being able to support birds,” says Becca Rodomsky-Bish of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. While bird feeders provide supplemental calories, birds rely on layered habitat, such as canopy trees, understory shrubs, and seed-bearing perennials, for food and protection.

Dense shrubs and evergreens offer winter shelter for birds. Leaving seed heads and leaf litter in your garden through the winter months supports insect populations, which are a natural food source for birds as well.

As ecological designer Kim Eierman advises, “plant diversity, density, and layering” are key. Group plants in clusters rather than scattering single specimens because nature favors abundance.

Water: The Overlooked Bird Magnet

If you make one upgrade, consider adding a water source for birds to your garden. “A bird bath would be my first choice, even over seed,” says Rodomsky-Bish. In winter, unfrozen water is often harder to find than food.

Keep bird baths shallow, clean them regularly, and position them at least 10 feet from predator hiding spots. In freezing climates, a heated model can significantly increase bird activity, which will often attract species that never visit feeders.

Feed Smart: Variety and Placement Matter

The variety of bird feed matters more than sheer volume when it comes to bird feeders. Black oil sunflower seed is a reliable staple, while nyjer attracts finches and suet draws woodpeckers and nuthatches. You might do some research about the birds that live in your area to find what type of feed they prefer. 

Be sure to offer food at different heights, such as ground level, platform, and tube feeders, to accommodate varying bird foraging habits. You’ll want to space feeders several feet apart to reduce crowding, and use baffles if squirrels become dominant.

Establish a consistent feeding routine so that birds learn to check your yard daily. Make sure to clean feeders thoroughly and regularly, rake up old hulls, and create a comfortable viewing spot indoors or on a porch.

Birds may take time to discover new additions, so patience matters. Even modest changes made now can noticeably increase your checklist by the weekend.

Enjoy the Great Backyard Bird Count!

Start with one meaningful improvement today, like planting a native perennial, installing a birdbath, or leaving a corner of your yard a little wilder will create a more favorable habitat for birds. Supplemental feeding helps birds through winter, but habitat keeps them returning year-round.

So whether this is your first year participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count or you’re a veteran, take a few steps today to make your yard even more bird-friendly. When you participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (this weekend and every year after), you’re not just tallying species, you’re shaping a backyard that supports them long after February ends.

What the Great Backyard Bird Count Actually Is

Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, and later joined by Birds Canada, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online community science project to display bird data in near real time.

Today, hundreds of thousands participate globally, recording thousands of species over a single weekend.

The goal of the Great Backyard Bird Count is beautifully simple: spend time in your favorite place watching birds, then report what you see.

How to Participate

Step 1: Pick Your Spot

“Backyard” is flexible. You can watch from a porch, balcony, park, trail, or nature center, no travel required.

Step 2: Watch for 15 Minutes or More

Count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more of the four days (February 13–16). That’s it. You can bird longer than 15 minutes if you like, or return another day (or every day of the event), but one session counts as participation.

Step 3: Identify, Count, and Submit

If you’re new, use the free Merlin Bird ID app to identify birds by sight or sound. More experienced birders can submit detailed checklists through eBird. If you already use Merlin or eBird, your entries during the event automatically count—no extra registration required.

Do You Need to Change Your Normal Birding Routine?

Not at all. If you’re already an avid bird watcher, record what you see or hear. Create a new checklist for each location or time block, and make your best estimate of flock sizes. Even your best guess of a count can be valuable!

If you’re worried about getting it wrong, don’t stress. The count is intentionally beginner-friendly. Organizers note that it’s “a good fit for entry-level and less experienced bird-watchers” because participation can be as simple as 15 focused minutes outdoors.

What You’ll Gain Beyond the Count

Beyond contributing to science, the Great Backyard Bird Count helps you notice your garden or neighborhood differently. This might be the beginning of tracking which birds visit the feeders, which birds call from the hedge, and who returns each year. Many gardeners find that it becomes a February tradition and a reason to step outside to enjoy their garden when motivation is low and temperatures are cold.

So get moving and download Merlin or log into eBird. Mark the dates. Maybe even invite a neighbor to join you, or enjoy nature solo with a cup of coffee in hand.

Even 15 minutes in your own garden can connect you to something global and remind you that your backyard is part of a much bigger story.

What seems like simple birdwatching quickly becomes something more revealing. For gardeners, it’s a snapshot of ecosystem health unfolding in real time.

Why the Great Backyard Bird Count Matters for Gardeners

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global citizen-science event where participants “identify, count, and submit” birds to help scientists better understand populations worldwide. Even brief observations contribute to research tracking where birds overwinter and how they’re faring across regions.

