Like you, I want a garden that I can be proud of. And so, the first step is careful planning. Grab your colored pencils, and get ready to learn how to assess and make the best of your growing space. For example, where are the sunny spots? Water hookups? Is wind a problem? Do you want a lawn? Compost bins? A path? Raised beds? Not only does planning your garden in advance help you avoid common beginner pitfalls, it saves you time, money, and hassle while you learn the ropes.

One of the best ways to get good soil—and keep it—is to use raised beds for the plants. With raised beds, water is conserved, soil stays fluffy, you can plant more closely, and you have fewer weeds. Going step by step, we'll look at different ways you can build them, fill them, and set them up to serve your garden needs year-round—without wasting money on expensive materials. No matter where you hang your hoe, raised beds are the way to grow.

Are you confused by terms like biennials and biennials? Cultivars and cover crops? Hybrids and heirlooms? Clear the air with these simple definitions so you can talk garden speak with confidence.

When you start a garden it's natural to want to get planting as soon as possible. Take a breath. Patience is key. Since plants can't move around to get their nutrition, your job is to get soil right so your plants will thrive where they're planted. Discover, step by step, how to find the right balance for your garden so you don't need to turn to harsh or expensive chemical treatments: How to test your soil, understand the mysteries of pH and N:P:K, and how to improve all types of soil, which leads me to...

Compost is the all-purpose answer to everything, and if you have enough of it, you won't need much of anything else. Compost improves soil health, and healthy soil makes for healthy plants. What's not to love? From my 35 years of making compost, you'll learn how to make compost (no bin, no problem!) and how to put it to work in your garden. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

A few good, practical tools will last you a lifetime so it's worthwhile to get what you can afford and take good care of them. But if you're like me, and not always good at putting things away, then it might be best to start with cheaper tools and replace them time to time. You'll learn the essential tools you really need and how to stay clear of silly gadgets.

I'll show you how to raise healthy seedlings that not only survive but thrive when they’re finally transplanted outside in your garden. What to grow, when to sow, transplanting tips, sowing seeds outdoors... it's all here. You'll never pull your hair out or have to sneak back to the nursery to buy replacement plants.

Have you ever faced a crop of weeds and wanted to throw in the trowel? I'll show you my tried and true methods for staying on top of the weed game without turning to chemicals or becoming overwhelmed.

Marion's non-toxic solutions to dealing with pests and diseases, from the neighbor's dog to fungus in the greenhouse. Includes recipes for making your own homemade sprays.

Nothing complements a garden quite like a nice patch of green lawn. But what about all the chemical fertilizers and weedkillers? Marion shows you how you can have a lawn that's safe for kids, pets and the planet by adopting these organic methods instead.

Need inspiration for what to grow? Marion shares her three comprehensive lists of easy vegetables, herbs and flowers to grow in cool climate gardens.

Make it easy on yourself at harvesttime by using these quick-pick techniques that will help you finish harvesting faster and with less effort. Plus simple cleaning and tips to improve the storage life of your fruits and vegetables.

Knowing what to do when frost, wind, sun, drought, or snow threaten your plants means you can sleep better at night.

Marion shares her favorite ways to freeze, pickle, dry, and preserve your harvest with simple techniques and recipes for year-round enjoyment of your gardening efforts.

Gift-giving doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. From the heart is best. Marion shares how to make gifts from the garden to bring joy to neighbors, friends, and family throughout the year.

Gardening is a learn-as-you-grow adventure. And it helps to have a rough plan of your garden. Here's where we draw a rough sketch of your garden: What you want to create, remove, or expand. The plan includes where your home is located on the lot, fences, water sources, decks, driveway and parking areas, swing sets, sheds and other existing structures. We'll also mark on the plan which parts of the garden get what kind of exposure from sun, wind, and rain.

After you've worked out where things are located on your property and which the sunny and shady areas are, you can then choose the right plants for those conditions. Your micro-climate and soil conditions will also help to determine what will grow well in your garden.

If you're new to gardening and not sure what to plant, go on a treasure hunt. First ask yourself what you like to eat, what flowers you enjoy, what herbs you like to cook with. Ask questions of other gardeners. Visit other gardens. Make a list. This'll help give you ideas and show you what grows well in your local soil and weather conditions.

You also need to consider what type of garden you want. Maybe you want to establish perennials and leave an area for a bit of a wild place. If you have kids or pets, this may affect your choices. Different garden types include a vegetable garden, flower garden, herb garden, perennials, fruiting plants, hoophouses (high tunnels) and more. You're not locked into one type of garden. But whatever primary style you choose, it's a good idea to keep it looking simple and keep the same style throughout your garden.