joe gardener® | Organic Gardening Like a Pro https://joegardener.com/ Grow Like a Pro - No Experience Required Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:42:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://joegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/favicon-2.png joe gardener® | Organic Gardening Like a Pro https://joegardener.com/ 32 32 joe gardener® | Organic Gardening Like a Pro false joe gardener® | Organic Gardening Like a Pro email@joegardener.com podcast joe gardener® | Organic Gardening Like a Pro https://joegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/JG_iTunes_1400x1400.jpg https://joegardener.com Understanding the Ladybug Life Cycle https://joegardener.com/understanding-the-ladybug-life-cycle/ https://joegardener.com/understanding-the-ladybug-life-cycle/#respond Fri, 12 May 2023 01:38:02 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=9459 Ladybugs are one of the most beloved beneficial insects in the garden, though most people, including many gardeners, only recognize adult ladybugs.  That’s understandable — immature ladybugs look nothing like their adult forms — but it’s important to get to know ladybugs during all stages of their life cycle so beneficials aren’t confused for pests. […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/understanding-the-ladybug-life-cycle/feed/ 0 5 Ways to Work On Your Garden in Winter https://joegardener.com/5-ways-to-work-on-your-garden-in-winter/ https://joegardener.com/5-ways-to-work-on-your-garden-in-winter/#respond Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:02 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=9005 We work so hard in our gardens from spring until fall, but it seems like most of that time we’re just trying to keep up rather than developing a proactive strategy to finally get ahead of it all. That’s why the winter, when things slow down, is the perfect time to work on your garden […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/5-ways-to-work-on-your-garden-in-winter/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Carrots? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-carrots/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-carrots/#respond Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:17:23 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=8497 A grocery store carrot can never compare to the taste of a fresh-picked carrot from the garden, but growing carrots can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid the obstacles and have a successful carrot crop. If you want to grow carrots in your garden, here’s everything you need to know. […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-carrots/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Asparagus? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-asparagus/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-asparagus/#comments Sun, 01 May 2022 17:49:55 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=8030 Though I have been a gardener for decades, I did not always grow asparagus because I was hesitant to commit a garden bed to a long-lived perennial crop, but in time I realized I was missing out on one of nature’s greatest gifts. Home-grown asparagus is unsurpassed in flavor and sweetness, and it’s downright beautiful […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-asparagus/feed/ 2 How Do I Grow Corn? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-corn/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-corn/#respond Fri, 31 Dec 2021 19:55:49 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7407 Corn — or maize, as it’s known in much of the world — is the most planted crop in the United States. In agriculture, corn is grown for human consumption, spirits, animal feed and even fuel and disposable containers. In the home garden, this warm-season crop is usually grown for one reason: to enjoy the […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-corn/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Turnips? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-turnips/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-turnips/#respond Sun, 26 Dec 2021 17:55:45 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7381 Turnips are root vegetables in the cabbage family that are spicy and crunchy when raw, and sweet and earthy when cooked. Turnips that mature in cool weather are the sweetest of all, but this crop can be grown for both spring and fall harvest. If you want to grow turnips in your garden, here is […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-turnips/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Parsnips? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-parsnips/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-parsnips/#respond Wed, 08 Dec 2021 22:56:58 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7307 Parsnips are cool-season root vegetables that are similar in appearance to carrots but with their own unique growing requirements and distinct taste. Parsnips that have experienced a few touches of frost prior to harvest are the sweetest, with a nutty or earthy flavor. If you want to grow parsnips in your garden, here is everything […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-parsnips/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Radishes? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-radishes/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-radishes/#respond Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:13:39 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7283 Radishes are an easy-to-grow root crop that is suited to both a spring and fall harvest. They are quick to mature, which makes them ideal for succession planting. If you want to grow radishes in your garden, here is everything you need to know. You can also download my How Do I Grow Radishes? one-sheet […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-radishes/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Cauliflower? