There’s nothing like the excitement of planting tomatoes in the garden, watching them grow, and dreaming about that first juicy slice for salads and sandwiches. But then, just as the first fruits start to ripen, I notice something alarming. The bottoms of a few tomatoes have turned dark, sunken, and leathery, almost like they’re rotting…
What Is Bolting in Plants? Causes, Prevention, and What to Do When It Happens
If you’ve ever gone out to your garden expecting to harvest fresh lettuce or cilantro, only to find it suddenly growing tall with flowers, you’ve seen bolting in action. This is a common issue, especially in spring and early summer, and it can make some cool season vegetables tough and bitter. While bolting is a…
How to Clean Your Garden for Winter and Boost Soil Health
A student recently asked me in my local garden class, “What do you do with the plants left over in your garden at the end of the season?” Like most gardeners, I love having a neat, tidy garden once the growing season wraps up. But what if I told you that you can have both…
Worm Castings: Boosts Your Gardens Health Naturally
Every spring, when I am planning my spring garden, I’m always sure to add worm castings along with compost and cow manure. It’s a great way to get my garden started out on the right track. Then when I transition to my summer garden full of vegetables that are heavy feeders, I repeat the process….
Ladybug Larvae: Friend or Foe? Why These Fierce-Looking Bugs Are Garden Heroes
Have you ever spotted a strange, spiky, almost menacing-looking bug crawling around your plants and wondered if it was a pest? You wouldn’t be the only one! One of the most misunderstood insects in the garden is the ladybug larva. Unlike the familiar round, spotted adult ladybug, the larval stage looks more like a tiny,…
Simple Seed Starting Tips for a Strong and Healthy Garden
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, especially for vegetables that need a longer growing period. It allows you to control the environment, ensure strong seedlings, and grow a wider variety of plants. Local garden centers typically carry the most common vegetable varieties, but starting seeds indoors…
How to Grow Asparagus: A Guide to Planting and Harvesting for Years of Enjoyment
Every gardening season I like to try something new in my garden. Last year, I experimented with a “container friendly” okra variety perfectly suited for raised beds. It grew about 3 feet tall but produced full-sized pods all season. I’ll replant it again this summer. This spring, I’m taking on a more permanent project –…
How to Care for Aloe Plants
I have a confession to make. I can’t resist checking the “discounted plant” aisle at the grocery store. Last summer, I spotted an aloe plant there for 99 cents. Honestly, it looked so pitiful it probably wasn’t worth a quarter. Its leaves were shriveled, the color was more brown than green, and it sat slumped…
Seeds vs. Transplants: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Vegetable Garden
Seeds or Transplants: What’s Best for Your Vegetable Garden? When it comes to planting your vegetable garden, one big question always pops up: Should you start with seeds, or should you go for transplants? It’s not always a straightforward decision, but don’t worry—we will break it down together so you can feel confident about your…
Air Plants: For Those Who Love Plants But Can’t Keep Them Alive
Do you have a brown thumb? Does every plant you touch seem to wither despite your best intentions? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there’s hope! Let me introduce you to the air plant —nature’s gift to the plant-challenged. These unusual, low-maintenance plants thrive on neglect (well, almost) and are perfect for those who forget…