Grow confidently in the Pacific Northwest.
Practical, seasonal guidance for real PNW gardens — cool springs, damp winters, dry summers, and imperfect soil included. Beginners welcome.
Updated regularly with seasonal advice, planting notes, and Pacific Northwest garden inspiration.
Seasonal guidance, practical how-tos, plant spotlights, and thoughtful experiments for Pacific Northwest gardens
Not sure which flowers to deadhead in June? Learn what to trim, what to leave alone, and how deadheading can keep your garden blooming longer in the Pacific Northwest.
Wondering why your lettuce suddenly grew tall and turned bitter? Learn what causes lettuce to bolt in the Pacific Northwest and how to extend your harvest.
A simple beginner’s guide to watering your garden in the Pacific Northwest. Learn how often to water, signs of overwatering, and how to help plants grow stronger roots.
Confused about pruning hydrangeas? Learn how to identify your type, when to prune, and exactly what to cut—without killing your plant. A simple, PNW-friendly guide.
Slugs thrive in Western Washington’s damp climate. Learn when slug season starts and natural PNW slug control methods that actually work.
Your gentle PNW December garden checklist: protect pots, sow sweet peas, feed winter birds, harvest herbs, and care for wildlife in the winter garden.
Your garden can live on fast food or whole foods. Explore the science behind synthetic vs organic fertilizer and why healthy soil always wins in the long run.
Discover why labeling every perennial, shrub, and tree is one of the most powerful habits in the garden. Learn how plant tags help you remember names, track spring growth, and understand what survived winter — a simple tool that transforms your gardening knowledge.
A gentle Odd Garden guide to overwintering dahlias in the rainy PNW — including my own failed “leave them in the ground and hope” experiments — and how to dig, cure, store, and revive tubers for a better bloom next year.
Not finding the answers?
Have a gardening question or topic you'd like me to write about? Send a request and I'll see what I can dig up.
