Hi Garden Friends and welcome back to the Garden Goods, where we give you garden tips and build your growing confidence!

Have you heard of the terms companion planting and succession planting?  Big words, but simple concepts. Let’s break them down.

Companion planting – the planting of certain plants together for a mutual benefit, usually pest control and soil improvement.  You can also think of it as maximizing your growing space.  If you’ve heard of 3 sisters planting, the Indigenous People’s method of planting corn, beans, and squash together, that is companion planting.  The corn provides a trellis for the beans to grow up and the squash trails along the ground smothering the weeds. It’s letting the plants work together in harmony while also protecting and building your soil.

There are many books and theories about which plants “should & shouldn’t” go with other plants. We all garden in different spaces and regions and there is not one perfect answer, except diversity! Mixing in flowers and herbs among your vegetables will help to confuse and repel the insects you don’t want and draw in the pollinators you do. Nature works better together, just like with the 3 sisters method think about which plants could work well together. Pole beans can provide shade to lettuces, while nasturtiums and alyssum can be a great mulch around tomatoes and peppers.

Some of the best plants to mix in are:

Basil – a great companion to tomatoes and peppers, harvest often as the flavor is bitter once it flowers. However, allowing some to flower is a huge magnet for bees and pollinators.  Try some new varieties like dwarf Greek, purple, or Thai basil.

Alyssum – a low growing ground cover with shallow roots that won’t compete with other plants.  It has beautiful little flowers that pollinators love too.

Marigolds – a classic garden companion plant that comes in so many varieties, a must have in my garden that I love to tuck into all the garden beds. While you may hear that the scent of marigolds keeps bugs away it actually attracts good insects for the garden, like hoverflies and lady bugs that will help get rid of the bugs you don’t want like aphids.  Marigolds do release a chemical into the soil that can be detrimental to hatching nematode eggs, nematodes live in the soil and can damage plants by sucking nutrients from roots.

Beans – beans are legumes and nitrogen fixers, meaning they add nitrogen back into the soil after they have died back. For maximum benefit leave the plants until they have died back and then cut ant the base of the plant, leaving the roots and nitrogen in the soil.  They are also drought tolerant; I love tucking a few bush beans into an empty garden spot.

Pro Tip:

Keep in mind some plants make better buddies than others.  It’s best to place plants together that have similar water and nutrition needs so they aren’t competing for resources.

Succession Planting/Sowing – Planting crops at different times to maximize your harvest and season.  What you choose to succession plant will be based on the length of your season and what you like.  Before succession planting, ask yourself if you would like to harvest a bunch of this vegetable at one time or have the harvest spread out through my season?  For example, you may want to plant a small amount of carrots every few weeks.  That way you are able to harvest longer. That would be succession planting. Or you may want to can your green beans and want them all to mature around the same time so you would only plant once.

Like most things in the garden, there is no one answer.  Play around and find what works for you and your climate. The ground loves to be covered. Why not plant something else when you take something out?  This is also a great time for crop family rotation to replenish the soil. Rotating crop families around the garden can help build back your soil and prevent diseases and pests.  For example, if you had heavy feeders like onions or brassicas in a spot, plant beans or peas to add nitrogen back in.

“On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirit’s soar.” Helen Hayes

Finding the perfect gifts for the gardeners on your list can be a challenge. Whether they’re a seasoned green thumb or just beginning, this gift guide is full of thoughtful and practical items, all priced under $50. From innovative tools to charming accessories, you can embrace the joy of gifting without breaking the bank, and watch as your loved ones’ gardens flourish with the thoughtful additions from this budget-friendly guide.

Inspire others to live the garden life with our Garden Life Hat.

Available from Roo Gardening

• 6-panel cap

• Plastic Adjustable Snap

• Size: OSFM – Adult (58cm/22.8″)

The Joey Apron still has the benefit of our emptying pouch, but with the option of ease by buckling the apron around your waist.  Ideal for the Urban gardener, gardeners living in warm climates or with smaller gardening/harvesting needs.

• 3 additional deep storage pockets

• Water resistant lining

• Machine washable

• Extends to 56” around the waist

• Available in 5 colors

Because you will want to remember your gardening triumphs (and occasional setbacks), A Gardener’s Journal is set up as a 10-year perpetual diary, which you may begin at any time.

In the diary section, one page is given to each day of the year, and each page is divided into 10 sections – more than enough for 10 years of personal jottings. In addition to the diary pages, there is also a section on such gardening techniques as composting, digging garden beds, tree care, soils, and garden tool maintenance, to name but a few. We also provide reference material and numerous charts.

Available from Lee Valley

CANDLE & PLANTER: Enjoy the candle, then use the beautiful terra-cotta container as a plant pot for succulents or small flowers.

