For years, every spring started the same way.I’d drag out the old tiller, spend hours wrestling it through our heavy clay soil, and then spend the rest of the season pulling weeds that seemed to grow faster than my vegetables. Then one day I finally discovered the secret to growing a successful, low-maintenance garden: raised…
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…
Is That Powdery Mildew on Your Squash Leaves? Here’s How to Tell (and What to Do About It)
If you’ve ever walked out to your garden, looked at your squash or cucumber plants, and noticed white or silvery-looking spots on the leaves, you might immediately think “uh-oh, powdery mildew,” and reach for the spray bottle. But hold up—not all white patches are cause for concern. First: Is It Really Powdery Mildew? Many types…
When to Use Organic Phosphorus Fertilizer in Your Vegetable Garden (And Why It Works Better Than Balanced Fertilizer)
When you hear “fertilizer,” your first thought might be a balanced blend like 10-10-10 or an all-purpose organic option. But sometimes, your garden needs a more targeted boost—especially when it comes to phosphorus, the nutrient that fuels strong root growth and flower (and eventually fruit) development. If your vegetables are looking lush and green but…
Azomite: A Little Dust That Packs a Big Punch in the Garden
If you’ve heard gardeners mention Azomite and wondered what the fuss is about, here’s the simple explanation because I like simple! What is Azomite?Azomite is a natural rock dust packed with over 70 trace minerals. It comes from ancient volcanic ash deposits and looks like a fine gray powder. You just mix it into your…
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….
Growing Butternut Squash: Tips for a Tasty Harvest
I have never grown butternut squash in my garden, although I love the taste, for a couple of reasons. It takes up a lot of space in your garden, and it takes it up for a long time. Most butternut squash has a long growing season, up to 110 days. But since I have added…