Posts By

Sarah Jay

Sarah is a staff writer and content strategist at Epic Gardening. She spends most of her time researching and writing about native/adapted plants and the ecological systems that make up our growing climates.

Knowing what plant february zone , considering the cold weather showing a woman starting seeds indoors with abundant bright light

Gardening Tips

What to Plant in February: Zone by Zone

Would it be great if there were a guide for what to plant in February, zone by zone? Well, there is, and it’s right here! Follow along with experienced gardener Sarah Jay as she covers what each USDA hardiness region should plant this month.

A close-up shot of a person in the process of assembling a black tray with soil and ovules. showcasing seed-starting zones 2-4

Seeds

Seed-Starting in Cold Climates: Tips for Zones 2-4

When it comes to seed starting, zones 2-4 may seem like a hard spot to do it. However, they are actually prime areas for seed starting if you know what to do! Experienced gardener Sarah Jay walks growers in these zones through a few tips to start seeds with ease.

A close-up shot of a potted houseplant, showcasing its yellowish veins and patterned leaves of the lemon lime maranta

Houseplants

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘Lemon Lime’ Maranta

One of the most beloved houseplants is ‘Lemon Lime’ maranta. This low-light dweller has praying hands, much like its relatives in the arrowroot family. How do these praying hands work, and how do you care for one of these unique plants? Experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, covers it all here!

A photo of a humidity domes germination, appearing to have small greens inside of the tray placed somewhere with indirect light

Seeds

How to Use Humidity Domes to Speed Up Seed Germination

If you’ve ever used them, you know that with humidity domes, germination improves. Choose the right dome, and you have seeds in optimal conditions for sprouting. Experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, discusses why domes are so effective and which ones to use.

A close-up shot of a composition of blue-green colored leaves with curly edges, showcasing the winterbor kale

Edible

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘Winterbor’ Kale

If you love to grow kale, grow some ‘Winterbor’ kale this season! This F1 hybrid produces plentiful, curly leaves that last through early spring or into late fall. If you need more info on how to cultivate this awesome superfood, follow this guide by experienced gardener Sarah Jay.

A close-up shot of a person's hand in the process of placing greenish, round crop seeds in soil, showcasing when direct sow peas

Edible

When to Direct Sow Garden Peas: A Timing Guide

You have to know when to direct sow peas for delicious, delectable garden snacks through spring. It doesn’t matter what variety of peas you grow, as long as you get them in the ground on time, you’ll have lots to eat. Experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, helps you time it right.

A close-up shot of a small composition of freshly harvested tender orange crops, showcasing scarlet nantes carrots

Edible

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘Scarlet Nantes’ Carrots

Compare the taste of a carrot you grew at home with one from the grocery store, and you’ll find there’s no comparison. If you need a suggestion on which variety to grow, Scarlet Nantes carrots are a great choice. Experienced gardener Sarah Jay covers everything you need to know about growing them here!

An overhead and close-up shot of several developing leafy vegetables, all showcasing crop rotation simple four year

Edible

Crop Rotation Made Simple: The Four-Year Plan

Are you looking for something to make crop rotation simple? Four-year plans make it much easier to rotate crops effectively! The off-season is a great time to sketch out your plan. Experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, walks you through the rotation process to grow a thriving garden.

A close-up shot of a person's hand in the process of using hand pruners to trim branches of a fruit-bearing plant, showcasing fruit trees vines prune january

Edible

7 Fruit Trees and Vines You Should Prune in January

There are so many fruit trees and vines to prune in January, and most likely, that includes yours! If you don’t know what kind of pruning to do, or how to do it, fear not. Experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, walks you through the process of pruning seven fruit-bearing plants.

A close-up and overhead shot of an opened packet of plant ovules, placed on a wooden surface, showcasing how long seeds last

Gardening Tips

How Long Do Seeds Last? 3 Ways to Test Viability

From year to year, it’s hard to determine how long seeds last without testing them. But there are ways to know the viability of your seeds even before you plant them. Follow along with experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, as she covers three ways to test your seeds.