Savvy Gardening

10 Vegetables still thriving in my zone 5 garden in November

There’s something special about walking out to the vegetable garden on a cold November day and finding fresh vegetables ready to harvest, especially when you live in a cold climate like mine. For home gardeners, the idea of harvesting homegrown veggies long after the first frost has arrived is deeply rewarding. Growing into the fall isn’t just about squeezing out a few more homegrown meals; it’s a way to make the most of your gardening efforts, stretch the harvest season, and experience the garden in a whole new light.

How to grow radish sprouts and microgreens indoors year-round

Written by Niki Jabbour

Before I started gardening year-round, I longed for fresh food during winter days and realized I needed to learn how to grow radish sprouts and microgreens. Sprouts and microgreens are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they’re different stages of growth, produced in entirely different ways. Radishes are quick crops to begin with, but when you pick up on how to grow radish sprouts and microgreens, you’re giving yourself all the nutrition and crunch of a radish in just a week or two. It doesn’t matter if you have a sprawling mansion or a college dorm room, you only require space enough to hold a canning jar or take-out container. In this article you’ll learn the difference between radish sprouts and microgreens and how to grow them, including needed supplies, the growing process, harvesting and storage, and other tips.

LED grow lights: The best systems for indoor plants and seed-starting

Written by Niki Jabbour

For me, one of the biggest challenges to growing plants inside my home has always been finding a space that offers enough light. For years I focused on low-light indoor plants, like snake plants, golden pothos, and spider plants. But now, thanks to my LED grow lights, I have expanded my indoor plant collection to include light lovers, like succulents, cacti, and jade plants. But it’s not just about houseplants, I also use my LED grow lights to start seeds indoors, grow microgreens and culinary herbs, and for plant propagation. In this article I’ll share my favorite LED grow lights and stands to help you grow an indoor jungle.

How to grow spotted bee balm from seed

Written by Tara Nolan

I have various plant obsessions, but spotted bee balm is my latest. My local seed library introduced me to this fascinating plant. I picked up some seeds, winter sowed them (along with a few other native plants), and was delighted by the result when they bloomed in summer. The flowers, which are pollinator magnets, are really hard to describe. Layers of bracts and flowers look like they’ve been stacked on top of each other, and encircle a bright green stem with long, narrow leaves. The sturdy-looking bracts that resemble petals are a light mauve or pink hue, while the delicate flowers, that look a bit like talons, are pale yellow with maroon polka dots (I’ve read that these are nectar guides). They remind me a bit of snapdragons or the pattern of a toad lily.

Garlic spacing: How far apart to plant garlic for big bulbs

Written by Niki Jabbour

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow in a home garden and to encourage the biggest bulbs, it’s important to pay attention to garlic spacing. If the cloves are planted too close together the bulbs won’t size up. Too far apart and you’re not maximizing your garden space. Below you’ll discover recommendations for the best spacing for hardneck and softneck varieties in an in-ground garden, raised bed, or container. You’ll also learn more about the factors that impact how far apart to plant garlic.

Growing kiwi fruit: It’s easier than you think

Written by Jessica Walliser

Do you enjoy growing fruit? Perhaps you have a few blueberry bushes, a handful of strawberry plants, or some apple trees and you’re looking to expand your garden’s offerings? Consider growing kiwi fruit. It is a surprisingly easy fruit to grow in a home garden, as long as you have a sturdy trellis and a male and female plant. In this article, I’ll share all the information you’ll need to know to grow kiwi fruit and offer tips for success.