Planting Atlas Newsletter

How To Save Bell Pepper Seeds and Keep Your Best Lineage Going

2026-10-29

Don't just collect seeds—learn how to save them correctly, isolate varieties, and test their viability so you can maintain your ideal pepper genetics year after year. This is about making sure the plants that work best in *your* backyard stay that way.

Shade Garden Designs That Don't Rely on Flowers

2026-10-28

If your shady spot usually means boring, flower-dependent containers, this issue shows you how to design complex and beautiful spaces using only the structure, color, and texture of leaves.

Yucca: Making a Statement Without Trying Too Hard

2026-10-27

Yucca is one of the ultimate low-maintenance plants, offering dramatic architecture and drought tolerance perfect for dry or high-heat backyard spots. We cover how to use it in both large beds and small containers without killing yourself trying to keep up.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 2

The Beginner’s Guide to Kratky: Growing Greens Without Good Soil

2026-10-26

If your native soil is heavy clay or drains poorly, you might think growing greens outdoors is a lost cause. We’re looking at the Kratky method—a simple, electricity-free system to keep roots healthy and plants thriving where conventional gardening fails.

Don't Burn Your Garden on the Way Out (Fall Cleanup)

2026-10-25

Cleaning up the garden is stressful. You want it spotless, but you don't want to accidentally wipe out all the beneficial insects and habitat needed when spring rolls around again.

Don't Let Root Rot Kill Your Potted Plants This Winter.

2026-10-24

As temperatures drop and the ground freezes, container plants face more than just cold—they risk fatal root rot. This issue details why drainage is far more critical than temperature right now, using simple materials like bricks or risers to save your fall plantings.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 2

Getting Greens Growing When Your Yard Refuses to Cooperate

2026-10-23

If your backyard is heavy clay, rock-strewn, or just won’t drain properly, you don't have to quit gardening. We break down the Kratky method—a simple way to grow greens without soil or complex equipment.

Stop Weeds and Keep Moisture: Cardboard Mulch for Your Veggie Beds

2026-10-22

Cardboard mulch is one of the simplest, most effective ways to fight persistent weeds, retain moisture during dry spells, and slowly build healthy organic matter in your garden beds. This guide shows you exactly how I do it.

How to Get Giant Garlic Bulbs This Year: Depth and Timing Are Everything

2026-10-21

If you want massive, flavorful garlic cloves that don't seem to stop growing, understanding the ideal planting depth and timing is critical. This isn't just about tossing bulbs in; it’s about setting up their root system for success.

Strawberry Wintering: The Timing is Everything (or Nothing)

2026-10-20

Strawberry care isn't just about piling on mulch. This issue dives into the specific seasonal timing—when to start, when to stop, and how much effort you can actually afford while waiting out a Zone 7 winter.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 2

How to Grow Greens Without Soil or Electricity

2026-10-20

If your yard drains poorly or you're wary of heavy soil, hydroponics might sound too complicated. This guide breaks down the simplest system—the Kratky method—so you can start growing greens reliably with almost no equipment.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 2

The Kratky Method: Letting Plants Grow Without Soil or Electricity

2026-10-18

If the idea of complex pumping equipment sounds too much like a plumbing nightmare, this guide shows you how to use one of the simplest hydroponic methods—the Kratky setup. It’s low-tech, passive, and works perfectly in containers for your backyard yard.

Why Lacinato Kale Is the Underrated King of Cool Weather Gardens

2026-10-17

Lacinato kale is more than just a superfood; its dark, blue-green foliage makes it one of the best fall ornamentals. We cover everything from ideal planting times to advanced techniques for storage and preservation.

Designing for the Dry Years: Low-Water Gardening That Actually Works

2026-10-16

If your yard dries out to a brittle brown skeleton every August, this issue is for you. We'll look at how experienced gardeners build resilient landscapes using plants that have survived the toughest conditions—and what they should stop buying immediately.

The Art of Division: How to Multiply Favorite Perennials This Fall

2026-10-15

Before the deep frost hits, there are simple techniques you can use to divide established perennials like hostas and peonies. This process is essential for maintaining strong plants and expanding your garden without spending money on nursery starts.

