7 flowers you should plant right now for blooms that will last until december (or longer)

Gardening

7 Flowers You Should Plant Right Now for Blooms That Will Last Until December (or Longer)

Drescription

We all know that it's pretty hard to maintain a flourishing garden and yard in the hot summer months. But of course, some outliers do bloom amongst the sunshine and continue to grow throughout the fall and winter months.

Read on to see which plants you should grow now that will last until December.

Pansies

Pansies are a beautiful flower that you can typically plant in the late summer or early fall. They tend to like partial sun and partial shade, and don't appreciate too much warmth.

This is why they are the perfect flower to plant if you want to have a yard full of blooms in the winter. These beauties flourish in 40°F to 60°F temperatures and will add a ton of pops of color to your garden.

Dahlias

Dahlias are another kind of flower that should last until December. These pretty blooms originate from Mexico and South America, but still last throughout the fall months. As long as the temperature doesn't drop below 35°F, they will still be looking strong.

Aster

Asters are tough and able to withstand a lot of different climates and temperatures. They come in a variety of gorgeous colors like vivid blues and pastel pinks. The beauty of growing asters in the late summer is that they will likely last until the late months of fall.

Keep in mind that they need well-drained soil to continue to flourish; they don't agree with soil that is too wet.

Flowering Kale

Flowering kale may seem like an unconventional plant to decorate your home in the winter, but its bright purple and pink tones will make passing neighbors stop and stare at your yard.

Flowering kale easily tolerates frost and lower temperatures and should be blooming as the temperatures drop further in the late fall.

Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are the color of sunshine which is ironic because they love the cold temperatures. These golden beauties will even thrive in temperatures as low as -30°F and will transform your wintertime garden into a summertime oasis.

Even after they wither away, they will continue to return year after year, making this one of the easiest flowers to deal with.

Coneflowers

Coneflowers come in a rainbow of different colors like pink, purple, white, yellow, and red. This tiny but mighty flower will bloom well into the fall and cooler months and love well-drained soil, too. Coneflowers are also beloved by bees, butterflies, and more pollinators.

Catmint

Catmint is a lovely purple-colored plant that resembles lavender and smells just as good. This plant is extremely tough and the blooms don't need much maintenance in the wintertime.

They usually perform very well in pots even in the colder months and will evolve from a bright purple color in the summer and fall, into a lovely light purple and gray tone over the winter.

6 Reasons Why Your Tomatoes Grew Too Small This Year, and How to Fix It

Tomatoes are a great place to start if you're looking to grow your own produce, but that doesn't mean they're not without their own issues. Making it through the growing phase, having ducked and dodged blight, hornworms, blossom end rot, and all the other problems a tomato plant might run into can feel like a success of its own. Which is why it's extra disappointing when the fruit is just... small. Here are six reasons why your tomatoes are too small, and all the ways you can correct them for a bountiful harvest in the future. Extreme Drought or Heat Most varieties of tomato require full sun, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily fit for extreme conditions. Heat and drought are the number one reason why tomato fruits fall short of their expected size. It's important to keep an eye on soil moisture levels and keep plants well-watered with at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. The soil should never dry out; this will lead to quick wilting. Tomatoes don't typically flourish in temperatures above 85°F, but we also can't help where we live. If your local temperatures consistently rise above this, consider investing in a shade cloth, and increase watering to twice daily. Consider planting in a container, where the plants can be moved into the shade—or just out of harsh, direct sun—as needed. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Poor Pollination If pollinating by hand, this should occur at least every other day during the growing season. If you're relying on pollinators to get the job done, consider making your yard more pollinator-friendly: plant attractive plants, provide a source of water (not stagnant), and decrease potential predators like bats or pets. Too Many Fruits It's important to pick fruits as they ripen; leaving tomatoes on the vine can not only cause splitting and other damage to the fruit itself, but also increase the number of fruits a single plant has to put effort into growing and supporting. You'll know tomatoes are ready to pick when it is a vibrant shade of its expected color, has a shiny look, feels tender, and comes off the vine easily. Too Much Nitrogen An excess of nitrogen in the soil has been known to cause smaller fruits. If you're unsure about your soil composition, you can buy a DIY test kit to gain insight into what's happening below the surface. If nitrogen levels are too high, consider working in a lower nitrogen fertilizer to balance it out. Pests Pests cause stress on plants that divert their energy to healing and surviving, instead of thriving and producing delicious, juicy tomatoes. If you spotted some common tomato pests hanging around your plants as they grow, don't be surprised if your fruit comes out a bit small at the end of the season. Next year, keep a close eye on early warning signs to fight these infestations in their early stages. Watering by hand keeps you close to the plant on a regular basis and makes it easier to spot problems earlier. Plant Diseases The same goes for plant diseases as for pests. Know the early signs of what different common tomato diseases look like, and you'll be able to help your plant fight it off early.

