Grow full, sweet ears by getting spacing, depth, and layout just right. After many seasons growing sweet corn in home garden beds and raised plots, I’ve found that getting spacing, planting depth, and block layout right from the start is essential for a reliable harvest. Sweet corn relies on wind for pollination, so how—and where—you […] More
After growing corn for over 30 years, I’ve found that one of the easiest ways to support a healthy corn patch is to plant good companions nearby. Choosing the right companion plants can improve pollination, deter pests, enrich the soil, and even make harvesting more convenient. On the flip side, planting the wrong neighbors can […] More
Caring for cucumbers involves more than just planting them in the ground—it’s about providing the right environment for optimal growth. Having grown cucumbers for over 30 years, I’ve learned that consistent watering, proper feeding, and attention to the plant’s overall care are crucial to achieving healthy, productive vines. Cucumbers require plenty of water to thrive, […] More
If you’re looking to grow summer squash and zucchini, you’re in for a treat! These vibrant vegetables are some of the most rewarding to grow, offering a bountiful harvest in a short period. Whether you’re interested in zucchini, yellow squash, or pattypan, knowing how to get your plants started is crucial to a successful season. […] More
Summer squash is one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow in the home garden. With the right care and attention, you can harvest tender, flavorful squash all summer long. Summer squash comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes—from classic green zucchini and golden zucchini to yellow crookneck, straightneck, and scalloped […] More
Caring for winter squash properly is the key to growing strong, productive plants that yield flavorful, long-lasting fruit. After decades of growing winter squash in home and market gardens, I’ve developed a simple but effective care routine that supports healthy vines, improves pollination, and increases yields. In this post, I’ll share proven tips and personal […] More
Winter squash is a rewarding and flavorful crop to grow in the home garden, offering a long shelf life and rich, nutritious flesh perfect for soups, roasts, and baking. As a longtime gardener with decades of hands-on experience growing dozens of winter squash varieties—from sweet Delicata to hearty Blue Hubbard—I’ve learned what it takes to […] More
There’s nothing quite like harvesting fresh, homegrown tomatoes late into the season, long after the summer rush has ended. Over the years, I’ve learned that planting tomatoes for a fall harvest can be just as rewarding as growing them in spring—if you plan ahead. In regions where frost arrives late in the year, you can […] More
Growing tomatoes successfully starts with choosing the right location in your garden. Over the years, I’ve learned that sunlight, soil quality, and proper spacing play crucial roles in producing a healthy and abundant tomato harvest. Whether you’re growing in garden beds, raised beds, or containers, understanding the best placement for your tomatoes will set you […] More
If you’ve ever found yourself with an overwhelming flood of ripe tomatoes all at once—or worse, a garden that stops producing too soon—there’s a simple strategy to keep your harvest going strong. By planting multiple tomato varieties with different maturity dates, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful tomatoes from early summer until […] More
A garden planting bed is a home to your annuals, perennials, and shrubs. You want a planting bed in which plants will thrive and you want a planting bed that is easy to construct and easy to maintain. Making a new garden planting bed is a one-time investment in sweat equity. Once a new bed […] More
Established planting beds–perennial beds, mixed beds of annuals and perennials, and shrub borders–must be readied for each new growing season. This means amending the soil with aged compost, aged manure, fertilizers, and other soil amendments. The health of plants in a planting bed will directly equate to the health of the soil. Well-established planting beds […] More
Stephen Albert