This data matters. Researchers have documented a loss of billions of birds in North America, largely due to habitat loss. As the National Audubon Society notes, “Birds are telling us, in their behavior, in their dwindling numbers…that we must take action now”. 

Your yard is part of that story.

What Your Bird List Reveals About Your Yard’s Health

A short list of birds that you’ve observed in your yard can reveal surprising truths. High diversity in birds often signals a layered habitat made up of healthy trees, shrubs, seedheads, and insect life. 

A yard dominated by just a few feeder species may suggest limited natural food sources.

Bird behavior offers clues, too. Birds that are foraging in leaf litter indicate insect abundance. Woodpeckers clinging to trunks suggest standing deadwood. Nectar feeders hint at flowering plants. 

The Difference Between Attracting Birds and Supporting Them

Feeders can supplement food, and different types of feeders can attract different species. 

However, thriving ecosystems go beyond pure attraction. Gardens should provide food, water, and shelter throughout a bird’s life cycle.

Native plants are especially powerful. They support insects, which in turn feed nestlings. Skipping excessive fall cleanup protects overwintering insect larvae, which are critical fuel for spring bird migrants. Clean water sources matter too; bird baths must be maintained to prevent disease.

The shift in mindset here is subtle but important: we have to go from asking “How do I bring birds here?” to “What do birds need to survive here?”

Small Landscape Changes That Strengthen Bird Populations

After participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, take inventory of your yard. Do you have layered plantings? Native shrubs for shelter? Seedheads left standing? Berries?

Even adding a shallow water source or reducing window hazards can make a measurable difference, from attracting birds to your yard to providing a year-round bird-friendly habitat.

What to Do Next

Keep observing the birds that appear in your yard beyond February. Notice seasonal shifts, and compare mornings to afternoons. Watch not only who appears, but what they’re doing.

The Great Backyard Bird Count teaches us that our yards aren’t isolated plots. They’re living systems, connected to migration routes and continental trends. Small changes, repeated across neighborhoods, ripple outward.

When you count birds, you aren’t just recording names. You’re reading your ecosystem and learning how to care for it better.

In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11–13, which includes those folks lucky enough to be in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, select parts of Southern California, or the very southern tip of Florida, February is all about maintaining a balance between planning and productivity.

February is a Working Month, Not a Planning One

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Unlike colder regions, where February is all about planning and patience, this month is an active growing window in the warmest USDA plant hardiness zones. February in Zones 11–13 is considered peak season for planting and upkeep.

As Kellogg Organic Gardening notes, February is when “planting and maintenance overlap, requiring gardeners to balance new growth with ongoing care.” That balance is the difference between a garden that hums along and one that feels chaotic.

Warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, squash, and cucumbers can usually be planted outdoors. At the same time, cool-season crops such as leafy greens, brassicas, carrots, radishes, beets, and onions are still productive and worth sowing (if you haven’t already), especially as quick or succession crops before heat ramps up.

Start With Maintenance, Then Add Plants

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One reason February feels overwhelming in Zones 11-13 is that many gardeners add more plants before stabilizing what’s already there. In warm zones, soil preparation is important as you begin to plant out the garden for full production. Compost, organic amendments, and fresh mulch support constant biological activity and set crops up for steady growth. If you haven’t tested your soil, it’s not too late to order a kit for a quick test to ensure that you are supporting your garden as best you can.

Mulching in February is designed to control the weeds that are to come. Weed pressure starts early in warm climates, and addressing it now through regular hand-pulling and mulch can prevent a spring explosion that’s much harder to manage later.

Prune, Feed, and Watch Closely

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Selective pruning is encouraged this month. Dormant or woody perennials and ornamental grasses can be cut back, but any spring-flowering shrubs should be left alone to avoid removing buds already set.

Citrus care in these zones is another February staple: fertilize, monitor for fungal issues like scab, and prune only damaged or crossing branches.

Pest monitoring also begins early. Mild winter temperatures allow aphids, whiteflies, mites, and fungal diseases to rebound quickly. Catching them now keeps small problems from becoming season-long battles.

By wandering the aisles of your local thrift store, you can find incredibly affordable, distinct vessels that add character to your space for a fraction of the cost. This list explores five creative ways to repurpose secondhand finds, helping you save money while crafting a one-of-a-kind indoor jungle.

1. Convert a Side Table into a Statement Planter

You can find tables everywhere in thrift shops, and they're usually a steal, often under $15 because of scratches or an old finish. But who cares about a few scuffs when you're turning it into a home for a plant? Cut a hole in the middle of a solid side or coffee table and drop a planter box or pot right in. It gives you a clean, built-in look that feels like expensive custom furniture.

