How to Plant and Grow Watercress

A horizontal photo of watercress plants growing in water.

Watercress is literally the most nutritionally dense vegetable you can grow, according to the CDC. Plus, you don’t need running water to grow this peppery little plant, in spite of what you may have heard. Learn more about growing watercress in the soil, water, or hydroponically in this comprehensive guide. Read more now.

How to Control Turnip Mosaic Virus

Close up of cabbage leaves infected with the Turnip Mosaic Virus.

Turnip mosaic virus affects cabbage and a broad range of cole crops along with many other types of plants. Weeds serve as reservoirs for the disease, which is spread by aphids. Read on to learn how to control this potentially devastating disease.

How to Control Cabbage Worms on Brassicas and Cole Crops

Imported cabbage worm (Pieris rapae) larvae feeding on a brassica leaf.

Cabbage butterflies live throughout the US and southern Canada. While you can handpick the cabbage worms if there are just a few, large numbers can kill your cabbage plants and many other cole crops and crucifers. Read on to learn how to control these voracious caterpillars.

How to Plant and Grow Kohlrabi

A close up horizontal image of a green kohlrabi growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

A fast-growing cool-weather vegetable, kohlrabi forms a globe-shaped stem above ground. The crisp, white flesh has a sweet, turnipy tang and the leaves are edible too. It’s a foodie favorite with ornamental value in the garden. We share growing and harvest tips for this quirky-looking cabbage relative. Read more now.

Health Benefits of Mustard Greens

A close up of mustard green plants growing in the garden with large leaves, pictured with light droplets of water on the foliage.

When you think of leafy greens, mustard may not initially come to mind. Mustard greens are surprisingly flavorful and bring essential nutrients and health benefits to the table. They truly are a dietary powerhouse! Learn more about this unique green, its nutritional content, and which cultivars to add to your garden.

How to Plant and Grow Horseradish

A close up horizontal image of whole, peeled, and grated horseradish roots on a dark gray surface.

Horseradish has a famously pungent and spicy root, but most people don’t know that the edible leaves and flowers are every bit as delicious. The only way to get them, for the most part, is to grow your own. It’s incredibly easy, so long as you can provide a deep bed of loose soil and the right amount of moisture.

How to Plant and Grow Radishes

A close up horizontal image of different radishes, freshly harvested and cleaned set on a burlap sack.

Looking for a quick-growing veggie that’s versatile in the garden? You should check out radishes. They couldn’t be easier to grow and they are completely edible from root to tip. Some are ready to eat in just a few weeks and they’re generally untroubled by pests. Read about raising radishes in this comprehensive guide.

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

Daikon radish lying on dry soil, with it's leaf tops attached. In the background, more tubers poking out of the soil, ready for harvesting, in bright 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.

How to Plant and Grow Wasabi

A close up horizontal image of wasabi stems, cleaned and trimmed, set in a wicker basket. To the right of the frame and a stem that has been grated.

If you know, you know. Real wasabi is way better than the neon green horseradish stuff that most sushi restaurants give you. This guide helps you grow wasabi no matter where you live. Learn about planting and care, plus new ways to use fresh wasabi, and how to deal with any problems that pop up along the way.

How to Keep Kale from Wilting in the Garden

A close up horizontal image of kale growing in the garden pictured in light autumn sunshine on a soft focus background.

Have you had trouble with your kale plants wilting, and wondered how to end this floppy foible? Check out our complete guide to preventing this droopy problem. You’ll learn about timing, fertilization, water requirements and more. And soon you’ll rejoice at seeing your veggies standing strong. Read more now.

What Causes Yellowing and Thinning of Kale Leaves?

Close up of kale leaves turning yellow while growing in a veggie garden.

Although kale plants are usually healthy, yellowing and thinning leaves can be signs of potentially fatal bacterial infections. These diseases rapidly spread to nearby plants and can destroy whole fields. Read on to learn how to prevent leaf spot bacteria and black rot from infecting your plants.

How to Plant and Grow Bok Choy

A close up of bok choy plants in the garden, their dark green leaves contrasting with the lighter veins and stems, in bright sunshine.