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-cauliflower/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-cauliflower/#respond Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:00:40 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7198 Cauliflower is a nutritious, versatile vegetable that offers so many possibilities in the kitchen and is satisfying to grow. If you want to grow cauliflower in your garden, here’s everything you need to know to keep it thriving from planting to harvest. You can also download my How Do I Grow Cauliflower? one-sheet and keep […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-cauliflower/feed/ 0 Winter: The Best Time to Work on Your Garden https://joegardener.com/winter-a-great-time-to-work-on-the-garden/ https://joegardener.com/winter-a-great-time-to-work-on-the-garden/#comments Wed, 10 Nov 2021 12:08:59 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7078 Though there are a number of methods gardeners can use to extend the growing season, there is a period of dormancy for most gardens in the winter months between December and February. During these coldest months, I take this opportunity to work on my garden rather than in my garden. The careful planning and work […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/winter-a-great-time-to-work-on-the-garden/feed/ 1 How Do I Grow Beets? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-beets/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-beets/#respond Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:00:23 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=7066 Beets are a cold-weather crop that I look forward to growing in both spring and fall. Not only are beets a hearty root vegetable, but the tops are edible as well. They also grow quite fast, so you can enjoy beets before many other crops. If you want to grow beets in your garden, here’s […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-beets/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Broccoli? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-broccoli/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-broccoli/#respond Tue, 19 Oct 2021 03:32:38 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6993 Broccoli is one of my favorite plants to grow and eat, and it’s one of the most nutritious crops there is. If you want to grow broccoli in your garden, here’s everything you need to know to keep it thriving from planting to harvest. You can also download my How Do I Grow Broccoli? one-sheet […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-broccoli/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Swiss Chard? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-swiss-chard/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-swiss-chard/#respond Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:21:24 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6926 Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that’s renowned for its nutritional value, and it’s popular with gardeners because it is so easy to grow. It is a cut-and-come-again crop that produces for quite some time and is cold hardy too. If you want to grow Swiss chard in your garden, here’s everything you need […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-swiss-chard/feed/ 0 Feed Your Lawn Naturally by Topdressing with Compost https://joegardener.com/topdressing-a-lawn-with-compost/ https://joegardener.com/topdressing-a-lawn-with-compost/#respond Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:09:43 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6824 A healthier lawn comes with healthier soil, and there is no better way to improve soil health than by adding compost. You can feed your lawn naturally by topdressing it with compost. Compost contains the primary nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium — and an array of micronutrients to naturally feed a lawn. But there […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/topdressing-a-lawn-with-compost/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Summer Squash? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-summer-squash/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-summer-squash/#respond Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:21:38 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6738 Pattypan, crookneck, straightneck and zucchini — these are the summer squashes, all highly productive, a pleasure to grow and better to eat. What sets summer squash apart from winter squash is that the fruit are soft-skinned, tender and intended for eating right away. They are picked while immature and lack the tough skin that makes […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-summer-squash/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Winter Squash? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-winter-squash/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-winter-squash/#comments Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:42:06 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6631 Winter squash is so-named because unlike summer squash, which has a soft skin and should be enjoyed right away, the hard-skinned fruit of winter squash can be cured and then stored for several months. Butternut, spaghetti and acorn squash are classic examples, and pumpkins too are a cultivar of winter squash. If you want to […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-winter-squash/feed/ 1 How to Conduct a Bioassay Test https://joegardener.com/how-to-conduct-bioassay-test/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-conduct-bioassay-test/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:22:04 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6568 Conducting a bioassay test is a way to determine if composted horse manure contains persistent herbicides that could be detrimental to plants. It’s not that complicated, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure reliable results. Once contaminated horse manure has been added to your garden beds, it may create problems that take […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-conduct-bioassay-test/feed/ 2 How Do I Grow Basil? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-basil/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-basil/#respond Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:00:46 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6561 I love to grow basil — there’s nothing better than walking outside to snip a few stems for whatever you’re cooking at the moment. Basil is a great plant for gardeners from beginners to experts because it’s easy to care for and doesn’t require lots of space. It can easily be grown in a container […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-basil/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Melons? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-melons/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-melons/#respond Fri, 09 Jul 2021 01:28:28 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6491 Few things say summer quite like biting into a sweet, juicy melon. Cantaloupes, honeydew and watermelons are all a delight to grow when they have the sun, heat and fertility that they need. Their spreading and climbing vines make the garden visually appealing too. If you want to grow melons in your garden, here’s what […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-melons/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Tomatoes? