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You are here: Home / Vegetable & Herb Gardening

Vegetable & Herb Gardening

Vegetable & Herb Gardening for beginners and beyond.

Vegetable & Herb Gardening

Years ago a company named Ecoscraps reached out to us and asked us to plant a vegetable and herb garden with their products.  We knew NOTHING about a vegetable garden but, it seemed like a great idea. 

My husband and son built a raised bed and we planted a few things.  The tomatoes are all that really worked for us.  But, we were thrilled.  

Ecoscraps has a full line of products, by the way.  They recycle food waste nationwide and re-purpose it into organic, natural and sustainable garden soils and plant food.  You can read more about our first gardening venture here.

The next year, I took the garden over and planted things in the spring and fall and added on more garden space around that raised bed.  Things didn’t go very well – from squash bugs and spider mites, to grasshoppers and snails, to too much rain and not enough rain… and the weeds… oh, the weeds.  My back couldn’t handle it all!

My oldest son texted me a picture of a friend’s raised garden beds one day… they looked like something out of a magazine, mine looked like…. a child’s sandbox with broken toys.  I actually cried when I saw it, because I was so frustrated with my gardening experiments look.

Then my daughter started seeing ideas online (read: Pinterest lol) and sharing them with me, and they seemed doable and seemed to solve my problems.  So, the next year I tried those ideas to see which worked best for our purposes and so it began – my love for learning and growing.

I bought a few planters for the front porch, I planted herbs there so, Hubby (who does most of the cooking) could just step out on the porch and pick just what he wanted to use for each meal.  We love that. 

I have some very strange looking setups elsewhere in the yard – my neighbors laugh each time they see a new experiment I have set up!  lol  But, you would be jealous of them (my neighbors) – I swear to you – they throw anything they want in their yard anywhere and it grows… they don’t weed, they don’t feed… nothing!  PLUS, it’s CLAY soil… It’s incredibly annoying lol

I will be sharing all of my gardening “experiments” and what I learn with y’all in hopes it encourages someone else to give it a go.  It’s certainly relaxing and helps me clear my head on stressful days.  The fresh air and sunshine I get from checking on them 3-4 times a day (that may be overkill, but, I enjoy it) is healthy, too!

You’ll find all of the posts as I add them to the site right here, I hope you enjoy my journey as much I as am:

Hummingbirds And How To Attract Them

Hummingbirds And How To Attract Them

Garden Soil:  How To Build It Right

Garden Soil: How To Build It Right

Growing Parsley

Growing Parsley

Cilantro (Coriander):  How to Grow

Cilantro (Coriander): How to Grow

Downy Mildew Diagnosis &  Treatment

Downy Mildew Diagnosis & Treatment

Early Blight: Identifying & Treating It In Tomatoes, Potatoes, & More

Early Blight: Identifying & Treating It In Tomatoes, Potatoes, & More

Vegetable Gardening Tips And Tricks

Vegetable Gardening Tips And Tricks

Growing Thyme: Everything You Need to Know

Growing Thyme: Everything You Need to Know

Powdery Mildew Symptoms Prevention And Treatment

Powdery Mildew Symptoms Prevention And Treatment

Garden Path Ideas

Garden Path Ideas

How To Grow Chives From Seed To Harvest

How To Grow Chives From Seed To Harvest

Easy Raised Garden Beds

Easy Raised Garden Beds

How To Grow Garlic Chives

How To Grow Garlic Chives

Planning & Planting A Butterfly Garden

Planning & Planting A Butterfly Garden

Potato Beetle: How To Identify & Chemically Free Control Them

Potato Beetle: How To Identify & Chemically Free Control Them

Garden Edging Ideas

Garden Edging Ideas

How To Get Rid Of Earwigs

How To Get Rid Of Earwigs

Basil Growing & Plant Care From Seed To Harvest & More

Basil Growing & Plant Care From Seed To Harvest & More

Garden Furniture Ideas

Garden Furniture Ideas

Lavender: Propagating, Growing, Harvesting, & Uses

Lavender: Propagating, Growing, Harvesting, & Uses

Canna Lily:  Everything You Need to Know

Canna Lily: Everything You Need to Know

Rosemary:  Propagating, Growing, Harvesting, & Uses

Rosemary: Propagating, Growing, Harvesting, & Uses

How To Attract Birds To Your Garden

How To Attract Birds To Your Garden

Leaf Miners:  How To Identify & Get Rid Of Them

Leaf Miners: How To Identify & Get Rid Of Them

Thrips:  What Are They & How To Get Rid Of Them

Thrips: What Are They & How To Get Rid Of Them

Backyard Small Garden Ideas Or Front Yard, Patio, Etc…

Backyard Small Garden Ideas Or Front Yard, Patio, Etc…

How To Get Rid Of Snails

How To Get Rid Of Snails

How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites On Plants

How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites On Plants

Garden Trellis Ideas

Garden Trellis Ideas

Black Spot On Roses:  Prevention & Treatment

Black Spot On Roses: Prevention & Treatment

Cabbage Looper: How To Deal With This Garden Pest

Cabbage Looper: How To Deal With This Garden Pest

Aphids:  What Are They  How To Identify & Get Rid Of Them

Aphids: What Are They How To Identify & Get Rid Of Them

Tomato Hornworm: How To Prevent & Deal With Them In The Garden

Tomato Hornworm: How To Prevent & Deal With Them In The Garden

Wine Bottle Watering Ideas

Wine Bottle Watering Ideas

What is Blossom End Rot, What Causes It, and What to Do About It

What is Blossom End Rot, What Causes It, and What to Do About It

Hydrogen Peroxide In The Garden:  How & Why To Use It

Hydrogen Peroxide In The Garden: How & Why To Use It

Garden Water Feature Ideas

Garden Water Feature Ideas

How To Prune Tomato Plants

How To Prune Tomato Plants

How To Use Egg Shells In The Garden

How To Use Egg Shells In The Garden

Container Gardening Ideas

Container Gardening Ideas

Best Self-Watering Planters

Best Self-Watering Planters

Why You Should Always Grow Marigolds In The Garden

Why You Should Always Grow Marigolds In The Garden

Garden Markers And Plant Label Ideas

Garden Markers And Plant Label Ideas

Tips For Growing Peppers

Tips For Growing Peppers

10 Plants That Repel Pollinators In Your Garden

10 Plants That Repel Pollinators In Your Garden

How To Use Baking Soda In The Garden

How To Use Baking Soda In The Garden

How Much Soil Do I Need?

How Much Soil Do I Need?

The Best Gardening Tools From Weeding To Edging & More

The Best Gardening Tools From Weeding To Edging & More

7 Plants That Help Repel Pests

7 Plants That Help Repel Pests

Keeping Critters Out Of The Garden

Keeping Critters Out Of The Garden

Houseplant Herbs To Grow Year Round

Houseplant Herbs To Grow Year Round

How To Find The Perfect Rain Barrel

How To Find The Perfect Rain Barrel

How to Grow Berries in Containers

How to Grow Berries in Containers

Make Your Own Rain Barrel

Make Your Own Rain Barrel

Tools Every Gardener Needs

Tools Every Gardener Needs

Best Plants To Grow With Kids

Best Plants To Grow With Kids

Ways To Water Plants When You’re Away

Ways To Water Plants When You’re Away

How To Grow Strawberries & Other Berries

How To Grow Strawberries & Other Berries

How to Deal with Spider Mites Naturally

How to Deal with Spider Mites Naturally

7 Tips To Improve Garden Soil

7 Tips To Improve Garden Soil

Fun Garden Decoration Ideas

Fun Garden Decoration Ideas

Understanding Magnesium Deficiency In Plants

Understanding Magnesium Deficiency In Plants

7 Raised Bed Gardening Mistakes

7 Raised Bed Gardening Mistakes

Gifts For Gardeners

Gifts For Gardeners

What Are Soil Amendments?

What Are Soil Amendments?

7 True Low Light Houseplants

7 True Low Light Houseplants

Pros And Cons Of Raised Bed Gardening

Pros And Cons Of Raised Bed Gardening

Old Fashioned Gardening Tips & Tricks

Old Fashioned Gardening Tips & Tricks

7 Tips For Growing Boston Ferns

7 Tips For Growing Boston Ferns

Low Maintenance Flower Gardening Year Round

Low Maintenance Flower Gardening Year Round

How To Grow Food Year Round From Your Own Family Food Garden

How To Grow Food Year Round From Your Own Family Food Garden

Protecting Your Garden In The Winter

Protecting Your Garden In The Winter

Winter Gardening:  Tips And Ideas For The Colder Months

Winter Gardening: Tips And Ideas For The Colder Months

How To Get Your Garden Ready For Winter

How To Get Your Garden Ready For Winter

Tools For Keeping Critters Out Of Your Garden

Tools For Keeping Critters Out Of Your Garden

How To Compost In The Winter

How To Compost In The Winter

7 Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors In Winter

7 Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors In Winter

Making Your Own Winter Garden Plan

Making Your Own Winter Garden Plan

7 Garden Chores To Do Before Winter

7 Garden Chores To Do Before Winter

Protecting Outdoor Plants In The Winter

Protecting Outdoor Plants In The Winter

What Vegetables Grow In Shade?  No Sun?  No Problem!