For a coffee table, a "river" of succulents down the middle looks amazing. If you've got a smaller side table, a single large fern planted in the center can turn it into a cool art piece. Just remember to seal any raw wood edges with a waterproof sealant to protect them from splashes when you water.

2. Repurpose Jewelry Holders for Vining Plants

Alternatively, wire jewelry stands (often shaped like trees or mannequins) serve as miniature trellises for delicate climbers such as ivy or Hoya. Since these items are usually small, they fit perfectly on windowsills or narrow shelves where a traditional pot might be too bulky. If the jewelry holder is metal, give it a quick coat of Rust-Oleum spray paint to prevent corrosion from humidity.

3. Drill Drainage into Vintage Cookie Jars

Cookie jars are the unsung heavyweights of the thrift aisle. They are usually ceramic, incredibly durable, and come in fun shapes (from retro geometric patterns to whimsical animals like frogs or bears). Because they are deep, they accommodate plants with larger root systems, like snake plants or ZZ plants.

The catch is that cookie jars are watertight, so you must create drainage. Use a diamond-tip drill bit to carefully bore a hole in the bottom (go slow and keep the surface wet to prevent cracking). If you find a jar you love but are terrified to drill, you can use it as a "cachepot." Simply keep your plant in its plastic nursery pot and nestle it inside the jar, taking it out only when it's time to water.

4. Transform Lampshades and Bases

Don't walk past the lighting section! Old lamp bases, especially hollow brass or ceramic ones, can be gutted to create tall, elegant plant stands. Once you remove the wiring and socket, the remaining cavity is often the perfect size for a small trailing plant or an air plant.

Similarly, wire lampshade frames can be stripped of their fabric and flipped upside down to become modern, industrial-style plant stands or hanging baskets. For a cohesive look, try grouping three lamp bases of varying heights in a corner. A quick coat of matte black or terracotta spray paint can unify mismatched bases into a chic, curated set.

5. Line Wicker Baskets for a Textural Look

Wicker and rattan baskets are thrift store gems that add warmth and texture to any room. To make them plant-friendly, line the inside with a heavy-duty garbage bag or a plastic drop cloth, and cut small drainage holes if planting directly.

For an easier option, keep your plant in its nursery pot with a saucer to catch drips. Perfect for large floor plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs or Monstera!

Ready to Start Your Treasure Hunt?

Image Credit: Henk Vrieselaar / Shutterstock.

Your next favorite planter is likely sitting on a dusty shelf right now, disguised as a soup tureen or a forgotten brass lamp. Next time you pass a thrift store, pop in with an open mind and look at objects for their shape and potential rather than their original purpose. Not only will you save money, but you'll also curate a home that feels yours distinctly.

It garnered 7.2 million views at the time of writing, showing what appears to be explosive pine trees. What makes this video remarkable is that the trees seem to be synchronized, each one popping off within a few seconds of the last. In total, four trees erupt, shedding pine needles and snow with a loud gunshot roar.

A Terrifying Experience

When trees start exploding around you, it might be unnerving, which is the emotion shared by the video operator. He concludes after the third violent tree explosion, “We need to leave: it’s not safe here.” Even hearing such a noise while out hiking might cause an involuntary step backward.

Some netizens may just take this as factual, in light of all the other viral content finding both fame and infamy in recent years. Yet, an insightful post came from Family Handyman’s Casey Clark, clarifying what is happening. In short, trees don’t actually explode; however, while it looks convincing on camera, there is a plausible explanation.

To Explode or Not to Explode

Clark spoke about this process with professional arborist Ryan Torcicollo, who works with Swedish landscape consultancy group Husqvarna’s NA H-Team. “While extreme cold can cause visible damage to trees, there is no true explosive event occurring,” he explained. “The term is informal and misleading, and it exaggerates what is actually a physical stress response within the tree.”

A recent Farm and Dairy article from Liz Partsch sheds further light on the issue. She spoke to the Information and Education Manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Alistair Reynolds. The ranger discussed how stored energy is key to the menacing sound the event makes.

Cold Weather and Frost Damage

Effectively, the cold winter temperatures cause trees to “harden off” their exterior in preparation for the oncoming winter. Subsequently, all freezable water from living tree cells accumulates within these cells. It means ice crystals can form outside those cells, leading to what is called a “frost crack.”

It is changing, fluctuating temperatures that can cause the freezable water to thaw, then suddenly freeze again, weakening the fibres of the trunk. It is during this phase that the tree is most vulnerable, with sudden drops making the frost crack more likely.