Don't Wait for Spring: Planting Shrubs That Look Good All Winter

2026-10-15

Instead of relying on the next burst of spring blooms, we're looking at planting key shrubs and maples in October to provide deep texture and lasting color through your first hard freeze. This is about building structure from the ground up.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 2

Kratky Method: Growing Plants in Water Instead of Dirt

2026-10-13

If you're interested in growing plants that don't need soil, this is where we start. The Kratky method uses basic jars and gravity to give your seedlings a perfect head start into soilless life.

The Best Way to Regenerate Your Garden Soil (Without Buying Fertilizer)

2026-10-12

Stop viewing soil as just dirt. This guide shows how to use specific cover crops—from clover to vetch—to naturally rebuild fertility, suppress weeds, and make your next planting season easier on the back (and better for the planet).

Keeping the Yard Colorful When Everything Else Slows Down

2026-10-12

It's time to get the yard popping again. This issue cuts through the fluff and gives you precise, zone-specific timing—from when to start seeds indoors to which annual plugs will actually handle a Southern fall.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 1

Hydroponics Doesn't Have to Be Hard: Starting Simple in the Backyard

2026-10-10

If the word 'hydroponics' sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie or an expensive greenhouse catalog, don't worry. This issue demystifies soilless growing and shows you how to start with low risk using just buckets and jars.

Keep Blooming Through Autumn: Better Alternatives to Lavender Bloomers

2026-10-10

As the heat fades in late summer, many gardens hit a predictable slump. This issue shows how three durable perennials can keep your borders vibrant until the first frost hits.

Building a Buzzing Backyard Haven with Native Plants and Simple Geometry

2026-10-07

We're talking about taking sophisticated garden design principles—like the circle or labyrinth—and applying them using resilient, local native plants that support everything from hummingbirds to tiny sweat bees.

Stop thinking about plants; start building habitat instead.

2026-10-06

If you’re only focused on planting the prettiest annuals, you're missing half the story. This issue focuses on using non-plant elements—from fallen logs to simple puddles—to build a functioning, resilient yard from scratch.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 4

Stop guessing about grow lights: use DLI instead of watts.

2026-10-04

We're moving past simple lumens and wattages to talk about the Daily Light Integral (DLI)—the true energy budget your plants need. This is critical knowledge for anyone running a small, controlled hydroponic setup at home.

Mastering Your Slope: Structural Planting for Challenging Grades

2026-10-03

Dealing with a steep slope can feel like an insurmountable design flaw. This issue shows how professional landscape techniques—from physical walls to tenacious groundcovers—can stabilize the terrain while creating dramatic year-round viewing points.

Stop Guessing: How Much Light Your Crops Really Need to Thrive

2026-10-03

You've mastered the pH, nutrients, and water levels. Now it’s time to look past watts and lumens and understand Daily Light Integral (DLI) to dial in perfect light energy for your specific plants.

Fall Leaves on the Lawn: How to Mulch Without Killing Your Grass.

2026-10-01

Leaf litter is one of the most misunderstood things in backyard gardening. We're tackling the myth that all leaves smother grass, and instead focusing on how to process them into beneficial soil amendments right where they fall.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 5

Growing Tomatoes and Peppers in Buckets (The Next Level)

2026-09-30

You've mastered growing greens in jars, but tomatoes and peppers demand more. This is your guide to scaling up deep water culture safely, focusing on what makes fruiting crops different from leafy ones.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 3

Don't Panic Over Numbers: Nutrients, pH, and EC Explained

2026-09-29

Hydroponics sounds like it requires a chemistry degree. It doesn't. This issue demystifies the three numbers—Nutrients, pH, and EC—so you know how to keep your plants fed without guessing.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 4

Stop Guessing: How Much Actual Light Your Hydroponic Crops Really Need

2026-09-29

Understanding grow lights is harder than it looks. This issue cuts through the confusion of watts and lumens to teach you what actually matters: Daily Light Integral (DLI). We'll show why a salad crop needs way less light than your favorite tomato variety does.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 2

Growing Food Without Dirt? A Jar of Lettuce and Basil.

2026-09-27

Thinking about growing food without dirt? The Kratky method is the simplest, most forgiving way to dip a toe into hydroponics. This issue walks you through setting up a small batch with lettuce or basil using nothing more than a jar of water and some good plants.

Hydroponics From Scratch · Part 1

Starting out with hydroponic growing systems

2026-09-26

Hydroponics sounds like something only rich, fancy tech people do. It’s not. We break down what soil-free growing actually is and help you pick the right system to start your own small operation on the patio or indoors.

