Edible

Learn all about edible gardening to improve your health, save on groceries, and reconnect with nature. Our detailed guides show you how to grow food!

A dense field of tall, straight, dark green leafy plants with thick, cylindrical stalks rising from the rich, brown soil, the lines of greenery forming uniform rows that stretch towards the horizon under a clear sky.

Vegetables

When and How to Harvest Leeks

Are you growing leeks this year? Since they’re a little bit different from onions, knowing exactly when and how to harvest can be difficult, especially for new gardeners. Thankfully, the process is simple. Plant biologist Emily Estep will tell you all about when and how to harvest leeks.

Close-up of a hand in a pink glove harvesting cauliflower in a sunny garden.

Vegetables

How and When to Harvest Cauliflower in the Fall Garden

Autumn weather causes green cauliflower stems to start forming their white sprouts—you’ll see your plants turn from leafy seedlings to bulging heads! Fall is perfect for growing cauliflower since the cool temperatures promote healthy head formation with little riciness or bolting. Join backyard grower Jerad Bryant and learn how to harvest your ready crop!

As one of the fast-growing fall crops, Swiss Chard boasts broad, crinkled green leaves supported by sturdy, brightly hued stems that add both color and texture to garden beds.

Edible

13 Fast-Growing Fall Crops You Can Grow in Less Than 60 Days

If you think you’re out of time to start seeds and grow even more vegetables this year, think again. There’s a long list of cool-weather crops out there that love autumnal conditions. You can grow many of them in less than two months. You could even harvest baby greens in less than one month, if you get started now. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep reveals 13 of these fast-growing crops to help you plan your fall garden.

Close-up of a gardener's hand harvesting broccoli, revealing dark blue-green leaves with prominent veins fanning out around a dense, central cluster of tightly packed green buds.

Vegetables

How and When to Harvest Broccoli for the Tastiest Crop

Broccoli is a tasty, tender crop with lots of nutrients. It’s perfect for backyard gardens! You may wonder when it ripens, and when you should harvest its heads. Wonder no more, since we’ll discover when and how to harvest your growing veggies. Learn to cut your broccoli heads in this guide alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

Close-up of freshly harvested oblong-shaped Delicata squash fruits with creamy yellow rind, deep green stripes running along its length, and subtle ribbing.

Edible

How and When to Harvest Delicata Squash

Did you grow delicata squash this past summer? Are the gourds finally starting to look ripe on the vines? You may be wondering exactly how and when to harvest delicata. This winter variety is a bit unusual looking. It’s not as simple as harvesting an orange pumpkin. Plant biologist Emily Estep will tell you everything you need to know about this colorful fruit, including how and when to harvest delicata squash.

A close-up of creamy pink garlic cloves planted in rich, dark brown, loose soil.

Edible

Do these 5 Things Before Planting Garlic

Garlic planting time can sneak up on growers as we’re busy cleaning up our summer gardens and preserving our bounties for fall and winter, but it’s crucial to get ready for garlic to guarantee a successful harvest next season. Join organic farmer Jenna Rich as she discusses five things you must do in preparation for planting garlic.

A tall, sturdy stem supports clusters of vibrant green Brussels sprouts nestled between broad, glossy leaves, ready for harvest.

Vegetables

How and When to Harvest Brussels Sprouts: 11 Pro Tips

Not sure about exactly when to harvest Brussels sprouts? How do you get the most out of each plant, and how do you do so without causing damage? This long-season veggie is a bit different from its other brassica cousins. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through a series of tips to make sure you’re on the right track.

October crops like radish feature short, sturdy stems supporting broad, textured green leaves, with bright red, round roots peeking slightly above the soil, signaling a crisp harvest.

Edible

17 Crops You Can Plant in October

Not sure what to plant next as the days get shorter and the first frosts approach? There are probably way more cool-weather crops you can plant in October than you realize, even if you live in a fairly cold zone. Now is the time to start brassicas, root veggies, and tons of salad greens. Plant biologist Emily Estep lists 17 crops you can plant in October to give you some ideas.

Vivid red, spiky petals emerge in clusters from tall, thin stems, creating a bold contrast against the green leaves in the background.

Herbs

9 Native Herb Alternatives to Aggressive Mint

Although we love using mint in delicious teas, juleps, and mojitos, it’s a weedy non-native herb! Its aggressive nature threatens North American ecosystems where it crowds out beneficial species. Plant these 9 native herbs instead to boost biodiversity in your yard today! Join native plant gardener Jerad Bryant in discovering the best mint replacements you can plant this year.

A vegetable garden in Zone 8 featuring beds with vibrant Swiss chard, tall onion greens, varied lettuce, feathery fennel, mounded potato plants, and lush pepper plants, among other crops.

Vegetables

How to Start a Vegetable Garden in Zone 8

Ready to start your Zone 8 garden? There’s lots to consider where temperatures and humidity levels are high, but have no fear! Join organic farmer Jenna Rich as she shares her best tips and tricks for starting a vegetable garden in growing Zone 8.