Japanese Aralia Is the Quirky Bloom You Should Add to Your Garden Now — How to Care For It

Japanese aralia, also called paper plant or Formosa rice tree, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that can be planted or grown in a container in temperate gardens or kept as a houseplant. With foliage that hints at a tropical location and striking blooms, it is a plant you'll enjoy year-round. Japanese Aralia Care As an evergreen garden shrub or small tree, Japanese aralia has a rounded, spreading form and can reach up to 19 feet tall. The dark green leaves have a palmate form and make long-lasting foliage for flower arrangement. White or cream flowers that resemble drumsticks appear on new growth stems in late fall and black fruit develops in winter from the blooms. The plant can be grown in a container on a shady patio or as a houseplant in colder hardiness zones. It is quite popular with deer, so aim to protect it or keep it inside. If grown as a houseplant, Japanese aralia seldom blooms or develops fruit. Light If you have a shady garden, this is an excellent shrub choice, as it prefers partial to full shade. It can only tolerate about 2 hours of direct sunlight before the leaves are scorched and turn brown. If growing in a container, it should not be placed in direct sun. Find a low-light spot inside and a shady corner of a porch or patio. Soil A highly adaptable plant, Japanese aralia thrives in clay, loam, or sandy soil that can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. However, you'll see larger, faster growth in soil that is nutrient-rich with organic matter. Container-grown plants work well with any commercial potting soil. Water Soil should be kept evenly moist. However, once established Japanese aralia can survive short periods of drought. Add a layer of mulch to help keep the soil moist in the garden. Reduce watering amounts in fall and winter when the plant is not growing as quickly. Temperature and Humidity The plant prefers temperate to warm temperatures outside and inside with moderate to high humidity. Protect the plant from drying winds. Fertilizer Fertilize regularly with a balanced NPK granular or liquid fertilizer except in the winter when the plant is not growing as much. Where and When to Plant Outdoor planting should be done in a shady area of the garden that receives around 2 to 4 hours of sunlight, preferably morning sun. The plants must be shaded to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. They are ideal as accent specimens, coarsely textured shrubs for mixed borders, or as an irregular screen or hedge. Plant in the garden in early spring after the last frost or late fall before the first frost to give the plant time to settle into the garden. Keep well-watered until the plant is established. Pruning and Trimming Japanese aralia can be pruned or trimmed at any time to maintain it's shape. Late winter is the best time to prune because blossoms will only appear on new growth. How to Propagate Japanese Aralia The best time to propagate Japanese aralia from a cutting is when there is new, green growth. You'll need a small plant pot with good drainage, potting mix, rooting hormone, and clean garden pruners. From Clippings Choose a tender stem with no blooms and cut 4 to 6 inches from the tip of the stem just below a leaf node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem. Fill the container with potting mix and water it well to moisten. Use your finger to poke a hole a few inches into the soil surface. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and shake off any excess. Place the cutting in the hole and pat the soil gently around the stem to hold the cutting in place. Put the cutting in a warm place that gets a few hours of bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, give the cutting a gentle tug—you'll feel resistance if it has rooted. Once the cutting has rooted, you can repot, if desired, and care for it as usual. From Fruit Seeds The plant can also be propagated from seeds gathered from the fruit that appears in the winter. Soak the fruit and crush them to extract the seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix in a seed tray. Keep the soil warm and moist with bright, indirect light. Once the seeds germinate, thin the plants as needed. When each plant has a few sets of leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Common Pests and Plant Diseases Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and spider mites on both garden plants and houseplants. Treat these pets as soon as possible to keep them under control. Overly moist soils may lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Common Varieties 'Camouflage': Variegated foliage with big splashes of yellow, lime, and green. 'Murakumo Nishiki': The leaves are patterned with yellowish-gold with irregular dark green borders resembling brocade fabric. 'Spider's Web': The edges or the entire blade of the leaves are speckled with a white variegation. 'Variegata': The ends of the variegated leaves show traces of white or yellow. Potting and Repotting Most Fatsia japonica houseplants should be repotted every couple of years to prevent them from becoming rootbound. Roots coming out of the drainage holes or if the plant isn't producing new growth are indicators that it needs a larger pot and fresh potting soil. Gently remove the plant from the pot by tapping on the sides to loosen the soil. If the roots are growing in a circle, gently pull them apart and shake out the soil. Fill the new container about one-third full of soil and add the plant, spreading the root system. Add enough soil to fill the container within one spare inch of rim. Water well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

