Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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Is urine the ultimate organic plant fertilizer? The science says yes – here's how it can transform your flowerbeds (for free)Forget pricey fertilizers, this ancient approach is making a comeback
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These $15 bestselling Fiskars pruners are a must-buy this Prime Day – they make deadheading so easy, and will keep your patio plants in tip-top shapeEffective and lightweight, these Fiskars deadheading snips are currently 21% off
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How to take honeysuckle cuttings – July is the perfect time to propagate this fragrant climber, and grow more plants for freeDouble your climbing plant collection at zero cost
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If your dahlias are being destroyed by earwigs, this simple, chemical-free hack will keep them away – so you can enjoy perfect flowers all seasonTried-and-tested by professional gardeners, this all-natural trick will save your prized flowers this summer
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Prune these plants in July before it is too late – 7 flowers and shrubs you must trim now before the midsummer pruning window endsAfter many years working as a professional gardener, these are my go-to plants to prune in July, for a thriving yard in the year ahead
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I gardened professionally for a decade, and if I were starting my garden from scratch, these are the 7 game-changing plants I'd begin withAs a professional gardener, these are my go-to plants to start a garden
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These invasive ground covers became a planting nightmare – 5 species I’ll never grow again, and what I'd choose instead as a professional gardenerAfter several years as a gardener, these are the thuggish ground covers I’ll never plant again
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You don’t need to ditch your old, blunt pruners – this $16 sharpening stone will transform them in seconds (and it’s what pro gardeners use)From zinnia deadheading to rose trimming, blunt blades make pruning harder than it needs to be
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Best viburnum companion plants – 5 perfect plants to pair with your favorite flowering shrubs this yearShow off your viburnum shrubs with these impactful companion plants
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How to grow Japanese forest grass – for an elegant problem-solver plant that thrives in shady bordersWith arching green blades, Japanese forest grass brings texture and movement to challenging dark corners
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I’ve dealt with invasive and ugly shrubs as a professional gardener – these are the 5 shrubs I'll never grow again, and what I'd choose insteadIn my opinion, these vigorous and unsightly shrubs are best avoided
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Plant these 7 fast-growing annuals now for copious blooms in late summer and throughout fall, as recommended by a professional gardenerLow-effort but high-impact, these flowers will bring plenty of joy and color to your yard
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When is the best time to prune roses? Follow these simple timing rules for the best blooms from your garden stalwartsTiming is crucial when pruning roses, and doing so at the right moment will produce a healthy plant and a profusion of blooms
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Best evergreens to stop weeds – 5 expert-approved shrubs to keep problem plants out of your yardThese evergreen ground covers and shrubs will help reduce the amount of time you spend weeding
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Scents that mosquitoes hate – 9 expert recommendations for fragrant mosquito-repellent plants to grow in your yardAdding one or two plants with scents that deter mosquitoes to your patio is a must this summer
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If you're done weeding with a sore back or bad knees, this 5-star tool is a genius way to tackle weeds this summer (no bending or kneeling required)At just $34, this long-handled weeder is a bargain that can ease your knee and back trouble when toiling in the yard
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How to grow salvia in pots – for a low-fuss patio perennial that flowers non-stop all summer longSalvia plants are some of the easiest perennials to grow in pots
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I'm a professional gardener, and this 1 natural ingredient is essential to help Japanese maples thrive in summer – and will give you vibrant fall color, tooMulching Japanese maples in summer might seem like a small deal, but it will make a big difference to plant health
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How to grow clove trees in pots – for a mosquito-repelling evergreen plant that your patio needsClove trees are a natural way to deter pests from outside spaces
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Best pittosporum companion plants – 5 expert recommendations for impactful borders alongside these tough, reliable evergreens
Fill your yard with colorful perennials and shrubs alongside these hardy trees
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How to grow coral honeysuckle – for a fuss-free flowering vine that hummingbirds can’t resistGrowing coral honeysuckle is an easy way to fill walls and fences with colorful blooms
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5 small trees that thrive on neglect – expert picks of beautiful, small-space species you can blissfully ignoreThese easy-going trees are perfect for urban yards where space is at a premium
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It’s not too late to plant pumpkins in Illinois – garden experts reveal the June veg window for hardiness zones 5 and 6If you live in Illinois or anywhere in USDA zones 5 and 6, June is a great time to add pumpkins to your kitchen garden
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How to grow epimedium – for a pretty and low-maintenance flowering plant that thrives in shady yardsEpimediums can be used to illuminate dark, shady borders
