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 pile of unusually shaped and multicolored gourds with warty, ridged, and curved forms arranged in rustic baskets for fall decoration.

Edible

11 Unusual Gourds to Plant Now for Fall

Gourds are perfect for filling empty spaces in the garden. They sprout off of long, rambling vines that love the sunshine. These 11 unusual varieties are knobby, warty, and colorful! They’re perfect for crafts and decorations.

A small composition of developing green legume pods, alongside its vines and leaves, showcasing how to plant peas in July

Vegetables

5 Reasons to Plant a Second Round of Peas in July

Peas are super easy to grow! They’re one of the best vegetables for the home garden. You may not like the taste of store-bought peas, but I promise you’ll love the flavor of homegrown ones. It’s not too late to grow them—here are five reasons why you should plant a second round this July.

A small firecracker bush with dainty blooms, appearing white with vibrant pink ends

Ornamental Gardens

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Firecracker Bush

Firecracker bush explodes with color! Its scarlet-red blooms fill the late summer garden with pomp and circumstance. Drought-tolerant, hardy, and low-maintenance, this U.S. native shrub excels in warm regions. Learn how to cultivate it alongside native plant gardener Jerad Bryant.

A close-up shot of a yellow colored trap filled with small insects, showcasing how to make an integrated pest management system

Garden Pests

Integrated Pest Management for the Home Garden

Integrated pest management, or IPM for short, is a comprehensive strategy for battling pests and diseases in the garden. Instead of stepping in to remove the problem, it involves prevention, monitoring, and data to make informed decisions to reduce pests. Join longtime gardener Jerad Bryant in finding a pest management system that works well for you and your garden.

Three apple tree seedlings grew from seeds with smooth, oval-shaped green leaves sprouting from fresh soil in terracotta pots on a sunny windowsill.

Fruits

Can You Grow an Apple Tree From Seed?

Eat an apple and you’ll find a bunch of seeds inside! Plant these seeds, and apple trees will grow. But, how long will it take for them to grow apples? The answer may surprise you. Join former nurseryman Jerad Bryant in answering the question: Can you grow an apple tree from seed?

A close-up shot of several pink and puprle colored hanging flowers,alongside its green foliage, showcasing the fuchsia flower

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Fuchsias

Fuchsias are abundant in summer. You’ll see them cascading over hanging baskets, filling raised beds, and decorating front porches. These shade lovers excel in home gardens, and some overwinter in mild regions! Learn how to plant, grow, and care for fuchsias alongside fuchsia lover Jerad Bryant.

Extra-large white zinnia blooms with densely layered, slightly ruffled petals sit atop tall green stems with broad, lance-shaped leaves.

Flowers

7 Zinnias with Extra Large Blooms

Zinnias are famous for their variety! Some of the best ones are the extra-large bloomers. If you’re looking for a gorgeous zinnia, start with one of these seven extra-large blooming cultivars.