Research & editing
We research container and small-space gardening from university extension services, botanical gardens and seed-company growing data, then turn it into clear, step-by-step guides with our own charts and illustrations.
Growing kale in containers is simple: one plant per 12-inch pot, planted in spring or late summer, and picked a few outer leaves at a time from fall into spring.
11 min read
Cucumber spider mites leave pale speckles and fine webbing on leaves. Learn the tap test, why hot balconies favor them and how to control them without making things worse.
10 min read
The best fertilizer for tomatoes in pots depends on timing: slow-release or balanced feed early, then a high-potassium feed once fruit swells. Here's a simple schedule.
10 min read
To harvest basil so it keeps growing, cut each stem just above a pair of leaves and never strip the plant bare. Here's where to cut, how much to take and how often.
10 min read
Apartment patio garden ideas for renters: portable containers, freestanding privacy screens, planters on legs and simple ways to keep the paving free of stains.
11 min read
Growing radishes in containers is fast: sow ½ inch deep in a pot 4–6 inches deep, keep the mix evenly moist in cool weather, and pull roots at about 1 inch across in 25–35 days.
10 min read
Fungus in indoor plant soil is usually a harmless sign of damp mix. Here's how to identify white mold, slime mold and mushrooms, and spot the root rot that matters.
10 min read
The best soil to grow tomatoes in pots is a light soilless potting mix with some compost blended in. Here's a simple recipe, the right pH, and how much mix each pot needs.
11 min read
Growing lemongrass in pots lets you enjoy this tropical grass anywhere. Here's how to start it, feed it, harvest the stalks and keep it alive through winter.
10 min read
Small balcony garden ideas that grow real food: railing boxes, tiered shelves, trellises, wall pockets and hanging baskets, each with its sun, weight and wind limits.
10 min read
Growing spinach in containers is easy in cool weather. Sow at the right time, keep the pot moist and shaded from heat, and pick leaves so plants keep producing.
11 min read
The most common cause of tomato leaf curl is harmless leaf roll from heat or water stress. Here's how to spot the serious causes: weedkiller, viruses and mites.
10 min read
