My Garden US

If you grow one fruit this year, make it blueberry. Known to botanists as Vaccinium corymbosum, it suits zones 3 through 9 and once established, it feeds you for years with little fuss. Remember this and you are most of the way there: test your soil – blueberries demand acidity; amend with sulfur and peat. … Read more

Of all the flowers you can grow, sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is one of the most rewarding. It thrives in USDA zones 3 to 11, asks for full sun, and goes from planting to harvest in roughly 70 to 90 days. The short version of success: sow directly – sunflowers dislike transplanting. stagger sowings every 2 … Read more

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a herb that earns its keep. Hardy in zones 3 to 11, it wants full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Bolts at the first hint of heat – sow in cool weather and succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Let one plant seed for coriander spice. Get those basics right and … Read more

If you grow one vegetable this year, make it bell pepper. Known to botanists as Capsicum annuum, it suits zones 4 through 11 and goes from planting to harvest in roughly 60 to 90 days. Remember this and you are most of the way there: peppers demand warm soil – wait 2-3 weeks after last … Read more

Of all the fruits you can grow, strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is one of the most rewarding. It thrives in USDA zones 3 to 10, asks for full sun, and goes from planting to harvest in roughly 90 to 120 days. The short version of success: plant bare-root crowns at soil level in early spring. … Read more

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) is a flower that earns its keep. Hardy in zones 3 to 11, it wants full sun and average, well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms for nonstop flowers till frost. French types are compact; African types grow tall. Get those basics right and the plant does the rest. What follows is the complete … Read more

If you grow one herb this year, make it basil. Known to botanists as Ocimum basilicum, it suits zones 4 through 11 and goes from planting to harvest in roughly 60 to 80 days. Remember this and you are most of the way there: pinch flower buds the moment they appear to keep leaves coming. … Read more

Of all the vegetables you can grow, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most rewarding. It thrives in USDA zones 3 to 11, asks for full sun, and goes from planting to harvest in roughly 60 to 100 days. The short version of success: start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant only … Read more