If your yard is anything like mine, fall arrives and suddenly the yard is covered in leaves. And not just the yard, the driveway, deck and the gutters. Instead of bagging them up for the curb, this is the perfect time to put them to work in your garden — because those leaves can do…
What To Do With Your Annual Flowers in Pots Now That the Season Is Over
Today’s weather was so pretty, I wanted to get out and finish cleaning up in my yard after the freeze we had a week ago. The annual potted flowers had finally given up after the hard freeze, and it was time to shift from summer color to winter garden cleanup. I’ll admit. It was a…
How to Use Garden Downtime to Plan Your Best Vegetable Garden Yet
Did you plant a vegetable garden this year? If so—how did it go?What thrived? What flopped? What would you never grow again… and what can’t you wait to plant next season? Fall and winter are the perfect times to hit pause, reflect, and plan forward—especially while the garden is resting and your memory is still…
Using Cover Crops in Small Gardens and Raised Beds
As a home gardener, you may not have thought much about cover crops—or maybe you’ve assumed they’re only for farmers with big fields of corn or wheat. The truth is that cover crops can be just as useful in a small backyard garden and raised beds as they are on a farm. Whether you grow…
Chamomile: How to Grow and Brew This Soothing Tea Herb
Remember Peter Rabbit? After his wild adventure in Mr. McGregor’s garden, his mother tucked him into bed with a soothing cup of chamomile tea—a timeless remedy for frazzled nerves and upset tummies. If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow herb that brings calm in a cup, chamomile is it. With its gentle apple-like scent and relaxing…
Grow Your Own Potatoes: Easy Steps for Beginners
Thinking about growing your own potatoes? It’s easier than you think, and there’s nothing better than digging up fresh, homegrown potatoes for dinner. When to Plant Potatoes like cool weather, so plant them 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost. The soil should be at least 45°F, or they’ll just sit there and not grow…
Top 5 Reasons for Choosing Heirloom Seeds
If you’ve ever tasted a homegrown heirloom tomato, you know there’s no comparison to the bland, store-bought varieties. But heirloom vegetables aren’t just about flavor—they’re about preserving history, promoting biodiversity, and growing something truly special in your garden. There are plenty of reasons to choose heirloom seeds, but here are MY top five. 1. Heirlooms…
How to Use Floating Row Covers to Protect Your Garden
Spring weather can be a wild ride. One day it’s sunny and warm, and the next, you’re pulling out your coat again. You’ve planted your vegetable garden, excited to watch it grow, and then… A surprise frost shows up in the forecast. What can a gardener do? This is where floating row covers, also known…
How to Plant and Grow Blueberries
Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits to grow at home. Right now, I have three blueberry bushes growing alongside my raised garden beds. I love having fresh blueberries on hand for smoothies, muffins, and summer salads. Wondering when to plant blueberries? Just visit your local garden center! Your local garden center will carry the…
Do Eggshells Really Add Calcium to Your Plants? Truth vs. Myth
Most gardeners are always on the lookout for natural ways to improve their soil and boost plant health. One popular tip floating around is that adding eggshells under your plants will provide a calcium boost, preventing issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers. But is it really that simple? Let’s take a look….