Articles by Don Nicholas

San Marzano: The Tomato That Stole My Heart

San Marzano: The Tomato That Stole My Heart

As an avid tomato gardener, let me tell you: San Marzano tomatoes are nothing short of magical. These oblong, bright-red beauties are the secret ingredient behind the best pasta sauce  
Food Gardener’s Bible

Food Gardener’s Bible

Some books are written quickly. This one took me about seven decades. That’s not because I’m a slow typist (though my fingers might occasionally argue otherwise). It’s because Food Gardeners Bible is  
Ranking the Best Chocolate Candies

Ranking the Best Chocolate Candies

If you love chocolate, you've likely found yourself in the candy aisle pondering, “Which chocolate should I indulge in today?” Fear not, fellow chocolate connoisseur! We've taken on the arduous  
Conversations with a Village Herbalist

Conversations with a Village Herbalist

A Good-Natured Interview by Don Nicholas, Your Intrepid Gardening Reporter There are many joys in writing—but one of the most delightful, at least for me, is the chance to create characters  
Best Tomato Seeds of 2026

Best Tomato Seeds of 2026

10 Fantastic Single-Variety Tomato Seed Picks (From Cherry Gems to Beefsteak Beauties) If you’re like me — someone who gets a little spark in your eye when you think about homegrown  
Compost Tea and Compost

Compost Tea and Compost

If the full article on compost and compost tea is your gardening textbook, think of this guide as your pocket reference. Pin it on your shed wall or save it  
Brewing Success in the Garden

Brewing Success in the Garden

Few gardening practices deliver more bang for the buck than using compost and compost tea. These two natural powerhouses not only improve soil structure and fertility, but also help your