Posts By

Jerad Bryant

Jerad Bryant is a plant nerd, botanical writer, and avid gardener in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Jerad is an active member in his local community of plant nerds in both the Willamette Valley Hardy Plant Group and the American Rhododendron Society.

A woman’s gloved hand waters freshly transplanted arborvitae trees using a hose with a gentle sprinkle nozzle.

Trees

When and How Much to Water Arborvitae

Arborvitaes are native, evergreen trees with upright, narrow, and columnar structures. These conifers need consistent moisture to thrive, and they’re less drought-tolerant than other evergreens. Learn how much and how often to water your arborvitae trees alongside former nurseryman Jerad Bryant.

Two tall, narrow rocky mountain junipers with dense blue-green foliage grow upright in a garden landscape.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Rocky Mountain Juniper

Looking for a tough evergreen tree? The Rocky Mountain juniper is just the one for you! It features aromatic leaves, decorative berries, and ridged bark. It’s native to the U.S. and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in western states.

A close-up shot of a person's hand using a yellow colored hand trowel, in the process of digging out purple flowers, showcasing how to divide asters

Flowers

How and When to Divide Asters

Asters bloom bright, star-like flowers that fill the late summer garden with color and fragrance. They’re tough, hardy, and vigorous! They’ll need division after a few years to continue growing well. Join native plant gardener Jerad Bryant and learn how and when to divide your asters.

A lush field of vibrant green grass blades interspersed with small, star-shaped, pale yellow-green seed heads, highlighting native sedge.

Weeds

15 Native Sedges That Outcompete Invasive Weeds

Barren landscapes can flourish with growth! Simply plant some native sedges in the genus Carex. These grass-like plants thrive in low-water conditions, require minimal mowing, and can withstand harsh weather. Pull out those invasive weeds and plant one of these 15 native sedges instead.

Close up of a gardener's hands holding vermicompost mixed with long red worms, showing the process of beginning vermicomposting.

Soil Improvement

A Beginner’s Guide to Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting harnesses the power of worms to convert waste into nutritious amendments for the home garden. Whether indoors or outside, worms are an excellent way to recycle and repurpose with little effort on your part. Use this beginner’s guide to start vermicomposting at home.

A cluster of vibrant, pear-shaped yellow and orange fruits on delicate green stems amidst foliage, representing pole tomato varieties.

Vegetables

Our 11 Favorite Pole Tomato Varieties to Grow at Home

Pole tomatoes grow, and grow, and grow! They flourish while temperatures are warm and sunlight is abundant. Plant them in the garden, trellis them, and watch as their yellow flowers morph into green, yellow, and red fruits. Join tomato lover Jerad Bryant in discovering 11 favorite pole varieties you should grow at home.

A young cherry tree with bright red fruits and green foliage is covered with protective plastic netting to protect the garden from birds.

Garden Pests

7 Ways to Protect Your Garden From Hungry Birds

Hungry birds peck at berries, fruits, and vegetables. They run off with nutritious harvests! Instead of letting them wreak havoc in your garden, try these easy strategies for protecting the site. Native plant gardener Jerad Bryant shares seven organic-friendly ways to discourage hungry birds.

Close-up of a gardener's hands wearing white gloves holding a freshly picked bunch of bright orange carrot roots with green tops, showing a crop that takes 90 days or less to mature.

Edible

11 Crops That Take 90 Days or Less to Harvest From Seed

As summer turns into fall, you may start thinking about quick-growing crops to fill the garden with. Instead of letting empty spaces sit bare for the rest of the season, you can plant veggies that take 90 days or less to grow from seed to harvest. Try one of these 11 species that are perfect for home gardens.

Close-up of a gardener's hand pulling a small weed with green leaves and a thin tuft of roots from a gravel garden bed.

Weeds

7 Effective Weeding Strategies for Gravel

Gravel is a low-maintenance mulch that creates a natural alpine look in the garden. Though it’s easy to care for, an occasional weed or two may sprout between its tiny rocks. Use these seven effective weeding strategies to ensure your gravel stays weed-free year-round.