10 Tips for a Successful Garden

Gardening season is upon us! Starting to plan for your home garden this year? Check out our top tips for success below!

1. Don’t rush warm-season crops

Tomatoes, peppers, and basil hate cold soil. Wait until nighttime temps are consistently above ~50°F (usually mid–late May in our region) before planting outdoors.

2. Sun = success (especially for fruiting crops)

Tomatoes and peppers need at least 8 hours of full sun to produce well. Less sun = fewer fruits.

3. Feed your soil, not just your plants

Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Mix in compost before planting and consider adding an organic fertilizer at transplant time—especially for heavy feeders like tomatoes and broccoli.

4. Water deeply, not frequently

Aim for deep watering 2–3 times per week instead of daily light watering. This helps roots grow deeper and makes plants more resilient in summer heat.

5. Mulch is your best friend

Add straw or leaf mulch around plants after the soil warms up. It keeps moisture in, suppresses weeds, and protects soil life.

6. Give tomatoes room (and support!)

Space tomato plants generously (2–3 feet apart) and stake or trellis them early. Crowding = disease risk, especially in humid Mid-Atlantic summers.

7. Harvest herbs often for more growth

Basil especially loves to be cut! Pinch the top regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering.

8. Keep brassicas cool and protected

Broccoli and kale prefer spring and fall weather. Use row cover to protect from cabbage worms and flea beetles—this makes a huge difference.

9. Lettuce needs shade as summer approaches

As temps rise, plant lettuce where it gets some afternoon shade or use shade cloth to prevent bolting (going bitter).

10. Containers need extra care

• If you’re growing tomatoes or herbs in pots:

• Use high-quality potting mix (not garden soil)

• Water more frequently (pots dry out fast)

• Feed regularly—nutrients wash out quickly