Master Gardener sharing garden inspiration and helpful tips for growing your own garden.
The raised beds we made when we first started a garden in 2009 are falling apart and it is time for a garden makeover. When we moved into this home over 12 years ago, one of the first things I did was start a garden. We finally had room and I’d always wanted a garden. […] Read more…
If you garden in climates where the summer sun is intense, it’s best to provide afternoon shade for many vegetables in the garden. Adding shade to your garden is like putting “sun screen” on your plants. Wondering how to create shade in the garden? Here are my favorite ways to add shade and help your […] Read more…
Including 30 Practical Suggestions for Implementing Organic Gardening Principles What exactly is organic gardening? How is it different from regular gardening? Why does it matter? Organic gardening is more than just not using pesticides and other chemicals in your garden; it is a way of gardening that makes pesticide and chemical use not needed. Disclaimer: […] Read more…
Garden planning helps you make the most of the available space and sunlight in your garden. Each new season in the garden can seem overwhelming. Knowing what to plant, when to plant, and where to plant is a juggling act for even experienced gardeners. Taking the time to make a plan will help you be […] Read more…
Companion planting folklore has existed for centuries. Although modern research often validates the effectiveness of some companionships, we don’t understand all the reasons why it works. Effective organic gardening techniques often implement many types of companion planting. This article covers the benefits of companion planting, and provides practical suggestions for how to implement companion planting […] Read more…
Living in a warm-winter climate means that you may try to push the boundaries of what can be grown throughout winter. Frost and cold weather can come on quickly, and knowing what to cover in a freeze can mean the difference between life and death for some of your plants. Be prepared by gathering needed […] Read more…
You may be reading this post because you are looking for a quick fix to a pest problem you are facing in the garden. There are organic pest control solutions that really work (I list them below). It is important to understand the importance of healthy soil and plants as it relates to common pests […] Read more…
Feed the soil that feeds your plants. Learn how to make the best organic garden fertilizer with a few simple ingredients, and understand when to apply it for healthy soil and plants. The organic fertilizer mix recommended by garden guru Edward C. Smith (recipe below) is often thought of as the best organic garden fertilizer. It […] Read more…
Gardening for the last 12 years has taught me several lessons, many of which I learned the hard way. In this post I share my picks for the 10 biggest vegetable gardening mistakes. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve made most of the mistakes on this list. Learn from my vegetable gardening mistakes and […] Read more…
The days are beginning to warm up, and the anxiety about how your garden will survive the intense summer heat is rising as fast as the mercury in the thermometer. Here are 10 ways to help your garden survive summer. Take a deep breath, grab a cool drink, and read them under the shade of […] Read more…