Gardening Basics

Raising Tomato in Raised Bed

There’s nothing quite like a homegrown tomato! Store-bought just can’t compare to the exceptional freshness, quality, variety, and, most importantly, taste of a tomato you grow yourself. Raised bed tomato growing makes the whole process, from soil to table, convenient and easy for the home gardener. Why Raised Beds Raised…

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The Praying Mantis in Your Garden

This insect can be large and intimidating, but the praying mantis in your garden is a guest to welcome and celebrate, not one to fear or eliminate. Understanding these beneficial insects can help every gardener realize just how useful praying mantids can be. About the Praying Mantis There are more…

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Nothing Says Welcome Like an Entry Garden

Now is the time to start planning your entry garden. This welcoming patch has the power to set a warm and friendly tone for those who pass through your garden on the way to your front door. It does take some planning to set the proper mood, however, and you…

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Raising the Next Generation of Gardeners

Gardening is a valuable skill and teaching young children to garden imparts to them much more than just how to grow plants. Raising the next generation of gardeners is incredibly rewarding and adapting gardening practices to engage kids will get children of all ages enthusiastic about soil, seeds, and harvests….

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The Fall Herb Garden

The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of deliciousness from your garden, especially in Zone 10, where a fall herb garden can add tantalizing tastes to all your meals. As the season changes, give your herbs a little tender loving care to ensure they thrive through fall and into…

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Building A Simple Raised Bed

It’s a bittersweet time of year. Frost has put to rest another growing season. It is a time for endings as we clean up the garden and jot down this year’s successes and failures. It is also a time for new beginnings, such as planning and anticipating next year’s garden. …

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Ornamental Cabbage & Kale

Looking to add extra appeal to the fall and winter landscape? This year, try ornamental cabbage and kale! Planted alongside chrysanthemums and winter pansies, ornamental cabbage and kale add distinctive bold texture and vibrant seasonal color to the late-season landscape. Foliage not Flower Frequently called ‘flowering’ cabbage & kale, these…

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A Guide to Home-Grown Blackberries

Transform your garden into a sanctuary of sweetness with home-grown blackberries. Picture plucking ripe, juicy berries straight from the vine, indulging in their unmatched flavor while reaping their nutritional benefits. With minimal maintenance, these resilient plants provide a convenient, sustainable source of delicious fruit, fostering a deeper connection with nature…

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Strawberries: Home Grown in Hanging Baskets

Do you grow strawberries? Ripe, sweet, juicy strawberries are the number one favorite fruit in the US and are definitely worth the garden space. However, if you have a small or limited growing space, raising strawberries in hanging baskets offers a creative and space-saving solution while adding a decorative touch…

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Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening is a highly efficient method that maximizes space, minimizes waste, and simplifies the gardening process. Mel Bartholomew popularized it in his book “Square Foot Gardening,” which was first published in 1981. Since then, it has gained widespread acclaim for its simplicity and productivity. Still widely used and…

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