Why not add this easy to grow, delicious vegetable to your cool-weather garden this season? Popular in stir-fries, with delicate leaves and crisp white stems, bok choy is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen – and packs quite the nutritional punch. Learn how to plant and grow bok choy in your garden. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Arugula in Your Veggie Patch

Close of green arugula growing in a veggie garden.

Zesty, nutritious, and delicious, Arugula is a “don’t miss” crop for the garden. This straightforward salad green is easy to grow, takes very little space, and is ready to eat in just a few short weeks! Learn all about growing and harvesting arugula now.

How to Grow and Care for Ornamental Flowering Kale

A close up of dramatic purple leaves of an ornamental kale plant with delicate frilly leaves.

Flowering kale is an excellent choice when you want to add vibrant color and texture to cool weather gardens. Read on for easy cultivation and care instructions, a list of varieties to choose from, and recommended companion plantings. Join us as we explore growing ornamental kale and add some color to your garden.

How to Plant and Grow Broccoli

A close up horizontal image of a head of broccoli growing in the garden ready for harvest.

Would you like to grow broccoli, but aren’t sure how? Read on for the best instructions for cultivating this nutritious cool weather crop in your garden. See if a spring or fall planting suits your climate and learn the secrets to getting several harvests from one plant. Learn more about broccoli in this guide.

How to Grow Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale

A close up horizontal image of a large dinosaur kale plant growing in the garden with a variety of shrubs and flowers in the background, pictured in bright sunshine.

Lacinato kale is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-grow crop that deserves a place in the backyard garden. Also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan kale, this plant has long blueish green leaves that are just as ornamental as they are tasty. Read more to learn how to grow this cruciferous leafy green vegetable.

How to Plant and Grow Toothwort (Pepper Root)

A horizontal image of toothwort (Cardamine) in full bloom growing in a woodland location.

Toothwort thrives in shade and provides colorful ground cover where other plants can’t survive. The flowers serve as the perfect way to bring the woodlands into your garden and you can eat the herb from root to tip. It tastes a lot like horseradish, which is why this plant is often called pepper root. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Cabbage: A Fall and Spring Staple Crop

A close up of a head of green cabbage growing in a vegetable garden.

Cabbage has been grown around the world for centuries for good reason. With so many different ways to cook, preserve, and eat cabbage, this nutrient rich crop is a must for every garden. Read more to learn how to grow and maintain cabbage plants.

How to Identify and Manage 15 Common Arugula Pests

A close up horizontal image of arugula growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Arugula is a leafy green in the Brassicaceae family and as such can fall victim to the same pests that prey on other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, broccoli, and Swiss chard. Learn how to identify and control 15 of the most common arugula pests and enjoy your best harvest in this guide. Read more now.

How to Identify and Control Bok Choy Diseases

A close up top down image of bok choy growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

Disease can strike bok choy quickly and without warning, severely reducing its ability to produce delicious leafy goodness. But for the gardener with the proper know-how, the most common ailments don’t stand a chance. In our guide to bok choy diseases, we’ll cover how to detect, prevent, and manage the key offenders.

How to Identify and Manage Common Bok Choy Pests

A close up horizontal image of freshly harvested bok choy in a pile at a market.

Many different types of pests can wreak havoc on a patch of bok choy in the garden. Need help? This guide covers how to identify, deter, and control several of the most frequent offenders. Once you’ve read and applied the tips and techniques in this guide, these pests won’t stand a chance at harming your pak choi.

How to Prune Cabbage Leaves (And Why You Should)

A close up horizontal image of rows of cabbages growing in the garden.

Most of the time, you don’t need to do much to keep your cabbage plants growing well. They’re fairly maintenance-free vegetables. But sometimes it’s necessary to prune your plants to keep them healthy or to encourage them to form bigger heads. Learn why, when, and how to prune cabbage leaves in this guide. Read more now.

How to Prevent and Manage Common Mustard Green Pests and Diseases

A close up horizontal image of mustard greens growing in the garden pictured in light filtered sunshine.

While mustard greens grow quickly and are easy to care for in the home garden, they’re also susceptible to a number of pests and brassica diseases caused by pathogens like fungi and water molds. Our guide explains how to prevent the most common ailments, like downy mildew, and ways to cope with insect pests. Read more.

How to Grow Basket of Gold

A close up horizontal image of a basket of gold (Aurinia saxatilis) plant in full bloom pictured in bright sunshine.