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-tomatoes/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-tomatoes/#respond Wed, 09 Jun 2021 21:41:23 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6311 Tomatoes are by far the most popular home garden crop in America, and it’s clear why. You’ll never eat a tomato that tastes better than one you picked from your own garden. If you want to grow tomatoes for the first time or are looking to up your tomato-growing game, here’s what you need to […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-tomatoes/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Green Beans? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-green-beans/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-green-beans/#respond Sat, 05 Jun 2021 14:30:03 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6293 Green beans, string beans, snap beans or haricot vert — no matter what you call these legumes, they are easy to grow and a delight to eat fresh from the garden. If you want to grow green beans in your garden, here’s everything you need to know. You can also download my How Do I […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-green-beans/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Cucumbers? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-cucumbers/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-cucumbers/#respond Thu, 27 May 2021 00:28:50 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6236 Cucumbers are a fast-growing summer crop and make a great addition to any vegetable garden. They’re known for their desire to roam, with vines that climb everywhere, but these days, there are also bush-style varieties available that make cucumbers a good option no matter how little space you have. If you want to grow cucumbers […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-cucumbers/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Okra? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-okra/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-okra/#respond Tue, 18 May 2021 02:22:35 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6189 I love to eat okra, but it’s not a love we all share — and that’s okay. Okra is a vegetable you either like or you don’t, though we can all agree it provides great ornamental value to any landscape. In flower, the plant is striking as an attractive backdrop. And if the flower looks […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-okra/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Eggplant? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-eggplant/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-eggplant/#respond Sat, 08 May 2021 00:51:28 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=6131 Eggplant is a warm-season crop that you’ll love eating, and as a bonus, it adds a lot of visual interest in the garden with its purple flowers and gorgeous fruit. Eggplant is related to tomatoes and peppers, so if you’ve ever grown either of those, you’re already off to a good start — but no […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-eggplant/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Spinach? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-spinach/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-spinach/#respond Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:42:04 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5949 Spinach is a cool-season plant that’s one of the first crops of spring and a great fall crop as well. You’ll enjoy growing this undemanding plant and will enjoy eating it even more. Harvest spinach any time to enjoy raw in salads or cook it up in seconds for a delicious side dish that’s loaded […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-spinach/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Peas? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-peas/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-peas/#respond Fri, 02 Apr 2021 01:33:04 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5843 Peas, as one of the first crops that can be sown outdoors in spring, are a harbinger of the growing season. There are climbing-type and bush-type peas, peas with colorful and interesting flowers, shelling peas and peas with edible pods. If you want to grow peas in your garden, here’s everything you need to know. […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-peas/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Peppers? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-peppers/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-peppers/#respond Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:02:42 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5745 Peppers are one of the most rewarding plants grown in an edible garden. They are very productive — giving gardeners all the fruit they can eat, and then some — and the fruit look gorgeous as they develop. If you want to grow peppers in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-peppers/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Brussels Sprouts? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-brussels-sprouts/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-brussels-sprouts/#respond Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:25:25 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5446 Brussels sprouts are cool-season brassicas that taste even better after they have been kissed by frost. Nothing complements a main course in fall quite like fresh Brussels sprouts that came straight to the kitchen from the garden. They have a delicious, slightly crunchy, nutty flavor and can be served roasted, sautéed, steamed and even raw. […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-brussels-sprouts/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Herbs? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-herbs/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-herbs/#respond Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:29:05 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5259 Growing culinary herbs is the easiest way to start a kitchen garden, as herbs are undemanding and produce continuous harvests throughout the season. Even if you have no room for a garden — as long as you have sun — you can grow herbs in containers. If you want to grow herbs, here’s what you […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-herbs/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Lettuce? