Harvest & Habitat

Attracting beneficial insects to your garden isn’t just “nice to have," it’s one of the smartest things you can do for a thriving, balanced ecosystem right outside your back door. While it’s easy to think only about the pretty pollinators like butterflies and honeybees, there’s a whole army of good bugs quietly working to keep …

Unheated greenhouse growing can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you're staring at a big, beautiful empty greenhouse during those harsh Indiana winters. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a beginner, I didn’t know where to start or how to make the most of my unheated greenhouse. I thought I needed to have it all …

Year-round gardening in an unheated greenhouse turns frosty mornings into opportunities to harvest your own fresh food. Picture stepping into a vibrant space filled with crisp lettuce, tender spinach, and hearty kale, while the world outside remains frozen. This might sound like a dream, but with a little planning and the right techniques, it’s completely …

Winter greenhouse gardening doesn’t have to mark the end of your growing season! Even if your greenhouse isn’t heated, you can still grow fresh, cold-hardy crops like spinach and Asian greens during the chilliest months. The secret lies in creating the right environment for your plants. Insulation, strategic watering, and clever heat-storing techniques can transform …

Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a climate where greenhouses and season extenders are unnecessary because food can be grown and harvested year-round. In northern regions, winter’s chill often brings planting and harvesting to a halt. However, a family’s need for fresh, nutritious food doesn’t pause just because the garden is covered in …

As the calendar transitions to fall, life gets busier with back-to-school preparations, the delightful flurry of fall decorating, and anticipation for upcoming holidays. However, amidst all these seasonal activities, it's important not to forget the garden. Fall marks the end of the garden season for many, but it's also the perfect time for essential fall …

Fall is the perfect time to give your garden a second life with a fresh crop of vegetables. The cooler weather makes it ideal for growing hearty greens and root veggies that thrive in the crisp air. If you’re wondering what to plant, you’ll be surprised at the variety of fall garden vegetables that can …

Planting a wildflower garden is like painting a masterpiece with Mother Nature's palette. It's an enchanting journey that infuses vibrancy and vitality into your surroundings. I've found that each bloom tells a story, a tale of resilience and beauty that's unique to its species. By selecting native wildflower seeds, you're not just cultivating a garden; …

  Cultivating biodiversity in your garden is an exciting journey that might initially seem challenging, but fear not! It's not as complex as it appears – it's about choosing the right plants for your space. Think of your backyard as a canvas for boosting biodiversity, a haven for native plants and pollinator-friendly species that can …

Growing a variety of cool season vegeatbles is the easiest way to have fresh food in your own backyard from fall through spring. Today I want to talk to you about the types of vegetables that do good in the fall garden. Almost any vegetable that you plant in early spring, such as lettuce or …

Providing a protective blanket for your plants, especially during the autumn chill, can make all the difference in your garden's health and vitality. As temperatures drop and the first signs of frost appear, your plants, particularly their roots, become vulnerable to the cold. This exposure can result in stunted growth or even plant loss. That's …

Embracing the art of growing fall vegetables is a delightful journey, especially if you're a passionate backyard vegetable grower like me, proudly hailing from Indiana. As the temperatures begin their gentle descent, a magical window of opportunity opens, allowing you to extend your growing season and relish a bountiful harvest even as winter's chill approaches. …

Planting the fall garden is a passion of mine. As the leaves start to paint the world with their fiery hues and the crisp autumn breeze dances through the garden, I can't help but get excited about what's in store for this fall. It's a season filled with the promise of new beginnings, a time …

Greetings, fellow gardening aficionados! I'm absolutely thrilled to delve into the world of natural gardening tips for fall planting with you. There's a unique satisfaction that comes with getting your hands in the soil during the crisp days of autumn, all in preparation for a garden that will burst with life come spring. And you …

Disclaimer: Today’s post is sponsored by Monrovia, but my love for their plants is all my own! I was compensated for this post and I did receive free plants. Spring is finally here after what seemed like a never-ending winter - and that means it is time for my Monrovia Plantlust to surface. I Love …

When winter's chill descends upon your garden, it might seem like your green thumb has to take a long hiatus. But wait, there's good news for gardening enthusiasts – the cold season doesn't have to mark the end of your horticultural endeavors, especially once you understand vegetable garden frost protection methods. With the right techniques …

If you have an unheated greenhouse, you might wonder what cool greenhouse uses you can come up with to utilize it during the winter season. Many perennials and cool season vegetables can be started from seed sown in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, then be transplanted in the open garden once weather permits. An …

Chrysanthemums, commonly called mums are certainly the star of the fall garden, however understanding how to grow mums is crucial to long term gardening success.  

Yes, you really can use frost to your advantage in the garden. While often times gardeners don't worry about frost until fall rolls around, it is an issue in early spring as well. Once you learn the basics of using frost to your advantage, you can get a head start on your spring garden and …

Tunnel house, greenhouse and cold frame garden structures are all great choices growing plants in the winter, but what, exactly is the difference between the three of them? Technically they do the exact same job which is protect plants from the cold weather outside during the winter months. However each one has a slightly different …

Preparing a greenhouse for winter can seem like an impossible task, especially if you wait until the last minute. However, with a little early preparation, you can easily glide into winter without any major hurdles.

It is important to know your USDA hardiness zone so you have a better understanding of what kind or variety of plant is best for you to buy, when to plant, what grows best in your climate, and how to better take advantage of your specific growing conditions.  

I remember getting my first large greenhouse years ago when I was a new gardener and wondering how to utilize an unheated greenhouse. At the time I didn't think much about heat. It was a Valentine's Day present and I was anxious to get it put up so I could start using it. Once it …

Fall is the time to start enjoying more vegetables. It is getting colder. You would want your meals to heartier and more filling to warm you straight up. Soups, casseroles and stews laced with fall time vegetables are perfect for the cold weather. It doesn't hurt that you make these already filling dishes even healthier. …

Some people think of seed saving as a fall activity, but if you wait you will miss the opportunity to collect many seeds that your garden produces. The best way to know when the correct time to gather seeds is requires knowing when the plants you wish to save seeds from flower or fruit. Some …