Do you have a sunny spot in your garden that you’d like to fill with sunshine? Choose basket of gold, a drought tolerant plant that blooms bright yellow flowers in springtime – they’re sure to make your garden pop with color. We’ll explain how to sow, grow, and keep your plant thriving in this guide. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Napa (Chinese) Cabbage

A close up horizontal image of freshly harvested napa cabbage.

Some plants in the brassica group are a bit of a challenge to grow (hello, brussels sprouts). But napa cabbage is fairly easy. It’s also versatile in the kitchen thanks to its mild flavor and tender leaves. Whether this is your first try or you want to take your harvest to the next level, this guide will help you out.

How to Grow Cauliflower, a Challenging Cool-Weather Crop

A close up horizontal image of a small cauliflower head developing in the garden.

Cauliflower has a reputation for being a difficult cool-weather crop to grow, but don’t let that stop you. With an understanding of temperature and watering needs, you’ll soon be cultivating white, purple, orange, and green varieties packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Learn how to grow your own cauliflower now.

How to Plant and Grow Brussels Sprouts

A close up horizontal image of brussels sprouts ready to harvest pictured in light sunshine.

Are you a fan of Brussels sprouts? Gotten over your childhood hatred of the green gems? Homegrown sprouts taste even better than the ones you’ll find at the store. They’re challenging to grow, but the flavor is well worth the effort. Don’t be discouraged, find your way to success with sprouts now in this guide.

How to Deal with Mosaic Virus in Cabbages

A close up horizontal image of a cabbage head infected with turnip mosaic virus pictured on a soft focus background.

Mosaic viruses are more common in cabbages than you might think, with some estimates saying 10% of plants are infected. There’s no cure, and mosaic virus can spread – and completely ruin your crop. That’s why prevention is so important, and knowing what to watch for is essential. #cabbage #mosaicvirus #gardenerspath

When and How to Harvest Bok Choy

A close up horizontal image of two hands holding a wicker basket filled with freshly harvested pak choi pictured on a soft focus background.

If you’re growing bok choy in your garden, you might be feeling a bit confused about when you should pick the tasty green leaves with their succulent white or green stems. How big should they be? Can you harvest bok choy early? Discover when and how to harvest bok choy for the best results in our guide. Read more now.

Eating Kohlrabi Greens: Tips for Harvesting and Cooking the Leaves

A close up horizontal image of a kohlrabi plant growing in the vegetable garden.

Did you know that kohlrabi greens are edible and delicious? The flavorful leaves are easy to harvest and prepare, with a similar taste and texture to collard greens. You can enjoy them sauteed, steamed, or even raw in a salad. Learn all about harvesting and cooking kohlrabi leaves in this guide. Read more now.

How to Identify and Manage Common Brussels Sprout Diseases

A close up horizontal image of brussels sprout plants growing in the garden suffering from disease.

No one wants to lose their harvest to pathogens. Brussels sprout diseases can range from cosmetic to deadly, and knowing which is which and how to deal with them is key to a successful harvest. This guide helps you handle the most common diseases, and includes tips on how to avoid them in the first place. Read more.

Bok Choy Spacing: How Far Apart to Plant Your Crop

A close up horizontal image of bok choy plants growing in rich soil in the garden.

Bok choy, or pak choi, is a Chinese cabbage with green or white stalks and green leaves that is a staple of Asian-style cooking. Choose from dwarf and full-size varieties, and harvest young for tender microgreens. Read on to learn how far apart to space seeds and nursery seedlings, and bring in your best harvest yet.

Common Brussels Sprout Pests: What’s Eating My Plants?

A close up horizontal image of small cabbage white caterpillars on a brussels sprout leaf pictured on a soft focus background.

As any adult knows, brussels sprouts are absolutely marvelous. Sadly, pests seem to agree. They won’t hesitate to take a nibble out of your plants. Not only can they threaten your harvest by harming your sprouts, they can spread diseases too. Don’t let it happen to you. We’ll show you how to identify and stop them.

How to Grow and Care for Romanesco Broccoli

A close up horizontal image of a developing head of Romanesco broccoli surrounded by dark foliage.

