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 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
The best potting soil for vegetables is light, drains fast and still holds water. Here's how to read the bag, spot a poor mix and work out how much to buy.
10 min read
Growing thyme in pots comes down to sharp drainage, lots of sun and less water than you'd think. Here's the mix, pot, pruning and winter care it needs.
11 min read
A start-to-finish plan for a balcony vegetable garden: sun hours by direction, weight and building rules, wind, drainage, containers, crops and watering.
11 min read
Growing beans in containers works best when you match the bean to the pot: compact bush beans for small pots, pole beans for deep pots with tall canes.
11 min read
Pepper plant leaves turning yellow? Where the yellow starts, what the veins do and whether there are spots will point you to the cause and the right fix.
11 min read
Can you reuse potting soil? Usually yes, if last season's plants were healthy. Here's when to discard it and how to refresh old mix with fresh mix or compost.
10 min read
How to grow parsley in pots, from soaking the slow seed and picking a deep pot to cutting outer stems and planning for the second-year bolt.
10 min read
Vertical growing squash works best with trailing, small-fruited varieties on a strong frame. See which squash climb, how to sling heavy fruit and how to pollinate by hand.
11 min read
How many tomato plants per container? Usually one. Here are pot sizes for dwarf, cherry, bush and vining tomatoes, and the few cases where two can share.
10 min read
Yellow leaves on tomato plants in pots usually mean hungry roots, a watering problem or a leaf disease. Here's how to read the pattern and fix the cause.
11 min read
