vegetable gardening

When & How to Harvest Tomatoes and Peppers (Without Guessing)

When & How to Harvest Tomatoes and Peppers (Without Guessing)

There’s nothing worse than waiting forever for your tomatoes and peppers to ripen, only to pick them too early… or too late. Over the years, I’ve learned to tune into my plants like I’m on their frequency—and once you get it, harvesting becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the season. This guide walks…

7 Ways to Trellis and Train Tomatoes to Grow Vertically

7 Ways to Trellis and Train Tomatoes to Grow Vertically

Let’s be honest—tomatoes are drama queens. They sprawl, they break, they steal sunlight from their neighbors, and if you don’t give them structure, they’ll end up flopping all over your garden beds like rebellious teenagers. But when you train them to grow vertically? Magic. ✨ You get healthier plants, fewer pests, easier harvesting, and a…

January Gardening in Zone 9: Kickstart Your Best Growing Season Yet!
|

January Gardening in Zone 9: Kickstart Your Best Growing Season Yet!

January may feel like a slow month in the garden, but don’t let that fool you—this is the foundation-building season. While the rest of the country is bundled up indoors, Zone 9 gardeners get a head start on the growing year. This is the time to plan, prep, and plant so that your garden thrives…

From Slip to Spud: Your Complete Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes

From Slip to Spud: Your Complete Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving casseroles—they’re the gift that keeps on giving. Growing slips is just the first part of the journey. The real fun (and reward) begins when you plant those slips and watch them sprawl across your garden, turning into a hidden treasure trove of tasty tubers underground. The first time I…

How to Grow Peppers in Zone 9: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Grow Peppers in Zone 9: A Comprehensive Guide

Peppers are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, offering a stunning variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. From fiery hot to delightfully sweet, peppers thrive in the warm climate of Zone 9. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to grow unique and flavorful pepper varieties in your garden….

How to Water Your Edible Garden: A Comprehensive Guide for Zone 9

How to Water Your Edible Garden: A Comprehensive Guide for Zone 9

Growing an edible garden in Zone 9 comes with its own set of watering challenges. With long, hot summers and varying levels of humidity—from the arid landscapes of Arizona to the Gulf Coast’s thick air—understanding when, how, and how much to water is crucial. Get it right, and you’ll have thriving vegetables, fruit trees, and…