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-lettuce/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-lettuce/#respond Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:06:26 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5192 Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season crop for spring and fall that is attractive in both vegetable and ornamental gardens and is suited to container gardening as well. If you want to grow lettuce in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can also download my How Do I Grow Lettuce? one-sheet and keep […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-lettuce/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Artichokes? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-artichokes/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-artichokes/#respond Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:00:35 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5145 Artichokes are delicious to eat roasted, grilled, fried or steamed, and in the garden they provide incredible ornamental value with their structural form, silver-green foliage and blazing neon purple color when allowed to bloom. If you want to grow artichokes in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can also download my How […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-artichokes/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Cabbage? https://joegardener.com/grow-cabbage/ https://joegardener.com/grow-cabbage/#respond Thu, 17 Dec 2020 13:00:15 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5071 Cabbage is a brassica crop — related to broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts — that thrives in cold. Because of its frost tolerance, cabbage is perfect for starting your gardening season early in spring or for extending it into the fall. If you want to grow cabbage in your garden, here’s what you need […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/grow-cabbage/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Strawberries? https://joegardener.com/how-grow-strawberries/ https://joegardener.com/how-grow-strawberries/#respond Wed, 09 Dec 2020 23:57:11 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5074 Strawberry plants are cold hardy and easy to grow, and they thrive in containers and raised beds. Best of all, home-grown strawberries taste a thousand times better than any store-bought variety. If you want to grow strawberries in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can also download my How Do I Grow […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-grow-strawberries/feed/ 0 How Do I Grow Onions? https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-onions/ https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-onions/#respond Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:11:58 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=5045 If you’ve never grown onions, you’ll be pleasantly surprised because they’re super easy to grow, hardy through winter, and ready to harvest anytime you are. Young plants are harvested as green onions or scallions. But the longer you wait, the bigger the bulb — at least until they reach full size at maturity.  Here, I’ll […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-onions/feed/ 0 Why to Leave the Leaves https://joegardener.com/why-leave-leaves/ https://joegardener.com/why-leave-leaves/#respond Wed, 04 Nov 2020 23:44:54 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4893 One of the best decisions that gardeners can make to increase the diversity of wildlife on the land that they steward is to “leave the leaves.” This easy-to-remember turn of phrase means refraining from raking, blowing, or mowing the fall leaves that butterflies, bees, moths, spiders, toads, salamanders and other critters rely on for habitat […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/why-leave-leaves/feed/ 0 The Complete Guide to Growing Garlic (Everything You Need to Know) https://joegardener.com/grow-garlic/ https://joegardener.com/grow-garlic/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2020 23:22:50 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4753 Garlic is an easy-to-grow crop that requires little to no care, and if you set aside a head or two from each harvest for planting the next season, you’ll never have to buy garlic again. Garlic is in the Allium genus, which also includes onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, chives and ornamental Alliums.  Because garlic grows […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/grow-garlic/feed/ 0 A Guide to Using Cover Crops in the Home Garden https://joegardener.com/using-cover-crop/ https://joegardener.com/using-cover-crop/#respond Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:09:02 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4692 When vegetables are not actively growing in your garden, planting a cover crop can be an excellent, and potentially better option to both protect and improve your soil. It’s beneficial to plant a cover crop any time a bed is allowed to go dormant. This could be in anticipation of winter or between plantings of […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/using-cover-crop/feed/ 0 Japanese Beetle Prevention and Control https://joegardener.com/japanese-beetle-prevention-and-control/ https://joegardener.com/japanese-beetle-prevention-and-control/#respond Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:57:55 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4524 Japanese beetle prevention and control is one of the most common challenges for gardeners each summer. Although they are one of the most visually stunning insects, with their bronze and green coloring, these invasive pests are also one of the most destructive — they damage and can sometimes even kill flowers, shrubs and trees when […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/japanese-beetle-prevention-and-control/feed/ 0 Powdery Mildew Prevention & Control https://joegardener.com/powdery-mildew-prevention-control/ https://joegardener.com/powdery-mildew-prevention-control/#respond Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:03:07 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4578 Powdery mildew is a widespread plant fungal disease that affects both edibles and ornamentals, but when you find that your squash vines or rose bushes appear to be covered in white dust, all hope is not lost. You can control or eliminate powdery mildew, and there are preventative measures you can take before it appears. […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/powdery-mildew-prevention-control/feed/ 0 Squash Bug Prevention & Control