Category: Gardening
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Guide to Vermicomposting — Plus My Review on the Wormlet Kit by Utah Worm Company
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. If you’ve ever thought about turning your kitchen scraps into garden gold, vermicomposting is a fun option. Not only is it a sustainable way to reduce waste, but it also produces one of the most nutrient-rich soil amendments available: worm castings. I recently tried out the “The Wormlet” Worm… Read more
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The Ultimate Guide to Mulching Raised Bed Gardens
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Mulching your raised beds is one of the simplest, highest-impact things you can do for your garden. While it certainly enhances the garden’s appearance, the real benefits go far beyond aesthetics. For me, mulching is essential to maintaining a healthy, thriving garden. In this guide, I will share some… Read more
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How to Plant Tomatoes: Spacing, Depth, and Best Companion Plants
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding and popular crops to grow in a home garden. Their flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and wide variety make them a favorite for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. They definitely are a personal favorite of mine! But growing healthy, high-yielding tomato plants… Read more
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How to Choose the Best Vegetable Transplants for Your Garden
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Buying vegetable transplants from a nursery or garden center is a great way to jump-start your growing season. These young plants, often called “starts,” save you the time and effort of germinating seeds indoors or waiting for them to sprout in the ground. But not all transplants are created… Read more
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How to Start Seeds Outdoors: A Beginner Gardener’s Guide
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Starting seeds outdoors is an exciting time of the year! It’s amazing how quickly vegetables spring to life with the right weather conditions. Additionally, it’s so nice to not have to harden off plants that are started outside. This guide will start with general tips on planting outdoors and… Read more
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How to Achieve Ideal Soil Texture for Perfect Aeration and Drainage
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. The biggest point of learning that I’ve had this gardening season is the absolute importance of aeration in the soil. I haven’t had a lot of struggles with this in the past, but this year has been different. Creating soil with the right texture can be tricky because initially… Read more
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Root Development: Supporting Early Growth and Hardening Off
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Roots might be out of sight, but they’re the most important part of a healthy plant. Understanding how roots develop during early growth can make all the difference when you’re starting seeds or transplanting young plants. It’s not just about watering and sunlight—creating the right environment underground is key… Read more
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Guide to Seed Libraries and Getting Free or Cheap Seeds
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. I recently learned from one of my followers (shoutout Alyssa!) that you can sometimes find free seeds at local libraries. I was so intrigued that I checked out three libraries in my area. I found that one library didn’t have a seed program, another had one that was mid-tier… Read more
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Soil vs. Dirt: Understanding the Difference and How to Make Your Own Soil
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned grower, understanding the foundation of plant health—soil—is crucial. Many people use the terms soil and dirt interchangeably, but in gardening and agriculture, they are very different things. Let’s break it down and then explore how to create your own nutrient-rich soil… Read more
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Why Pollination Matters in Your Garden + How to Attract Bees
Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here. One of the essential ways to maximize yields in your garden is to have a high pollination percentage on the plants you are already growing. It’s common practice to plant flowers specifically to bring in the pollinators and promote pollination. Since bees are the main pollinators, I’ve always thought… Read more