Grow a garden that actually thrives.

Spread 2–3 inches of mulch over your beds to protect the soil through winter.

Bring ferns and tender houseplants back indoors before cold nights stress them.

Top-dress empty beds with compost so the soil is rich and ready by spring.

Start a countertop hydroponic herb garden and keep harvesting all winter.

Sketch next year’s vegetable garden with 10 free, printable layouts.

Give sun-loving houseplants a boost with a grow light.

Check leaves for spider mites and other pests, which spread fast in warm, dry rooms.

Cut back on fertilizer until new spring growth appears.

Loosen the soil and work in compost so young roots can spread.

Plant easy, reliable crops if this is your first vegetable garden.

Fill your beds with vegetables that are hard to mess up.

Start an herb garden. Basil, parsley and chives all grow well in pots.

Keep bugs off your vegetables with organic methods before the damage spreads.

Set up simple watering tricks so your plants survive while you’re away.

Move houseplants outdoors gradually so their leaves don’t scorch.

Sow fast-growing summer crops for a harvest in weeks, not months.