All growing-techniques articles

how to grow

Growing Corn

Sinking your teeth into a perfectly ripened ear of sweet corn is one of the finest pleasures of summer. Learn expert techniques for growing corn.

how to grow

Growing Tomatoes

Learn how to grow tomatoes. Get tips about growing tomatoes in the ground, raised beds, or containers. Care for tomato plants from planting to harvesting.

garden ideas inspiration

6 Great Books for New Gardeners

New gardeners have one thing in common: They have lots of questions. If you don’t have a neighbor or friend who gardens, you can find the answers you need by stocking your home library with a few key books.

how to grow

Growing Artichokes

Growing artichokes in your garden is simple and easy to manage. Let us show you how to grow this delicious vegetable at Bonnie Plants.

garden fundamentals

How to Prevent and Solve Problems Organically

Learn how to fight pests and diseases in the garden without pesticides. Check out our article on how to deal with pests and diseases organically.

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

Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening is exactly what the name says: dividing a growing area into 1-foot x 1-foot sections. In a true square foot garden, an actual grid is placed on the growing area to divide up the space. What you grow in each section depends on the mature size of the crop.

garden fundamentals

Growing Herbs in Containers

Using containers to grow herbs can be an excellent way to garden in a small space. Learn the benefits of herb container gardening and get tips.

garden fundamentals

How to Support Tomatoes

Whether you use tomato cages, stakes, trellises, or something else to support tomato plants, you keep the plants healthier and ensure easier harvesting.

diy garden projects

How to Make a Raised Bed from Bales of Straw

A straw bale raised bed is an inexpensive method for creating a raised bed. Perfect for new gardeners, frugal gardeners, or gardeners needing more space.

garden fundamentals

Organic and Sustainable Gardening 101

Organic gardening isn't just about avoiding synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It also encompasses growing in harmony with nature. Learn how to grow organically and sustainably here.

garden fundamentals

Surgery for Squash Vine Borers

Surgery for squash vine borers is the last line of defense when borers have invaded your squash plants. Here is a simple description of how to remove them.

how to grow

Growing Cilantro

Try growing cilantro for fresh flavor in everything from salsa to marinade. Cilantro prefers cool weather, so plant in spring or fall.

garden fundamentals

Which Onion Is Right For You?

If you have ever planted onions only to grow a lackluster harvest of small bulbs, your growing technique may not be the issue. You may have started with the wrong onion. There are three types of onions, each one better suited for a certain part of the country. If you plant the wrong one, you may not get much of a harvest. Here's how to tell which onion is right for you.

garden fundamentals

The Basics of Fertilizing

All edible plants remove some nutrients from the soil, and some have such huge appetites that they quickly exhaust the soil (and then produce a poor crop) without the help of fertilizer. Fertilizer is especially helpful early on, when plants are making fast new growth. The key is to match the fertilizing strategy to the plant.

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

Weeding Your Garden Naturally

Got too many weeds competing with your garden or fostering problem insects? Tackle them — and keep your garden chemical-free — with these natural weeding techniques.

how to grow

Growing Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons

Growing cantaloupe and honeydew melons is so rewarding, as they taste much better than their store-bought cousins. Learn the best techniques here.

garden fundamentals

Save Money Growing Vegetables and Herbs

Save money growing vegetables and herbs at home. You'll make fewer trips to the grocery store, and your food will be fresher. Get started here.

how to grow

Growing Edamame

Growing edamame, a traditional Japanese food, is easy. Plants tolerate dry conditions, and few pests like them. You eat the beans that grow inside the pods.

drought resources

Drought Busters Respond With Many Good Ideas

Bonnie gardeners share their techniques and advice about how to deal with a drought. Don't let Mother Nature foil your plants—take control of your garden.

garden fundamentals

9 Mistakes New Gardeners Make—and How to Avoid Them

Every new gardener makes mistakes, but don’t be discouraged! We’re here to help so you can enjoy growing your own food without getting frustrated. Read on to learn some of the most common mistakes made by beginner gardeners—and how to avoid them.

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Keeping Community Gardeners Engaged

Once community gardeners begin enjoying the fruits of their labors, they’ll be hooked. Here are some ideas for encouraging interaction.

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5 Gorgeous Gardening Coffee Table Books

It’s entertaining season, and my husband I and like to play our part by hosting a few dinner parties. All those parties, of course, mean lots of guests, and I wouldn’t be a good hostess if I didn’t have some eye-catching coffee table books laying around to be perused, would I?