How to Grow and Cook Collard Greens
By Barbara Pleasant Collard greens, a staple in Southern cooking, are fast, easy to grow, and yield abundant harvests. As a member of the Brassica family, collards share a lineage …
Why Zinnias Are Ideal Companions in the Vegetable Garden
Zinnias, often affectionately referred to as “old maids” by my father and grandmother, are a charming addition to any garden. As a child, I would help my father by clipping …
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
As autumn settles in and the colder months approach, gardeners may feel the urge to rest, but there’s still plenty to do. Preparing your garden for winter not only ensures …
Recovering from Crop Failures: Lessons from the Garden
Gardening, though rewarding, is always a gamble. This becomes especially clear when a seemingly reliable crop fails. Take, for example, my experience with cucumbers this past season. After years of …
Making the Most of Marigolds: A Guide to Growing and Enjoying Their Beauty
Marigolds are a vibrant and versatile flower, especially valued for their fall color. A gardening tip shared by my friend Lois has stuck with me over the years: sow marigold …
The Many Benefits of Growing Crab Apples
In September 2013, my wife and I planted a tree to celebrate the birth of our daughter, Isla. We wanted something special— a tree that could thrive year-round, attract local …
How to Grow, Prune, and Use Damsons
Damsons, small, tart fruits belonging to the Prunus family (the same family as cherries and plums), are often overlooked but offer a reliable and rewarding harvest. Many people first encounter …
Does a Harsh Winter Mean Fewer Garden Pests?
Winter begins with the Winter Solstice on December 21, marking the point when the sun’s southward path halts. By then, many regions have already experienced snow, prompting gardeners to wonder …
Why I Love Novelty Crops and Growing Something Different Each Year
Each new gardening year begins with a familiar ritual—my nose buried in seed catalogs. While I spend a lot of time drooling over appealing carrots and carefully considering broccoli varieties, …
In Praise of Medlars: How to Get the Most From These Delicious Fruits
Medlar trees (Mespilus germanica) are a hidden gem in the world of fruit-bearing plants, offering unique and delicious fruits, yet remain underappreciated by many gardeners. Despite their humble appearance—no vibrant …