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...

Make Your Garden Glow with These Easy DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Imagine a dark woodland area at night. Would you be drawn to it? Would you linger? Probably not, unless you’re a vampire. Likewise, a dark backyard with deep shadows can feel more menacing than inviting. But an accent light here and there, a beam to highlight,...

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...

How to Grow Basil Year-Round Indoors

If top chefs ever put it to a vote, basil would be numero uno in the kitchen, captain of the Herb Team, and Most Likely to Succeed (or end up in sauce). It’s easy to see why. This aromatic herb can bring a dish to life with a fresh, savory sweetness, from...

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...