How to Manage Drainage in Your Backyard Garden

2026-09-25

If your garden tends to puddle after heavy rain, you don't need expensive engineering. This guide covers practical ways—from simple soil amendments to natural water collection—to keep the roots breathing and maximize every drop of water.

Using Fava Beans to Naturally Build Soil Fertility for Next Season’s Harvest

2026-09-25

Don’t buy expensive fertilizer when you can use the power of legumes. We walk through planting fava beans as a strategic cover crop and how to make them work your soil, naturally.

The Art of Weaving Flowers and Veggies Together

2026-09-24

You don't have to choose between having beautiful flowers and growing food. We’ll look at how blending the two makes your garden more productive, resilient, and visually stunning.

The Art of Composting with Autumn Leaves and Garden Scraps

2026-09-22

Leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps are free resources that shouldn't just be piled up. This guide shows you how to balance your 'browns' and 'greens' properly so you can create rich compost or effective mulch for next season.

Fermenting Tomato Seeds for a Germination Boost

2026-09-20

Before you plant a single seed, there’s a natural prep step: fermentation. We walk through the process of preparing your saved tomato seeds to give them the best possible start this season.

How to Grow Cholla Cacti That Actually Look Right

2026-09-19

Chollas are dramatic focal points, but they require specific knowledge regarding soil, water, and placement to thrive safely in your backyard. We cover everything you need to know to keep them safe and spectacular.

How to properly cure and store fall squash for next year's abundance.

2026-09-19

Getting the harvest stored correctly is half the battle. We walk through curing, stacking, and storing various squash varieties so you can maximize your fall bounty right here in Zone 7.

The Poisonous Plants Guide: Keeping Pets and Kids Safe in Your Garden.

2026-09-18

Before you buy that beautiful new plant, take a minute to check its toxicity profile. This issue covers common risks in the backyard and gives actionable steps for safe planting.

The Right Way to Handle Backyard Weeds—Without Poisoning Your Soil

2026-09-17

Weeds are inevitable, but you don't have to wage chemical wars against them. This issue details targeted, hands-on strategies for controlling the toughest perennial invasives like rhizomes, taproots, and runners naturally.

Killing Gnats and Whiteflies (The Natural Way)

2026-09-15

If you’re tired of yellow-cast fungus gnat larvae and whitefly outbreaks, this issue shows how specific types of indoor plants can handle the job naturally. It requires simple care adjustments but offers peace of mind for your container garden.

How to Build Your Seed Stockpile Without Breaking the Bank

2026-09-15

Before the deep cold sets in, let’s talk about how to fill your seed packet stash without opening your wallet. This year, we focus on maximizing every dollar spent—or better yet, spending none at all.

How to Make Your Christmas Cactus Bloom When You Don't Want To

2026-09-13

Getting Christmas cacti to pop with color can feel like magic, but usually involves predictable environmental tricks. We’ll walk through the science of dormancy and how you can mimic spring conditions indoors.

Hybrids vs. Heirlooms: What You Need to Know Before Planting Tomatoes

2026-09-12

Confused by why your seeds sometimes give you different plants? This issue breaks down the science of genetics (F1, open-pollinated) into simple backyard terms so you know exactly what to plant and how—and if—you can save those great tomatoes.

Making Your Yard Bloom: A Guide to Mass Planting Hydrangeas

2026-09-11

If you have an area with good light, this guide shows how grouping hydrangeas—and other large perennials—can create major structural drama in your yard. We'll cover everything from soil prep to dealing with the inevitable pests.

How to Build a Permanent, High-Yield Vegetable Patch

2026-09-10

If you’re tired of annual patch prep and dealing with compaction, this guide shows how to build standardized permanent garden beds that maximize every square foot while building soil health.

What to do in the garden before the hard freeze hits.

2026-09-09

Fall is the most important season in the garden, but its tasks are often overlooked. This issue covers everything from cleaning your tools to letting nature take over so you can start strong next spring.

Building a greenhouse that actually works for your garden.

2026-09-08

Considering building or upgrading a greenhouse? We need to talk about planning, because the biggest mistakes happen before you even lay the first piece of glass. This is all about designing around your plants, not just buying a nice structure.

Making a Fall Show: Plants for Color and Structure After the Harvest

2026-09-08

Don't let the riot of summer blooms end with a sudden brown curtain. We need to plan ahead so your garden keeps its visual interest and structure all through autumn, using plants that look good when things start dying back.

