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Gardening How-To

Step-by-step techniques: planting, propagating, repotting and seasonal jobs.

How to Propagate a Snake Plant: 4 Easy Methods

September 30, 2026September 28, 2026 by Henry Foster
Snake plant leaves and pups ready for propagation

How to propagate a snake plant in water, in soil, by division or from rhizomes, with timelines, the variegation catch and fixes for rotting cuttings.

Categories Gardening How-To, Houseplant Care

Plant Identification: How to Identify Any Plant

September 30, 2026September 27, 2026 by Henry Foster
Different leaf shapes and edges used to identify plants

How to identify a plant: the best free plant ID apps, the clues to check (leaves, flowers, stems), free expert help, and safety tips for unknown plants.

Categories Gardening How-To, Plant Problems

How to Plant Succulents (Without Rotting Them)

September 30, 2026September 25, 2026 by Henry Foster
Assorted succulent plants in pots

How to plant succulents: the right soil and pot, step-by-step planting, the soak-and-dry watering method, light, easy beginner types and pet safety.

Categories Easy-Care Houseplants, Gardening How-To, Houseplant Care

How to Grow Basil for a Big, Bushy Harvest

September 30, 2026September 24, 2026 by Henry Foster
Sweet basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) with bright green leaves

How to grow basil from seed or a store-bought plant: warmth and sun, watering, the pinching trick for bushy plants, harvesting and fixing problems.

Categories Gardening How-To, Herbs & Edible Plants, Pet-Safe Plants

How to Plant Lavender So It Actually Survives

September 30, 2026September 24, 2026 by Henry Foster
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in full purple bloom

How to plant lavender: choosing English, French or lavandin types, when to plant, soil and drainage, spacing, growing in pots, watering and pruning.

Categories Gardening How-To, Herbs & Edible Plants, Outdoor Plants & Flowers

How to Plant Garlic in Fall for a Big Summer Harvest

September 30, 2026September 24, 2026 by Henry Foster
Garlic bulbs and cloves (Allium sativum)

How to plant garlic: when to plant in your zone, hardneck vs softneck, how deep to set the cloves, mulching, watering, scapes and when to harvest.

Categories Gardening How-To, Herbs & Edible Plants

How to Plant Tulip Bulbs: When and How Deep

September 30, 2026September 23, 2026 by Henry Foster
Red and yellow tulips in bloom in a spring garden

How to plant tulip bulbs in fall: the best time for your USDA zone, how deep and far apart to plant, pots vs beds, and how to get tulips to come back.

Categories Gardening How-To, Outdoor Plants & Flowers
HF

Henry Foster

25 years growing plants

Henry writes every guide on Pure Beauty Ways, checked against extension services, botanical gardens and the ASPCA.

Read Henry's story

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Pet ownersNot every houseplant is safe for cats and dogs. See our pet-safe plants, and keep the ASPCA Poison Control number handy: (888) 426-4435.

Pure Beauty Ways

Practical, experience-based care guides for houseplants and home gardens, written by Henry Foster after 25 years of growing. Every guide is checked against extension services, botanical gardens and the ASPCA.

Popular guides

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