Transplant Out
- Tomato
- Onion
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!
here's what I'm up to this month
What's Happening in April
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 in one place
Everything You Need to Grow
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.
grow anywhere
Container Gardening Made Simple
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. You don't need a ton of room - you just need to get started.
40+
Containers
10
Raised Beds
7B
Zone
what to grow together
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.
your growing journey
From Seed to Harvest
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
Ask Me Anything
no question is too basic!
Got a garden question? I'd love to hear it. No question is too basic, I promise.
Ask Your Question“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. Let the top inch 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.
“When should I start seeds indoors?”
For Zone 7b, I start most warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers around mid-February to early March. That gives them 6-8 weeks before they go outside after our last frost in mid-April.
grab your coffee and let's garden
Watch & Learn
8:24Container Potato Harvest
12:15Seed Starting for Beginners
10:42Companion Planting Myths
Liz's picks
Tools & Supplies I Actually Use
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 →plan before you plant
Design Your Dream Garden
Our free garden planner lets you map out your entire growing space, place plants with proper spacing, and track everything from planting to harvest. No graph paper needed.
Drag & Drop Beds
Place raised beds, containers, and in-ground plots exactly where you want them.
Plant Spacing Guides
Visual spacing circles show you exactly how much room each plant needs.
Companion Planting
See which plants help each other and which ones to keep apart, right in your layout.
Track Your Progress
Log timeline entries and photos for every plant from seed to harvest.
My Backyard Garden
Raised Bed 1
In-Ground
Pot
Pot
Raised Bed 2
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it's free!
Ready to Start Growing?
Create a free account to save your garden plans, get a planting calendar customized to your zone, and track your plants from seed to harvest.
Your Zone Calendar
Planting dates tailored to your exact growing zone
Garden Planner
Design, plant, and track your garden layout
Photo Journal
Document your garden journey with photos and notes
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