How to Keep Growing Food When the Frost Hits Hard

2026-09-06

If you want to keep eating fresh food long after the first fall frost, this guide shows you how far into winter your garden can go using simple structures and cold-tolerant planning. It’s about doing more with what you already have in your backyard.

The best garden spots aren't about flowers; they're about where you sit.

2026-09-05

We're talking about strategic placement—where you sit and when the sun hits—to maximize the enjoyment of your garden space. This is less about planting deep knowledge and more about knowing where to look from.

How to Make Your Yard Pop with Shrubs in Autumn

2026-09-05

Autumn is the best time to plan your landscape. We look at woody shrubs that provide vibrant color when nothing else seems to be blooming, and how to select them based on where you live in USDA zones.

Designing a Joyful Container Garden for Little Yards

2026-09-03

We are focusing on making container gardening feel good, not just productive. This issue gives simple design principles and plant ideas to help you fill up those small spaces with color and life.

When a Tree Falls: Saving Your Shade-Loving Garden After Unexpected Sunlight

2026-09-02

When a tree falls, or a huge limb drops, your shade-loving garden suddenly gets hit with intense sunlight. Here's how to prevent scorched plants and keep the whole yard from turning into an oven.

How to find specialty bulbs for next year's showy garden beds

2026-09-01

Don't wait until fall to plant your bulbs. This issue covers the best way to source rare and specialized spring flowers, ensuring you hit peak color without having to buy everything in bulk.

How to keep potted plants from drying out in Zone [N] heat.

2026-08-31

When everything is in a pot, losing moisture isn't just inconvenient—it can kill your season. We cover structural fixes and watering habits to keep roots happy through the summer heat.

The Secret to Keeping Your Zucchini Sweet and Snackable All Summer Long

2026-08-30

Bitter cucumbers are frustrating and common. This issue dives into why your harvest tastes like soap, giving you the hands-on techniques to prevent bitterness before it starts.

Doing Nothing: The Permaculture Way to Build a Backyard That Works With You

2026-08-30

This isn't about buying more stuff or working harder. It's about changing how you think about your garden space—designing systems that feed each other and need less of you over time.

The Wild Bergamot Guide: Planting the Neighbors You Actually Need

2026-08-28

Wild Bergamot is one of the best native perennials you can plant right now. We’ll walk through where to put it, how much room it needs, and what to expect over a full season.

Dividing Perennials: How to Give Your Old Plants New Life Next Year

2026-08-28

August is the perfect time to divide many perennials. This guide walks through the specific methods and timing needed for five popular, often neglected types so you can get free starts next year.

How to Make Your Garden Look Good When Everything Else Is Brown and Dead

2026-08-26

We all want the garden to look good right up until the first deep freeze. This issue covers hardy perennials and plants specifically chosen to hold color, structure, or interesting texture as temperatures drop.

Entryways: How to make your front door look like it belongs in a magazine (without being one).

2026-08-25

You don't need to redesign your whole yard, but a great entryway can make the biggest difference. Here’s how to combine plants and structure without going overboard.

Keeping the Garden Going When Everything Else Stops

2026-08-23

Learn how to build and position a simple cold frame using materials you already have, maximizing your growing season right up until the first hard freeze.

Bridging the Gap: Seeding Fast Greens Before the First Frost

2026-08-21

Need something quick and tasty to fill your garden bed until the real fall crops take over? This issue walks through setting up fast-maturing salad greens that thrive on minimal fuss.

Building a Bird Buffet: Native Trees and Shrubs That Feed Your Yard.

2026-08-20

We’re looking past the pretty flowers and focusing on which shrubs and trees actually provide reliable food, shelter, and habitat for local birds year-round. This isn't about buying feeders; it's about planting life.

Box Tree Moth Infestation Management: What to Do Now

2026-08-19

Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is nasty, but proper cultural and biological controls can save your boxwoods. We’ll cover exactly what to do with the damage already done and how to stop it next year.

Don't let a mild frost ruin your yield: Extending the growing season in Zone 7.

2026-08-19

If you're done harvesting by September, these techniques will help you squeeze out one or two more profitable months from your vegetable garden. We've covered everything from simple row covers to full cold frames.

Making the most of those cool October days in the backyard.

