Planning
The Sunlight Map: Three Checks Before Choosing a Border
A sunlight map shows how sun and shade move across a border, helping you choose plants that suit its real conditions…
The garden shelf
All articles
Browse Northern Garden Guide by subject, from planning a patch to understanding soil, water and the rhythm of seasonal care.
Plants
Seeds or Young Plants: Which Start Fits Your Patch?
Seeds or young plants: match each to your time, variety choices and available starting space, then plan a calm route…
Soil
What Garden Soil Is Made Of, and Why Texture Matters
Garden soil texture affects drainage, root space and how a bed feels to work. Learn what soil contains and how a…
Water
The More Water, the Better Myth: Read the Soil First
Read soil before watering to judge whether roots need moisture, avoid needless soaking and build a routine that…
Seasonal Care
A Winter Garden Walk: Five Things to Notice Before Spring
A winter garden walk reveals five useful clues about plant supports, paths, containers, fallen debris and access, so…
Our point of view
A garden gets easier to understand when you pay attention.
Look first at what is already there: light, soil, water and the plants that return. Then make one considered change at a time.