For many of us, the choice of which tomatoes to grow can be daunting. We've boiled down the tomato decision process into a few helpful questions and our suggestions: a secret (tomato) sauce, if you will, of how to make the right choice for your individual tomato needs. At the end of this post are a handy infographic and a link to our tomato variety list.
Colorful spring containers celebrate the start of the gardening season and creating them is fun and easy if you know which plants to choose. Look for these great gems to create a new spring container or refresh an existing pot.
It’s April and tomatoes are here! We know you’re ready to get them planted since it’s sunny (wait… now it’s cold and raining…. wait! It’s sunny again! Wait…) ;) but your tomato plants won’t grow into incredibly prolific tomato producers if you don’t protect them until the night temperatures remain consistently above 50 degrees. Most of us at Swansons swear by protection tools so we can plant our warm-season vegetables earlier and encourage larger, stronger plants and better harvests. Here’s what we use and how to use them.
Spring gardening is in full swing and we’ve teamed up with our friends at Dunn Lumber to bring you a great DIY building and gardening project you can do at home - no backyard needed! Kirsten will teach you how to make two wooden planter boxes. I’ll help you decide what to plant in them and show you how, step by step!
One of the first activities I want to do outside in early spring is to plant my early spring vegetable garden. There’s nothing like the smooth, clean surface of prepped garden beds, the soil still pristine and just waiting to nurture rows of bright green spring vegetables, carefully planted in perfect rows. It’s like a fresh school notebook - full of promise. But what to plant? Here are a few of my favorite vegetables to plant in spring, with tips on when and how to plant them.
For families with kids, going outside for fresh air and exercise is vital to both the kids and their parents. A walk can also be an opportunity for learning and practicing mindfulness with your kids, increasing your walk’s benefits. One great way to practice mindfulness with kids is to use all of your senses during your nature walk. Here is a sensory nature walk we developed specifically for families.
It’s so important to keep yourself healthy. Going outside for some fresh air and exercise can help manage stress and make you feel calmer and more energized. Taking a walk in your neighborhood or in a local park is a simple way to get outside and, if you choose to take a “mindful” walk, the benefits will be even greater. In this blog post, you will learn more about the concept of mindfulness and its benefits. You will also find a blueprint that will guide you on a “mindful” walk. Let’s get started!
In the coastal Northwest, our climate and position on the Pacific Rim give us a natural affinity with Asian design philosophy and lifestyles, which can also apply to our gardens. Japanese culture, in particular, has lent us its mastery of garden design and practices. If we delve deep enough, we will meet the concept of wabi-sabi.
Erythronium species (also called Fawn Lily, Trout Lily or Dogtoothed Violet) epitomize the hidden wonders of the woodland garden. These spring-blooming perennials can spread to form low-growing colonies of delicate flowers that look beautiful from afar but really demand to be studied up close so as to admire their mottled leaves and intricate floral details. They really are magical!
Become a Swansons Plant Partner and you’ll receive members-only perks, like plant care resources and helpful gardening tips, notification of new arrivals and promotions, invitations to special events, and exclusive member discounts. Sign up now to receive $5 off your next purchase!
By signing up below, you agree to receive member benefits through our digital newsletter, approximately 2-4 times per month. Phone numbers are needed for record-keeping only.
Our promise: we will never sell your personal information or use it to make unsolicited contact by email or phone!
