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in Gardening Tips, Plant
How Much Space Do Watermelons Need?
After more than 30 years of growing watermelons in home gardens—some years with generous space, others with tight quarters—I’ve learned there’s more than one way to grow this sprawling fruit successfully. Whether you’re working with a full garden plot or just a sunny 4×4-foot patch, your watermelon dreams are still within reach—if you plan spacing […] More
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When and How to Start Watermelons: A Seed-Starting Guide
Planting watermelons at the right time is key to a successful harvest. In my experience growing watermelons in warm regions, I’ve learned to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F (21°C) before planting seeds directly in the garden. This typically happens 2 to 4 weeks after the last spring frost. Watermelon is a […] More
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Planting Basil for a Flavorful Harvest: When, Where, and How to Get It Right
The key to vibrant, flavorful basil starts with planting it right. From choosing the best location to understanding soil needs and timing, here’s how to give your basil the healthiest start. Here’s what I’ve learned after 30 years of growing basil . 🌞 Where to Plant Basil Basil thrives in full sun—aim for 6 to […] More
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Pumpkin Seed Starting Tips
Growing pumpkins has been a rewarding part of my gardening experience for more than 30 years. As a warm-weather crop, pumpkins thrive when planted under the right conditions—and timing is key to a successful harvest. Pumpkins are technically a type of winter squash, grown through the heat of summer and ready to harvest just as […] 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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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 Plant Okra: Step-by-Step Guide
Planting okra in your garden requires patience and the right conditions, but once it gets going, it can be an incredibly rewarding crop. I’ve found that giving okra the right start is key to a successful harvest. For starters, okra is a heat-loving plant that thrives in warm soil, so it’s essential to wait until […] 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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How to Grow Tomatoes: The Ultimate Guide
Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops for home gardeners, offering a wide variety of flavors, textures, and colors that can’t be matched by store-bought options. With thousands of varieties to choose from—ranging from sweet cherry tomatoes to meaty beefsteaks—there’s a tomato for every culinary need. Having grown tomatoes for years, I’ve learned that […] More
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Tomato Seed Starting: Pro Tips
Tomatoes are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start tomatoes indoors 10 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in spring. Set tomato seedlings into the garden after all danger of frost is past. Plant tomato seedlings in the garden 4 weeks after the last frost. The garden soil temperature for setting out transplants should be […] More
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in Gardening Tips, Plant
Grow Tomatoes on Stakes
Grow tomatoes on stakes to ripen fruits earlier than plants that are not staked. Grow tomatoes on stakes to keep fruit cleaner and easier to spot at harvest. You can grow almost twice as many staked tomatoes in a given area than if you let plants grow unstaked or in cages. Tomatoes grown on stakes […] More
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in How to Grow, Legumes, Plant
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Snap Beans: From Planting to Harvest
snap beans growing guide More
Stephen Albert