https://joegardener.com/squash-bug-prevention-control/ https://joegardener.com/squash-bug-prevention-control/#respond Thu, 03 Sep 2020 14:43:51 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4573 The squash bug (Anasa tristis) is a pest to plants in the cucurbit family (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelon, etc.) and one of the most difficult garden pests to control organically — but it can be done! Squash bugs (not to be confused with the Squash vine borer) not only damage plant foliage as they feed, […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/squash-bug-prevention-control/feed/ 0 Squash Vine Borer Prevention & Control https://joegardener.com/squash-vine-borer-prevention-control/ https://joegardener.com/squash-vine-borer-prevention-control/#respond Wed, 26 Aug 2020 13:37:57 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4527 Squash vine borer (Melitta curcurbitae) is a garden pest that destroys squash plants and is almost impossible to stop once it has gotten inside a squash vine, but there are smart, organic gardening practices you can adopt to prevent this pest from ever becoming a problem. The name squash vine borer applies to both the […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/squash-vine-borer-prevention-control/feed/ 0 The Best Soil Temperature for Seed Germination https://joegardener.com/soil-temperature-seed-germination/ https://joegardener.com/soil-temperature-seed-germination/#respond Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:42:28 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=4478 The anticipation and excitement that come from sowing seeds for a favorite flower or vegetable can lead to disappointment weeks later when many, if not all, of those seeds have failed to germinate. While many factors affect germination — from the age and quality of the seed to the depth of planting — the most […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/soil-temperature-seed-germination/feed/ 0 The Benefits of Backyard Chickens to Your Compost https://joegardener.com/backyard-chicken-benefits-to-compost/ https://joegardener.com/backyard-chicken-benefits-to-compost/#respond Tue, 29 Oct 2019 04:10:56 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=3619 Of all the ingredients I could add to my garden to make it grow and thrive, without a doubt the single most important input is compost. It’s the key to the health of my vegetable garden, landscape plants, thriving lawn, and anything growing under my watch. And the benefits of keeping backyard chickens to your […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/backyard-chicken-benefits-to-compost/feed/ 0 How to Make Compost the Easy Way https://joegardener.com/how-to-make-compost/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-make-compost/#respond Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:42:52 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=3302 Composting – It’s unfortunate how often that phrase intimidates gardeners. The fact is, anyone can compost, and there are so many benefits to enjoy as a result. Even if you have just a small yard or balcony, you can turn a pile of your raw household materials into the most beautiful, rich, dark, earthy material […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-make-compost/feed/ 0 Busted – Top Five Tomato Growing Myths https://joegardener.com/top-five-tomato-growing-myths/ https://joegardener.com/top-five-tomato-growing-myths/#respond Wed, 15 May 2019 17:17:12 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=3203 When it comes to growing tomatoes, there’s no shortage of advice, and some of it has been handed down for generations. Fortunately for us, there are researchers who put these time-honored tips to the test. So, which recommendations have been proven as nothing more than garden myth? Let’s take a look at the most common […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/top-five-tomato-growing-myths/feed/ 0 How to Use Fall Leaves in the Garden – and Why You Should https://joegardener.com/how-to-use-fall-leaves/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-use-fall-leaves/#respond Sun, 18 Nov 2018 05:10:51 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2611 Fall is a favorite time of year for many. It certainly is for me. The softer light and cooler temperatures, football games, the approach of Thanksgiving – these are just a few of the reasons fall is what I consider the best season. Yet, it’s the falling leaves that I’m most thankful for right about […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-use-fall-leaves/feed/ 0 How to Divide Plants – and Why You Should https://joegardener.com/dividing-plants-how-to/ https://joegardener.com/dividing-plants-how-to/#respond Sun, 11 Nov 2018 05:10:12 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2578 Are you interested in some free plants to add to your landscape? There are plenty of them already all around you. In fact, many common landscape perennials can – and should – be divided. Dividing plants is easy. You just need to follow a few steps and become familiar with the types of plants which can […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/dividing-plants-how-to/feed/ 0 Five Common Garden Mistakes That Matter Most – And How To Avoid Them https://joegardener.com/garden-mistakes-that-matter-most/ https://joegardener.com/garden-mistakes-that-matter-most/#respond Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:10:45 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2276 Garden mistakes challenge us, push us to do better and teach us lessons we utilize for years to come. I ought to know – I’ve made my fair share of them over the years. When you think about it, gardening is as much about making mistakes as it is about celebrating the wins. That said, […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/garden-mistakes-that-matter-most/feed/ 0 How to Create a Drought Tolerant Landscape: Pro Tips – Pt. 5 of 5 https://joegardener.com/drought-tolerant-landscape/ https://joegardener.com/drought-tolerant-landscape/#respond Sat, 04 Aug 2018 04:10:49 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2220 If you live in an area which experiences periods of drought, you’re probably subject to watering restrictions. Fortunately, your landscape can be surprisingly resilient and drought tolerant using the measures I covered in Part 2 of this series which ensure your plants establish well and sink their roots more deeply into the ground. Under extreme conditions, […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/drought-tolerant-landscape/feed/ 0 Watering Your Garden: How Much Is Enough and Sources: Pro Tips – Pt. 4 of 5 https://joegardener.com/water-how-much-is-too-much/ Sat, 28 Jul 2018 04:10:17 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2175 There’s more to being wise with water than efficient garden watering. I often mention that more plants die from overwatering than from underwatering. That’s the main reason I speak so often about making sure you have well-drained soil. In earlier parts of this 5-part series; I’ve covered selecting the right plants, water delivery methods, and watering […]

