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Gardening 101

tomato plant in garden

Bringing Back the Victory Garden

The War Food Administration restarted efforts to encourage gardening with the National Victory Garden Program established by US Agriculture Secretary Claude Wickard.

water barrel fully installed

Conserving Water with Rain Barrels

By simply constructing and installing a rain barrel, you can aid in the conservation of this resource.

bag of garden fertilizer

Fertilizer & Lime for Beginners

Everyone wants a beautiful lawn or a healthy garden and, to achieve that goal, one must follow several practices, like applying fertilizers and lime following soil test recommendations.

A square foot garden that's been sectioned into planting areas.

Garden Site Assessment & Preparation

We can do our part by planting our own vegetable gardens. Three rules to follow as you assess and prepare your garden site.

A closeup image of a blueberry plant with ripe berries.

Growing Blueberries for Beginners

Blueberry plants are perennials, so once an initial investment is made, they will keep producing for years if properly cared for and maintained.


broccoli on a wooden cutting board

Growing Broccoli for Beginners

Broccoli is an easy vegetable to grow and packs a punch of nutrition!

 
purple grapes hanging in a garden

Growing Grapes for Beginners

Grapes can be enjoyed as table grapes or processed into products, such as jellies, juice, wine and raisins.

 
unpicked strawberry in strawberry garden

Growing Strawberries for Beginners

As perennial plants, strawberries can be grown in the home garden, raised beds, high tunnels, containers or hanging baskets.

 
A sunflower blooms large.

Growing Sunflowers for Beginners

Sunflowers are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They are one of the few crops that will meet both your ornamental and oilseed production needs.

Up close shot of a small basil plant in a pot.

Herb Gardening for Beginners

An herb is a plant that is typically used for its fragrance or culinary value. Herbs offer a variety of leaf textures, shapes and scents to garden beds or can be grown indoors for continuous production.

Striped and Spotted Cucumber Beetles feeding on a cucumber plant

Insects In The Garden

In order to know when pest damage is present, it’s critical to recognize what a healthy plant looks like.

low tunnel with row cover blanket

Low Tunnels For Beginners

Low tunnels are temporary structures that are approximately 4 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide.

 
gardening tools on top of soil

Planning Your Garden

Growing a garden can be a relaxing hobby and is an excellent way to provide food for your family.

Seed sprouts in a cell tray.

Seed Starting

Starting seeds indoors can be a rewarding experience as you watch the change from seed to seedling to a thriving plant, producing tasty produce or beautiful blooms.

hand in soil starting a garden of lettuce

Setting Up A Garden

In these times of staying at home, growing your own food is seeing a surge in popularity. For the inexperienced gardener, selecting a proper site is the most important first step.

demonstrating how to take a soil test

Soil Testing for Beginning Gardeners

Soil testing determines the extractable soil phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) as well as the soil acidity reflected as pH.

 
Tomato seeds on a table with a collectible button of a tomato in the background.

Understanding Your Seed Catalog

Nothing can put pep in a gardener’s step like receiving seed catalogs after the holidays are over and cabin fever has set in. This guide will help you navigate your seed catalog and get your garden off to a good start. 

Cell trays of transplants on a greenhouse table.

Using Transplants in the Garden

To have a productive garden, transplants are used for many common vegetables. While some crops can be grown from direct seeding, there are several advantages to using transplants. 

A seed library envelope marked Fat Man Beans - Need Staked on Poles - Heirloom

Variety Selection for the Home Garden

Selecting proper varieties for your garden is a crucial part of preparing for the growing season.

fresh garden vegetables

Vegetable Gardening For Beginners

A successful vegetable garden requires time and attention. But, with the right direction and some patience, even a beginner gardener can have a bountiful harvest all season long.