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.
READ MORE » about Tomato companion plants: 22 science-backed plant partners for healthy tomato plants
Set up a self watering raised bed: Pre-made and DIY options
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.
READ MORE » about Set up a self watering raised bed: Pre-made and DIY options
How to plant grass seed: A simple guide to success
Lawns are everywhere. Some are highly tended; others, not so much. My own lawn is a mixed planting of three types of turf grass (Kentucky blue, fescue, and perennial rye grass), clover, violets, ground ivy, and various other “weeds”, which is exactly how I like it (and so do the resident honey bees and bumble bees!). Regardless of how perfectionistic you are about your lawn, at one point or another, you’ll find yourself needing to plant grass seed. Whether it’s to fill in a bare spot left behind by Fido or a wayward snowplow, or to install a brand-new lawn after a construction project, learning how to plant grass seed is a necessity for most homeowners. This article offers a simple guide to success, no matter the reason for your reseeding efforts.
READ MORE » about How to plant grass seed: A simple guide to success
Tall perennials: Adding height to the garden with bold plants
I love a layered look in the garden. One that’s filled with different colours and textures. And that means you need different heights, from the tall perennials in the back, to the smaller, mounding plants or groundcover in the front. Picture a public school class photo where you have the smaller kids in the front on chairs, a middle row standing and the tall students in back, maybe up on a bench. The point is you get to see the faces of all the kids, so you want to make sure you see all the plants.
READ MORE » about Tall perennials: Adding height to the garden with bold plants
Heirloom seeds: The ultimate guide to selecting and growing heirloom seeds
Heirloom seeds are popular with home gardeners, but what exactly is an heirloom seed? The true definition is often debated, but most experts classify an heirloom variety as one that is open-pollinated and has been in cultivation for at least fifty years. In my own vegetable garden, many of our favorite crops are heirloom varieties like Cherokee Purple tomato, Fish pepper, Lemon cucumber, and Dragon’s Tongue bean. Read on to learn more about heirloom seeds and why they make such great garden plants.
READ MORE » about Heirloom seeds: The ultimate guide to selecting and growing heirloom seeds
How to grow garlic in pots: The best method for success
Growing your own garlic is a very fulfilling task, but learning how to grow garlic in pots is a game changer. The varieties available to home growers are far more diverse and flavorful than what you can find at the grocery store. Plus, growing garlic is pretty easy. But what if you don’t have an in-ground vegetable garden? Can you still grow garlic? Absolutely! In this article, I’m going to share everything you need to know about how to grow garlic in pots.
READ MORE » about How to grow garlic in pots: The best method for success
