Updated October 2021 If you ask any seasoned gardener their least favored part of gardening, you’ll likely hear the word “weeds.” Sure, we all will have to pull some weeds, but wouldn’t you rather prevent as many as possible? To prevent weeds in a sustainable, non-chemical way, you’ll need to use a weed barrier. In…
You’re already convinced that mulching is essential for the vegetable garden. But as a gardener who wants to choose organic inputs whenever possible, what kind of mulch options should you consider? Several years ago, I wrote an article about 4 mulches for the vegetable garden — each of which I had used myself to a…
When we think of the early spring in our gardens, most of us think of PLANTING! Yes, while this is the number one task most of us are doing right now, not far behind it is a process we cannot skip — mulching the vegetable garden. Most of us who mulch, and even those who…
There are few garden subjects I am more passionate about than mulch. It prevents weeds and regulates moisture in the soil, among its other benefits. But which mulch should you use? Perhaps the most common is shredded leaves, but what if you’re like me and you don’t have access to deciduous trees? Then what are…
You should see the shock on people’s faces when they ask how I control insects in my garden and I reply, “I don’t use pesticides.” Of course, I clarify that statement by explaining that I will, if necessary, resort to organic pesticide methods — but that’s only in extreme cases. Otherwise, I’ve managed to pull off…
When I started my garden in 2013, I was a lone ranger (or so it seemed). Almost no one I knew grew a garden, so I depended on Pinterest and garden books. Looking back, how I wish I had a garden community — or even just one friend! — who shared my passion. It would…
I’m Jill. Welcome to The Beginner’s Garden. If you’re a beginning gardener, let me help you get started with instant access to all of my free downloadable resources.
