How to Grow
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How to Grow Watermelons from Seed to Harvest: Ultimate Guide for Sweet, Juicy Success
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 […] More
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The Ultimate Guide to Growing Melons: From Planting to Harvest
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 […] More
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in How to Grow
Growing Melons Vertically: Save Space and Boost Harvests
After more than 30 years of growing melons in raised beds and mounded rows, I’ve found that vertical growing is one of the best ways to maximize space, improve airflow, and produce clean, healthy fruit—especially in smaller gardens. If you’re growing muskmelons or other summer melons, don’t feel limited to letting them sprawl. With a […] More
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in How to Grow
Caring for Melons Through the Season: A Practical Guide
Over the years, I’ve learned that growing melons is as much about care during the season as it is about selecting the right variety or planting at the right time. Melons need consistent attention—from pollination to ripening—to deliver the flavor and size we all hope for. Here’s how I care for melons throughout the growing […] More
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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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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
Stephen Albert
