https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-03-03 https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog/sunflowers-are-alleopathic-what-does-that-mean-for-your-garden monthly 0.5 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/b7e5b84c-46b0-4067-a241-1b4ceac4a701/Untitled+design.jpg blog - Sunflowers Are Allelopathic: What Does That Mean For Your Garden? Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers—right up there with nasturtiums. They remind me of the sun, and with so many varieties, heights, and colors to choose from, they bring endless beauty to the garden. Beyond their looks, sunflowers are also incredible for attracting pollinators, which is why I recommend every gardener plant them. But recently, I discovered something surprising—sunflowers are allelopathic. Many gardeners don’t realize that these bright and cheerful flowers can actually impact the growth of certain plants around them. So, let’s explore what allelopathy means and how sunflowers could be secretly affecting your garden’s success. https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog/flowers-im-growing-in-2025-plus-tips-on-garden-benefits-amp-care monthly 0.5 2025-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1740106765827-UWENMLRDMOWYXUIUDIQ8/IMG_7530.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1740106775172-RT1PSN0HN7JNVDOXFXZ5/IMG_7529.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/282abbec-1109-4a5f-ad9b-ea93b6383626/IMG_6314.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care There’s something special about adding flowers to the garden—whether it’s the cheerful pop of color, the buzzing pollinators they attract, or the way they bring life to every corner of a space. This year, I’m growing a mix of flowers that serve multiple purposes: attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and, of course, making my garden a more beautiful place to spend time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1740106309419-TZPMSIX0N3DD2GTGP3OE/IMG_6193.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1740106421467-BHHWJ4IUY29YLWE4BCVX/IMG_7610.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1740106435069-QFZCM1DMH5841HO5LU1X/IMG_7611.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1740106447971-G07QAX1P8A6YHI1QVSNJ/IMG_7613.jpg blog - Flowers I’m Growing in 2025: Plus Tips on Garden Benefits & Care https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog/benefits-of-growing-basil monthly 0.5 2025-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/7a83fb75-6fe7-424a-893d-a5b70374e782/leaves-green-plant-isolated-black-background.jpg blog - The Benefits of Basil: Why Every Garden Needs This Versatile Herb If there is any plant you must have in your garden, it’s basil. Basil is one of the most versatile herbs with a comprehensive range of benefits that extends past the kitchen table. With numerous varieties to choose from, basil is a must-have for any gardener. Some of my favorite ways to use basil include companion planting, cooking, and natural pest control—plus several more that we’ll explore in depth below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1739930217610-IUS2IR4SHR2NR04YE1CK/IMG_7589.jpg blog - The Benefits of Basil: Why Every Garden Needs This Versatile Herb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1739930217718-G4IS0B6AWSTBEJTSCS4Q/IMG_7590.jpg blog - The Benefits of Basil: Why Every Garden Needs This Versatile Herb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1739930219154-1PVR2MBTKDISJ0756L9N/IMG_7594.jpg blog - The Benefits of Basil: Why Every Garden Needs This Versatile Herb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1739930219497-97UYXHON72F2SYEY17EW/IMG_7588.jpg blog - The Benefits of Basil: Why Every Garden Needs This Versatile Herb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/24b32598-99b2-4c27-b029-de72d0b3c4ee/flat-lay-pizza-ingredients.jpg blog - The Benefits of Basil: Why Every Garden Needs This Versatile Herb Companion Planting Basil thrives alongside most crops and becomes even more beneficial as it matures. With regular harvesting, it branches out and takes on a bushy growth habit. Last season, my basil plants grew over a foot tall and nearly a foot wide, developing thick, sturdy stems that made them more resilient to heat and weather fluctuations. Not only did I have an abundance of basil to harvest, cook with, and store, but the larger plants also acted as natural ground cover, helping to retain moisture in my garden beds during the hottest days. In addition to retaining moisture, basil also enhances soil quality. When planted alongside crops like tomatoes and peppers, it helps stimulate beneficial soil microbes that play a key role in nutrient cycling. This process breaks down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—key elements for healthy plant growth and productive harvests. Beyond soil health, basil’s strong aroma can subtly infuse neighboring plants with its essential oils, enhancing their flavor profiles. This is especially valuable in culinary gardens. Last season, I noticed a remarkable difference in my tomatoes—those surrounded by basil developed richer, more robust flavors compared to the previous year when I had only a single basil plant nearby. One of my favorite ways to incorporate basil into my garden is with the holy trinity of plants—Basil, Tomato, and Marigolds. It adds the perfect blend