Growing Techniques

Garden Fundamentals

How to Prune Tomatoes for a Big Harvest

Pruning tomato plants is an optional technique that some gardeners use to keep plants tidy, manipulate fruit size, and even speed ripening. There is one big catch: You should only prune indeterminate varieties, which produce new leaves and flowers continuously through the growing season. Here are some reasons to prune.

Garden Fundamentals

Tips for Growing Heirloom Tomatoes (from Market Farmers!)

Market farmers grow heirloom tomatoes by the bushel, selling their harvests at farm stands and markets, and through CSAs. In other words, they’re heirloom tomato growing experts. Garden writer Julie Martens Forney had a chance to interview several seasoned market farmers and talk to them about their tried-and-true methods for growing heirloom tomatoes.

Garden Fundamentals

How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots

Growing tomatoes in pots levels the home garden playing field, bringing a crop of homegrown ‘maters within reach for almost anyone, regardless of real estate.

Garden Fundamentals

Tips for Growing Lettuce (Infographic)

A quick guide to growing lettuce, this colorful infographic gives you all the basics on a single page.

Garden Fundamentals

7 Reasons Gardening is Good for You

Growing your own food does more than just feed your family--it can provide you with lots of healthy benefits. Find out what gardening does for your body.

Garden Fundamentals

Growing Tomatoes: 9 Ways to Grow Tomatoes in Your Garden

Tasty and terrific, tomatoes offer garden magic at its best, transforming yellow blossoms into juicy fruits. But perhaps the most amazing thing about tomatoes is their adaptability. These yummy gems grow and thrive in a host of ways, from classic in-ground beds to quirky upside-down planters. Let us help you discover which of these ways to grow tomatoes is best for you.

Garden Fundamentals

How to Grow Tomatoes in Hot Weather

Sizzling summer temperatures can bring your previously productive tomato plants to a screeching halt. When days hit 85°F to 90°F and nights hover above 75°F, tomato flowers often fail to pollinate, then drop -- which in turn puts new fruit production on hold.

Garden Fundamentals

Hybrid vs. Heirloom

There is a lot of confusion out there regarding the difference among heirloom, hybrid, and GMO plants, especially when it comes to tomatoes. This simple guide sorts it out for you.

Garden Fundamentals

Vacation Survival Guide for Your Garden

Do not worry about your garden while on vacation anymore! Just follow these simple suggestions to keep your plants going strong while you are away.

Garden Fundamentals

Garden Mistakes -- and What I've Learned From Them

Some say the best lessons are taught by our failures -- and when it comes to gardening, I would have to agree. Season to season, I not only learn from the mistakes I make in my garden, but also share this knowledge with my three daughters so they won’t have to repeat them when they get old enough to start growing their own.

Garden Fundamentals

Why Victory Gardens Still Matter

I am a life-long gardener. Growing up in rural Oregon, I was taught by my parents to grow, can, and cook food – all good old skills that seem to be so rare these days. But they weren’t rare during World War II, when growing food became a matter of national security.

Garden Fundamentals

The Root of the Problem

Blogger Renee Adam learns an easy remedy for rootbound tomato plants and vegetable plants that sat too long in their pots. Rootbound plants should be gently loosened before planting.

Garden Fundamentals

The Basics of Tomato Flavor

Tomato flavor won’t be the same with every type of tomato. Learn the basic components of tomato flavors and how these affect what you taste.

Garden Fundamentals

What Size Pot?

Not sure what size pot you need for your vegetable or herb? Don't guess when it comes to this. Use our handy guide to make the right choice for your plant.

Garden Fundamentals

What Can I Grow in a Pot?

Almost any vegetable or herb will grow in a pot, but it helps to put the right variety of vegetables in the right size pot. Learn how with Bonnie Plants.

Garden Fundamentals

Rotating Vegetable Crops for Garden Success

Home vegetable gardens will benefit as much from rotating vegetable crops as big farms do. Learn what crop rotation means and how to make it work in your garden.

Garden Fundamentals

Hot Pepper Heat Scale

Some peppers are hotter than others. Learn about pepper heat levels, including the Scoville scale, and how you can grow hot peppers in your garden.

Garden Fundamentals

Protecting Strawberries from Birds

Of all the ways that gardeners try protecting strawberries from birds, bird netting offers the best solution. Learn how to safely protect your strawberries.

Garden Fundamentals

Why Grow Your Own Vegetables and Herbs?

Learn why growing your own vegetables and herbs can save you money, improve your cooking, give you exercise, and minimize pesticide exposure.

Garden Fundamentals

Why Grow Vegetables and Herbs in Pots?

If you don't have room for a big garden, grow vegetables and herbs in pots. Learn reasons, like less watering, better soil options, and many more, right here.