Grow

Ever wonder how much perlite to add to your potting mix? Try a simple 2-to-1 mix: two parts soil and one part perlite. It works well for most houseplants. I’ve used it in hanging baskets, pots, and more. The mix feels light, roots grow strong, and it helps stop too much water from building up. … Read more

Ever opened an old bag of potting soil and wondered if it’s still good? Potting soil can last from 6 months to 2 years. It depends on how you store it and what’s inside. I’ve had mixes go bad fast in humid summers. Others stayed fine through a long winter in my garage. I’ve tested … Read more

Ever opened a bag of potting soil and wondered if it’s safe for your plants? Good news—you can clean it at home. This kills bugs, weed seeds, and plant diseases. I’ve done it myself, especially when reusing old soil or starting seeds indoors. After years of trial and error in my garden, I’ve found a … Read more

Ever wonder if you can turn backyard dirt into rich potting soil? You sure can—and I’ve done it many times myself. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make potting soil from garden soil using simple tools and a few key ingredients. Over the years, I’ve tried lots of mixes to see what really … Read more

Tired of tiny tomatoes and limp lettuce? I’ve been there. After weeks of hard work, it’s frustrating to see your garden struggle. Most times, the problem is food—your plants aren’t getting what they need. So, what’s the best fertilizer for a vegetable garden? It depends on your soil, your veggies, and where you live. That … Read more

Ever wonder when to add fertilizer to your veggie garden? Here’s the quick answer: before planting, during planting, and at key times while plants grow. I learned this the hard way. I used to add too much too soon—or wait too long. That threw off the whole season. After years of trial and error in … Read more

Not Sure How Often to Fertilize Your Garden? Most home veggie gardens in the U.S. do well with feeding every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season. But how often you fertilize depends on the type of plants and fertilizer you use. In my Midwest backyard and raised beds, I’ve learned that timing matters … Read more

Having trouble getting cilantro seeds to sprout in hydroponics? I get it. I struggled too. At first, I had no luck. The seeds have a hard shell and can be fussy about heat and water. I tried over and over. But after a lot of trial and error, I found a method that works. My … Read more

Want to feed your garden without the stink or harsh chemicals? You can make homemade organic fertilizer using safe kitchen scraps and garden waste. It’s cheap, easy, and gentle on your plants. I’ve used this method for years, and it’s helped me grow strong veggies—even in tough U.S. weather. With a little care and practice, … Read more

Ever opened a bag of old potting soil and wondered if it’s still good? I’ve been there too. I once found a dry, clumpy mix with a strange smell and didn’t know what to do. The good news? Potting soil doesn’t rot like food. But over time, it can lose nutrients, structure, and life. After … Read more