Available from Wayfair 

Get to gardening with our Roo gardening apron bundle and save. Choose your color of gardening apron, and included is a matching kneeling pad and rust-free aluminum trowel. O/S fits all, machine washable.

Available from Roo Gardening

In Plantopedia, Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan from Leaf Supply present the definitive guide to keeping happy, healthy houseplants in any space. Featuring:

• More than 130 plant profiles including foliage plants, succulents and cacti, as well as rarer gems of the plant world.

• Detailed care information including troubleshooting tips and tricks to ensure that your houseplants thrive.

• Plants for all levels of indoor gardeners, from budding novices to green thumbs and beyond.

Available from Amazon

Your garden: It would be paradise if stinging critters, itch-causing leaves, and harsh UV rays didn’t diminish the bliss. These nifty sleeves protect your arms from all of the above without so much as a drop of greasy, sticky sunscreen or insect repellant. Their elastic top and bound thumbholes keep them in place even during vigorous weeding and planting sessions, or biking or running sessions, while the sweat-wicking, UPF 50+ poly-spandex fabric cools your skin. Choose funky sunflower or elegant green sleeves in S/M, L/XL, and XXL.

Available from Uncommon Goods

Whether it’s filled with tea, coffee or water, your Plant Lady will love this mug, made especially for her!

Available from Roo Gardening

As summer says goodbye and the air turns crisper, it’s time to transition your garden from vibrant blooms to the rich and cozy hues of fall. But just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean your gardening journey has to come to an end. Fall container gardening offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the season’s stunning colors, textures, and foliage right at your doorstep or on your balcony. Join us as we dive into the art of fall container gardening, exploring plant choices, design tips, and maintenance practices that will help you create a breathtaking autumn display.

Choosing the Right Plants:

1. Mums – The Autumn Stars: Chrysanthemums, or mums, are the quintessential fall flowers. With a range of colors from warm yellows and oranges to deep purples and reds, they provide a burst of color that perfectly complements the season.
2. Ornamental Grasses – Textural Delights: Grasses like fountain grass and Japanese forest grass introduce captivating textures to your containers. Their graceful plumes and foliage sway in the autumn breeze, adding movement and depth.
3. Kale and Cabbage – Edible Elegance: Edible plants can be aesthetically pleasing too! Ornamental kale and cabbage showcase exquisite frilly leaves that shift from green to purple or white, creating a striking focal point.
4. Pansies and Violas – Charming Cool-Weather Blooms: These cold-tolerant blooms provide a pop of color even as the temperature drops. Their delicate petals and range of colors make them a versatile addition to any fall container.
5. Heucheras – The Marvelous Foliage: Known for their stunning foliage in shades of burgundy, orange, and gold, heucheras add depth and drama to your container arrangements. Their leaves intensify in color as the weather cools.

Designing Your Containers:

1. Thriller, Filler, Spiller: Follow the classic “thriller, filler, spiller” design concept. Choose a tall and striking plant as the thriller (e.g., ornamental grass), fill in with medium-height plants (mums or kale), and let trailing plants (trailing vines or ivy) spill over the edges.
2. Color Palette Harmony: Opt for a harmonious color palette that reflects the fall season. Consider warm shades of red, orange, yellow, and deep purples. A monochromatic scheme can create a sophisticated and cohesive look.
3. Varied Textures: Mix and match plants with different textures to add visual interest. Combine the delicate petals of pansies with the bold leaves of kale and the feathery plumes of grasses for a multi-dimensional arrangement.
4. Container Choice: Select containers that complement your chosen plants and your outdoor space. Rustic wooden crates, metallic pots, or traditional clay pots can all contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Maintenance Practices:

1. Watering: While fall usually brings more rain, be attentive to your container’s moisture needs. Containers tend to dry out faster due to reduced humidity and cooler temperatures. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
2. Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms from flowers like mums and pansies to encourage new growth and extend the flowering period.
3. Fertilization: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need throughout the fall season.
4. Protection from Frost: As frost becomes a concern, consider moving your containers to a sheltered area or covering them with frost cloth during cold nights.
5. Pruning: Trim back any leggy growth or damaged foliage to maintain the overall shape and appearance of your container garden.

Fall container gardening is an exciting way to celebrate the changing season and bring all the fall colors to your doorstep. By carefully selecting plants, having fun with designs, and practicing proper maintenance, you can create stunning container arrangements that capture the essence of fall. So, don’t let the cooling weather deter your green thumb – instead, grab your pumpkin spice latte and enjoy creating a spectacular fall pot that welcomes both you and your visitors with its warm and inviting charm

Are you tired of second-guessing how to properly harvest your vegetables? Wondering whether to twist, pull, or cut them off the plant? From twisting off beans and peas to carefully cutting lettuce and gently pulling carrots from the ground, we’ll provide you with the knowledge and confidence to harvest your garden’s bounty like a pro. Get ready to discover the art of harvesting and take your vegetable-growing experience to a whole new level!