If you’re fascinated by Romanesco broccoli, you might be surprised to find that it’s totally doable to grow your own at home. In addition to its mathematically precise yet artistic look, Romanesco has a nutty flavor that’s even better when homegrown. We cover everything you need to know in our guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Tasty Turnip Greens at Home

A close up horizontal image of a white plate of turnip greens set on a gray surface.

The roots get most of the attention, but let’s take some time to talk turnip tops. These easy-to-grow greens are perfect for cool weather gardening, so you can have your veggies even when the traditional growing season is ending. They’re versatile in the kitchen, too. Eat them braised, raw in salads, or cooked in soup.

What’s Killing My Broccoli? 13 Common Diseases

A close up horizontal image of a broccoli plant growing in the garden suffering from a disease on the foliage.

Broccoli is delicious and nutritious, which is no doubt why it’s so popular in home gardens. The trouble is that pathogens seem to love broccoli as much as we do. Whether it’s fungi that will ruin the foliage or bacteria that can wipe your plant out, there are lots of problems to watch for. These are the most common.

How to Recognize and Manage 9 Common Cauliflower Pests

A close up horizontal image of rows of cauliflowers growing in the garden.

Cauliflower is a cool-weather cole crop that can be temperamental, even under the best of circumstances. When insects feed on it, a whole new set of challenges arises. Read on to discover nine of the most common cauliflower pests that feed on foliage, heads, and roots, and learn about effective treatment options.

How to Grow and Use Chinese Broccoli

A close up horizontal image of freshly harvested Chinese broccoli in a wicker basket set on a wooden surface.

Looking for a new leafy green vegetable to grow this season? Chinese broccoli is a quick-growing crop similar to broccoli, but with tender shoots and a more distinct bittersweet flavor. All parts of this plant are edible, including the stalks, leaves, and florets. Read on to learn more about growing Chinese broccoli.

13 of the Best Cauliflower Companions

A close up horizontal image of cauliflower plants growing in the home garden.

Cauliflower is a cabbage relative that may be grown alone or with other plants. However, not all plants grow well together. The best flower, herb, and vegetable choices for companion planting share similar cultural requirements and aid in pest management. Read on for 13 exceptional cauliflower companions.

13 of the Best Kale Varieties for the Home Garden

A close up horizontal image of different varieties of kale growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine fading to soft focus in the background.

Kale is a leafy vegetable in the brassica family that’s related to the cabbage. It thrives in the coolest temperatures of the growing season. Read on for 13 of our favorite types. Choose cultivars with exceptional heat or cold tolerance to suit your needs, and grow the most flavorful and tender kale you’ve ever eaten.

How to Grow Broccoli Rabe

A close up horizontal image of broccoli rabe florets and foliage.

Broccoli rabe is a cool season veggie that will spice up your spring or fall harvest with its compelling flavor profile. It’s easy to sow directly from seed and is a fast grower, so when planning a diverse assortment of leafy greens for your homestead or garden, don’t forget tasty rapini. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Grow Mizuna Asian Mustard Greens in the Garden

A close up horizontal image of the bright green leaves of mizuna mustard greens growing in the garden.

Healthy harvests of the Asian green mizuna are just weeks away when you follow these gardening tips. This mild mustard green is great for impatient gardeners and those with short growing seasons. You’ll enjoy the baby leaves 21 days from sowing, and full-size greens three weeks later. Quick and tasty, that’s mizuna.

How to Grow Virginia Stock, A Cordial Summer Visitor

A close up horizontal image of the small pink and purple flowers of Malcolmia maritima growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Virginia stock (Malcolmia maritima) is a summer flower that blooms in a profusion of pink, purple, and white blossoms, for a carpet of pastel color. Tolerant of salt, low moisture, and dry soil, it’s perfect for those hard-to-plant locations. Learn all about this easy-to-grow annual in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Stock: A Cottage Garden Staple

A close up horizontal image of brightly colored stock flowers growing in the garden.

Are you looking for a flower that evokes images of Victorian ladies with parasols in their cottage gardens? One that adds rich color and fragrance to beds and borders? Matthiola incana, commonly called stock, is the perfect choice. Learn all about this timeless classic and how to grow it in this guide.

25 of the Best Radish Varieties for Your Veggie Garden

A close up horizontal image of different radish varieties in a pile on a kitchen counter.