2026-08-18

It’s time to stop thinking about summer and start preparing for the slow, steady harvest of fall. We're diving into the crops that thrive when everything else slows down: brassicas like kale, broccoli, and arugula.

Why are my tomato leaves curling up? A field guide.

2026-08-18

Leaf curling is one of the most frustrating things to diagnose. This issue walks through multiple potential causes—from simple overwatering mistakes to serious nutrient deficiencies and disease—so you know exactly what your plant needs, not just what a website suggests.

Don't Chop Your Tomatoes: Pruning for Maximum Yield and Health

2026-08-16

Tomatoes are beautiful, but they can get messy. This issue breaks down the difference between determinate and indeterminate varieties and gives you concrete steps on pruning so your plant focuses its energy where it needs to go: into fruit.

What Yellowing Tomato Leaves Are Really Telling You

2026-08-15

Yellowing leaves on tomatoes are frustrating, but they rarely mean just one thing. We walk through the most common culprits—from overwatering to nutrient lock-out—so you can diagnose the problem and get back to growing.

How to Build a Cottage Garden That Actually Looks Good (and Smells Great)

2026-08-15

You want that lush, rambling English look, but you don't know where to start. This is how we build layered chaos using plants that can handle neglect and show off all year long.

Snow-in-Summer: Easy Groundcover for Dry Spots and Slopes

2026-08-13

If you have rock gardens, slopes, or dry patio edges and struggle to fill the space without constant weeding or watering, this issue is for you. We're looking at Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum).

Keeping the little pests off your plants without reaching for chemicals.

2026-08-13

Aphids are common, but you don't have to panic. This issue covers the sustainable ways of keeping your garden thriving by focusing on prevention and natural balance.

The Bat Flower: How to Keep This Gothic Beauty Alive

2026-08-12

Bat Flowers offer incredible drama, but they are tricky to keep happy. This guide covers everything you need to know about site selection and specialized care in subtropical zones.

How to build a passive solar structure for your yard.

2026-08-10

If you’ve been eyeing that ambitious backyard greenhouse project, this one-off guide breaks down the real principles of passive solar design and earth tube integration so your structure actually works with—not against—your local climate. Keep reading to see how far we can get without calling a professional architect.

Thinking Ahead: A Real Guide to Keeping Pests Out of Your Garden.

2026-08-10

We're breaking down pest control into four steps: cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical. We focus heavily on the first three to give you a system instead of just reactive sprays.

How to Plant Fruit Trees That Actually Survive (And Produce)

2026-08-07

Before you buy that perfect-looking sapling, there are three core biological requirements—like enough winter chill and the right neighbors—that determine if your tree will ever fruit. We break down exactly what those prerequisites are for our Oklahoma Zone 7 yard.

The Edible Garden: Harvesting and Cooking with Flower Blossoms

2026-08-07

Edible flowers are more than pretty; they add unexpected flavor, color, and texture to savory dishes, desserts, and preserves. We'll cover which blooms work best where.

Figuring Out Which Hydrangeas Need to Be Cut Back Hard and which Ones Can Wait.

2026-08-06

Hydrangea pruning is one of the most confusing things in gardening. This guide cuts through the confusion by separating old-wood bloomers (like big blue types) from new-wood bloomers, so you know exactly what to cut back and what to leave alone this spring.

Don't forget yourself: Sun safety for the year-round gardener.

2026-08-06

UV exposure isn't just about sunburn; chronic sun damage affects skin and overall outdoor longevity. This guide gives practical, no-nonsense advice on keeping yourself safe while you work in the backyard.

Your Seasonal Checklist for Backyard Growers.

2026-08-06

Getting your garden ready, or keeping it alive, across wildly varying climates can feel overwhelming. This is an actionable guide to focus on the most important tasks this season, no matter where you live in USDA zones 3 through 11.

Choosing Shade Trees That Actually Work in Your Yard

2026-08-06

Before you plant that gorgeous canopy, we need to talk about the things people forget: utility lines, mature width, and how seasonal needs change by your exact zip code. Let’s get this right so your yard works for you long-term.

How to Pick Ornamental Trees That Will Actually Work in Your Backyard.

2026-08-06

Don't just buy a beautiful tree because it looks good in a catalog. This guide teaches you how to assess your site—your soil, light, and space—so you can pick trees that thrive where they are planted.

