How to Grow
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in Herbs, How to Grow
How to Grow, Harvest, and Use Basil: Complete Guide
Basil is one of the most beloved herbs in home gardens around the world. As someone who has grown basil for many seasons—indoors, outdoors, and in containers—I can tell you that it’s as rewarding as it is aromatic. Whether you’re making homemade pesto, adding fresh leaves to summer salads, or companion planting alongside tomatoes, basil […] More
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in How to Grow
Fascinating Facts About Pumpkins
Pumpkins are one of the most iconic symbols of autumn, but there’s so much more to these colorful fruits than meets the eye. After years of growing many types of pumpkins—from miniature varieties to giant competition pumpkins—I’ve come to appreciate just how fascinating they truly are. Here’s a closer look at some fun and surprising […] More
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in How to Grow, Planting
How to Grow Pumpkins: Complete Guide from Planting to Harvest
Pumpkins are one of the most rewarding crops to grow. From planting seeds in spring to harvesting big, beautiful fruits in fall, every step of the journey offers something exciting—and delicious!I’ve been growing pumpkins for more than 20 years, from backyard gardens to container setups on patios. Over the seasons, I’ve learned firsthand what works […] More
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How to Plant and Grow Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a warm-season annual that requires from 90 to 120 frost-free days to reach harvest. Grow pumpkins in the warmest, frost-free part of the year. Sow pumpkin seed or set out transplants about 2 weeks after the last expected frost in spring. Sow or plant a successive crop 4 weeks later. Sow pumpkin seeds […] More
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Best Climate and Site for Growing Strawberries
Having grown strawberries in both coastal and inland gardens over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how dramatically climate impacts success. In cooler northern regions, cold-hardy cultivars like ‘Sparkle’ and ‘Honeoye’ have consistently bounced back from late frosts and delivered strong early-summer harvests. Meanwhile, in my warmer Zone 9 garden, day-neutral varieties such as ‘Seascape’ and […] More
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How to Grow Okra from Planting to Harvest
After growing okra in my summer garden for more than three decades, I’ve come to appreciate just how rewarding this heat-loving vegetable can be—if you give it the warmth and space it craves. Whether I’m growing a towering row of ‘Clemson Spineless’ in a sunny raised bed or tucking dwarf varieties into containers on the […] More
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How to Grow Sweet Corn: The Complete Guide from Planting to Harvest
Corn is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow in a home garden. Whether you’re planting sweet corn for summer barbecues, ornamental corn for autumn decor, or popcorn for cozy movie nights, growing corn brings both beauty and bounty to your garden. After more than 30 years of growing corn, I’ve learned what […] More
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in How to Grow
Cucumber Flowering, Pollination, and Fruit Formation: Ensuring Maximum Yield
With more than 30 years of experience growing cucumbers, I’ve learned that understanding the flowering, pollination, and fruit formation processes is essential for a successful harvest. In this post, we’ll look at the key stages of cucumber growth, from the appearance of male and female flowers to the critical role of pollination in fruit development. […] More
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The Best Cucumber Varieties for Your Garden
When it comes to growing cucumbers, choosing the right variety is key to ensuring a successful harvest, and having over 30 years of gardening experience, I can confidently say that the variety you select will depend on your growing needs. Cucumbers are typically divided into slicing cucumbers, perfect for fresh eating, and pickling cucumbers, which […] More
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How to Grow and Care for Monkey Flower — Mimulus
Mimulus–commonly called monkey flower–is a spreading perennial commonly grown as an annual. Mimulus produce dragon-like two-lipped flowers that cover the plant from summer to early fall. Flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. Flowers are often spotted with contrasting colors. The Mimulus genus includes about 150 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. […] More
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How to Grow Speedwell — Veronica
Veronica, best known as speedwell, is a vigorous, easy-to-grow plant with a rich palette of colors including true blue, violet-blue, pink, and white. Veronica is a group of long-blooming annuals and perennials. Speedwells grow 12 to 36 inches tall depending on the species. They bear colorful 6- to 8-inch spikes of tiny flowers mostly in […] More
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How to Grow Primrose — Primula
Primrose is a large genus of popular garden plants. There are at least 425 species of hardy and tender perennials commonly called primroses or primulas. Primroses are usually semi-evergreen. They produce rosettes of narrow to broadly rounded leaves and clusters of tubular, bell-shaped, or funnel-shaped flowers. The name primrose is believed to come from the […] More
Stephen Albert
