Planting
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in Planting
When to Plant Melons for the Best Harvest
As a gardener with more than 30 years of experience growing warm-season crops, I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to planting melons. Whether you’re growing muskmelons, cantaloupes, or watermelons, getting your seeds or transplants into the ground at the right time will make the difference between sweet success and stunted, underwhelming fruit. […] More
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How to Plant Pumpkins Successfully
Planting pumpkins is the first step to a great harvest. Whether you start seeds indoors for a head start or sow them directly into warm garden soil, success begins with the right techniques. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plant pumpkins at just the right time and protect […] More
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Watering, Feeding, and Caring for Pumpkins: A Complete Guide
Caring for pumpkins isn’t complicated, but consistent watering, the right feeding schedule, and smart mulching can make a huge difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step approach to growing healthy, vigorous pumpkin vines with fewer issues along the way. Watering Pumpkins Water pumpkin seedlings well, and keep the soil moist throughout the […] 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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in Berries, Fruits, Gardening Tips, Planting
Strawberry Planting Calendar: What to Plant and When
Over the years, I’ve planted strawberries in everything from raised beds to hanging pots, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that timing makes all the difference. I’ve had seasons where seedlings flourished into lush, fruit-heavy plants, and others where poor timing led to stunted growth and disappointing yields. Whether you’re growing from seeds, crowns, […] More
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Indoor Strawberry Starts: How and When to Begin
Starting strawberries indoors gives gardeners a head start on the growing season—especially if you live in a region with cold winters or unpredictable spring weather. Over the past 30 years in my own year-round garden, I’ve learned that indoor starts not only help ensure strong, healthy plants for transplanting but also increase yields by extending […] More
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in Berries, Fruits, Gardening Tips, Planting
How to Plant Strawberries: Step-by-Step
Planting strawberries has become one of my favorite garden rituals each year. After years of trial and error—some seasons of juicy abundance, others of small fruit frustration—I’ve learned what works best, especially when it comes to timing, soil prep, and planting technique. Here’s what I would pass along to you — what you need to […] More
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What To Do When Corn Falls Over (Lodging Tips)
Corn Growing Problems: Lodging and How to Prevent It If you’ve ever walked out to your corn patch after a summer storm and found your tall, green stalks bent or lying flat, you’ve experienced lodging. It’s one of the most frustrating problems for home gardeners growing corn—especially after all the time and care you’ve invested. […] More
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Can You Grow Corn in Containers? Yes-Here’s How
It might seem impossible to grow towering sweet corn stalks on a patio, balcony, or small urban garden—but it can be done! While corn is traditionally a field crop, with the right setup, variety, and a few pollination tricks, you can enjoy homegrown sweet corn in a container. It’s a fun challenge for container gardeners, […] More
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The Best Sweet Corn Varieties for Home Gardeners
After more than three decades of growing sweet corn in various climates, I can say that choosing the right variety for your garden is the single most important decision for a successful harvest. It affects not just the flavor but how well your crop grows in your region’s soil and weather. Whether you’re planting in […] More
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When and Where to Plant Sweet Corn for the Best Yield
Sweet corn is a warm-season crop that rewards careful planning with tall, vigorous plants and full, sweet ears. As an experienced gardener with years of successful corn harvests, I’ve learned that when and where you plant sweet corn makes all the difference in your yield. Below are my tested tips, with added insights to help […] More
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How to Water and Fertilize Sweet Corn for Maximum Yield
How to keep your corn patch thriving from seedling to harvest. Over many seasons of growing sweet corn in both raised beds and traditional garden rows, I’ve learned that consistent watering and a well-timed fertilizer schedule are key to getting big, juicy, fully developed ears. Corn is a fast grower and a heavy feeder—if you […] More
Stephen Albert
