Using trap crops is a great, natural way to reduce pest. Learn how to use trap crops as part of your companion planting plan in your garden this year.
Gardening
Looking to start a garden or grow more of your own food? You’re in the right place!
This gardening section of The Free Range Life is filled with practical, real-life tips for growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs—no matter your experience level.
Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to improve your harvests, you’ll find guides on seed starting, soil health, companion planting, pest control, and more.
These articles are designed to help you grow a thriving garden and take one more step toward food self-sufficiency. Browse below to explore all things gardening!
Gardening for Beginners: 11 Tips for a Successful Start
Gardening can sometimes seem like an overwhelming venture for those just starting out. So if this is your first year gardening- or if you are a beginner who was seriously overwhelmed last year- here are 11 tips for beginning gardeners to reduce wasted time, energy and resources as well as prevent getting in over your head.
Gardening For Beginners
Gardening for Beginners: 11 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
5 Tips for Starting Seeds Successfully Indoors
Garden Spacing: How Far Apart Should Plants Be in Your Garden
23 Tomato Growing Mistakes Made by Beginning Gardeners
How to Grow Guides By Crop
Quick Start Guide to Growing Peppers in Your Garden
Everything You Need to Know About Growing Tomatoes
How to Grow Broccoli from Seed
How to Grow Lettuce from Seed in Your Vegetable Garden
How to Grow Watermelon in Your Garden
Growing Basil in Your Backyard Garden
The Ultimate Guide for Growing Squash in Your Garden
How to Grow Carrots from Seed
Companion Planting Guides by Crop
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Cucumbers
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Tomatoes
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Squash
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Cabbage
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Garlic
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Peppers
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Potatoes
The Best & Worst Companion Plants for Basil
How to Control Pests Naturally
How to Control Cucumber Beetles Organically
7 Ways to Get Rid of Squash Bugs in Your Garden- Naturally!
How to Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms Naturally
How to Use Trap Crops to Deter Pests in the Vegetable Garden
Disease, Deficiencies, and Other Problems
How to Prevent Late Blight in Your Garden
Soil Nutrient Deficiencies and How to Fix Them
8 Simple Ways to Improve Your Garden Soil for Free
Most Common Seed Starting Problems- and How to Fix Them
All Gardening Articles
Companion Planting with Herbs in the Vegetable Garden
Herbs are sometimes overlooked in the vegetable garden, but learning to companion plant with herbs can help you reduce pests and get a better harvest!
5 Calorie Crops Your Survival Garden Must Have
If you want control of your food security, your garden should fill all your calorie needs. Here are 5 calorie crops everyone needs in their survival garden.
11 Best Flowers for Your Vegetable Garden
Flowers are a great addition to any garden. Here are the top flowers for your vegetable garden to get all the benefits of planting flowers with your crops.
6 Ways to Get Rid of Potato Beetles in Your Garden- Naturally!
Are potato beetles destroying your garden crops? Here’s how to get rid of potato beetles naturally in your organic garden without using chemicals!
21 Crops You Can Grow in Containers on Your Deck or Balcony!
Want to grow your own food, but don’t have any land? Here are 21 different crops you can grow in containers so you can garden no matter where you live!
How to Grow Okra From Seed to Harvest
Okra is a staple in many southern gardens. Learn how to grow okra in your garden, including seed starting, care, and harvest instructions!
Growing Peas: How to Plant, Care, and Harvest
Have you considered growing peas in your garden? Learn how to grow peas from seed through harvest and try it out in your garden this spring!
How to Collect Calendula Seeds to Save for Next Year
Calendula is an amazing medicinal herb. Learn how to collect calendula seeds for next year and never buy calendula seeds again!
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden and Hummingbird Feeders
Learn how to attract hummingbirds to your garden! Follow these 7 tips to attract more hummingbirds to your feeders and your yard.
Easy Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe (plus FAQ and Tips)
Learn how to make your own hummingbird food with this simple hummingbird nectar recipe! Plus tips on how to use nectar and attract more hummingbirds.
How to Grow Calendula from Seed
Calendula is am amazing medicinal herb with many uses. Learn how to grow calendula in your own garden from seed to use in salves, balms, and tea.