Plant Problems
Companion Planting: What Actually Works and What’s Folklore
Which companion planting ideas have real evidence, which only work under certain conditions, and which are folklore, plus practical pairings that help.
Author: Richard E. Grace
Practical, well-tested advice for home gardeners: soil, planting, watering and planning, with the numbers to back it up.
Watering
Drip Irrigation vs. Soaker Hoses: Which Should You Choose?
Soaker hoses or drip irrigation? Compare cost, evenness, durability and setup, and see which suits your beds, budget and watering style.
Plant Problems
Overwatering vs. Underwatering: How to Tell the Difference
Wilting and yellow leaves can mean too much water or too little. Learn the signs of each, how to check soil and roots, and how to rescue the plant.
Planting & Seeds
When to Start Seeds Indoors: A Frost-Date Guide
How to time indoor seed starting from your last frost date, crop by crop, plus lights, seed-starting mix, hardening off and fixing seedling problems.
Planting & Seeds
Square Foot Gardening vs. Row Gardening: Which Grows More?
An honest comparison of square foot and row gardening: yield per square foot, setup costs, weeding and watering, and which suits your garden.
Planting & Seeds
10 Easiest Vegetables for First-Time Gardeners
Ten forgiving, productive vegetables for your first garden, with planting times, spacing and tips, plus a starter plan for one 4x8 raised bed.
Soil & Compost
Composting at Home: A Beginner’s Guide
How to start composting at home: greens and browns, what to leave out, choosing a method, fixing smells and pests, and using finished compost.
Soil & Compost
Why Your Raised Bed Soil Keeps Sinking (and How to Fix It)
Why raised bed soil drops, how much settling is normal for each type of mix, and how to fill and top up beds so they stay full.
Planting & Seeds
How to Plant Garlic in Fall: A Step-by-Step Guide
When to plant garlic for your region, hardneck versus softneck, planting depth and spacing, plus spring care, harvest timing and curing.
Seasonal Tasks
Fall Garden Prep: 9 Jobs That Pay Off Next Spring
Nine fall garden jobs that make spring easier, from soil tests and compost to cover crops, garlic and tool care, with timing for every US region.