Hi! My name is Erin and I’m based in Ontario, Canada (growing in USDA zone 5b). I’m a passionate gardener and I’ve recently turned my hobby into a career. Along with writing for Planter, during the growing season I work at a small-scale organic market garden.
I have a Horticulture Certificate with a focus on Greenhouse Production from the University of Guelph. I’m also a Master Gardener in Training and I volunteer on the Board of Directors for our local horticultural society.
When I’m not writing for Planter or tending the garden, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and our four kitties! 🐈🐈🐈🐈
Seedling Care and Troubleshooting
If you’ve been busy starting seeds indoors, you might already be at the point where your seeds have germinated and are growing into tiny seedlings (if not, be sure to check out our Seed Starting series to get started!) But the conditions that seedlings need to grow and thrive are different from what they need to germinate. Knowing how to properly care for your seedlings is important to get them off to the best start possible!...
All About Starting Seeds Indoors
It can seem like a hassle to start seeds indoors- why bother if you can plant seeds directly in the garden? For some plants, starting seeds indoors is not just a nice-to-do, it’s a must-do! In this article we’ll cover the whys, whens, and hows of starting seeds indoors.
Why Start Seeds Indoors? The main benefit of starting seeds indoors is extra time. Some plants take more time to reach maturity than you have in your growing season....
How to Plan a Veggie Garden
Are you starting your first veggie garden this year? Or are you an avid gardener that just doesn’t like to plan? No matter your experience level, it’s important to start the gardening season off right with a garden plan. Creating a garden plan will save you from having to find spots to cram in all your plants after a spontaneous trip to the garden center (not that we’ve ever done that…😅)...
2022 Gardeners' Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for the gardeners in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for some neat gardening gear to put on your own wish list (no judgment…us too!) Whoever you’re shopping for, our 2022 Gardeners’ Gift Guide has something for every gardener!
Seeding Square Translate your garden plan from Planter into your garden with the handy Seeding Square! This nifty square has color-coded holes to help you sow the seeds of your favorite plants following recommended per-square-foot spacings....
Postseason Gardening Inspiration
When the growing season draws to a close, it can be a bit dreary to think about not being able to garden for several months. Although outdoor growing might be on the downswing, that doesn’t mean you have to completely give up on gardening until next year. There are plenty of ways to keep the garden passion alive through the frosty weather! So don’t spend the winter months staring longingly at your garden through the window… Grab a cup of hot cocoa and read on for ideas to keep the growing going postseason!...
Fall Garden Chores
Don’t let shorter days and crisp fall weather deter you from getting out in the garden! There’s almost as much to be done in the garden in fall as there is in spring. While gardening in the fall might not have the ‘new and shiny’ feeling that gardening in spring does, every garden chore you manage to get done in the fall will help make your garden even more successful next year!...
Use It or Lose It: What to Do with a Veggie Glut
Early in the growing season, finding one ripe tomato or pepper feels like finding a precious gem. As the season carries on it can get to a point where it’s hard to keep up with everything your plants produce (…I’m looking at you, zucchini). But if you stop harvesting, your plants might stop producing or you could end up with veggies going bad right on the plant. As gardeners we sometimes need to get a bit resourceful to find ways to use up an extra-abundant harvest!...
Season Extension: Keep the Growing Going!
It’s hard to believe that the hot summer weather is already starting to give way to cooler fall days! Fall can be a super-productive time in the garden, but even the most cold-hardy plants can use a bit of help to survive once the temperatures really start to drop. Don’t just give up on your plants as soon as the cold weather hits; use season extension techniques to keep on growing!...
Harvesting How-To (and When)
Harvesting fresh veggies is the ultimate reward for all the time and care we invest in our gardens! When harvest time finally arrives it’s easy to just get out there and start picking, but there is a bit of technique involved to harvest properly. You’ll want to make sure to harvest vegetables at their peak, while also helping the plants stay healthy and productive.
How to harvest, and when to harvest, will vary for different crops:...
Don't Forget Your Fall Garden!
Summertime is a busy time in the garden. From managing watering, to preparing for vacation, and tackling garden problems, there is a lot to do to keep your garden going strong!
Even though summer can get hectic, don’t forget to take a step back from the to-do list to plan your fall garden. While the tomatoes are ripening and the peppers are plumping, it’s time to be thinking about which seeds to sow and seedlings to transplant for fall harvests....