Selecting the best radishes to grow in your garden is as fun as eating them, whether fresh, roasted, or pickled. The choices include red, round heirlooms, daikon types, and a few in rainbow colors and unusual shapes. Certain hybrids can even beat the heat. Discover 25 of the top radish varieties in this guide.

How to Control Cabbage Loopers

A close up horizontal image of a Trichoplusia ni larvae moving along a leaf and munching holes in it as it goes.

Cabbage loopers may look like harmless inchworms but their voracious munching can damage many crops in your garden including kale, turnips, cabbage, and broccoli. There are a number of methods that you can use to manage these caterpillars. Learn how to identify and control cabbage loopers in this guide.

Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts in Winter

A close up horizontal image of Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera in the snow pictured on a snowy winter landscape.

Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and their flavor is improved by a light frost. But what about if a heavy freeze is in the forecast? Learn how to protect your brussels sprouts and enjoy a fresh winter harvest in this guide. Read more now.

How to Regrow Bok Choy from Scraps

A close up horizontal image of bok choy scraps in water to regrow set on a windowsill.

Did you know that you can regrow bok choy from kitchen scraps? With just a bowl full of water, a leftover stalk, and a few days to spare, you can easily regrow this plant from leavings that you might have thrown away otherwise. Read more to learn a quick and easy technique for growing bok choy from a stalk.

How to Save Mustard Green Seeds for Planting

A close up horizontal image of bright yellow flowers forming on the top of long stalks pictured on a soft focus background.

Fast-growing and spicy, homegrown mustard greens will produce a lot of seeds that can be collected and stored for future planting. Saving seeds from your plants is an economical way to ensure a bountiful crop of your favorite varieties in future seasons. Discover when and how to harvest your own mustard green seeds.

13 of the Best Varieties of Mustard Greens to Grow in Your Garden

A close up horizontal image of mustard greens growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

Looking to spice up your veggie patch? Mustard greens are a fast-growing, great-tasting addition. The microgreens can be ready in just 7-10 days, and full-size leaves mature in 45 days or so. From tender mustard spinach to Asian greens like mizuna and tatsoi, here are 13 of the top choices to grow in spring or fall.

How to Grow and Care for Mustard Greens

A close up horizontal image of large, mature Brassica juncea growing in the home garden.

How well do you know your mustard greens? Some varieties may come as a surprise, since this category includes Asian greens, Southern-style broadleaf mustard, and crunchy tatsoi. Most varieties that you can plant in your garden are green, but some are red! Learn how to plant and care for this fast-growing favorite now.

Health Benefits of Kohlrabi

A close up horizontal image of purple Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group with green leaves still attached set on a fabric on a wooden surface.

Kohlrabi may look funny and have a silly-sounding name, but it offers serious potential health benefits! With a mild flavor and crisp texture, it’s easy to add to many dishes. And it’s also quite simple to grow! Read on to learn more about kohlrabi’s nutritional value and why you should add this vegetable to your diet.

When and How to Harvest Cauliflower

A close up horizontal image of a freshly harvested head of cauliflower with the foliage trimmed, set in a wicker basket.

If you’re growing cauliflower in your garden, you might be feeling a bit confused about how and when to pick the delicious heads. How big should they be? How do you get them off the stalk? Discover when and how to harvest cauliflower for the best results in our expert guide, plus some bonus recipe ideas! Read more now.

How To Save Broccoli Seeds At Home

A close up horizontal image of a broccoli plant that has produced heads that have been allowed to bolt with bright yellow flowers, pictured on a soft focus background.

Broccoli is the perfect candidate for saving seed from the home garden, and a healthy specimen can produce hundreds of tiny seeds. Learning how to collect and store seeds from this vegetable garden favorite can help you to save money and more sustainably grow nutritious, productive plants for generations.

9 of the Best Companion Plants to Grow with Broccoli

A close up horizontal image of a large raised bed surrounded by various small planters containing broccoli and various companion plants, with trees in the background.

Broccoli is a popular veggie around the world, and it’s easy to grow your own. But what should you plant nearby? Knowledge of the best companion plants can help you to repel pests and balance out broccoli’s heavy feeding habits. Plus, find out which plants benefit the most from broccoli’s towering shade. Read more now.