What Vegetables Grow In Shade? No Sun? No Problem!

7 Fall Flowers You Need In Your Garden

7 Fall Flowers You Need In Your Garden

Tools For Watering Your Garden Better – Must Have

Tools For Watering Your Garden Better – Must Have

How To Keep Critters Out Of The Garden Without Harming Them

How To Keep Critters Out Of The Garden Without Harming Them

How You Can Get Rid Of Ants Naturally

How You Can Get Rid Of Ants Naturally

How To Get Rid Of Whiteflies Naturally

How To Get Rid Of Whiteflies Naturally

How To Start A Hydroponic Garden

How To Start A Hydroponic Garden

What is No Till Gardening? Is It For Me?

What is No Till Gardening? Is It For Me?

What Is The Best Mulch To Use In The Garden?

What Is The Best Mulch To Use In The Garden?

Benefits And Effects Of Weeds In Your Garden

Benefits And Effects Of Weeds In Your Garden

How To Make Money From Your Garden

How To Make Money From Your Garden

Reasons To Grow Mint

Reasons To Grow Mint

Ways To Garden Without Breaking Your Back

Ways To Garden Without Breaking Your Back

10 Tips For A Successful Tea Garden

10 Tips For A Successful Tea Garden

How To Grow A Pollinator Garden And Plants That Attract Pollinators

How To Grow A Pollinator Garden And Plants That Attract Pollinators

Fairy Garden Ideas:  How To Make A Fairy Garden

Fairy Garden Ideas: How To Make A Fairy Garden

Biennial Plants, Perennial Crops, And More Gardening Terms Explained

Biennial Plants, Perennial Crops, And More Gardening Terms Explained

Heirloom Seeds: How To Save And Store

Heirloom Seeds: How To Save And Store

How Nutrient Deficiency In Plants Affects Them

How Nutrient Deficiency In Plants Affects Them

Plants You Can Grow in the Shade Or Shade Loving Perennials

Plants You Can Grow in the Shade Or Shade Loving Perennials

Flowers You Should Be Growing In Your Vegetable Garden

Flowers You Should Be Growing In Your Vegetable Garden

Why And How To Save Seeds From Your Garden

Why And How To Save Seeds From Your Garden

Getting Started Vertical Gardening: Tools You’ll Need

Getting Started Vertical Gardening: Tools You’ll Need

What Are The Best Hydroponic Vegetables?

What Are The Best Hydroponic Vegetables?

Kids Garden:  A Beginner’s Guide To Gardening For Kids

Kids Garden: A Beginner’s Guide To Gardening For Kids

What is Hydroponics And How Does It Work?

What is Hydroponics And How Does It Work?

Vertical Vegetable Gardening:  Why It Might Be Right For You

Vertical Vegetable Gardening: Why It Might Be Right For You

How To Care For Your Garden While On Vacation

How To Care For Your Garden While On Vacation

How To Care For Gardening Tools  From Cleaning To Sharpening

How To Care For Gardening Tools From Cleaning To Sharpening

10 Upcycling Ideas For Your Garden

10 Upcycling Ideas For Your Garden

How to Amend Raised Garden Bed Soil For Growing Successfully

How to Amend Raised Garden Bed Soil For Growing Successfully

How To Feed Your Garden Naturally With What You Already Have

How To Feed Your Garden Naturally With What You Already Have

7 Herbs That Grow Well Together In Pots And Containers

7 Herbs That Grow Well Together In Pots And Containers

How To Rescue Over Watered Plants

How To Rescue Over Watered Plants

How To Harden Off Your Plants Before Transplanting Into Your Garden

How To Harden Off Your Plants Before Transplanting Into Your Garden

10 Gardening Supplies To Purchase Online Check Them Out!

10 Gardening Supplies To Purchase Online Check Them Out!

11 Spring Gardening Tips To Get You Started

11 Spring Gardening Tips To Get You Started

Vegetable Gardening For Beginners Let’s Get Started!