6 Most Common Packing Mistakes People Make (and the Easy Fixes You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner)

One of the most stressful parts of a vacation is the prep, and that includes the packing. Weather and plans can change last minute, but the stuff you take with you is all you'll have, so you really want to nail it, even with all of the uncertainty. This can lead us to overpack, stuffing our suitcases to the brim and crossing the 50-pound limit that many airlines have in place for checked luggage. To avoid this, we asked travel experts to tell us the biggest packing errors they see people making and how we can avoid them. Packing Too Many "What Ifs" “One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make is overpacking for the "what ifs" instead of what might actually be needed," says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide, a small group tour company. "Not only does it slow you down, but it can lead to added stress managing checked bags and excess baggage fees." Instead, she suggests packing versatile layers that will work for whatever activities you have planned and leaving it at that. Then, you'll have room to bring back souvenirs! Bringing Your Brand New Shoes It's tempting to buy all new stuff for your vacation. After all, you're treating yourself to a trip so you may as well keep treating yourself. But, if you're not a fan of blisters (and who is?) you might want to think twice. "It’s easy to forget how much walking happens day to day on trips, especially adventure-focused trips. Packing brand new or uncomfortable shoes can be a major misstep," Rockett says. "I always recommend bringing at least one pair of well-worn walking shoes, even on more relaxed itineraries. Your feet will thank you.” Forgetting About Dirty Laundry You don't want to mix your clean, unworn stuff in with your sweaty duds! "I bring a cloth laundry bag to put dirty laundry in," says Matt Mazanec, tour director manager at Tauck. "It keeps them separate, and if I am bringing home something fragile, I can wrap it in my dirty laundry for extra cushioning." Packing an Iron or Steamer This one may seem counterintuitive, but irons and steamers take up a ton of room, and if you're trying to bring only a carry-on, you likely won't have space for these appliances. Diana Ferro-Rodrigues, vice president at Perillo Tours, recommends an easy alternative. "Instead. roll your clothes and pack a wrinkle release spray," she says. Using Vacuum Seal Bags Yes, these save a ton of room in your bag, but what many people don't realize is that they don't make your bag weigh less. "Your bag ends up weighing a ton, and you end up not being able to fit everything in your bag after you open the vacuum bags," Mazanec says. "Instead, use packing cubes and thoughtfully plan outfits with versatile pieces so that you’re prepared for many situations." Relying Too Heavily on Converters Yes, you should definitely have these! But, converters tend to work better for smaller things like phone and computer chargers and not as well for items that take tons of power like a blowdryer or straightener. Consider buying inexpensive local appliances instead. "For example, why risk burning out your nice U.S. curling iron or flat iron when you could buy one in Europe and just let it live in your suitcase, removing all worry from the equation?" says Brenna Shay, tour director manager at Tauck.

