Savvy Gardening

5 Time-saving gardening tips for the vegetable gardener

As a gardener with twenty raised vegetable beds, I’ve learned a lot of time-saving gardening tips. I love working in my garden, but I also want to enjoy the space. I don’t want to always be weeding and watering, but instead, I want to spend time watching the hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, as well as savouring an occasional al fresco meal in the dining area we recently installed beside the garden – talk about garden to table! Therefore, I’ve become a savvy gardener who knows that working smarter doesn’t mean working harder. Here are some of my best time-saving gardening tips.

Recipe idea: Stuffed squash

Written by Tara Nolan

I grew pattypan squash for the first time this year. This summer squash variety is often found in miniature on a plate, roasted along with other bite-sized veggies, but I let mine grow to the size of a normal squash. Then I had to decide how to eat my prolific harvest. The answer? Stuffed squash.
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Vertical vegetable gardening: pole bean tunnels

Written by Niki Jabbour

When I redesigned my vegetable garden this past spring, I knew I wanted two things; raised beds and plenty of vertical structures, including bean tunnels. Vertical vegetable gardening allows a very efficient use of space, helps prevent insect and disease problems, and adds beauty to the garden. Plus, easy-to-build structures, like bean tunnels, are so much fun!

Flowers that attract pollinators: It’s not about the grown-ups

Written by Jessica Walliser

It’s been a spectacular year for the butterflies in my garden. I believe we’ve seen more species this year than ever before. I’ve worked very hard over the years to create a garden that’s welcoming to all creatures and includes lots of flowers that attract pollinators. The huge diversity of plant material in my garden provides a variety of food sources for all of the pollinators hanging around our place.
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Papalo: get to know this Mexican herb

Written by Niki Jabbour

In a recent post, I featured one of my favourite herbs, Vietnamese coriander. Judging by the social media response, it seems that a lot of gardeners love Vietnamese coriander as much as I do! Therefore, in case you were looking for more herb garden ideas, I thought I’d pass along another easy-to-grow, cilantro-like herb; papalo.

Pollinating squash, cucumbers & pumpkins

Written by Niki Jabbour

The Cucurbit cousins – squash, cucumbers, melons, gourds, and pumpkins – have a reputation for poor pollination. You may find that your plants are covered with flowers, yet you get few fruits. Why? There are a number of factors that can contribute to pollination problems, but first, it helps to understand a little bit more about the Curcubit’s.