Twist:

Here is a list of the most commonly grown vegetables that we recommend you twist to harvest.

1. Beans: Snap beans, such as green beans or yellow beans, can be harvested by gently bending the bean pod until it snaps off the plant. This technique allows you to harvest the beans while leaving the stem intact.
2. Peas: Similar to beans, peas can be harvested by twisting or gently pulling the pea pod from the plant. Make sure the peas inside the pod have reached the desired size and maturity before harvesting.
3. Zucchini and summer squash: Small to medium-sized zucchini and summer squash can often be twisted off the plant when they are ready for harvest. Hold the fruit near the base and give it a gentle twist to detach it from the stem.
4. Eggplant: When eggplants are fully mature and have reached the desired size, they can be twisted or cut off the plant. Make sure to use a sharp knife or pruning shears if twisting doesn’t work easily.
5. Okra: Okra pods are typically harvested when they are about 2 to 4 inches long. You can twist or snap them off the plant, being careful not to damage the plant.

Cut:

Cutting is a common harvesting technique used for various vegetables. Here are a few examples of vegetables that are typically cut for harvest:

1. Lettuce and leafy greens: Harvest lettuce and leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, by using scissors or a sharp knife to cut the leaves off just above the base of the plant. This allows the plant to continue producing new growth for future harvests.
2. Herbs: Herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint are usually harvested by cutting the stems just above a leaf node. This encourages bushier growth and allows you to gather the fresh leaves for culinary use.
3. Broccoli and cauliflower: When broccoli or cauliflower heads reach the desired size and maturity, use a sharp knife to cut the central head along with a few inches of stem. This encourages side shoots to develop for continued harvests.
4. Cabbage: Harvest cabbage by cutting the head off just above the lowest set of leaves using a sharp knife. Some varieties may produce smaller side heads that can be harvested later.
5. Tomato: Locate the stem where the tomato attaches to the vine. Hold the tomato gently to avoid damaging it or the plant. Position the shears or knife just above the stem and make a clean, quick cut through the stem, leaving a small part of the stem attached to the fruit.
6. Celery: Cut celery stalks at the base of the plant when they have reached the desired size and thickness. Remove outer stalks first while allowing the inner ones to continue growing.
7. Fennel: Cut fennel bulbs at the base of the plant when they have reached the appropriate size. You can also harvest fennel fronds by cutting the feathery leaves near the top of the plant.

Remember to use clean, sharp tools to minimize damage to the plants and ensure a clean cut.

Pull:

Pulling is a common harvesting technique used for several root vegetables. Here are some of the most common vegetables that are typically pulled from the ground for harvest:

1. Carrots: Carrots are usually harvested by gently pulling them out of the soil. Grasp the foliage near the carrot top and give a firm, steady pull to remove the carrot from the ground. If the soil is compacted, you can use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the carrots before pulling.
2. Beets: Beets are also pulled from the ground for harvest. Similar to carrots, grasp the beet foliage near the top and gently pull to remove the beetroot from the soil. You can trim off the leaves afterward, leaving an inch or so of the stem intact for storing.
3. Radishes: Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables that can be pulled when they have reached the desired size. Grasp the leafy top of the radish and gently pull it out of the soil. Harvesting radishes at the right size ensures a crisp and flavorful root.
4. Turnips: Turnips are typically pulled from the ground when they have reached their mature size. Grasp the turnip foliage near the top and give it a gentle pull to remove the root from the soil. Larger turnips may require loosening the soil around them before pulling.
5. Potatoes: While potatoes are technically tubers, they are also harvested by pulling the plants from the ground. Once the potato plants have died back and the skins are mature, gently dig around the plants using a fork or shovel to loosen the soil. Then, carefully pull the plant out of the ground, exposing the potatoes beneath.

 If the soil is compacted or the vegetables are stubborn to pull, you can use a garden fork to loosen the soil gently before pulling.

By understanding the appropriate techniques for each type of vegetable, you can ensure optimal flavor, quality, and plant health. Whether it’s twisting off beans, pulling carrots from the ground, cutting tomatoes from the vine, or using various methods for different vegetables, each technique plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the plant and maximizing your harvest.

Remember to always consider the specific needs of each vegetable, such as ripeness indicators, appropriate tools, and gentle handling. Prioritize clean cuts, sharp blades, and careful handling to minimize damage and maximize the shelf life of your freshly harvested produce.

Now armed with the knowledge of twisting, pulling, cutting, and other techniques, go on and enjoy harvesting your own homegrown vegetables. Happy harvesting!