I’m gardening in the Pacific Northwest, USDA growing zone 8b, specifically Oregon on the west side of the Cascade mountain range. We get a lot of rainfall from autumn through spring, but our summers are typically hot and dry. Living in the Willamette Valley means I’m fortunate to have so-called mild winters and very fertile soil. That also means I have a lot of weeds trying to move into my garden all year round....
While there are many factors to consider when planning a garden, it’s important to plan based on the types of dishes you and your family enjoy preparing. If you and your family enjoy cooking food with a global flair, you might want to consider planning a ‘curry garden’. ‘Curry’ is actually a loose, catch-all term that doesn’t properly refer to any specific dish. In its originating culture, each dish would have its own unique name....
Popular plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and beans often take center stage in the summer garden. It can be easy to fall into a routine of planting the same favorite crops over and over again. But even if you stick with the classics, it’s worth branching out and trying a couple new plants each year. There are some plants that can tend to be overlooked that can make excellent garden additions if you give them a chance....