True Leaf Market Knowledge Center

August Planting Guide By Zone

Written By Lara Wadsworth August is that time of year when everyone is getting a little sick of the heat. Many people are looking forward to pumpkin spice lattes and wearing their favorite sweater. However, the heat has not passed yet, and while summer...

Ashleigh Smith

Aug 6

10 min read

Hot Garden Hacks: Summer Sprouts & Microgreens Indoors

Written By Lara Wadsworth Why Grow Indoors in the Summer? Many gardeners across the United States are hitting their limit on summer heat by July or August. Whether it’s personal preference or a required hiatus, the intense heat of midsummer doesn’t hav...

Ashleigh Smith

Aug 6

5 min read

2025 Scholarship Winner - Avraham Penso - The Promise of Fertilizer Trees In Agroforestry

Written By Avraham Penso To most people, “agriculture” means crop farming; trees don’t typically come to mind. But agroforestry, the integration of trees and agriculture, has been practiced for thousands of years (Ferrara et al., 2023). In light of the...

Ashleigh Smith

Aug 6

Extend Your Harvest: 10 Vegetables to Start Indoors for Fall

Written By Lara Wadsworth For many gardeners, fall symbolises the end of the gardening season. The smart gardeners see fall as another opportunity to plant a new phase of their garden. Starting seeds indoors, just like you would for spring and summer g...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 30

Grass to Garden: Chemical-Free Lawn Conversion Using Solarization

Written By Lara Wadsworth If you've ever looked at a patch of grass or weeds in your yard and envisioned a flourishing garden in its place, you're not alone. Converting lawn space into productive garden beds is a rewarding endeavor, but manually removi...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 23

How to Improve Soil Fertility Naturally: Tips for a Thriving Garden

Written By Lara Wadsworth Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, one thing's for sure: the secret to a thriving garden lies beneath your feet. Garden soil fertility is a major contributor to plant health and the overall productivit...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 16

Garden Guardians: The Top Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest Control

Written By Lara Wadsworth The garden is a complex ecosystem that relies on a mix of organisms to create a flourishing growing environment. While pests can lead to destructive damage, beneficial insects act as a balance by consuming them before they com...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 15

5 min read

Soil Amendments for Increasing Water Retention

Written By Lara Wadsworth You’re likely here because you suspect that your garden or potting soil is not holding onto water long enough for the plants to use it. Water retention is crucial for plant health and can be the difference between a thriving v...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 9

Grass to Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Rototilling Your Lawn

Written By Lara Wadsworth Turn a patch of grass, weeds, or turf into a ready-to-plant garden bed with the rototilling method. While no-till gardens have been gaining popularity, completely transforming your growing area from thick turf to a thriving ve...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 9

What a No-Till Michigan Market Farm Can Teach You About Growing Food

Written By Lara Wadsworth I drove 20 minutes out of the city, past the Grand Rapids airport, with airplanes flying overhead. My GPS instructs me to turn down a dirt road, and I slowly drive to the end of the lane. Passing homes and countless trees, I f...

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 2

July Planting Guide By Zone

Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is in full swing. July is here, and most of us are celebrating holidays, going camping, and (of course), tending to our gardens! Even though a lot is done in the spring for gardens, July is also brimming with potential....

Ashleigh Smith

Jul 2

11 min read

Grass to Garden: Transforming Your Outdoor Space With Raised Beds

Written By Lara Wadsworth Looking to turn your lawn into a productive, easy-to-manage garden? One of the best ways to convert grass, turf, or weeds into a flourishing garden space is by using raised garden beds. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetab...

Ashleigh Smith

Jun 24

How to Protect Your Garden from Heat Stress: Summer Plant Care Tips

Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is here, and the heat is turning up. As the sun becomes more intense and daytime temperatures routinely soar, some plants struggle to cope. Sunburn, sunscald, leaf scorch, and heat stress are common problems that plants...

Ashleigh Smith

Jun 17

Maximize Your Garden with the French Intensive Method

Written By Lara Wadsworth There are many ways that people online claim to maximize garden space, including everything from container gardening to square-foot gardening. There are books galore written about how to get the most out of each square foot of...

Ashleigh Smith

Jun 11

Top Nutrient-Dense Foods and Why You Should Eat Them

Written By Lara Wadsworth In today’s world of health trends, dieting, and fitness fads, one essential element is often overlooked: nutrients. Nutrients are the foundation of true wellness—fueling every organ, supporting immune function, and enabling bo...

Ashleigh Smith

Jun 10

Companion Planting for Deer-Resistant Gardens: Tips & Plant Combos

Written By Lara Wadsworth Why Are Deer a Problem in Home Gardens? Deer can be a huge problem for home gardens that lack a proper planting strategy or protective barrier. As more people move out of cities and into suburbs and rural areas, home gardeners...

Ashleigh Smith

Jun 3

Cooking with Edible Flowers: A Guide to Flavors, Uses, and Tips

Written By Lara Wadsworth Did you know flowers aren’t just useful for their visual appeal? Many flowers are also edible and add a whimsical twist to everyday meals or an elegant touch to gourmet dining. Elevate your culinary creations with the influenc...

Ashleigh Smith

Jun 3

June Planting Guide By Zone

Written By Lara Wadsworth June is a prime month for gardeners across the U.S. Whether you’re just getting in the game or are already harvesting early crops, this June planting guide by USDA zone has everything you need to know about what to plant in Ju...

Ashleigh Smith

May 28

13 min read

How to Start a Garden Journal: What to Track and Why It Matters

Written By Lara Wadsworth What was the best tomato variety you grew last year? When was the last time you fertilized your roses? How long has it been since you pruned your apple tree? What was that new variety of carrot you heard about last fall? If yo...

Ashleigh Smith

May 20