How to Start Broccoli from Seed

A close up horizontal image of a small broccoli head almost ready to harvest pictured on a soft focus background.

Have you ever wanted to grow broccoli from seed? Now is the time to give it a try! Broccoli is nutritious and delicious, and you can eat more parts of the plant than you might think. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about growing a spring or fall crop of this beloved Brassica. Read more now.

Identify, Prevent, and Treat Common Cabbage Diseases

A close up horizontal image of a cabbage growing in the garden suffering from a disease, pictured in light sunshine.

Do your cabbage plants appear diseased? An array of organisms can afflict cabbage plants, ranging in severity from powdery mildew, which generally does not kill its hosts, to bacterial soft rot, which totally decimates them. Read on to figure out which pathogen has infected your cabbages and what you can do about it.

How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Common Cauliflower Diseases

A close up horizontal image of two cauliflower plants with small developing heads and soil in soft focus in the background.

Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that’s challenging to grow. It takes an ideal combination of temperature, moisture, and nutrients for pristine heads to form. Sometimes, even with best practices, plants fall victim to disease. Read on to learn how to avoid, recognize, and address 12 common cauliflower conditions now.

How to Grow and Care for Dame’s Rocket

A close up horizontal image of vivid pink Hesperis matronalis, also known as Dame's Rocket, growing in the summer garden pictured in light sunshine on a green soft focus background.

Dame’s rocket has naturalized in almost every state. This pretty phlox-like flower that grows along highways and in meadows is considered invasive. However, its leaves and seeds have culinary and medicinal applications. Should you grow it in your yard? Learn how to plant, grow, and control dame’s rocket. Read more now.

7 of the Best Collard Greens Varieties to Grow at Home

A close up, top down picture of a large Brassica oleracea var. acephala, aka collard greens, growing in the garden, with large dark green leaves and light colored veins.

Want to grow your own collard greens in the garden? These veggies are a Southern favorite, packed with fiber and healthy nutrients. Delicious raw or cooked, growing your own leafy greens is the best way to add more to your diet. Select your favorite cultivar from our roundup of top picks. Read more now.

How to Grow Napini Kale

A close up top down picture of a flowering shoot of the Brassica oleracea plant in the second season, commonly harvested as napini.

Did you know that kale is a biennial that produces tender edible shoots and buds in the second season? Napini, or kale rabe, is delicious, tender, and sweet, a treat you won’t want to miss out on. What’s more, growing kale for napini is easy. Learn how to grow and harvest your own napini kale. Read more now.

How to Grow Broccoli in Containers

A close up of a black seedling tray containing broccoli seedlings set on a wooden surface on a soft focus background.

Broccoli is a cool weather crop that’s nutritious and delicious. If you want to harvest tender, homegrown broccoli for your soups, quiches, and sides, but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing it in containers? Planting in pots saves space in your garden and can extend the growing season. Read more now.

When and How to Harvest Broccoli

A close up of freshly harvested broccoli heads with the foliage removed, set in a wooden box.

Broccoli is one of those veggies that offers so much more than we often give it credit for. This staple crop can be harvested for its large heads, as well as its young tender leaves and side shoots. Read more now to learn how to harvest and store broccoli, and pick up some delicious recipe ideas too.

Identifying and Controlling Cabbage Maggots

A close up of a cabbage maggot (Delia radicum) burrowing through the root of a cruciferous vegetable.

Cabbage maggots are tiny insects in the soil, and often by the time the plants show symptoms, it is too late to save them. Knowing what to look for lets you monitor for them and identify their presence in time to implement control measures. Read on to learn how to identify and control these pernicious pests.

Kale Spacing: How Far Apart to Plant for the Best Harvest

Neat rows of large, mature kale plants, intercropped with cabbage and other vegetables. In the center of the frame is a light green curly variety, and to its right a large purple variety.

Curious how much space to leave between each of the kale plants in your garden? By spacing these leafy green vegetables just right, it will be easy to care for and harvest your crop throughout your growing season. To find out the best spacing recommendations for your kale varieties and harvesting plans, read more now.

Why Is My Cauliflower Turning Purple?

A close up of a cauliflower head that should be developing white curds but instead is tinged with purple discoloration, set amongst the dark green leafy foliage.