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]]> How to Water and What to Use: Pro Tips – Part 3 of 5 https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-and-what-to-use/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-and-what-to-use/#respond Sat, 21 Jul 2018 04:10:57 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2130 There are a number of tools and methods to use when watering your landscape in the absence of rainfall. Efficient water delivery is all about applying the right method in the right circumstance. A water delivery system doesn’t need to be complicated – and it sure doesn’t need to be expensive. Best of all – […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-and-what-to-use/feed/ 0 How to Water Your New & Established Plants: Pro Tips – Part 2 of 5 https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-your-new-established-plants-pro-tips-pt-2-of-5/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-your-new-established-plants-pro-tips-pt-2-of-5/#respond Sat, 14 Jul 2018 04:10:57 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2127 Welcome to Part 2 of my 5-part series on efficient watering in your garden and landscape. Last week, I covered some of the fundamentals – how to get the right plant in the right place. Doing that right will save you money and time in the long run. This week, let’s explore how to get […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-your-new-established-plants-pro-tips-pt-2-of-5/feed/ 0 How to Water Your Garden and Landscape: Pro Tips – Part 1 of 5 https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-your-garden-and-landscape-1-of-5/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-your-garden-and-landscape-1-of-5/#respond Sat, 07 Jul 2018 04:10:24 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=2057 For most of us, having access to water means simply turning the faucet handle. Voila! Water in abundance, right? Well, this convenience is incredibly deceiving. Although 75% of our planet is covered with water, only a minuscule 1% is available as pure, clean water for use by the entire world population. That’s right – 1% […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-water-your-garden-and-landscape-1-of-5/feed/ 0 Top Ten Tips to Repurpose Plastic Pots https://joegardener.com/top-ten-tips-repurpose-pots/ https://joegardener.com/top-ten-tips-repurpose-pots/#respond Fri, 18 May 2018 18:38:13 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1893 More often than not, those new plants we pick up at nurseries or home improvement centers are in a plastic pot. As responsible gardeners, we all hate to simply throw those pots away and add them to the landfill. Most of those pots are made of recyclable plastic, but if you’ve watched a related episode […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/top-ten-tips-repurpose-pots/feed/ 0 Top 5 Reasons to Garden in a Raised Bed https://joegardener.com/top-5-raised-bed-benefits/ https://joegardener.com/top-5-raised-bed-benefits/#respond Thu, 17 May 2018 17:17:44 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1876 Do you garden in raised beds? If not, why not? Given the options, I can’t imagine not gardening in raised beds. Raised beds are versatile in shape and structure, and they provide the ideal starting point for gardening success and bountiful crops. Let’s dive in to the Top Five benefits offered by a raised bed garden: […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/top-5-raised-bed-benefits/feed/ 0 Come on in out of the pollen https://joegardener.com/come-on-in-out-of-the-pollen/ https://joegardener.com/come-on-in-out-of-the-pollen/#respond Tue, 17 Apr 2018 20:41:44 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1755 A Note from Joe – Congratulations to our resident humorist Holly Mackle! She is launching a mommy humor essay book today: Same Here, Sisterfriend, Mostly True Tales of Misadventures in Motherhood. Check out a special discount Holly has arranged for our readers. Details in the Links & Resources section below. Hello from Holly. It’s here. Pollen […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/come-on-in-out-of-the-pollen/feed/ 0 Preparing the Garden In Spring https://joegardener.com/spring-garden-prep/ https://joegardener.com/spring-garden-prep/#respond Tue, 10 Apr 2018 14:32:04 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1719 There’s nothing like the approach of spring to get you itching to spend time in the garden. If the snow still lies menacingly on the ground where you live, you may feel like there’s not much you can do – yet. But those weeks after winter (or a long, cold spring) wanes and before the […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/spring-garden-prep/feed/ 0 Organic Lawn Renovation for Spring: 5-Steps To Your Best Lawn Ever https://joegardener.com/spring-lawn-renovation/ Sat, 07 Apr 2018 22:15:16 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1704 For everything there is a season, and when it comes to lawn renovation, spring and fall are it for cool season grasses. Organic lawn care steps taken early in the year can save you water, money and time all through the summer and into fall, while attention in fall will give your lawn a jump […]

