As we all know, August can be a tricky month for gardening, with scorching temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. But fear not! With a little know-how and some careful planning, you can still create a thriving garden that will provide you with a bountiful harvest well into the fall. You're probably thinking that August, being…  READ MORE 

August in USDA zones 7-8 presents a unique opportunity for gardeners to balance the waning summer heat with the promise of a bountiful fall harvest. These zones, characterized by their longer growing seasons and milder winters, offer an extended window for planting that many gardeners in cooler regions can only dream of. As the dog…  READ MORE 

As gardeners in USDA zones 9-10, August presents  a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While much of the country is winding down their summer gardens, you're gearing up for a second round of planting in some of the hottest conditions of the year. August in zones 9-10 is characterized by scorching temperatures, often soaring…  READ MORE 

Hey there, fellow green-thumbed enthusiasts! If you're anything like us, the joy of gardening and the thrill of reaping what you sow are second to none. But let me regale you with the tale of our summer escapade: the epic battle against the tidal wave of tomatoes that engulfed our garden!  READ MORE 

In this delightful and witty tale, author Clarence Boucher takes us on a humorous journey through his reluctant foray into gardening, guided by his determined wife, Diana. With a Southern gentleman's charm and a touch of self-deprecating humor, he recounts the trials and tribulations of navigating hay bales, uphill battles, and the quest for the…  READ MORE 

Are you ready to embrace the crisp autumn air and take your gardening game to the next level? Well, I've got some exciting news that'll make your green thumb tingle: We've just released our Fall Food Garden Planning Kit, and it's going to revolutionize your autumn planting experience! This was hands down my favorite planning…  READ MORE 

There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly ripe, juicy peach straight from your own backyard tree. It's like a little taste of heaven, isn't it? I planted peach trees a few years ago, and am anxiously awaiting my first  harvest, but I've spent summers in our local orchards, and even ordering them…  READ MORE 

Oh, the heartbreak of watching your beloved lemon trees fall victim to those tiny, ruthless pests known as spider mites! Trust me, I've been there. As a passionate gardener, I've poured my heart and soul into nurturing not one, not two, but three lemon trees over the years. And let me tell you, the pain…  READ MORE 

There's nothing worse than slicing open a white watermelon, am I right? The good news is you can still make watermelon juice or watermelon lemonade out of it, but it's just not quite the same as biting into a juicy ripe watermelon! I remember my first year growing watermelons - or rather, I'd prefer to…  READ MORE 

If you're a gardener looking to grow sweet bell peppers, you might have heard the myth that planting hot peppers nearby can make your sweet peppers spicy. Don't worry – this is not true! Let's talk about why. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from one plant to another, leading to the production of seeds…  READ MORE 

Tomatoes are a beloved summer crop, but growing them during a particularly rainy season can be challenging. Last summer was particularly wet all over the USA, and it's been a bit muddy for some regions this summer too. Excess moisture can lead to various problems, such as waterlogged soil, fungal diseases, and fruit splitting. However,…  READ MORE 

Are you ready to embrace the crisp autumn air and take your gardening game to the next level? Well, I've got some exciting news that'll make your green thumb tingle: We've just released our Fall Food Garden Planning Kit, and it's going to revolutionize your autumn planting experience! This was hands down my favorite planning…  READ MORE 

I have zero regrets about planting blueberry bushes in my yard. In fact, they are my prized plants! My daughter will in fact, only eat blueberries in season, from our bushes. She refuses to eat them from the store. (I mean, who can blame her, really?) I have four bushes now, but after many years,…  READ MORE 

If you were to ask me what part of my garden I love most, I'd emphatically tell you it's my herb garden. When people visit my backyard, it's the first thing I love to show off, and I've planted it on the pathway to the back door so that anyone coming to visit will get a little infusion in the air as they walk by.  READ MORE 

There's a lot to say about watering. And there is definitely enough to put it into a "Watering A to Z" list. I will tell you, though, this was challenging. I could have repeated some letters several times! Watering is a tricky task. I have overwatered, underwatered, and completely forgotten about that poor plant in…  READ MORE 

Edible perennial fruits, herbs, and vegetables are the gift that keeps on giving! Unlike annuals or biennials, which must be planted annually or every other year respectively, perennials will return yearly with only one initial planting. Some of these plants may even survive for decades in your garden—just imagine how convenient it is to have…  READ MORE 

Anytime is a good time for homemade soup. The more veggies the better, and the easier to throw in a pot, even better. Throw it in, and let it go, I say. This recipe is slightly more involved, but I promise it's for good reason! See, ever since I started making my own tomato sauces and pastes, I have come to adore the flavor of grilled and oven-baked tomatoes.  READ MORE