July 20, 2025

Plant a Kitchen Garden in Mid-Summer: it’s not too late!

July 20, 2025/ Kelly Pemberton

As a kid growing up in New York City, I was luckier than most urban kiddos by being able to spend summers with Nana (my nanny) in her trailer and on a small farm outside Kannapolis, North Carolina that belonged to Nana’s sister Aunt Babe and her husband, Uncle Hoy. For five summers I helped harvest collards, corn, beans, and anything else that was in season on their farm, which is where they got most of their food. It was hot, sticky work, and I really didn’t like doing it at the time, but I loved being outside (running around barefoot as much as possible like my friends did), learning what grew best and when, and discovering how a bit of soil could turn into a fully stocked pantry. Those summer memories still shape how I think about food, gardening, and self-sufficiency.

May 18, 2025

Top 7 Mistakes New Gardeners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

May 18, 2025/ Kelly Pemberton

Starting a food garden is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your health, your wallet, and the planet. But if you’re new to gardening, it’s easy to get tripped up by common mistakes—many of which can cost you time, money, and enthusiasm. There’s a lot of conflicting information on the internet, and some downright wrong advice (like using eggshells to deter slugs), so knowing what works and what will sabotage your gardening efforts is important for creating a healthy garden that you can enjoy for years.

July 21, 2024

Maximizing Your Harvest: Succession Planting in Container Gardens

July 21, 2024/ Kelly Pemberton

If you love growing your own food but feel like you should be getting more from your harvest, succession planting may be the answer. Succession planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops in the same space throughout the growing season to maximize your harvest. This method is particularly useful for container gardens, where space may be limited but getting a continuous harvest over time is important.

July 11, 2024

Outdoor Therapy: Transforming Your Garden into a Sanctuary

July 11, 2024/ Kelly Pemberton

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility can be a challenge. One way to cultivate a sense of calm and rejuvenation is through spending time in nature. Transforming your garden into a sanctuary can provide you with a therapeutic outdoor space where you can relax, unwind, and connect with the natural world.

July 10, 2024

Can I Plant in a Garden Shed?

July 10, 2024/ Kelly Pemberton

Traditionally, gardens are associated with outdoor spaces, where plants thrive under the sun’s natural light. However, gardening enthusiasts often explore innovative ways to extend their growing seasons or protect their plants from adverse weather conditions. One such innovative approach is using a garden shed for planting.

October 08, 2023

How to Make Your Garden the Envy of the Neighborhood

October 08, 2023/ Kelly Pemberton

Are you dreaming of turning your garden into a mesmerizing oasis that leaves your neighbours in awe? Look no further! In this guide, we'll share some expert tips and tricks to transform your outdoor space into a botanical paradise. From enchanting wisteria vines to creative landscaping ideas, you'll discover how to make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.

August 20, 2023

Kid-Friendly Gardens: Safety and Fencing

August 20, 2023/ Kelly Pemberton

There's a certain magic in the way a garden awakens a child's imagination – a world where dandelions transform into wishes, rocks become steppingstones to imaginary lands, and the gentle rustle of leaves tells stories only young ears can hear. A garden is not just soil and plants; it's a canvas where childhood memories are painted with the vibrant hues of exploration, play, and discovery. As parents, guardians, or anyone entrusted with the joy of nurturing young souls, creating a kid-friendly garden becomes a cherished mission.

August 07, 2023

Why you should keep a gardening journal this fall

August 07, 2023/ Kelly Pemberton

A few years ago, I started keeping a gardening journal for the first time. As a year-round gardener, I have multiple gardening spaces including 4 raised beds, a small unheated greenhouse and a deck which I use to house 10-12 large pots and numerous small-to-medium-sized containers in the warmer months. My aim was to grow enough food to meet at least half of my family’s needs for fresh produce. I also wanted to be able to share a surplus with neighbors and friends. Little did I know that a garden journal could help me achieve so much more than I expected!

April 03, 2023

Spring into Gardening: Tips for Preparing Your Garden for the Season

April 03, 2023/ Kelly Pemberton

Winter has come to an end and even if the weather in your area is still cold, there is much you can do to prepare for the spring gardening season, and plenty of time to still have a healthy, abundant harvest in as little as a few weeks, depending on your growing zone.

January 23, 2022

Start Your Own Garden: The Perfect Care Instructions

January 23, 2022/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Nairi Bodroumian

Start your own garden? It sounds like it would be a lot of work, right? However, this is a great way to save money on groceries and get closer to the natural rhythms of earth. This article will provide all the information you need to ensure that your garden thrives from start to finish!

December 22, 2021

7 Reasons Why You Should Plan a Garden Redesign in Winter

December 22, 2021/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Shannon Quantock

Keeping your garden maintained every season is one of the keys to making it last as long as possible. In the winter, the majority of plants are usually pretty dormant if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, which makes it the perfect time for you to plan a new design. Let’s have a look at a few reasons why planning your garden design in the winter is a great idea.