Planting schedules can be tricky. You need to understand and be watching climate patterns and weather in your area. It’s important to know the days to maturity of the plants and what type of weather do they grow well in. I live in Kentucky. Zone 6b. Zone Six covers a large section of the country including parts of New England, Pennslyvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, across Kansas, and into the Rocky Mountain states.
Espalier fruit trees are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also a practical way to grow fruit in a limited space. Espalier is a way of training fruit trees to grow flat against a wall, fence, or trellis. Instead of a wide, spreading tree, you guide the branches into a single plane.
Raising honeybees can be challenging and intimidating but very rewarding. I speak from experience when I tell you honey bees will make your gardening endeavors complete.
Who doesn't love roses. They are such symbols of beauty and love. But they can be difficult to grow. Especially the antique varieties. Growing roses organically is possible and very rewarding.
Growing roses organically means working with nature instead of against it. You can avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, creating a healthier garden ecosystem that benefits beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and your family. Plus, organic roses often develop better natural resistance to pests and diseases over time.
This article will help you grow fabulous roses in USDA Zones 5 & 6 and discusses some fun things we can make from them.
Planting schedules can be tricky. You need to understand and be watching climate patterns and weather in your area. It’s important to know the days to maturity of the plants and what type of weather do they grow well in. I live in Kentucky. Zone 6b. Zone Six covers a large section of the country including parts of New England, Pennslyvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, across Kansas, and into the Rocky Mountain states.
Blossom-end rot is one of the most frustrating problems gardeners face when growing tomatoes. You check on a plant that looks healthy, only to find dark, sunken spots forming on the bottom of developing fruit. Many people assume it’s a disease or a pest, but blossom-end rot is neither. It’s a nutritional issue tied to how the plant takes up and uses calcium as the fruit grows.
Blossom-end rot affects tomatoes, peppers, squash, and other fruiting plants. It’s very common. It’s characterized by dark, leathery lesions appearing at the blossom end of developing fruits.
Growing healthy tomatoes and peppers organically begins with understanding the soil and the specific nutrients they need. They have a high need for calcium. The fruits grow fast and calcium is vital for strengthening and stabilizing cell walls. So its important to have a continuous supply of calcium to prevent the dreaded blossom end rot.
Calcium helps tomato plants stay strong and healthy. Inside the plant, calcium acts like a building material for cell walls. It helps bind the cell wall components together, making plant tissues firm and stable. Strong cell walls allow tomato plants to better handle stress, resist damage, and protect themselves from disease.
When developing tomato fruits do not receive enough calcium, early in fruit growth, problems begin. This happens because cells are dividing and expanding quickly. Without enough calcium to hold cell walls together, they break down. As a result, the blossom end of the fruit develops dark, sunken, leathery spots. Once this damage appears, it cannot be reversed, which is why consistent calcium movement into the fruit is so important early on.
I'm going to help you grow fabulous tomatoes this year and avoid the 5 top mistakes most people make when growing tomatoes. Plus I have a few bonus tips.
While gardeners often hastily apply calcium-based amendments upon seeing affected fruits, the issue typically starts long before you see the damage. Those quick fix products don’t work.
Bone meal is a great source of calcium. You can add bone meal to your garden in late fall or early spring. Bone meal provides calcium and phosphorus through a slow, steady release and lasts about 6–12 months in the soil so it is something you need to apply annually. The soil microbes must first mineralize it, breaking it down so its available for plants. I like the Down To Earth brand.
If you are vegan or prefer not to use bone meal (it can attract opossums and skunks) then Down To Earth Rock Phosphate is a good alternative. It provides phosphorus and calcium to plants, similar to bone meal, but is derived from rock deposits rather than animal bones. It does take a bit longer to break down so plan a head.
Gypsum can be added in the fall and will make the soil lighter as well as add calcium. Its a great additive for heavy clay soils.
Tomato plants take up calcium from the soil through their roots as calcium ions dissolved in water. Calcium does not move on its own inside the plant. Instead, it travels wherever water goes.
As water evaporates from the leaves during normal plant processes, it creates a pull that draws water upward from the roots through the stem. Calcium moves along with this water stream and is carried into the leaves and developing fruit.
If calcium does not reach the fruit at the right time, blossom-end rot can develop. The dark, sunken, leathery spots on the bottom of the tomato happens because cell walls fail to form properly in fast-growing fruit tissue.
Dry spells followed by heavy watering disrupt the steady flow of water—and calcium—through the plant.
Calcium is most available when soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8. Outside this range, calcium becomes harder for roots to take up. Even when plenty of calcium is present in the soil, uneven watering can prevent it from reaching the fruit.
Consistent soil moisture, supported by mulch and regular watering, is one of the most effective ways to ensure calcium reaches developing tomatoes.
Additionally, practices such as cover cropping, applying compost, and encouraging a robust soil microbiome can enhance calcium availability by promoting nutrient cycling and root health. You want (and need) a balanced nutrient soil for your vegetables.
