With so many winter squash varieties to choose from, how do you know which ones will thrive in your garden and suit your cooking needs? Over the years, I’ve grown a wide range of winter squash, from classic butternut and acorn to unique heirloom varieties like ‘Red Kuri’ and ‘Galeux d’Eysines.’ Through hands-on experience, I’ve […] More
Growing a salad in the winter garden is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, crisp greens even during the colder months. Choose hardy, cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale, which can withstand light frosts and thrive in lower temperatures. Plant these leafy greens in raised beds, cold frames, or containers filled with rich, […] More
Many vegetables can be grown in winter and harvested in winter or early spring. Some vegetables take most of a year to mature; they are planted in spring and harvested in winter. Other vegetables can be sown in midsummer or early autumn for autumn and winter harvest. Vegetables for winter harvest include leeks, salad leaves, […] More
Growing a winter vegetable garden is a rewarding way to extend your harvest into the colder months. With the right techniques and plant selection, it’s possible to enjoy fresh vegetables all winter long. Winter gardening focuses on hardy crops, protective measures, and soil preparation to maintain productivity despite lower temperatures. Here’s how to get started, […] More
After more than 30 years of growing cantaloupes in raised beds, mounded rows, and even containers in Sonoma Valley, I’ve come to rely on a few time-tested melon varieties that consistently deliver high yields and unbeatable flavor. Whether you’re gardening in a short-season climate or have room for long vines and late harvests, there’s a […] More
Melons are a favorite in the summer garden, but not all melons are created equal. Knowing the difference between summer melons and winter melons can help you plan your garden more effectively and enjoy a longer harvest season. While all melons are grown during the warm season, their time to maturity and harvest windows vary […] More
After growing dozens of melon varieties in my warm Sonoma Valley garden over the past three decades, I’ve learned that harvesting melons at peak ripeness—and storing them properly—is just as important as planting and caring for the vines. Knowing the right time to pick and how to handle each type—whether it’s a fragrant Galia, a […] More
After growing basil in everything from raised beds to patio pots to windowsills, I can say with confidence: basil thrives in containers when given the right care. Whether you want to grow a pot of sweet basil on your balcony, a dwarf variety on your kitchen counter, or start winter herbs from cuttings, container growing […] More
After more than 30 years of growing basil in everything from raised beds to windowsill pots, I’ve learned that basil thrives with just a few key care habits: consistent watering, light feeding, and regular pruning. Here’s how to keep your basil plants lush, leafy, and productive all season long—whether in the garden or in containers. […] More
Growing winter squash is one of the most rewarding experiences in the garden. With the right care, you can harvest flavorful, nutrient-rich squash that stores well for months, providing homegrown goodness long after the growing season ends. Over the years, I’ve grown a wide variety—including butternut, acorn, delicata, and kabocha—and I’ve learned firsthand what works […] More
Growing strawberries has been one of the most satisfying and sweet parts of my gardening life. Over the years, I’ve cultivated strawberries in raised beds, mounded rows, and containers—experimenting with varieties and techniques to get the best possible harvest from my backyard. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned gardener, this pillar post will […] More
As someone who’s gardened through frigid winters in both Iowa and Massachusetts, I’ve learned the hard way that fall and winter strawberry care is critical to a successful harvest come spring. Cold temperatures, frost heave, and disease can take a serious toll on strawberry beds if not properly managed before the snow falls. Here’s a […] More
Stephen Albert