Vegetable Gardening For Beginners Let’s Get Started!

Spring Vegetable Garden Prep PLUS FREE Printable!

Spring Vegetable Garden Prep PLUS FREE Printable!

Tools Used For Gardening:  A Beginner’s Guide

Tools Used For Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide

Spring Gardening:  How To Get Your Garden In Shape

Spring Gardening: How To Get Your Garden In Shape

How To Harvest Worm Castings From Your Vermicompost

How To Harvest Worm Castings From Your Vermicompost

Container Vegetable Gardening For Beginners Indoors Or Outdoors

Container Vegetable Gardening For Beginners Indoors Or Outdoors

Container Vegetable Gardening Must Haves To Get Started NOW!

Container Vegetable Gardening Must Haves To Get Started NOW!

How Much Potting Soil Do I Need For My Container Gardening?

How Much Potting Soil Do I Need For My Container Gardening?

Vegetable Container Gardening Ideas!  For Indoor Or Outdoor Gardening!

Vegetable Container Gardening Ideas! For Indoor Or Outdoor Gardening!

Squash Vine Borer:  How To Prevent, Protect, And Get Rid Of Them!

Squash Vine Borer: How To Prevent, Protect, And Get Rid Of Them!

Seed Starting Indoors:  Must Have Seed Starting Supplies

Seed Starting Indoors: Must Have Seed Starting Supplies

DIY Vermicomposting With A Worm Bin!

DIY Vermicomposting With A Worm Bin!

Creating An Indoor Herb Garden!

Creating An Indoor Herb Garden!

Must Have Indoor Gardening Supplies For Your Indoor Garden!

Must Have Indoor Gardening Supplies For Your Indoor Garden!

Indoor Herb Garden Ideas!  Get Started Today!

Indoor Herb Garden Ideas! Get Started Today!

Indoor Gardening Ideas For Vegetables And Herbs!  No Backyard, No Problem!

Indoor Gardening Ideas For Vegetables And Herbs! No Backyard, No Problem!

7 Tomato Plant Problems And Solutions!  Get Prepared NOW!

7 Tomato Plant Problems And Solutions! Get Prepared NOW!

Homemade Bug Sprays To Keep Your Plants Happy And Healthy!

Homemade Bug Sprays To Keep Your Plants Happy And Healthy!

7 Homemade Plant Sprays For Your Outdoor Garden!

7 Homemade Plant Sprays For Your Outdoor Garden!

7 Homemade Bug Sprays For Indoor Plants!

7 Homemade Bug Sprays For Indoor Plants!

Growing Vegetables In Potting Soil Bags!

Growing Vegetables In Potting Soil Bags!

How To Grow An Herb Garden!  Growing Fresh Herbs Is Simple And Healthy!

How To Grow An Herb Garden! Growing Fresh Herbs Is Simple And Healthy!

How To Prevent Sunburned Plant Leaves!

How To Prevent Sunburned Plant Leaves!

7 Ideas And Tips To Prepare Your Garden Soil!

7 Ideas And Tips To Prepare Your Garden Soil!

Best Gardening Apps!  Get Started Today!

Best Gardening Apps! Get Started Today!

Gardening With Kids From Toddlers To Teens

Gardening With Kids From Toddlers To Teens

Tips For Growing Vegetables And Herbs At Home

Tips For Growing Vegetables And Herbs At Home

Basic Home Gardening Tips, Tricks & Ideas!

Basic Home Gardening Tips, Tricks & Ideas!

How To Dry Herbs, Freeze, And Preserve Garden Herbs To Use All Year!

How To Dry Herbs, Freeze, And Preserve Garden Herbs To Use All Year!

Hi! I'm Dian, a wife of 20+ years, Mom to 4 grown kids, and "Nana" to 5. I LOVE reality shows & vegetable gardening & talking about both. I am currently pursuing my Master Gardener Certification.... Read more about Dian & Learning To Grow Your Own Food.

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What’s New Here:

Easy Raised Garden Beds

How To Grow Garlic Chives

Planning & Planting A Butterfly Garden

Potato Beetle: How To Identify & Chemically Free Control Them

Garden Edging Ideas

How To Get Rid Of Earwigs

Basil Growing & Plant Care From Seed To Harvest & More

Garden Furniture Ideas

Lavender: Propagating, Growing, Harvesting, & Uses

Canna Lily: Everything You Need to Know

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