More examples of blossom end rot
Blossom rot does not spread from plant to plant but you should remove infected fruits. Leave the plant because future tomatoes can be just fine. Fungicides and insecticides are not effective since the problem is happening inside the plant.
Despite its disease-like symptoms, blossom-end rot is not caused by pathogens but rather stems from disruptions in calcium uptake and distribution within the plant's tissues.
Because blossom-end rot can appear on multiple plants in the same garden if they are experiencing the same stresses you might think its spreading. However, one affected plant does not infect another.
Yes, you can eat a tomato that has blossom-end rot, as long as the rest of the fruit is firm and healthy. It is not harmful to people.
That said, the affected portion will be dark, tough, and unpleasant to eat. Simply cut off the rotten section and use the remaining healthy part of the tomato.
If the rot has spread through most of the fruit or the tomato has started to smell, become soft, or grow mold, it’s best to discard it.
Fixing the underlying issues is the key to preventing blossom-end rot across the garden. Do these things to improve your garden soil.
Test your soil - read my article on how and why
Add compost - follow my composting plan
Use mulch
Consider putting in drip irrigation
Gardeners use the power of composting to improve their soil and plant health. A healthy plant is a productive plant. This article will help you set up a proper compost pile and get started on the road to free nutrient-rich soil.
Will you pass the test? Soil testing is a fabulous tool that you can use to determine the fertility of your soil. By testing your garden spaces you will be able to establish long term goals that help you improve soil fertility and develop productive and prolific produce.
Who doesn't love roses. They are such symbols of beauty and love. But they can be difficult to grow. Especially the antique varieties. Growing roses organically is possible and very rewarding.
Growing roses organically means working with nature instead of against it. You can avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, creating a healthier garden ecosystem that benefits beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and your family. Plus, organic roses often develop better natural resistance to pests and diseases over time.
This article will help you grow fabulous roses in USDA Zones 5 & 6 and discusses some fun things we can make from them.
Chives are one of those delightful herbs that seem to check all the boxes: easy to grow, tasty, attractive pollinators, and useful in the kitchen. I love to go snip a few leaves to add to whatever I’m cooking.
Let’s dive into why chives deserve a spot in your garden, what types are available, how to grow them successfully, and the many ways you can put them to use. I’ll even sprinkle in a few fun chive facts you may not know!
First, they’re incredibly hardy. Once you plant them, they’ll often come back year after year with very little fuss. Chives are perennials in zones 3-9 and will come back year after year as long as their roots are not disturbed.
They die back in the winter and return in the spring and need some winter protection in zones above 7. I give mine some nice straw mulch for winter protection.
Their flowers are not only beautiful, but they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Having chives in bloom nearby can help increase pollination rates in your vegetable garden, which means more tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers for you.
Read my article 5 Common Tomato-Growing Mistakes
From a cooking perspective, chives offer a mild onion flavor that’s versatile and fresh. They’re wonderful sprinkled on eggs, stirred into dips, or tossed over baked potatoes. And unlike onions, they don’t overwhelm a dish—they add brightness without bitterness. See my cooking suggestions below.
They are an excellent choice for small-space gardeners, apartment dwellers, and busy families who want a low-maintenance plant that keeps on giving.
When people say “chives,” they usually mean the common garden chive (Allium schoenoprasum). But there are actually a couple of distinct types you might want to know about:
Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): These are the classic slender green tubes you’ll see in grocery stores and recipes. They have a mild onion flavor and produce pretty purple pom-pom flowers in late spring to summer.
Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum): As the name suggests, garlic chives taste more garlicky than oniony. Their leaves are flat rather than hollow, and they produce star-shaped white flowers in midsummer. Also called Chinese chives they’re fantastic in stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes.
Siberian Chives (Allium nutans): Less commonly grown, Siberian chives have broader leaves and pinkish flowers. They're extremely hardy and can tolerate harsh winters that might damage other varieties. They have a slightly more complex flavor than common chives and are perfect for gardeners in harsh climates.
All types of chives are perennial and useful in the kitchen, so you might consider planting more than one variety to enjoy different flavors and bloom times.
Chives are flexible but happiest in full sun, which helps them produce strong, flavorful leaves. They’ll also grow in partial shade, especially garlic chives, which tolerate a bit less light.
A well-drained soil rich in organic matter is ideal, though chives aren’t fussy about soil type. They do best in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They'll grow in average garden soil without any amendments, though adding some compost never hurts. The key is ensuring good drainage – chives don't like to sit in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Have a shady spot? Find out which herbs will flourish there.
You can start chives from seed, but they’re slow to germinate and grow, so many gardeners prefer to buy a small clump from a nursery or divide a plant from a friend.
If you do start from seed, sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date and transplant outside when the soil warms.
If you direct sow into the garden, sow them about a quarter-inch deep in early spring, about two to three weeks before your last frost date. Seeds typically germinate within two to three weeks.
