The Garden Gate

The Valley’s fall gardening season begins now

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN We are into our second growing season for our Lower Rio Grande Valley. Since...
It’s too late for Halloween pumpkins this year, but Thanksgiving & Christmas not out of the question

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN A Garden Gate reader recently posed a very timely question. “When do I plant...
Once you have the correct container, here’s how to use it properly

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN In past articles of the Garden Gate, we have discussed many different types of...
Growing a hydroponic garden doesn’t have to be complicated

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN A commercial hydroponic garden needs specialized equipment in order to grow plants. However, you...
One man’s scraps can become a gardener’s next treasure

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN Re-growing vegetables from kitchen scraps has long been a perfect way to teach elementary...
Herbs provide a plethora of uses for the home gardener

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN Herbs have many uses. Sometimes homegrown herbs can simply liven up the taste of...
Raised bed containers can be a gardener’s best friend

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN Raised bed container gardens are not a new idea. But gardening companies, with the...
Containers, containers everywhere and here’s some tips on how to use them

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN There are many reasons to plant in containers instead of directly into the soil....
A little palm tree basics

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN When you are driving into the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the tall palm trees...
Understanding ‘companion planting’ is important to a successful garden

By ANN JOHNSTONLFN While it’s too hot to work outside for very long, this is the time...