All master-gardener articles

garden fundamentals

The Junior Master Gardener Program: How Gardening Can Help Your Child Grow

Here’s a surefire way to teach your child how to do better in school, become more involved in the community, develop initiative, and help people in need: Enroll him or her in your local Junior Master Gardener program. Here's everything you need to know.

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

The Cure for Black Thumb

I believed for most of my life that I was born with a black thumb. Not anymore! I've discovered the cure for black thumb. Want to know what it is?

garden fundamentals

Seasoned Advice for First Time Gardeners

We all have to start somewhere, and not everyone lives next to an expert like Lucinda Mays. Read some of her tips before you start gardening.

garden fundamentals

How to Lay Out a Vegetable Garden

Is there anything more satisfying and delicious than growing your own food? From the first tender tips of asparagus in spring to the tasty tang of summer’s homegrown tomatoes, a garden filled with beautiful, productive plants provides a terrific sense of accomplishment—and fabulous, fresh meals.

garden fundamentals

Raised Bed Gardening Tips

What is a raised bed garden? It’s an enclosed planting area on top of the ground that offers one huge benefit: You never have to deal with poor soil, because you control what goes in the bed. What's more, because raised beds don't require planting in rows, you'll actually be able to fit more plants in than you would in a traditional garden of the same size — so you'll eventually end up with a bigger harvest.

garden fundamentals

Smart Compost Shopping: Buying Bagged Compost at the Store

Compost provides your garden with rich, organic material to help your plants grow. If you want to add to your garden soil or get your compost pile started, these four types of store-bought compost can help.

garden fundamentals

Creative Ways to Design Your Garden

Designing a garden is fun with these 3 creative ways to plan. Visual, list-focused, or detailed—choose a style that suits your personality and garden goals.

garden fundamentals

Edible Container Designs

It doesn’t get any fresher (or more local) than having sun-warmed vegetables and flavorful herbs growing just steps away from the kitchen. And while starting your edible container garden can be as simple as putting a plant in a pot, why not create something that adds flair as well as flavor?