Making Your Yard Ready for Fall Planting and Winter Harvest

2026-08-05

August is the month you pivot from summer abundance to fall preparation. This issue covers everything from clearing spent plants to getting your soil ready for next season's seeds.

How to keep your pepper plants healthy and productive this season

2026-08-05

Yellowing leaves, wilting fruit, and strange spots can signal anything from simple nutrient needs to serious disease. We walk through the common problems so you know what’s really going on in your pepper patch.

Making Your Own Aerated Compost Tea Brewer and Brew It Right

2026-08-05

Stop buying expensive, proprietary soil boosters. This issue shows you how to build and use an affordable brewer at home to create powerful natural liquid feed for your beds.

How to Start a Good Autumn Vegetable Garden (Without Killing Yourself)

2026-08-05

Don't let the summer flush turn into an empty fall plot. We’re looking at what you can plant now, how to prep your soil right before frost hits, and how to keep those early crops alive when things get cold.

Late Summer Planting: What to Grow When Everything Else is Bolting

2026-08-05

Don't wait until fall to think about planting. This guide focuses on the specific crops and methods needed to get a good yield even when the heat is brutal, tailored for warmer Southern zones.

What to do with all that garden bounty?

2026-08-04

When you have too much zucchini, tomatoes, or greens to eat fresh, this issue shows specific ways—from braising tough leaves to making simple broths—to save the bounty and keep your garden cycle going.

Choosing a Fig Variety That Actually Works Here

2026-08-04

Fig trees are fantastic, but choosing the right cultivar—one that handles your local soil and climate—is half the battle. We'll walk through what each type is best at doing in a small space or full sun bed.

Choosing Shade-Cooling Plants for Your Backyard.

2026-08-04

If summer heat feels oppressive, it's usually more than just the air—it's what your yard is radiating. We look at specific shrubs that can actually help cool down a space while giving you beautiful structure and shade.

What to Do When You Find a Mystery Plant (and why you shouldn't touch it)

2026-08-04

Before you get excited about a new leaf, it's critical to know which plants are beautiful but deadly. We break down the key identification tricks so your backyard remains safe for people and pets.

Stop Letting Your Zinnias Just Go To Seed

2026-08-04

If you're growing zinnias, cosmos, or similar annuals this summer, stopping them from going to seed early is key. We walk through the process and when it actually works in Zone 7 heat.

What to Do Right Now: General Garden Checkup

2026-08-03

Instead of guessing, we’re breaking down the most important general tasks—from watering strategies to clearing out old growth—so you can focus your energy where it actually matters right now.

Making Your Garden Pop When Everything Else Is Tired.

2026-08-03

Midsummer can be brutal on blooms, but with a few key varieties and simple tricks, you can keep the color going until fall cleanup. We'll focus specifically on hardy selections proven to handle late-season heat.

How to Design a Backyard That Actually Feels Like Home

2026-08-03

You don't need acreage to have a beautiful, productive garden. This issue focuses on transforming small yards and patios using techniques that work with what you already have.

What to do when you've got too many tomatoes

2026-08-03

If your tomato plants are doing too well, congratulations—now you have an abundance problem. This issue covers everything from picking timing to the best ways to freeze and dry that bounty.

Stop Guessing What Your Tomato Plants Need After They Start Fruiting.

2026-08-03

Don't treat all tomato growth the same way. This issue walks through why simply adding fertilizer isn't enough, and how to adjust your feeding schedule based on what stage the plant is actually in.

Stop Guessing: How to Keep Black Spots Off Your Squash and Tomatoes

2026-08-03

Powdery mildew is one of the most frustratingly common problems. This guide focuses on fixing your garden setup so that you don't have to fight fungus every single year.

What to Do When Summer Starts to Wind Down in the Garden

2026-08-03

August is a critical pivot point—the last big push before fall. We're covering what to pull, how to store the excess, and exactly how to feed your soil so it stays healthy through winter.

Making Room for the Neighbors: Salamanders and Amphibians in Your Yard.

2026-08-03

Amphibians like spotted salamanders and eastern newts require more complex habitats than just a pond. This issue details how to structure your yard—from wet foraging tunnels to dry breeding areas—to support their full life cycle.

How to make your backyard a living history book.

2026-08-02

A deep dive into making your yard's history and evolution part of the main attraction, turning simple gardening into immersive design narrative. We look at documentation methods that actually work in a backyard setting.