Plants and Outdoor Living

HOUSEPLANTS

An illustration of two paramedics carrying a sick plant while a woman looks in despair — (Illustration by Klas Fahlén for The Washington Post)

5 questions to ask before you give up on a sad houseplant

What should you do when a houseplant is sick or you no longer want it? Here’s how to decide whether it’s worth hanging on or time to let go.

By Karen Hugg

A large anthropomorphic plant smiles as assorted people and creatures in colorful outfits sit on its leave and speak. The scene is set against a light pink background and gold sparkles fill the air.

The case for talking to your houseplants

By Stacey Colino

A room with five different types of plants, a lounge chair, rug, table, lamp and large window.

Which houseplant is right for you?

By Rachel Kurzius

How to tame a monstera that’s growing like crazy

By Marissa Hermanson

Common reasons your houseplants are dying — and how to help them

By Rosa Cartagena

10 ways to save money on your houseplant addiction

By Jandra Sutton

Skip the store. For fresh herbs this winter, try an indoor garden.

By Nevin Martell

OUTDOORS

(Johnny Greig/iStock)

13 essential tools you need to get started as a gardener

You don’t need fancy, expensive branded equipment, but investing in sturdy gear will ensure that it lasts for years to come.

During the season of resolutions, a vow to appreciate trees all year

By Catie Marron

How to deal with your leaves

By Rachel Kurzius

Gutter cleaning is a messy but necessary job. Here’s what to know.

By Kevin Brasler

7 expert-recommended rakes to get you through leaf-clearing season

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Yes, fungus can eat your house. Here’s what to know.

By Jeanne Huber

How to get rid of mosquitoes without killing friendly pollinators

Hilton Carter takes questions on decorating with plants

By Jura Koncius9 hours from now

Architectural Digest’s Amy Astley took your questions on trends, organization and more

By Jura KonciusJune 22

Can you wash your good china in the dishwasher? An expert took questions.

By Jura KonciusJune 15

Is carpeting or tile better for a basement? An expert took your questions.

By Jura KonciusJune 8

Need help organizing jewels + Squishmallows? An organizer took questions.

By Jura KonciusJune 1

More live chats

Gardening

(Pobytov and Pobytov/iStock)

Unraveling the myth of the green thumb

Nature doesn’t have to come as second nature. Experience is what makes the gardener.

By Catie Marron

13 essential tools you need to get started as a gardener

5 vegetables to keep your garden harvest going into the winter

By Nevin Martell

Composting is easier than you think. Here’s how to get started.

By Scott Kirkwood

A gardener’s fall ritual: Swapping flower bulbs and dreaming of spring

By Catie Marron

Get your garden in tune with the environment by going biodynamic

By Nevin Martell

Skip the store. For fresh herbs this winter, try an indoor garden.

By Nevin Martell

Heirloom seeds can yield robust, tastier veggies. Here’s what to know.

By Nevin Martell

How to make a big splash with a small garden

By Nevin Martell

Plants

(Cielito M. Vivas /for The Washington Post)

Bidding wars and $1,000 succulents: The wild world of rare houseplants

Serious houseplant collectors travel to auctions and sleuth online for unusual or status varieties — often made all the more covetable by social media

By Hannah Holland

How to tame a monstera that’s growing like crazy

By Marissa Hermanson

The case for talking to your houseplants

By Stacey Colino

10 ways to save money on your houseplant addiction

By Jandra Sutton

Which houseplant is right for you?

By Rachel Kurzius

Composting is easier than you think. Here’s how to get started.

By Scott Kirkwood

Common reasons your houseplants are dying — and how to help them

By Rosa Cartagena

Heirloom seeds can yield robust, tastier veggies. Here’s what to know.

By Nevin Martell

How to deal with your leaves

By Rachel Kurzius

5 vegetables to keep your garden harvest going into the winter

By Nevin Martell

Gutter cleaning is a messy but necessary job. Here’s what to know.

By Kevin Brasler