Sweet Success: How to Grow Carrots Step-By-Step

The carrot originated in Central Asia, about 9,000 miles from Bugs Bunny and Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank. Cultivation began around 3,000 to 5,000 years ago in the Afghanistan region. The earliest varieties were primarily purple and yellow, while the now-common...

Straw Bale Gardening 101: Not Just for Country Folk

Straw bales conjure up images of hay rides, old episodes of Hee Haw on YouTube, and livestock at feeding time. But did you know they’re increasingly popular in urban gardens? No garden plot required! They’re a perfect medium for veggies, herbs, flowers —...

The 12 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes

Every garden contains a tomato plant or two, and many more if you’re willing to venture beyond the standard Beefsteak or Roma. But did you know tomatoes fare much better with the right company? You see, plants need buddies, too! They don’t get lonesome in...

How to Grow Blueberries in Toasty Southern California

Blueberries are a cool weather crop. So perish the thought of cultivating them in your Southern California backyard, right? Wrong, because in California’s favorable soil and (mostly) temperate conditions, it’s possible to grow almost anything — except...

From Pole to Plate: Growing Green Beans in Your Backyard

Green beans are native to Central and South America. 16th-century Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced them to Europe, where they quickly became a staple food. Today, they feature prominently in stir-fries, salads, casseroles, and other favorite dishes...