Author: realfarmerjeff
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Building a Four-Square Ft. Potato Box for Maximum Harvest
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Here’s the background to this project of building a potato box for maximum harvest: My friend sent me the graphic below of how to grow 100 pounds of potatoes in 4 square feet, and I knew I needed to try it out! Since my townhouse backyard is only about… Read more
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Watering Seedlings: Best Techniques & How Often to Water
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Caring for little seedings sometimes feels like taking care of a baby because they can also be fragile and hard to read. Too much water can drown the seedling’s roots or cause disease, while too little can stunt their growth or cause wilting. It is crucial that you learn… Read more
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Garden Patch Grow Box: Benefits, Tips, and How to Maximize Your Space
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Before I begin, keep in mind that this blog post is not sponsored! I have used this product for years and love it so much. The Garden Patch Grow Box is hands down my favorite garden product! If you find yourself struggling with overwatering or underwatering your plants, this… Read more
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Understanding Garden Light and Shade: A Simple Guide
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. A common reason I see friends and family struggle with failed gardens is a lack of understanding of how much light their garden receives. Understanding this is simple, yet key for success. Not only will this help you know where to set up your garden, but it’ll also guide… Read more
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How to Build my Favorite Tomato Trellis
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. As many of you know, my favorite garden vegetable to grow is tomatoes (I know, I know! Botanically it is a fruit). I’m sure many of you have used the classic cone-shaped wire trellises. Unfortunately, they don’t work that well. There are several types of trellises that work MUCH… Read more
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Seed Germination Tips: Improve Growth with Seed Soaking and Heat Mats
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Getting your seeds to sprout successfully is one of the most crucial steps in gardening. And yet, many gardeners struggle with slow or inconsistent germination. It can be tricky! The good news is that there are a few simple techniques that can dramatically improve your seeds’ germination rates. To… Read more
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How to Start Seeds: Proper Depth, Moisture, and Soil for Success
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. I often hear from my family and friends that gardening can overwhelm them because of one of the very first steps: their seeds fail to germinate properly. As a result, they struggle to enjoy gardening as a whole and miss out on the rewards of a thriving harvest. How… Read more
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5 Benefits of Vertical Gardening & the Best Trellis for Your Garden
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Since I first started gardening, one of the biggest game changers that I’ve learned is that trellising your plants provides many benefits! One of my main goals with my small townhouse garden is to experiment with more trellising options in the upcoming years. Below you can find the top… Read more
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How to Assemble a Galvanized Steel Raised Bed
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. When I first started my garden, the first two raised beds that I used were Birdie’s Raised Beds! I was mostly drawn in by the cool aesthetic, but I’ve grown to be a big fan for many reasons. For starters, galvanized steel raised beds can last upwards of 20-30… Read more
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How to Build a Wooden Raised Garden Bed
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Kyrié’s mom (my mother-in-law) is a hard-working single mom who has always been supportive of my gardening hobby. This year, I wanted to give back to her by building her a couple raised beds (one wooden and one galvanized steel) for a new vegetable garden. For the wooden raised… Read more