A Contracting Tree Trunk

“Interestingly, frost cracks are not caused by frost, but due to the tree's wood drying and shrinking,” explains a Kramer Tree Specialists post. “Unfortunately, this also makes the tree more susceptible to cankers and fungus issues.”

Such knowledge is pertinent for those with certain types of trees on their property, which can be prepared accordingly. The post lists “crabapple, ash, beech, horsechestnut, sycamore, and linden trees” as ones to monitor for damage.

At least there may be one silver lining for some. That gunshot you just heard in your nearby woods is nothing to fear: it’s just a frozen tree not exploding.

Many families worry that STEM feels more “for boys,” but that perception comes from how STEM is often introduced — competitive, tech‑heavy, and classroom‑focused. Girls thrive just as much in STEM when the entry point feels hands‑on, creative, and connected to real life. That’s exactly why gardening works so well: it turns STEM into something tangible, nurturing, and curiosity‑driven.

Gardening is a Great Gateway

Gardening offers a different entry point into STEM. It introduces science, technology, engineering, and math without tests, competition, or the fear of being wrong. Naturally, gardening gently motivates curiosity in science, with subtle encouragement through visible results.

Why This Matters

Research from Seymour & Hewitt (1997) and the American Association of University Women (2010) shows that confidence gaps, not ability gaps, shape who stays in STEM.

Early experiences matter. When science feels intimidating, unwelcoming, or abstract, girls disengage early. When science feels relevant, welcoming, and forgiving, they lean in.

As a woman with a PhD in Agriculture and a master gardener, I can attest: gardening is an often-overlooked yet incredibly effective way to introduce STEM concepts to children, especially girls, because it’s hands-on and rooted in real-life concepts.

Gardening Makes STEM Feel Safe

Gardens act as living laboratories. Seeds fail. Plants struggle. Adjustments happen. None of it feels like failure because it’s simply part of the process.

Similarly, the plant life cycles make biology visible. Soil health introduces chemistry and ecosystems. Watering demonstrates physics and systems thinking. Measuring growth reinforces math naturally.

That low-pressure environment mirrors how scientists actually work. The iterative steps of trial, observation, and revision are key components of the scientific method, and also easily replicated in the garden. Without grades attached, girls are more willing to ask questions and experiment.

How Gardening Counters the STEM Drop-Off

Gardening aligns with how many girls naturally explore learning: collaboratively, creatively, and with purpose. It connects science to food, sustainability, and real-world impact, making STEM feel meaningful.

Unlike many classroom labs, gardening rewards consistency over speed. Caring for living things builds patience, responsibility, and self-trust, which are all skills essential for STEM success.

Inquiry-based, outdoor learning improves retention and engagement because kids see the impact of their decisions firsthand, according to the National Research Council (2009) and Dale and Arnold (2016).

How to Engage Girls in Gardening

Start small with a windowsill herb pot and a notebook to track growth. Encourage questions instead of instructions, and let curiosity lead.

You don’t need to push girls toward STEM careers. You need to give them places where science feels welcoming. Gardening plants that seed early and the confidence it grows can last a lifetime.

The Western European country and neighboring Portugal have been lashed by heavy rain and wind all winter, bringing disruption beyond anything experienced before in some regions. It means the country is facing unprecedented recovery from almost two months of rain and wind-based destruction.

The Perfect Storms

A series of consecutive Atlantic and other storm events has been at the center of this fiasco. It began with Storm Emilia in mid-December, followed later in the month by Storm Francis, both of which brought widespread flooding.

Then, early January brought Storm Goretti, followed by Storm Harry, Storm Ingrid, and Storm Joseph. Finally, Storm Kristin compounded the already buckling nation. The Star Online reports that Spain received 119.3 mm (over 4.5 inches) of rainfall in January: officially the sixth-wettest in 65 years.

Yet, as the hangover from January had barely begun, February started on an even worse note. Storm Leonardo hit land on Feb 5, bringing extreme rainfall and causing 11 confirmed fatalities. In Malaga, one woman was swept away in the Turvilla River trying to rescue her dog, reports Euronews.

Spain and Portugal Fight to Recover

Of course, the weather wasn’t done there. Storm Marta is the latest weather event compounding misery in a country famed for its winter sunshine. Spain’s state meteorological agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología - AEMET) summarized the damage in an X post on Monday.

"With Marta, this season has already named 13 storms," read the post. "It's the year that has reached the letter 'M' the soonest: February 5."

Consequences are becoming dire for many. At least 11,000 people have been evacuated from their homes by this storm cluster, according to Reuters.

