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Peppers are versatile, flavorful, and rewarding to grow—but they don’t thrive in isolation. Just like people, plants have friends and foes. By practicing companion planting, you can boost your pepper harvests, reduce pests, and create a more resilient garden ecosystem. In this guide, I’ll share the best and worst companions for peppers, based on research,…
Growing peppers—whether fiery hot chilies or sweet bell varieties—starts with one critical step: healthy soil. Even the best pepper varieties won’t thrive if they’re planted in poor or compacted ground. Proper soil preparation ensures strong roots, better nutrient uptake, and ultimately bigger harvests. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly how to prepare your soil for…
Harvesting tomatoes Harvest tomatoes in late summer 50 to 90 frost-free days after planting. Pick the fruit when it is evenly colored but still firm. Support the vine in one hand and gently pull the fruit to prevent damage to the plant. A month before the first expected frost, start plucking new flowers off the…
Many gardeners think of peppers as annuals, but they’re actually tender perennials. With the right care, you can overwinter your pepper plants and keep them alive for several years. The approach depends on your USDA zone: in warmer regions, peppers can stay outside with minimal protection, while in colder regions, they need to be brought…
Watermelons are the quintessential summer crop—sweet, juicy, and rewarding to grow. I’ve been planting and growing watermelons for over 30 years in California’s warm climate, both in my backyard garden and raised beds here in Sonoma Valley. Over the years, I’ve learned exactly what it takes to go from seed to harvest successfully—and I’m here…
Melons are one of my favorite crops to grow, and over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error what works best for a bountiful harvest. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of picking a ripe, fragrant melon straight from the vine, knowing you nurtured it from seed to fruit. Whether you’re growing classic muskmelons…
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