Savvy Gardening

Use garden bed covers to protect your vegetable garden from season to season

by Niki Jabbour

Using garden bed covers like mini hoop tunnels, row covers, or portable cold frames is my secret to a bountiful and healthy vegetable garden. These versatile covers allow me to increase production, reduce pest and weather damage, and extend the harvest season into fall and winter. In my book, Growing Under Cover, I write about the many ways both small and large covers can be used in a home vegetable garden. Read on if you want to learn more about using protective covers in your garden.

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How to grow mint indoors: 3 growing methods for year-round harvests

by Jessica Walliser

Mint is one herb I won’t live without. I enjoy the occasional mojito, but my favorite way to enjoy mint is as an herbal tea. I use dried mint leaves to brew both hot and iced tea, and in the summer I make a weekly batch of sun tea with the fresh leaves. Since mint is notorious for its rampant growth (it can quickly take over the garden), I grow my mint in patio containers. I also grow mint year-round indoors. This means I have fresh mint leaves to harvest 12 months of the year. Today, I’d like to share information on how to grow mint indoors using three different techniques. Continue Reading
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How to grow cabbage: From planting seeds to harvesting heads

by Tara Nolan

Cabbage isn’t the most exciting or glamorous veggie (though as I kid, they were pretty cool because a cabbage patch produced adorable dolls). And the ornamental varieties are stunning in the fall garden. But this healthy veggie that is high in vitamin C and fibre, has a dependable spot in my fall recipe repertoire. I’ve also seen spectacular cabbages entered into competitions. Learning how to grow cabbage is pretty easy, and it’s very satisfying when you can pick your own to make cabbage rolls, cole slaw, sauerkraut, and other healthy and hearty meals.

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Plants that grow in water: A no-fuss, mess-free technique for growing houseplants

by Niki Jabbour

I love my growing collection of indoor plants, but admit that I’m a semi-negligent plant parent. Because of this, I’ve learned to focus on plants that grow in water. There’s no soil to spill or worries about pets digging in my houseplants. Plus, there are fewer pests (no fungus gnats!) and I’ve discovered so many awesome houseplants that thrive when grown in a jar, glass, or vase filled with clean water. If you want to learn more about plants that grow in water, read on!

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Tomato companion plants: 22 science-backed plant partners for healthy tomato plants

by Jessica Walliser

Have you wondered if there are plants you can grow side by side with your tomatoes to maximize harvests and grow healthier plants? You’ve probably heard of companion planting before. Maybe you know gardeners who swear by it. Or maybe you’ve heard that it doesn’t actually work. Old-school companion planting was deeply rooted in folklore and conjecture with little to no science to back it up. As a horticulturist, I’ve always had a hard time believing in the merits of traditional companion planting. However, thanks to research for my newest book, I look at the practice a bit differently these days. Today, I’d like to open your eyes to a more modern, science-based approach to companion planting and then introduce 22 tomato companion plants that are proven to help grow healthier, more productive tomatoes. Continue Reading
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Set up a self watering raised bed: Pre-made and DIY options

by Tara Nolan

The benefits of a self watering raised bed have become clear after a summer of constant daily watering due to drought. Building one now ranks high on my project list. I’d seen manufactured self watering pots with their water reservoirs on a much smaller scale. But it was my research for Raised Bed Revolution that introduced me to a gardener who had an entire rooftop garden filled with what she referred to as SIPs—sub-irrigated planters.

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