Welcome to Home for the Harvest!

This is a gardening website created by Certified Master Gardener Mary Jane Duford. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or houseplants, you’ll find practical tips and helpful resources here. If you just want to grow things, you’re in the right place.

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How to grow roses

Growing roses offers the dual reward of vibrant blooms paired with lovely fragrances. But these plants are often intimidating to…
How to grow basil

Basil plants need a full day of direct sun and well-draining soil for the strongest possible growth. Pinch the stems…
How to grow peonies

Peony plants are a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. They can thrive for many years in your yard…
How to grow lettuce

Lettuce can be grown in an outdoor garden, in pots on the patio, or even indoors in a hydroponic system.…
How to grow strawberries

Strawberries are perennial fruiting plants that can be grown from seeds, bare-root plants, or potted strawberry plants from the garden…
How to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes are the highlight of the garden! Here’s everything you need to know about how to grow tomatoes, including which…
Choosing the right Felco pruning shears

A red-handled pair of pruners is an instant signal of quality in the gardening world. Felco pruners are known for…
17 October gardening tasks

October is a month for cleaning, planting, and preparing. The days are shorter and nights are colder. Most plants begin…
Fall lawn care

Fall is a perfect season to spend some time improving your lawn. Cooler air and warm soil create optimal growing…
How to grow cosmos

Cosmos are easy-to-grow annual flowers perfect for adding some low-maintenance color to your garden. These plants grow and flower best…
How to grow zinnias

Zinnias are colorful annuals that grow best in full sun, well-drained soil, and warm temperatures. Sow seeds directly outdoors after…
How to grow ranunculus

To grow healthy ranunculus, plant the corms in well-draining soil in a spot with full sun and cool temperatures. They…
Aphids

Aphids are one of the most common and persistent insect pests in the garden. These tiny, soft-bodied insects can damage…
Home for the Harvest featured as a Success Story by Google for Publishers

Home for the Harvest has been featured by Google as a Publisher Success Story. This recognition highlights the growth of…
What to do with grass clippings

Grass clippings are a valuable resource. Whether left on the lawn, composted, or used as mulch, they provide essential nutrients,…
How to grow vegetable seedlings

Growing your own vegetable seedlings is a great way to extend the growing season, choose rare cultivars, control plant health,…
The glorious triumph of a weed-free garden bed

There is no greater joy, no sweeter victory, than standing over a freshly weeded garden bed. I feel like a…
15 wildflower border garden ideas

Creating a wildflower border garden is a fantastic way to bring color, wildlife, and natural beauty to your yard. Start…