Mixing liquid fertilizer can be time-consuming, so I’d like to share with you a way that I have found to get more done in less time. In this video, I’ll show you how to use liquid fertilizer more efficiently. As an organic gardener, I don’t have to fertilize much because I use […]
One of the reasons my soil is so productive is because I use a lot of worm castings, or worm manure, that I harvest from a worm bin that I made myself. In this video, DIY expert Todd Brock and I show you the steps to make your own outdoor worm bin so you too […]
Any natural mulch is better than no mulch at all, but that being said, there are pros and cons to each option. In this video, I explain the benefits and drawbacks of common organic mulch options. While gardening, I always use mulch, especially in my raised bed vegetable gardens. I’m often asked […]
Vining crops grown vertically need strong supports — and livestock panels are just the thing. In this video, I show three different methods for using livestock panels in vertical gardening. Vining crops can grow out or up. Growing up improves light into the plant and air circulation, both of which make for […]
While designing and building a raised bed garden, you have plenty of choices when deciding what materials to use to contain the soil. Each option has its pros and cons, and what’s best for another gardener may not be what’s best for you. In this video, I explain the important things to consider and give […]
Once established, blueberries are easy to grow and require little care, but there are things you need to know at planting time for long-term success. In this video, I share tips for ensuring your blueberry plants will thrive. Blueberries are one of my favorite plants to grow. In addition to producing amazing […]
Not only is it possible to start beet seeds in containers — it can also lead to better results. In this video, I show you how I do it and explain why it’s the easier way. Beets are one of those crops that you always hear must be direct-sown into the garden. […]
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, save a ton of money, and grow out varieties that you normally can’t find in a nursery. In this video, I share the basics of indoor seed starting to easily and successfully sow seeds. Seeds can be […]
There is an easy way to tell if the seeds inside an old seed pack are still good — before going through the time and trouble of planting the seeds in the garden to find out. In this video, I’ll show you how to check seeds for viability and test their germination rate. […]
Starting seeds indoors is a fun activity that helps you make the most of a short gardening season, but some seeds are harder to germinate than others. In this video, I share tips and tricks for seed germination success. Outdoors, Mother Nature does a great job of breaking through the seed coat […]
As winter approaches, it’s time to start bringing in those less-hardy plants until it warms up again next spring. But what about those bulky containers that are too big and heavy to move in and out every year? In this video, I share how to prepare plants and containers to protect them throughout winter. […]
Among my favorite ingredients for making compost is coffee grounds. Here, I’ll show you how to use coffee grounds in your compost and how you can source coffee grounds for free. Compost is my not-so-secret ingredient to having great soil and a productive garden. My “recipe” for making compost includes manure and […]
Providing a supply of fresh water is one of the best ways to attract birds to your garden and landscape, but this becomes a challenge in winter when water sources freeze over. If you want birds to come, you’ll need to make your bird bath or pond available to them every single day of the […]
In consideration of the many beneficial insects that overwinter in fallen leaves and other plant debris, try to refrain from being heavy-handed when you clean up your garden at the end of the growing season. Alternatively, consider deferring the main cleanup until early spring, after insects have emerged. That being said, any plant material that […]
Deer damage in the garden isn’t just limited to nibbling and trampling. Male deer cause damage in the fall when they rub their antlers on tree trunks, a behavior called rutting, but there is a simple and inexpensive way to protect young trees. Rutting damage typically occurs between September and November, during […]
Planting cool-season crops poses a challenge when the weather is still hot, but there are tools you can employ to protect plants that don’t tolerate the heat. Once plants are in the ground, apply a layer of about two inches of mulch over the bare soil around the plants, then water it […]
Sweet potatoes are one of the easiest and most productive crops to grow in a home garden, and they can last for many months in storage if the proper care is taken in harvesting and curing. Here, I’ll explain the simple steps and tricks to harvest and cure sweet potatoes successfully. It […]
Saving seeds from tomatoes is simpler than you think. Once you learn how to save tomato seeds, you can continue growing your favorite heirloom varieties for seasons to come. If you love eating and growing a certain variety of tomato and you wish to grow the same tomato next gardening season, check whether your tomato […]
Container drainage — getting that right can mean the difference between success and failure for your patio plantings. If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times: To improve the drainage in your containers, you need to add something in the bottom. Whether it’s small stones or marbles, foam packing peanuts, or maybe […]
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