Charlotte Scott

Flowers hold a remarkably central place in American life, appearing in home gardens, public parks, floral shops, and countless cultural celebrations from weddings to state fairs. The United States spans an enormous range of climates and growing zones, from subtropical Florida to the arid Southwest and the cool Pacific Northwest, which means the country supports … Read more

Potatoes are one of the most productive crops a home gardener can grow, with a single seed potato capable of producing 5 to 10 pounds of tubers under good conditions. Because potatoes grow underground and are vulnerable to pests such as the Colorado potato beetle, which can defoliate a plant in a matter of days, … Read more

Beans are one of the most beginner-friendly crops in the vegetable garden, capable of producing a harvest in as little as 50 to 60 days for bush varieties. Because beans belong to the legume family, their roots host colonies of bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, adding as much as 100 pounds … Read more

Strawberries are among the most rewarding fruits to grow in a home garden, producing sweet, low-growing berries that mature within 4 to 6 weeks of flowering under favorable conditions. Because strawberry plants have shallow root systems and spread through runners, they benefit enormously from thoughtful placement near other species that support their growth, deter pests, … Read more

Zucchini is famous among home gardeners for its sheer productivity, with a single healthy plant capable of producing 6 to 10 pounds of fruit or more over the course of a season, often faster than a household can use it. Because zucchini grows so vigorously, sending out broad leaves and sprawling stems that can spread … Read more

Cucumbers are one of the fastest-growing crops in a home garden, often producing ripe fruit within 50 to 70 days of planting and continuing to yield steadily for weeks once they get going. A single healthy vine can produce 10 pounds or more of fruit over a season, which makes it well worth the effort … Read more

Peppers, whether sweet bell types or fiery hot varieties, are one of the most rewarding crops a home gardener can grow, often producing steadily from midsummer until the first frost. A single healthy pepper plant can yield anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds of fruit over a season depending on the variety and growing conditions, … Read more

Tomatoes are among the most widely grown vegetables in home gardens, valued for their productivity, flavor, and the sheer number of varieties available to gardeners, from tiny currant tomatoes to massive beefsteaks. Because tomato plants are heavy feeders with fairly specific needs around sun, water, and soil fertility, many gardeners look for ways to support … Read more

Sprinkler irrigation is one of the most common ways home gardeners water their strawberry patches, largely because it’s simple to set up, works well for larger beds, and doesn’t require the more involved installation that drip systems often call for. At the same time, sprinkler watering comes with real tradeoffs that are worth understanding before … Read more

Water is one of the most important factors in growing a healthy, productive strawberry patch, yet it’s also one of the easiest things to get wrong. Strawberries have shallow root systems that dry out quickly, but they’re also highly sensitive to soggy, waterlogged soil that can lead to root rot. Add in the fact that … Read more