Lawn and Garden

Yard and lawn care is an important part of maintaining a home. Learn about landscaping and get yard tips and advice from the experts at HowStuffWorks.

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Everyday we hear about the problems the world faces. War, famine, disease - and the list doesn't end there. Every year, roughly 13 millions hectares of land is deforested and turned into parking lots and roads. So what can we do about it now?

By David Baez

Succulents manage to live with a lot less water than some of their thirstier counterparts. That doesn't mean you can just neglect them and expect them to thrive though.

By Jessika Toothman & Melanie Radzicki McManus

Whatever their medium, artists have been known to use any available resource in order to create a masterpiece. So what if they used nature not only as inspiration, but as instrument?

By Jessika Toothman

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As you head to work, you notice that the nearby vacant lot has become a utopian garden overnight. Did biblical forces create this urban Eden, or was it the handiwork of guerrilla gardeners?

By Jessika Toothman

As the population of our planet soars and arable land declines, hydroponics will allow us to produce crops in greenhouses or in multilevel buildings dedicated to agriculture. How else will hydroponics save plant populations?

By Bambi Turner

Is too much of a good thing a bad thing? When it comes to fertilizing your lawn, yes. So what does the damage? And how can you make splendor from your grass?

By Josh Clark

Permaculture emphasizes integrated farming and ecological engineering which, in theory, allows farms and communities to pursue their own ends in a way that works with their environments.

By Robert Lamb

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Don't bag your grass cuttings for the garbage man. Bags of grass grow our landfills when those clippings could be growing a healthy lawn. How do lawn clippings act as fertilizer?

By Cristen Conger

Forget those boring plots of fruits and veggies. Why sacrifice aesthetic appeal when growing your own food? Border your garden with lettuce, use mint as ground cover and encourage your kiwi vines to climb trellises.

By Cristen Conger

Planting a few trees in your yard certainly won't obliterate your entire carbon footprint. But it could cut your energy costs. How much carbon dioxide does the average tree absorb?

By Cristen Conger

What if you could shop for fruits and veggies in your own backyard? Not only would it save you a trip to the grocery store, it might save you some cash. How much?

By Cristen Conger

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What was once your manicured front yard is now an unruly jungle, home to various creatures and an eyesore for neighbors. The time has come to mow the lawn.

By Robert Lamb

Eventually, you may find reel mowers sitting between treadmills and free weights at your gym. After all, these old-school, environmentally friendly gardening tools rely on human power to mow your lawn.

By Robert Lamb

Gardens have lots of benefits, but what if you don't have any land to start your own? If you're strapped for green space, a community garden might be the answer.

By Jennifer Horton

When you spend all day in a cubicle, the idea of a lush green paradise of plants sounds like wishful thinking. But container gardening just might do the trick.

By John Fuller

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What has bright, blooming flowers and a sea of flapping wings? A butterfly garden. Planting one will help you to attract and conserve these winged beauties.

By Jennifer Horton

HowStuffWorks answers your gardening questions. From planting to maintenance, you can create a gorgeous landscape. You don't have to have a PhD in agriculture, but you should be aware of what will guarantee you success. Find out how to cultivate your land.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Bromeliads are plants that grow from the southern United States through Argentina. They can vary greatly in size, shape, color, and ease of growth. Learn about their characteristics and how to properly light, water, pot, and fertilize these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bromeliads are perennial plants that have one seed leaf. Bromeliads commonly grow in the American tropics, and a majority of the species are found in Brazil. These tough, long-lived plants grow well indoors, too. Learn more about types of Bromeliads.

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Cacti and succulent plants come in a variety of types, sizes, shapes, and colors. Some species of cacti produce leaves, while others are known for producing flowers. They can tolerate a wide variety of climates. Learn about cacti and how to care for these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cacti and succulents, tolerant and low maintenance plants, are ideal for busy people and indoor spaces. Cacti come in many varieties, and can survive in any number of light and moisture conditions. Learn about caring for these resilient plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Rose geraniums are beautiful floral perennials that have lovely scents ranging from floral to spicy. They will grow in pots, hanging baskets, or as bedding plants. Learn how to make them thrive in your garden.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Hosta fortunei is just one of many different kinds of hostas. Pale violet flowers add a nice touch to the plant, making these wonderful accents for shade. Read more about this species, which has beautiful variegated leaves.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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Rose campion is a beautiful, tall, and colorful garden classic that oozes nostalgic charm. Popular in English gardens as long ago as 1597, this classic garden plant makes a good cut flower. Learn about this plant, its history, and its uses.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) originally came from Europe. The fragrant, white flowers hang like small bells on their five to eight-inch stems. Read more about when to buy, how to care for, and how to arrange these beautiful flowers.

By Editors of Consumer Guide