Transplant Out
- Tomato
- Onion
Spring 2026 · Zone 7b · Long Island, NY
Small Spaces,
Big Harvests
Your beginner-friendly guide to growing real food in containers and raised beds — no farm required.
— let's grow together!
What's Happening in April
here's what I'm up to this month
Here's what's happening in Zone 7b this April. Whether you're getting seeds started, sowing directly, or transplanting outside — I've got you covered.
April is magic!
Direct Sow
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Lettuce
- Beans (Green)
- Carrot
- Radish
- Corn
- Dill
- Cilantro
Harvest
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radish
- Cilantro
Everything You Need
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your garden, I've got you covered.
Planting Calendar
Know exactly what to plant and when — personalized for your zone and growing season.
Container Gardening
Grow more in less space. Everything from choosing pots to harvesting your first tomato.
Companion Planting
What to grow together (and what to keep apart). These combos actually work.
Fix My Plant
Something not looking right? Let's figure it out together, step by step.
Garden Hotline
Got a question? I'd love to hear it. No question is too basic, I promise.
Shop
Tools and supplies I actually use in my own garden. No fluff, just what works.
Container Gardening Made Simple
you don't need a farm — just a few pots
When I started, I had three containers on my back patio. Three! Now I'm up to over 40 containers and 10 raised beds, and I grow everything from tomatoes to watermelons. What I've found works best is starting small, learning what thrives in your space, and building from there. You don't need a ton of room — you just need to get started.
40+
Containers
10
Raised Beds
7b
Zone
Companion Planting: What Actually Works
I've tested a lot of companion planting combos over the years. Some are game-changers, and some are honestly just garden myths. Here are the pairings that have actually made a difference in my garden.
Tomato + Basil
Basil repels aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. May improve tomato flavor.
Tomato + Carrot
Carrots loosen soil around tomato roots. Tomatoes provide shade for carrots in summer.
Cucumber + Dill
Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on cucumber pests.
Tomatoes + PotatoesAvoid
Both are nightshades and attract the same diseases. Keep them in separate beds or containers.
From Seed to Harvest
your growing journey, step by step
1
Plan
Pick your containers, choose your varieties, and map out your space.
Jan - Feb
2
Start Seeds
Get seeds going indoors under grow lights. This is where the magic starts.
Feb - Mar
3
Transplant
Harden off your seedlings and move them outside when the time is right.
Apr - May
4
Grow
Water, feed, troubleshoot, and watch your garden take off.
May - Jul
5
Harvest
The best part! Pick at peak ripeness for the best flavor.
Jun - Oct
6
Preserve
Save seeds, can your harvest, and plan for next year.
Sep - Nov
1
Plan
Pick your containers, choose your varieties, and map out your space.
Jan - Feb
2
Start Seeds
Get seeds going indoors under grow lights. This is where the magic starts.
Feb - Mar
3
Transplant
Harden off your seedlings and move them outside when the time is right.
Apr - May
4
Grow
Water, feed, troubleshoot, and watch your garden take off.
May - Jul
5
Harvest
The best part! Pick at peak ripeness for the best flavor.
Jun - Oct
6
Preserve
Save seeds, can your harvest, and plan for next year.
Sep - Nov
From the Garden
snapshots from this season
Best harvest day yet!
Straight from garden to plate
My favorite sunflower this year
The sunflower wall is up!
Zinnias never disappoint
The big harvest haul!
Share your garden photos →(coming soon)
What's Everyone Asking
the garden hotline
“Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?”
Nine times out of ten, it's a watering issue. Yellowing from the bottom up usually means you're overwatering or the soil isn't draining well. What I've found works best is letting the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, especially in containers.
“Can I grow watermelon in a container?”
Yes! I do it every year. You'll want at least a 15-gallon container and a compact variety like Sugar Baby. Give it full sun, consistent water, and something to climb if you're short on space. It's one of my favorite things to grow.
“When should I start seeds indoors?”
For Zone 7b, I start most warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors around mid-February to early March. That gives them about 6-8 weeks of indoor growing before they go outside after our last frost, which is usually around mid-April.
Watch & Learn
grab your coffee and let's garden
8:24Container Potato Harvest
12:15Seed Starting for Beginners
10:42Companion Planting Myths
Tools & Supplies I Actually Use
Liz's picks
AllContainersSoil & AmendmentsToolsSeeds
Containers
Self-Watering Planter (10 gal)
The exact containers I use for tomatoes and peppers. They make watering so much easier.
Shop Now →Soil & Amendments
Organic Raised Bed Soil Mix
My go-to soil recipe in a bag. Great drainage, packed with nutrients.
Shop Now →Tools
Bypass Pruning Shears
I've had mine for three seasons and they're still sharp. Worth every penny.
Shop Now →Seeds
Heirloom Tomato Seed Collection
Five of my favorite varieties that do great in containers. All tested in Zone 7b.
Shop Now →Grow With Us
join 2,000+ gardeners
I send weekly growing tips, seasonal reminders, and the occasional garden win. No spam — just the good stuff.
Free Zone 7b planting calendar when you sign up!