December in zones 4-6 is when the garden is tucked under a blanket of snow, and the only thing growing outside is your collection of wool socks. With average temperatures ranging from a brisk 35°F down to a bone-chilling 0°F (2°C to -18°C), and soil frozen harder than last year's fruitcake, traditional outdoor planting is…  READ MORE 

While northern friends are completely snowed in, December in zones 7-8 offers a few sneaky opportunities for the dedicated gardener. With average temperatures ranging from 45°F down to 25°F (7°C to -4°C), and soil that's chilly but not permanently frozen, you can still scratch that gardening itch - even if you have to wear our…  READ MORE 

While the rest of the country is shoveling snow, gardeners in zones 9-10 are still harvesting tomatoes and planting new ones! With average December temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the day and rarely dipping below 45°F (7°C) at night, your winter vegetable garden is what most zones would call their…  READ MORE 

Last spring, I walked out to my herb garden expecting to see my trusty old sage plant springing back to life as it had done for the previous many years. Instead, I found a woody, lifeless stem where my aromatic friend used to be. I felt somewhat embarrassed – I'd gotten complacent about winter care,…  READ MORE 

I have a friend who spent five years wondering if her backyard avocado tree was just ornamental. Despite its lush canopy and impressive height, it refused to produce a single fruit. As a seasoned gardener and hobbyist in plant biology, this felt like a personal challenge to help her. After countless hours of research, experimentation,…  READ MORE 

I'll admit it, I've been that person scrambling to the local farm stand in May, desperately seeking tomato transplants after my seedlings failed. Again. But after years of bringing home potentially diseased plants (and once, a horrifying infestation of spider mites), I finally committed to mastering the art and science of growing tomatoes from seed.…  READ MORE 

Every morning as I pack my daughter's lunch, I slice up a fresh bell pepper and smile, remembering how this simple vegetable sparked my deep dive into pepper cultivation. Store-bought peppers keep her happy most of the year, but it's the summer harvests from our garden that make her eyes light up. "These taste like…  READ MORE 

One summer I lost half my onion harvest to black mold because I rushed the curing process. After many years of growing alliums, I should have known better – but that's how gardening goes sometimes. We learn from our mistakes, and now I have a foolproof system that keeps my onions fresh and safe for…  READ MORE 

While curating our December 2024 issue of Food Gardening Magazine, we've covered everything from crafty garden projects to edible treats, and even curated lists of heirloom tools and store-bought gifts for garden enthusiasts. But to round it all out, I couldn't help but think about my fellow gardening friends – you know, the ones whose…  READ MORE 

Step into the enchanting world of Santa's Garden with our newest Storybook, where every page is filled with the magic and warmth of the holiday season.   READ MORE 

Our gardens are a source of so many positive things: nourishment, patience, fulfillment...and of course, literal food. Over the years I've gifted many things that have come from the bounty of my garden that I'd like to share with you so that you can do the same.  READ MORE 

There are so many tasty edible gift ideas you can make from your garden: hot sauces, jellies, herb blends, salad dressings, teas, you name it! You can infuse vodkas by simply adding herbs and vanilla, and letting them marinate for a few days.   READ MORE 

In today's fast-paced world of technological advancements, the allure of nostalgia often beckons us back to simpler times. This sentiment is perfectly embodied by heirloom gardening tools, cherished for their enduring quality and timeless functionality. In this article, we'll explore some of the best heirloom gardening tools that have stood the test of time, making…  READ MORE 

When the holiday season rolls around, I always have a wish-list of new gardening tools or gadgets. This year I'm vying for this Barebones Hori Hori knife and perhaps another countertop herb garden.   READ MORE 

Hello December! The weather is getting colder, the holiday decorations are going up, and visions of early spring crops are dancing in your head.  READ MORE 

Our new 2025 Garden Planning Calendar is your personalized guide to successful year-round gardening and entertainment, no matter where you grow. I love having a garden that helps me pay closer attention to the seasons. You know that feeling - when you plant your peas at just the right moment in spring, or when your…  READ MORE