Space chive plants about 8–12 inches apart. Over time, they’ll form dense clumps. Garlic chives, in particular, can spread if you let them go to seed, so keep that in mind when choosing a planting site.
For transplants or divisions, plant them at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches apart. If you're planting in containers, make sure your pot is at least 6 inches deep and has good drainage holes.
Chives like consistent moisture, especially in hot weather, but they don’t like soggy soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulching around the base of the plant can help conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.
As far as feeding goes, chives don’t require much. A light application of compost in the spring will usually keep them happy. If your plants seem sluggish, some fish emulsion can give them a gentle boost. My favorite is Alaska Fish Plant Food
Learn how to grow this easy herb.
Harvest chives by snipping the leaves close to the base of the plant, taking care not to cut the entire clump at once. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, so don’t be shy about using your chives often. The best time to pick is in the morning when the leaves are crisp and full of flavor.
Flowers are also edible! Pinch off blossoms just as they open to use in salads, infused vinegar, or as a garnish. If you don’t harvest the flowers, be sure to cut them back before they set seed, or your chives may spread more than you’d like.
One of the joys of chives is that they’re remarkably trouble-free. They’re resistant to most pests and diseases, though occasionally you might see aphids, or mildew.
They’re a natural companion plant. Because they’re in the onion family, chives can help deter pests in the garden when planted near carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Their sulfur compounds help repel aphids, making them excellent neighbors for roses, tomatoes, and carrots. Many gardeners plant chives around the perimeter of their vegetable gardens as a natural pest management strategy.
Get ready for a fabulous 2026!
Chives are one of those herbs that find their way into countless dishes once you have them at hand. Here are some of the best ways to use them:
Fresh garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives over baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, soups, and salads for a pop of flavor and color.
Herb butter: Blend chives with softened butter, a pinch of salt, and maybe a little lemon zest. Use on bread, vegetables, or grilled meats. Simply mix finely chopped chives into softened butter with a pinch of salt, then use it on bread, melted over vegetables, or dolloped onto grilled meats or fish. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can even be frozen in small portions.
Cream cheese and dips: Mix chopped chives into cream cheese, sour cream, or yogurt-based dips. Perfect for parties or snacks.
Soups: They're particularly lovely in cream-based soups like potato leek or butternut squash, where they add a fresh bite that balances rich flavors. A handful of chopped chives stirred into soup just before serving brightens the entire dish.
Egg dishes: Chives are a natural with eggs—omelets, quiches, and deviled eggs all benefit from their mild flavor.
Infused vinegar: Add chive blossoms to white wine vinegar and let steep. The result is a beautiful pink vinegar with a delicate onion flavor.
Asian cuisine: Garlic chives are a staple in many Asian recipes, especially dumpling fillings, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.
Chive flowers: they're completely edible and make stunning garnishes. The individual florets can be pulled apart and scattered over salads or used to top canapés. The whole flower heads can be used as dramatic garnishes for cheese plates or appetizer spreads.
Preservation: While best used fresh, chives can be frozen. Simply chop and freeze in small portions, or freeze in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil for easy use later.
Chives are one of the oldest known herbs. They’ve been used for at least 5,000 years both as food and medicine. In the Middle Ages, people believed hanging bunches of chives around a house could ward off evil spirits and disease.
Like other Allium species chives have antibacterial and antioxidant activities related to their rich organosulfur compounds. “These organosulfur compounds are believed to prevent the development of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, diabetes, liver diseases as well as allergy and arthritis” as stated in a paper published in 2021.
The allicin and quercetin in chives may have immune-boosting properties. Research suggests that the compounds in chives, especially organosulfur compounds, may help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Chives are a source of vitamin K, which is vital for bone health and are rich in vitamins A and C, riboflavin, thiamine, iron, calcium, and potassium.
Blackberries are delicious fruits that are relatively easy to grow, making them a perfect addition to any garden. They are a relatively low-maintenance crop that can thrive in a variety of soils, and many modern varieties are thornless, making them easy to manage and harvest. The climate in Zone 6 is great for blackberries.
Winter often marks a time of dormancy for many gardens, but in Zone 6, there’s no need to hang up your gardening gloves when the first frost arrives. With the strategic use of unheated greenhouses and hoop houses, you can extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into the colder months.
As a vegan, you want a garden full of healthy plants. Healthy plants fight off diseases and pests. And they have more nutrients which help us stay healthy too.
Plant-based compost is easy to make and will benefit your garden. My vegan friends often tell me that established gardeners tell them you can't compost without animal products. And that is simply not true!
Mulberries are a fun and worthwhile plant to grow. I first read about growing mulberries as a way to keep songbirds from eating my cherries. They are native to eastern and central parts of the USA and make a great foraging crop as well. Mulberry trees are prized for their sweet and slightly tangy fruits, which resemble blackberries.
According to the EPA, the average medium size dog creates 274 pounds (125 kg) of waste each year. That’s a lot of poop!. Your backyard may be a minefield of dog manure and you don’t know what to do!