gardening 101 resources

How to Plant a Tomato

How to Plant a Tomato

Tomato season is upon us and, after deciding which tomatoes you’d like to grow, they need to be planted! For this project, we chose a Brandywine heirloom tomato to plant into a container, but the same steps work for planting tomatoes in the ground in a garden bed.

Container Design for Sun: Simple Style Solutions

Container Design for Sun: Simple Style Solutions

Choosing the plants for a container garden arrangement can sometimes seem daunting. How do you decide which plants will create the multidimensional masterpiece you envision? It can be helpful to use a concept that breaks down the design process by categorizing plants into three categories: thrillers, fillers, and spillers.

How to Plant Trees & Shrubs

How to Plant Trees & Shrubs

Now that you’ve picked out some gorgeous plants to begin your escapade into the Mysterious World of Gardening, the first big question arises: “How do I properly plant these to give them a good, healthy start?” The steps described here focus on planting a tree or shrub but are essentially the same for anything being planted in the ground, including smaller perennials and annuals. 

Best Watering Practices for Your Northwest Garden

Best Watering Practices for Your Northwest Garden

Do you know what the No. 1 cause of poor health or death of plants (especially new plantings) is? It's not disease. Not unexpected freezes. Not mistakes made during planting. Watering, you say??? Aww, you looked at the title of the post — yes, it's insufficient or incorrect watering. These living organisms you've just planted can be delicate and demanding, and neglecting their water needs, even briefly, can undo all your hard work getting them planted.