Briana Yablonski

Briana Yablonski grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania and currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in plant sciences and has worked on farms in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee. Now, she spends many hours planting seeds and moving compost at her market garden. When she’s not immersed in the world of gardening, Briana enjoys walking dogs at the local shelter and riding her bike. She believes that gardening fosters curiosity, continuous learning, and wonder.

How to Grow Lemongrass, A Tropical Herb

Herbs

A close up of a large clump of lemongrass with long, dark green leaves in bright sunshine fading to soft focus in the background.

A tropical, perennial grass, lemongrass has fragrant stalks and leaves which add a citrus flavor to your cooking – as well as texture and interest to your garden. Given the right conditions and a bit of care and attention, you too can enjoy this herb in your own garden. Learn more now.

How to Grow Winter Cabbage for a Late-Season Harvest

Vegetables Brassica oleracea, Cabbage, Cruciferous Vegetables, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae)

A close up of two cabbages growing in a winter garden with frost on the leaves. In the background is frosty earth with some fallen leaves.

If you’re looking to pull a fresh, crisp vegetable from your winter garden, consider winter cabbage. Storage varieties can withstand cold temperatures and frosts without sustaining much damage. Learn about important factors such as planting dates and crop protection for a successful late-season harvest. Read more now.

How to Naturally Kill Insects on Kale: The Best Organic Solutions

Diseases and Pests, Organic Gardening, Vegetables Brassica oleracea, Cruciferous Vegetables, Kale, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae)

A close up of a green Brassica oleracea leaf covered in holes with the edges of the leaf jagged and eaten. There are little black beetles all over it, responsible for the damage. The background is soil in soft focus.

Don’t let your kale get overrun with pests. If you’re growing kale in your vegetable garden there’s a good chance you’ve got some insects damaging your plants. If they get out of control you’ll want to take action. Learn how to identify who’s chomping on your greens and kill these bugs naturally. Read more now.

How to Grow Savoy Cabbage

Vegetables Brassica oleracea, Cabbage, Cruciferous Vegetables, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae)

A close up of a developing savoy cabbage head with dark green wrinkly outer leaves and lighter green inner leaves closer to the head, in bright sunlight.

You’ve probably heard of green and red cabbage, but what about savoy? This variety has crinkled green leaves with a sweet flavor. Its deep green color and visually interesting texture make it a beautiful addition to your garden. Crunchy yet tender, this is a fantastic variety for using in slaws. Learn more now.

How to Grow Sweet and Tender Red Russian Kale

Vegetables Brassica oleracea, Cruciferous Vegetables, Kale, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae)

Close up picture of Brassica oleracea leaves growing on the plant. Ranging from light green to pale purple, the flat leaves with jagged edges are pictured in bright sunshine.

If you’re stumped as to what type of kale you should grow in your garden this year, consider Red Russian. This sweet and tender green is aesthetically pleasing, with reddish-purple stems and contrasting green leaves. In the kitchen, it can be used in dishes ranging from raw salads to light sautees. Read more now.

What Month Should You Sow Kale?

Vegetables Brassica oleracea, Cruciferous Vegetables, Kale, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae)

A close up of little green kale seedlings, with beads of water on some of the leaves, the background is more of these seedlings, and the dark earth underneath them in soft focus.

If you want to grow kale, an important first step is figuring out when you should sow the seeds. Assessing various factors, including where you live and the time of year, can help you to figure this out. By planting at the right time, you will be rewarded with an abundant harvest of nutritious greens. Read more now.

How to Harvest Kale

Vegetables Brassica oleracea, Cruciferous Vegetables, Kale, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae)

Close up of a dark, leafy cavolo nero plant, with large leaves on the outside, and small, tender new shoots at the center, in bright sunlight.

Harvesting kale is an easy task once you know when and how to do so. If you harvest correctly, kale can provide you with greens for weeks on end. The leaves are not only packed with nutrition but edible at different sizes. Baby greens are great in salads and larger leaves are a versatile cooking green. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Daikon: Add Some Zing to Your Garden

Vegetables Cruciferous Vegetables, Fall, Mustard & Cabbage Family (Brassicaceae), Radish, Root Crops

Close up of daikon radishes, the tuber visible above the soil, and bright green tops in gentle sunshine.

If you’re looking to add some zing to your fall garden, look no further than the daikon radish. With white roots that can weigh over a pound, these large radishes are low maintenance and easy to grow. While they are widely grown and used in parts of Asia, they can be grown elsewhere. Read more now.