Trowel & Error
Is November Too Late to Plant Bulbs?
November 9, 2026 · By The Seasoned Spade
The tulip bag is on the shelf and November is half gone — here's whether your bulbs still have time.
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Should You Leave the Leaves on the Lawn Over Winter?
A thin layer of leaves feeds the lawn; a thick mat smothers it. The Spade’s verdict on what to rake, mulch, and leave.
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Can I Leave Terracotta Pots Outside All Winter?
Terracotta pots left outside all winter crack, chip, and flake. Here’s the firm verdict, plus what to do instead.
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Is It Too Late to Plant Garlic in Late October?
Late October garlic? Not too late at all. Why fall planting works, how deep to plant, and the mulch that sees it through winter.
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Do Coffee Grounds Really Help Your Garden, or Are They Just Compost Hype?
Do coffee grounds really feed your garden, or are they just compost hype? The Spade brews up the truth — and a clear verdict.
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Clover Lawns: From “Weed” to Wonderful
Clover lawns aren’t just a trend—they’re low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and secretly the smarter, greener choice for your backyard.
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Edge of Glory—or Just Trimming the Surface?
Should you buy a lawn edger or just make do with your string trimmer? Here’s the dirt—with jokes.
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Ceramic or Terra Cotta: The Great Pot Showdown
Terra cotta dries fast, ceramic holds moisture—choose wisely, or your plants might take matters into their own roots.
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Can You Use Cat Litter as Perlite?
Using cat litter instead of perlite is like using pancake batter instead of concrete—technically possible, but you’ll regret it fast.
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What’s an Evergreen Oak?
Evergreen oaks defy tradition by keeping their leaves year-round. Learn why they’re the overachieving rebels of the oak world.
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How to Start Seeds Indoors Without Grow Lights
Yes, you can start seeds indoors without grow lights. Just expect them to be leggier than a Vegas showgirl at first.
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Why Do Birds Toss Seeds Out of the Feeder?
Ever wonder why birds fling seeds from your feeder? Turns out, they’re just picky eaters with attitude.
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Split or Not to Split? The Great Hosta Debate
Thinking about splitting your hostas? Here’s when, why, and how to do it without committing a gardening disaster.
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