Anyone traveling through Spain and Portugal right now would find the land unrecognisable from prior experiences. One of the driest corners of Europe now sits under a blanket of dark storm clouds.

Odd Polar Vortex Behavior

Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond, the Northeastern United States suffers its own extreme weather events. Record snowfall and low temperatures in many Northeastern and some Midwestern states have brought regions to their knees.

The two are connected by this season’s strange Polar Vortex behavior, meaning America is also experiencing a tale of extremes. The Severe Weather Europe platform explains this simple yet severe Arctic pressure system, which becomes erratic amid a Sudden Stratospheric Warming event (SSW).

The Stratospheric Polar Vortex is like a cap for the cold Arctic air, dueling with its lower counterpart, the Tropospheric Polar Vortex. During an SSW, the two can form low and high pressure systems apart, which is the catalyst for this latest American continental weather divide.

A Continental Weather Rift

It’s the reason Western and Southern states have been basking in warm temperatures, while their Northeastern counterparts are pinned under a blanket of low pressure. However, some Western states may also suffer serious water issues this year.

The NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) reports the worst Feb 1 snowpack in Western regions since satellite records began. Decisions over this year’s planting and seed choice may need revising.

Feeling The Agricultural Effects

Despite the obvious drought-related issues for gardeners and homesteaders in these Western longitudes, they may want to spare a thought for their counterparts in Spain. Andalusia in the South, the breadbasket to much of the country, has seen a particularly bad outcome. The fertile low-lying lands between Huelva Province and Jaen are the agricultural heartland of the South.

With Storm Marta hitting the final nail in the coffin this week, EuroWeekly News reveals how Spanish farmers warn of “catastrophic” effects. What makes this recovery harder is that such profound flooding means crops are inaccessible. The worst crops hit include “citrus groves, horticultural crops, and pastureland, increasing the risk of root stress, fruit drop, and disease.”

As Southern Spain reels from this succession of disastrous events, it remains to be seen how badly crop yields might look. It may be a good time to stock up on olive oil, nonetheless.

Winter, the post claims, may be getting shorter for our four-pawed mountain companions, and it's mostly our fault. Being bear aware for many may extend well into winter from now on.

"Did you know—bears are super hibernators and as a result can easily be woken up?" reads the national park's Instagram post. It goes on to outline factors that make this phenomenon possible, including breathing patterns, a lowered heart rate, and body core temperature control.

Adapted to Survive

"These adaptations allow bears to wake much more easily than other hibernators," states the update. "Though groggy, bears may exit their den if they are disturbed or when winter weather is moderate." Remarkably, bears' warm bodies keep their brains activated, even in mid-slumber: a trait that keeps them ready to avert threats if needed.

The post warns anyone hiking the Grand Tetons this winter to "always be alert" to their surroundings, looking out for tell-tale signs. Even in midwinter, walkers may encounter bear tracks or scat. "If sighted, never approach a bear and maintain at least a 100 yards' distance," the wildlife service update concludes.

Human Encroachment

There is no shortage of reports over the years of bears leaving their dens early, depending on the year. A 2017 study from the Journal of Applied Ecology found that human development and climate were "dramatically altering habitat conditions for wildlife."

The study looked at black bear hibernation behavior using GPS collar data from 131 den events with adult female black bears. Experts tracked specific habitat information related to natural and human-adjacent food availability. They also monitored the weather's effect on the start and end of their subjects' hibernation periods.

Access to human food and warming weather were key components in predicting hibernation behavior. Hence, the study found that more negative human interactions would be inevitable. "We speculate that longer active periods for bears will result in subsequent increases in human–bear conflicts and human-caused bear mortalities," wrote Heather E. Johnson et al.

A Warming West

Furthermore, we all know North America has a very complex weather system. ABC News confirms this tale of two winters currently sweeping the Contiguous United States. This year has been particularly frigid for Eastern states. Meanwhile, much of the West has seen below-average snowfall.

"With sharply reduced mountain snowpack, the region's water supplies and winter tourism are facing mounting challenges," writes Julia Jacobo. Notwithstanding a poor tourist season and potential water supply problems, there might be another four-legged problem for those living near bear habitats.

Yellowstone Grizzlies Are Already Awake

For illustration, the Cowboy State Daily reported how a grizzly bear was spotted in Yellowstone National Park in January. "This would be one of the earliest sightings on record," says bear biologist Frank van Manen, whom the news site quoted.

Images of the brown bear circulated across social media, as this Yellowstone Wildlife Profiles Instagram post showed.

Therefore, if you are in your garden this winter, it may pay to become a little more bear aware, not least when it feels warmer than usual.