Cauliflower can be a challenging cool-weather crop to grow in the home garden. Sometimes, developing curds that should be snowy white take on a purplish hue. Learn what causes this phenomenon, how to avoid it, and what it means in terms of crop quality. We’re discussing purplish cauliflower, here on Gardener’s Path!

10 Best Broccoli Varieties for Your Garden (Plus 3 Delicious Bonus Options!)

Top-down shot of small green heads of broccoli growing on plants with large green leaves.

If you’re looking for a cool weather crop, you can’t beat growing broccoli. It’s versatile and delicious, an excellent vegetable that’s perfect to enjoy at any time of day. Not sure which cultivar to choose? Read on for 13 varieties of one of nature’s healthiest choices for the table, now on Gardener’s Path.

9 of the Best Arugula Varieties for Your Vegetable Patch

A top down close up picture of arugula plants growing in a containers in bright sunlight.

Nothing tastes better than fresh, homegrown arugula. Did you know that there are numerous varieties to choose from, each with a slightly different flavor, texture, or color? We round up nine of the best varieties of arugula for you to grow in your vegetable garden this season. Learn more about our favorites now.

Is Kale an Annual or a Perennial?

A top down picture of different types of kale growing in an autumn garden surrounded by yellow and brown leaves.

A vegetable garden favorite, kale is a reliable producer of healthy leafy greens. But is this cruciferous vegetable an annual or a perennial? We’ll have to go back to the birds and the bees to fully understand kale’s life cycle. To find out when to expect flowering and seed heads from your kale plants, keep on reading.

How to Grow Broccolini

A close up of a broccolini plant with delicate heads on long thin stems growing in the garden on a soft focus background.

Tender, crunchy, and sweet with a mildly peppery flavor, broccolini is a hybrid broccoli that is praised for its thin edible flowering shoots which can be harvested multiple times a season. Learn how to grow broccolini in your garden, the best varieties to choose, and enjoy this tasty vegetable all season long.

9 of the Best Cabbage Varieties to Grow at Home

A close up of a Brassica oleracea var. capitata growing in the garden. The central head has dark purple leaves around it fading to light green large leaves with purple veins on the outside.

Whether you enjoy it in sauerkraut, soup, or coleslaw, cabbage is a versatile addition to your vegetable patch. With different colors, textures, and sizes there are lots of varieties to choose from. Learn more about the different types of cabbage and choose the perfect one for your garden. Read more now.

Will Kale Grow in Containers? Tips for Growing Your Crop in Pots

A close up of four terra cotta pots with Tuscan and curly kale growing in the bright sunshine on a balcony. The plants have large leaves in various shades of green, the background is white railings and a house behind.

Kale is a frost hardy annual that’s grown for its nutritious, flavorful leaves in fantastic colors and fanciful shapes. And it’s just as easy to grow in pots or containers as in the ground. Learn how to plant up a few pots for the kitchen garden right now, then enjoy its beauty and health benefits well into winter.

Tips for Protecting Kale from Pests and Disease

A top down picture of a mature curly kale plant growing in the garden, the large outer leaves are a darker green color and the small inner leaves are reddish green. In bright sunshine, the background is further foliage of the same plant.

Despite kale’s tendency to be healthy and vigorous, the plants can be vulnerable to insects, nematodes, bacteria, and fungi under certain circumstances. Read on to learn how to identify and control pests and pathogens on your kale plants.

Can You Eat Kale That Has Turned Yellow?

A close up of dark green healthy curly kale plants growing in the garden bathed in light sunshine.

Kale comes in several varieties, ranging in color from light green to deep purple. But when the leaves start turning yellow, you may be wondering if they’re safe to eat. To learn more about why your leaves may have changed color and whether you can still eat kale that has turned yellow, read more now.

9 Cauliflower Head Disorders and How to Avoid Them

A close up of a cauliflower head, well developed and a creamy white color nestled between dark green foliage in bright sunshine.

Cauliflower is a cool weather crop that can be challenging to cultivate. Sometimes growing conditions are less than optimal and the heads don’t form as they should. Join us to learn about 9 common disorders that may cause irregular cauliflower head formation, and measures to avoid them. Read more now.

