It’s important to understand how average temperatures shift through the seasons and the preferred temperature range for specific crops in your climate zone.This post is mostly about the Chicago area (climate zones 5b and 6a). Use a planting calendar for your climate zone.

Know which crops are cold tolerant and which need warmth to thrive. Know how to protect your seeds and seedlings from unexpected temperatures. How early you can plant in spring depends on the hardiness (cold tolerance) of the vegetables and your climate.

Although deep watering is usually best, over watering can also stress your plants. Of course, there will be a lot of variables to take into consideration – such as the amount of rain and other weather conditions. Do a simple moisture test with your finger on the top 2 to 4 inches of soil before you water. Be careful about the watering tips you see circulating on the internet or in Youtube videos!

This post gives beginner gardeners tips and tricks for planting a successful garden from the first year. We want to help you avoid common beginner mistakes.

This post is for gardeners with many levels of experience who want to reap the many rewards of learning to grow from BOTH seeds and seedlings. Remember that some crops must be grown from seed since the young plant can’t survive transplanting. The Deep Root team will continue researching and testing new tricks and tips that will require the least time and energy. Skip parts you are not ready to tackle now and come back to them later.

Know the the “no till, no dig, no pull rule.” Avoid pulling out crops by the roots. Know the tricks for the biggest harvest. Allow nature to improve the soil. Stop and think before you harvest. Think about how you will cook, store or share the harvest.

Starting seeds indoors is a fun and rewarding activity for gardeners of all levels. With a little bit of planning and care, you can grow healthy, strong seedlings that will thrive in your garden. It’s a great way to get a jumpstart on your garden and extend your growing season. It's also a fun and rewarding activity for gardeners of all levels.

Growing vertically in a food garden offers several advantages, including increased yields, efficient use of space, improved air circulation, and easier maintenance. A trellis can also shade cool season veggies from summer heat. The trellis designs below offer different options for supporting a wide range of climbing vegetables. Construct your own trellis or buy them ready-made.