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]]> The Numbers on Fertilizer Labels, What They Mean https://joegardener.com/the-numbers-on-fertilizer-labels-what-they-mean/ https://joegardener.com/the-numbers-on-fertilizer-labels-what-they-mean/#respond Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:25:15 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1603 A hallmark of good gardening is providing your plants with fertilizer, right? Well, not necessarily. Let’s take a look at some fertilizer facts and review not just the do’s and don’t of fertilization but, more importantly, the “why’s” behind it all. Fertilizer is sometimes seen as a gardening “bandage.” Many gardeners are under the false impression […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/the-numbers-on-fertilizer-labels-what-they-mean/feed/ 0 I’m Happy to Report There Has Been Very Minimal Sulking https://joegardener.com/im-happy-to-report-there-has-been-very-minimal-sulking/ https://joegardener.com/im-happy-to-report-there-has-been-very-minimal-sulking/#respond Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:42:59 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1338 Greetings from the dead of winter! Let’s face it–many of us gardener-types probably don’t, hmmmm, how shall we say it? DEAL WELL WITH WINTER. First, there’s the cold, and then the snow or the ice (or both!) and the dirty looks at one’s spouse when they suggest you get off the couch and up from […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/im-happy-to-report-there-has-been-very-minimal-sulking/feed/ 0 We love you, Miss Hannigan https://joegardener.com/we-love-you-miss-hannigan/ https://joegardener.com/we-love-you-miss-hannigan/#respond Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:44:01 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1146 Hello from Holly. When I really need some work done around the garden, I offer to keep my nephews for the weekend. This strikes me as a genius plan, full of brilliance and benevolence, if not efficiency.     Child labor laws? I scoff in the face of child labor laws. My extra helpers, T-Rex […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/we-love-you-miss-hannigan/feed/ 0 Okroar https://joegardener.com/okroar/ https://joegardener.com/okroar/#respond Fri, 06 Oct 2017 03:05:13 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1113 “Honey, I can’t find the dog?” “The okra ate her.” Y’all. It’s tremendous. It’s out of control. It’s towering above the rest of the garden. It’s a marvel of feats of strength. It’s…it’s…     delicious. We like it in creole succotash. And by “we” I mean David and I, as the girls have a […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/okroar/feed/ 0 What to Plant in a Fall Vegetable Garden https://joegardener.com/what-to-plant-in-a-fall-vegetable-garden/ https://joegardener.com/what-to-plant-in-a-fall-vegetable-garden/#respond Tue, 05 Sep 2017 18:01:30 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1032 Knowing what to plant in a fall vegetable garden will open your eyes to a whole new world and extend your edible gardening season for many weeks or longer. Some varieties even get better after exposure to a few frosty nights.     I’ve had great success buying and planting cool-season vegetable seedlings in early […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/what-to-plant-in-a-fall-vegetable-garden/feed/ 0 Houston, this is Tranquility https://joegardener.com/houston-this-is-tranquility/ https://joegardener.com/houston-this-is-tranquility/#respond Fri, 25 Aug 2017 21:34:58 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=1011 Hello from Holly. Houston, this is Tranquility. We have a problem.     I do not remember agreeing to this. I remember agreeing to, “Let’s have a baby,” but I do not remember agreeing to growth and development and grade school and, “Mom, that shirt looks totally cute on you.” I agreed to “glubs” and “bwackberry […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/houston-this-is-tranquility/feed/ 0 Rabbits Part Deux: Rise of the Offspring https://joegardener.com/rabbits-part-deux-rise-of-the-offspring/ https://joegardener.com/rabbits-part-deux-rise-of-the-offspring/#comments Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:17:38 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=985 Hello from Holly. Listen, I have friends, and then I have friends. You know the italics kind–the kind you text during dinner on the weekend, and they respond, “I’ll be right over.” One of those during dinner texts happened just this past weekend when all my deepest fears came true.     In case it’s […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/rabbits-part-deux-rise-of-the-offspring/feed/ 1 There goes the neighborhood https://joegardener.com/there-goes-the-neighborhood/ https://joegardener.com/there-goes-the-neighborhood/#comments Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:08:43 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=963 Hello from Holly. It’s been a little too quiet around these parts. I shoulda known something was up. Innocently enough, I meandered to the garden to pick flowers for teacher welcome back and was met with quite a fright: a huge rabbit jumped from the green beans. For a split second our eyes locked and […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/there-goes-the-neighborhood/feed/ 1 Vacation all I ever wanted https://joegardener.com/vacation-all-i-ever-wanted/ https://joegardener.com/vacation-all-i-ever-wanted/#respond Fri, 04 Aug 2017 09:00:00 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=951 Hello from Holly. We just got back from vacation. I didn’t tell you beforehand because of the Hamburglar. But now that we’re back let me give you a tour of the hot mess I found upon our return. I don’t mean to hashtag humble brag, buuuuuuut…it would appear my garden prefers it when I’m not […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/vacation-all-i-ever-wanted/feed/ 0 Asking for a Friend: Your Organic Gardening Questions Answered https://joegardener.com/asking-for-a-friend-your-organic-gardening-questions-answered/ https://joegardener.com/asking-for-a-friend-your-organic-gardening-questions-answered/#comments Fri, 28 Jul 2017 09:36:39 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=841 Hello from Holly. Well, we’ve arrived at the first installment of a little something we’re going to call “Asking for a Friend,” invisibly subtitled “Dumb Gardening Questions Submitted by Readers or Maybe Not Readers at All Maybe Just All My Dumb Questions but Why Would I Own up to That?” (Also acknowledged by the highly-accessible […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/asking-for-a-friend-your-organic-gardening-questions-answered/feed/ 4 All my Friends Know the Low Rider  https://joegardener.com/all-my-friends-know-the-low-rider/ https://joegardener.com/all-my-friends-know-the-low-rider/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2017 17:00:51 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=825 Ground cherries. Who’da thunk. Do you know these? If you don’t, here’s the scoop. They go way back; they’re early Americana. The Google reports, “It is said that the pilgrims used ground cherries in their cooking.” Why, thank you, The Google. And how very formal of you. It is said that you are very awesome […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/all-my-friends-know-the-low-rider/feed/ 0 Hark, I’ve Discovered a Discovery https://joegardener.com/hark-ive-discovered-a-discovery/ https://joegardener.com/hark-ive-discovered-a-discovery/#comments Fri, 14 Jul 2017 13:02:47 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=793 Hello from Holly. I believe I’ve discovered a new species of garden pest. It’s not an insect, rodent, parasite, or fungus…but it’s potentially way more destructive. I know it’s unexpected considering that I live in suburbia and not some remote corner of the earth, but hear me out. Gardeners worldwide depend on our accurate classification […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/hark-ive-discovered-a-discovery/feed/ 3 Requiem for Blackberry Season https://joegardener.com/requiem-for-blackberry-season/ https://joegardener.com/requiem-for-blackberry-season/#respond Fri, 07 Jul 2017 17:29:43 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=739 Hello from Holly. It’s over. And a single tear slides down my family’s collective cheek. It was a beauty—a stunner, really. We’ve eaten off of them for weeks. Even Mr. Blackberry-head put aside his hatred of anything not banana Laffy Taffy to enjoy their bounty.     (That’s my husband. Isn’t he so cute?} At […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/requiem-for-blackberry-season/feed/ 0 The Only Thing We Almost Ran Out of Were Tattoos   https://joegardener.com/the-only-thing-we-almost-ran-out-of-were-tattoos/ https://joegardener.com/the-only-thing-we-almost-ran-out-of-were-tattoos/#comments Fri, 30 Jun 2017 18:33:55 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=698 Hello from Holly. This is the story of our raised beds. When I reflect back on it, it seems like it was someone else’s story, but then I glance out into the yard, and my heart jumps a little, and I remember, “HEY, THAT REALLY HAPPENED.” (This seems like as good a time as any to […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/the-only-thing-we-almost-ran-out-of-were-tattoos/feed/ 1 Hello From Holly–Digging Suburbia From Zone 7B https://joegardener.com/hello-from-holly-digging-suburbia-from-zone-7b/ https://joegardener.com/hello-from-holly-digging-suburbia-from-zone-7b/#respond Thu, 22 Jun 2017 18:36:53 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=642 A note from Joe – Hi friends. Allow me to introduce Holly Mackle. She’ll be a regular around here for a long time. That’s my plan anyway. You see Holly is definitely a “joe gardener” kind of gal. She’s a young mother, a suburban gardener, and someone who is just trying to figure it out […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/hello-from-holly-digging-suburbia-from-zone-7b/feed/ 0 Resources & Links https://joegardener.com/resources-links/ Fri, 02 Jun 2017 18:09:37 +0000 https://joegardener.com/?p=527 Oftentimes, your best tool in the garden is good information. Today’s world of information overload can make it difficult to weed through the clutter. Anyone can share advice on the internet – without qualification or a commitment to accuracy. When searching online for garden resources, look for trusted experts and advice shared by educational institutions […]

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]]> When is the Best Time to Pick a Tomato? https://joegardener.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-pick-a-tomato/ https://joegardener.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-pick-a-tomato/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:07:19 +0000 http://jg.goodchee.com/?p=455 When is the best time to pick a tomato? It’s one of the most often asked questions as we get closer to that time and the temptation to harvest gets greater by the day. When a tomato reaches a full size, and the fruit becomes a pale green, it begins the ripening process, regulated by an […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-pick-a-tomato/feed/ 2 How to Create a Productive Raised Bed Garden https://joegardener.com/how-to-create-a-productive-raised-bed-garden/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-create-a-productive-raised-bed-garden/#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2017 16:38:28 +0000 http://jg.goodchee.com/?p=369 I’m often asked how to create a productive raised bed garden. Whether you choose to contain your bed within a raised border, or simply mound the soil up, the benefits of raised bed gardens provide a significant advantage in creating a productive and healthy growing environment. Gardening in raised beds offers a simple and effective way to grow healthy and productive plants by manipulating the […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-create-a-productive-raised-bed-garden/feed/ 9 Backyard Composting: A Simple Recipe for Making Great Compost https://joegardener.com/backyard-composting-a-simple-recipe-for-making-great-compost/ https://joegardener.com/backyard-composting-a-simple-recipe-for-making-great-compost/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:12:01 +0000 http://jg.goodchee.com/?p=359 If you’re here because you’d like to learn more about backyard composting, you’ve come to the right place. I believe the single biggest reason more people don’t compost, or quit too soon, is because they think it’s too complicated. I’m here to tell you, that is simply not true. In fact, it comes down to just three simple but […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/backyard-composting-a-simple-recipe-for-making-great-compost/feed/ 0 How to Improve Your Soil: 3 Simple Steps for Making Any Soil Better https://joegardener.com/how-to-improve-your-soil-3-simple-steps-for-making-any-soil-better/ https://joegardener.com/how-to-improve-your-soil-3-simple-steps-for-making-any-soil-better/#comments Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:52:59 +0000 http://jg.goodchee.com/?p=345 Learning how to improve your soil can be a game changer to any gardener or weekend warrior who thought their soil was impossible to grow in. No matter where you start, here are 3 steps to making any soil better. Starting off with bad soil doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. In fact, it doesn’t […]

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]]> https://joegardener.com/how-to-improve-your-soil-3-simple-steps-for-making-any-soil-better/feed/ 6 Pruning 101: The Pruning Basics from A to Z https://joegardener.com/the-pruning-basics-from-a-to-z/ https://joegardener.com/the-pruning-basics-from-a-to-z/#respond Wed, 29 Mar 2017 18:09:05 +0000 http://localhost:8080/joegardener/?p=84 You remember all those freshman college classes that ended in “101”. For some reason, I always felt less intimidated by the course if the title ended with that number. So welcome to Pruning 101, where we cover how to prune – the pruning basics from A to Z. While pruning can be intimidating for many […]

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