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

A Brassica oleracea plant, seen from above, with its leaves chewed and destroyed, only small fragments of them remaining on the plant. Instead of being bright green, it is a dull yellow color. In the background is soil and other damaged foliage.

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 Harvest Cabbage

A close up, top down picture of a cabbage plant with a mature head. There are large, dark green leaves on the outside, and light green tight leaves around the head. The background is soil, in bright sunshine.

Wondering when and how to harvest homegrown cabbage? Get tips from our experts that explain the right time for plucking your spectacular spheres of deliciousness, and discover the best methods of picking them from the garden, how to store them in the kitchen, and fabulous recipe suggestions. Read more now.

Is Ornamental Kale Edible?

A close up, top down image of ornamental Brassica oleracea, some with vibrant purple leaves, with green edging, others with yellow and green patterns. The center of the plants looks more like a flower than a vegetable.

Ornamental kale is the perfect option to add color to your fall and winter garden, as its leaves only get more vibrant when the weather gets colder. Kale is known for being a healthy, leafy green, rich in several types of nutrients and antioxidants. But is ornamental kale also as nutritious, and safe to eat? Read more.

How to Grow Collard Greens, A Taste of Southern Culture

Close up of a collard greens plant, the large outer leaves showing some signs of pest damage, with holes in the leaf. The smaller, central leaves are a brighter green, contrasting with their light green veins and stalks. In the background is soft focus garden soil.

How would you like to put some soul into your vegetable garden, and your cooking? Learn all about raising nutritious collard greens, an easy-to-grow leafy member of the cabbage family. It brings to the table a rich cultural history indigenous to the American South. Check out our growing tips now.

How to Control White Leaf Spots on Cruciferous Vegetables

Top down view of a turnip leaf infected with white leaf spot (Cercospora brassicicola).

White spot fungi are selective in the crucifers they infect and cause disease on the leaves of turnip, rutabaga, canola, mustard, radish, and horseradish. The fungi overwinter on volunteer plants and cruciferous weeds. Read on to learn how to control white spot fungus on crucifers.

How to Plant and Grow Turnips

Looking for a versatile, nutritious, and easy to grow cole crop to plant in your garden this season? There is a reason that the turnip has been a staple of the human diet for centuries! Learn more about how to grow and care for this historic crop right here on Gardener’s Path.

What’s Eating My Turnips? How to Eradicate Turnip and Rutabaga Pests

Turnip and rutabaga plants can be severely infested by several types of insects. While row covers can prevent some of these infestations, wireworms are soil-borne threats that can cause the end of the season’s crop in an infested field. Read on to learn how to manage cabbage aphids, root maggots, flea beetles, sawflies, and more.

How to Identify and Treat Turnips With Downy Mildew

Downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica) infection on a turnip leaf underside. Black background.

Cool, wet conditions favor downy mildew infection on turnips. Not only can the pathogen destroy the leaves, but it can also spread into the root and cause the turnips to crack. Fall crops are particularly susceptible to this fungus-like organism. Read on to learn how to prevent and control this disease.

How to Identify and Treat Alternaria Leaf Spot on Turnips

Close up of half a tunip leaf infected with Alternaria Leaf Spot (Alternaria brassicicola or brassicae).

Species of the fungus Alternaria can infect your turnips, causing leaf spots and spreading to the seed pods. There are a number of methods to prevent this disease, and both microbial and synthetic fungicides that will control it. To learn how to prevent and control this disease, read more now on Gardener’s Path.

How to Grow Rutabagas: A Cool-Weather Crop Perfect for Fall

Horizontal image of three pinkish purple and white rutabagas with dirt-covered roots and green stems and leaves, laying on their side in the dirt, with more leafy greens in the background.

Do you love potatoes and carrots? Want to try growing something new in your garden this year? It’s time to add rutabaga to your list. This under-represented root vegetable is nutritious, delicious, and an excellent choice for long term storage. Best of all, it’s easy to grow your own. Read more now!

13 of the Best Cauliflower Varieties for the Home Veggie Garden

Green, purple, and white cauliflower heads on display.

Grow cauliflower for a healthy garden-to-table experience. Choose white snowballs, Italian greens and purples, and orange “cheddars.” Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, raw and cooked dishes showcase its mild, sweet-to-nutty flavor. Find the best varieties and where to buy them, here on Gardener’s Path.