Garden Basics

As the weather turns and harvests shift from plump fruit to cool weather greens, our minds turn to slower subtler rhythms of late summer and early fall gardening. No matter where you are in the west, we’ve got tips and strategies for making the most of your backyard.

This summer take a cue from the West’s most impressive Japanese botanical gardens and use these principles to bring the contemplative ethos into your backyard.

Use these DIY instructions to make your own planting box for veggies

What to do in your Northern California garden in September

A master composter shows how to cook up some power food for your soil

Improve your garden soil with compost for healthier plants and a richer crop

Improve your garden soil without a compost heap

When critters start taking their toll on your tulips and tomatoes, follow these earth-friendly ideas to protect your garden and let it thrive naturally pest-free