16 Fall Jackets We Love (+ This Year’s Two Biggest Outerwear Trends)

We all love summer, obviously. But as a team with birthdays exclusively in September and October, we are also big into the fall:) And let’s be honest, a massive perk of feeling that first intoxicating fall breeze is getting to comfortably wear your fall jackets. It’s a part of the fall joy. What’s not to love about them? They’re cozy and warm without needing to be heavy and bulky like in the snowy months. Naturally, I wanted to see what was on the market and once I saw the offering I told the team I needed to do a roundup post with my/our favorites. This isn’t to say you need a new jacket! But if you do I hope this is helpful and fun. So based on my research (Instagram, TikTok, and online window shopping), there are two major trends that are ruling this fall – The Barn Jacket and brown suede. I’m not mad about it one bit. But don’t worry, there’s something for everyone in this post. Let’s get started. The first barn jacket on this list! These jackets are very “chore jacket” adjacent. They are meant to have a slightly oversized fit (so able to wear a bulky sweater under it), are casual but cool, have large pockets, and usually button up. Where I believe they separate from the chore is that a barn jacket has a contrasting collar color (usually darker and sometimes in a different fabric). I love the color of this one and the warmer collar tone. If you flip up the cuff they’re also that warmer camel color! It’s just a solid jacket that you could easily start wearing now and would be perfect for spring too. But if this tan color isn’t your vibe it also comes in two other neutral options. Here are two more versions that I loved. The jacket on the left is from an EHD favorite, Alex Mill. That means it isn’t cheap but Em can attest to the quality. I really like the color and the waxed cotton makes it look like you’ve had it for years even if it’s brand new. I also really adore the rich brown corduroy collar and cuffs. So chic. And while it looks like it only buttons there’s also a secret and very pretty gold zipper. Oh, and it also comes in a burgundy color. Then for the denim option, the pockets are my favorite! I love that they look layered. It’s the added details of this guy that made me swoon. So yes, the pockets but also the cuff strap and the back of it also has a cool structure. I’m in:) Quilted jackets have also become very popular over the past handful of years (outside the barn I mean). So this jacket feels both classic (the green and brown combo) and on-trend. So cute. Ok, we are leaving the barn jacket portion of this post but we’re not down with quilting just yet! I love the look of this soft and slightly modernized take they took. It looks like you could happily take a nap in it if you wanted. And while I’m partial to this “Chai” color, it also comes in a “Burnt Sage” green. What’s not to love about a denim sherpa jacket?? I have this jacket (with a different collar but still with sherpa lining) and LOVE IT. I might have told the story already that it was my best friend’s roommate’s and every time I visited I admired/borrowed it (with her permission!). Turns out she had wished she had gotten a bigger size (she’s much taller than 5’4″ me) so I proposed I buy her the size she wanted and I could swap for hers. I’m so grateful and was genuinely sad when it became too warm to wear it. All that to say, it’s a great jacket that’s a total classic you’ll have probably forever. I have a medium if that’s helpful to anyone and it’s perfectly oversized. This is the denim trench Emily is wearing in the opening photo! Here’s what she said about it: “I bought this denim trench the SECOND I saw it (not part of my Madewell partnership). It’s excellent – drapes really well, layers really well, and is so much more me than a classic trench. I can dress it up like I did here or down (Soccer games? Sure!).” This one might need to come home with me. Yes, suede is currently trending more than usual but it’s another classic material that never really goes out of style. And this trench version is impossibly cool. Plus with it being made out of a faux-suede it’s at a much more reasonable price point ($178) as opposed to this also very beautiful Alexa Chung x Madewell version that’s going for $850. This cutie is under $100 and looks so pretty and classic. If you can’t tell I really love an oversized jacket or coat and this one has just the right amount of room. And you can’t tell from this photo but it also has a belt! Since it’s from Old Navy, it’s available in up to 4x and comes in a very stunning red. Sorry! One more barn jacket but this one is long so it felt a little different:) This whole outfit is so effortless. I love that this coat, as opposed to the jackets at the beginning, has a fun but classic pattern and a solid-colored collar. The zipper also makes bundling up a little easier. 10/10! Sticking with a great pattern that’s also wonderfully neutral, this is SUCH a great throw-on-and-go coat that will make any outfit feel more intentional and styled. Pair it with a workout look, jeans and a t-shirt, you name it. This will go with almost anything and look awesome. Get a trench but make it slightly street style! First off, I think this gray-blue is so great. Just enough color to make it feel a little exciting but not so bold that you can’t wear it with any outfit. The hooded dickey is removable but I really love it for everyday! It makes this whole look slightly more casual but in a very cool way. Another little trench twist is this cropped trench! If you are someone who doesn’t prefer a long coat but does love the style and “flappiness” of a trench this could be for you. It’s as if they literally just chopped off the bottom of the most classic trench. I think it’s so cute and fun and perfect for fall. This one on the other hand had more of a modern utility vibe that I REALLY love. The oversized pockets and shoulder straps are so good. It would be hard to not feel extremely cool in this jacket. I would happily wear this! It also comes in a beige color if that’s more your general color palette. These last two jackets are staples that are great to have in everyone’s closet if you ask me (no pressure though:)). A black blazer like this one can be thrown with so many different outfits and will make you feel powerful. At least that’s how I feel. I love that this one is oversized (duh) because it looks more architectural which is one of my style words I try to shop by. Yes, the other is a black leather jacket. I realized that I’m still in the market (this past very hot summer made wearing leather feel like a distant reality) and this one is the perfect moto style. Simple, classic, always on trend:) And since it’s not real leather it’s priced at $120 which doesn’t feel too bad! Anyone else getting very excited to bundle up a bit more?? Hope this was fun and/or helpful! See you tomorrow for the link up. Love you, mean it.