of companion planting and visual beauty in any set up. There are just a few exceptions where some plants do not do well planted next to basil. They are sage, cucumbers, or other vining plants due to competition for resources and pest pressure. https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog/kvqikk76cepiwuhme4w4xrnnon3lnw monthly 0.5 2025-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/e2ea6287-b70a-4e4a-9d6d-ed65176f141c/mature-man-work-greenhouse.jpg blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation Why is preparing a summer garden in winter important? It might be hard to imagine what you want to grow in summer when it’s still months away—especially if you’re a beginner gardener. Believe me, I’ve been there. I face the same question every season. But this year, I decided to try something different: I sat down and wrote out the plants I’m interested in growing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1738035307478-QTKMGO78XDPUAHQYBROM/fresh-vegetables-are-growing-indoor-farm-vertical-farm.jpg blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1738035389965-37Y3LPPIFQ2UKEQRK7T7/seedlings-planting-tray.jpg blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1738035403469-YMBX35MEAM9EG2EDM0XP/closeup-young-newborn-tomatoes-growing-inside-seedbed-be-ready-spring.jpg blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/f3159c5e-23f9-494a-975b-d2f3b988d8b7/Spring+Plant+List+Planner.png blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation The Garden Planner has created a customized schedule for me based on the plant varieties I've added to my garden. I’m leaning toward sticking with the app because it’s so convenient and saves me a lot of time when planning my garden. That said, I also love the idea of keeping a personal journal. There's something special about writing everything out by hand, so I may continue doing that for my own records. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1738035904163-DROMDEBJYZ66G0Q7XJA2/Spring+Garden+Plan.png blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1738035904431-9RW113B5218ATZCR8PDP/Summer+Garden+Plan.png blog - Summer Gardening Starts Now: Tips for Early Preparation https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog/5-seed-starting-mistakes-to-avoid-this-year monthly 0.5 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/42486e4e-f6e8-4345-ade5-e32b7c764f24/5+Mistakes+When+Seed+Starting+Cover.png blog - 5 Seed Starting Mistakes to Avoid This Year Growing a plant or crop from seed is such an incredible achievement. It’s a true testament to your dedication as a gardener, and there’s nothing quite like the pride of nurturing a tiny pebble-sized seed into a thriving, productive plant. But as rewarding as it is, it’s not always easy to get it right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/1737687991048-G1ET3712BD9KITRTOWHS/man-cultivating-farming-plants-indoor-garden.jpg blog - 5 Seed Starting Mistakes to Avoid This Year https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/75c405fc-fca2-40a1-91d2-fa78493acf3e/overhead-view-seedlings-crate-with-tools-pot-wooden-plant.jpg blog - 5 Seed Starting Mistakes to Avoid This Year - Using an oscillating fan can be key at mimicking wind, helping prevent leggy seedlings, and even aids in preventing soil surface fungus or mold. Start this while they are still indoors or if the weather is too poor to begin outdoor hardening off. Choose a mild-weathered day without too much heat, wind, or rain. Place the seedlings in a sheltered spot for about 1-2 hours. Consider any wildlife that may harm your seedlings when choosing a location. Increase the time your seedlings are outdoors every 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the outdoor climate may increase or decrease different needs of the plants, like water or light. Pay attention to your seedlings and regularly check the soil each day. Avoid any overly harsh days with frosts, heavy rain, strong winds, etc. as this may kill your seedlings. After about 1-2 weeks—and if your seedlings are strong enough—consider leaving them out overnight for another week (temperatures above 50F). Once you notice your seedlings appear ready and are at their correct size for transplanting, move them to your garden! https://www.organic-gardening101.com/blog/top8-crops-to-sow-in-early-spring monthly 0.5 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/cee7341c-b605-4285-9151-6eb8539d4cf5/woman-s-hands-holding-ripe-red-radishes.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Radishes Radishes are a must-have for early spring gardens. They’re fast-growing, easy to sow, and ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Their crisp texture and peppery flavor make radishes perfect for salads, snacks, or pickling. Plus, they thrive in small spaces, making them ideal for container or vertical gardens. Easy to sow outdoors in cool soil Not recommended for starting indoors 1/2in planting depth Space 2in apart in rows 8-12in apart Days to Maturity: 22-30 days Seedlings germinate within 4-10 days Mild to spicy flavoring depending on the variety https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/9ee613fa-a2ce-456e-9ddd-806ec4ce56e5/Lettuce.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Lettuce Lettuce is a versatile crop and comes in many different varieties. Quick growing and with regular harvests, you will have salad greens, lettuce wraps, and so much more all season long. They make the perfect vegetable for balcony gardens, raised beds, vertical gardening, or containers. Easy to sow outdoors or indoors in cool weather 1/4in planting depth Space 8-10in apart Days to Maturity: 40-85 days Seedlings germinate within 7-14 days Harvesting just above the soil line encourages regrowth Lettuce produces the best in slightly warmer temps, up to 60-70F https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/bd609825-671c-4aab-bf9f-3dfe9c6b9dde/close-up-pea-pods-white-cloth.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Sugar Snap Peas Sugar Snap Peas are one of my favorite vegetables to grow and eat. Their sweet and crispy taste makes a refreshing snack straight from the garden and can be paired well in various meals. Easy to sow outdoors in cool soil 3-4 week indoor start before last frost date for your zone 1in planting depth Space each seed 2in apart in rows 1.5-2ft apart Days to Maturity: 60-65 days Seedlings germinate within 7-14 days Ensure seedlings have a trellis or trellis netting to grab onto after germination https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/f094f3eb-1a9e-4253-800c-a01ca971c9d9/wet-fresh-green-baby-spinach-leaves-wooden-background.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Spinach Leafy, green Spinach is a must-have for early spring gardens. It’s fast-growing and easy to harvest, making it perfect for beginners. I love growing spinach for smoothies, salads, and cooked dishes. Easy to sow outdoors in cool soil 4-6 week indoor start before last frost date for your zone 1/2in planting depth Space 3-6in apart in rows 1-1.5ft apart Days to Maturity: 45-50 days Seedlings germinate within 5-10 days Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/283403a3-3f19-4242-8a56-babc580b9ee4/growing-microgreens-greenhouse.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Microgreens I absolutely love Microgreens! They are one of the easiest crops to grow and have an incredibly quick maturity rate. When I first started gardening, microgreens were my go-to crop, and I never encountered any issues. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before enjoying their fresh, nutritious flavor. Easy to sow indoors Not zone dependent Requires no soil—unless you prefer—but regular rinsing & draining (2-3x/day) prevents mold growth Crowding isn’t an issue Days to Maturity: ready in just 5-7 days Seedlings germinate best after soaking in water for 8-12hrs Harvest when 1-2in tall, with open leaves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/f3bb9615-3325-497c-be8c-038ffe6dbb47/purple-basil-with-parsley-marble-table.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Herbs Herbs like Basil, Sage, & Cilantro thrive in early spring conditions. While some herbs can be tricky to start from seed, I’ve had great success with these three. Basil is a must-have for any garden (a topic for another post!), sage adds flavor to your dishes—especially pasta—and cilantro brings a delightful aroma to your garden. Beyond their culinary uses, these herbs help protect your garden from pests while attracting essential pollinators. Easy to sow outdoors in cool soil 4-6 week indoor start before last frost date for your zone, although transplanting may not be successful Specifics depend on the variety, but all generally follow the same guidelines 1/4in planting depth Space 6-18in apart Days to Maturity: 50-90 days Seedlings germinate within 5-10 days Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/8506edab-2022-4309-ba8f-a949ab100224/top-view-long-green-onion-brown-green-leaf-salad.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Green Onion For a zesty addition to your home-cooked meals, consider carving out some space for Green Onions in your garden. I’ve always loved growing green onions because of how effortless they are to cultivate. Simply trim the green tops above the soil, and they’ll continue growing without the need for resowing. Easy to sow outdoors in cool soil 4-6 week indoor start before last frost date for your zone 1/4in planting depth Space 1-2in apart in rows 1ft apart Days to Maturity: 65-85 days Seedlings germinate within 7-14 days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/23c80839-677d-4fe2-8f33-d4b7454aed9d/close-up-hand-pulling-out-carrot.jpg blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring - Carrots Carrots are a staple crop for early spring. They’re relatively easy to grow, but it’s important to space the seeds properly to avoid stunted growth. Once harvested, carrots make a nutritious and versatile addition to snacks, soups, and side dishes. Sow outdoors only Sow just below soil surface (1/8 to 1/4in depth) Important—space about 2in from one another Days to Maturity: 60-80 days, depending on the variety Seedlings germinate within 7-21 days Weed out seedlings that are too close as they grow Ensure the soil is constantly moist, especially during germination https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/678d90318515684bb099a1b6/b2e2f18b-1919-4050-9d64-1874f9976505/4d43fd70-bedb-4edd-ae87-51f200126e73.png blog - Top 8 Crops to Sow in Early Spring Early spring is a wonderful time to start sowing cool-weather crops. Whether you’re gardening on an apartment balcony or in a sprawling yard, many of these crops are perfect for gardens in most growing zones. 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