Grow a Garden That Loves You Back
Discover earth-friendly gardening that saves water, supports bees and butterflies, and creates your own little sanctuary
Earth-Friendly Gardening Made Simple
Practical techniques that help you work with nature, not against it
Water Wisdom
Discover how to harvest rainwater, install drip systems, and choose drought-smart plants that reduce your water use by 60-70%.
Learn water-saving tips
Compost Magic
Transform kitchen scraps into garden gold with our simple composting methods. It's easier than you think!
Start composting today
Plant Partnerships
Learn which plants grow well together to naturally repel pests, enrich soil, and boost your harvest without chemicals.
See plant companionsWhy Your Garden Matters
Creating a sustainable garden benefits more than just your dinner plate
Healing Our Planet
Your garden becomes a sanctuary for pollinators, reduces runoff, and cleans the air we all breathe.
Vibrant Health
Nourish your family with food grown in living soil, packed with nutrients and free from chemicals.
Save Money
Lower water bills, skip expensive fertilizers, and grow your own organic produce year-round.
Peace of Mind
Gardening reduces stress, connects you with nature, and brings simple daily joys.
Stronger Community
Share seeds, knowledge, and harvests to grow bonds with neighbors and local food systems.
Wildlife Haven
Create a buzzing, fluttering, thriving ecosystem right outside your door.
Real Gardens, Real Joy
Hear from fellow gardeners who found magic in their backyards
"After installing rain barrels and switching to drip irrigation, my water bill dropped 40% while my tomatoes thrived. Now my garden is alive with bees and butterflies every morning!"
Sarah Johnson
Urban Gardener, Portland
"Companion planting was a game-changer! I planted basil with my tomatoes and marigolds throughout. No more aphids, and my plants are healthier than ever without any sprays."
Michael Chen
Home Gardener, Austin
"Starting with just a few containers on my balcony, I'm now growing most of our family's veggies. My neighbors started gardening too - we trade produce every weekend!"
Elena Rodriguez
Community Garden Leader, Miami
Water Saving Guide
Smart strategies to conserve water while keeping your garden thriving
Rainwater Harvesting
Collecting rainwater is one of the most effective ways to reduce your water consumption. Here's how to get started:
- Rain barrels: Install barrels under downspouts to collect roof runoff
- Positioning: Place barrels on elevated platforms for better water pressure
- Cover: Always use covered containers to prevent mosquito breeding
- Overflow: Include overflow systems to handle heavy rainfall
Tip: A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect about 600 gallons of water from just 1 inch of rain!
Efficient Irrigation Methods
Traditional sprinklers waste up to 50% of water through evaporation. Try these efficient alternatives:
- Drip irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots with minimal waste
- Soaker hoses: Porous hoses that slowly seep water into the soil
- Timers: Automate watering for early morning when evaporation is lowest
- Zoning: Group plants by water needs for more efficient watering
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Choose plants that naturally thrive with less water:
- Native species: Adapted to local rainfall patterns
- Succulents: Store water in their leaves (e.g., sedum, agave)
- Mediterranean herbs: Rosemary, lavender, thyme, and oregano
- Perennials: Coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and coreopsis
Soil Improvement
Healthy soil retains moisture better:
- Add compost to improve water retention
- Use 2-3 inches of mulch to reduce evaporation
- Incorporate water-retaining polymers for container plants
- Practice no-till gardening to preserve soil structure
Composting Handbook
Turn waste into garden gold with our complete composting guide
What to Compost
Composting requires a balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich) and "browns" (carbon-rich) materials:
Greens (Nitrogen)
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (no staples)
- Fresh grass clippings
- Plant trimmings
Browns (Carbon)
- Dry leaves
- Twigs and small branches
- Shredded paper/cardboard
- Straw or hay
- Wood chips
Avoid: Meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, and chemically treated wood
Composting Methods
Choose the method that works best for your space:
- Bin composting: Contained systems that keep pests out
- Tumbler composting: Easy to turn and speeds decomposition
- Vermicomposting: Worm bins for indoor composting
- Trench composting: Bury scraps directly in garden beds
- Bokashi: Fermentation method for all food scraps
The Composting Process
Follow these steps for perfect compost:
- Layer: Alternate 2-3 parts browns with 1 part greens
- Moisten: Keep as damp as a wrung-out sponge
- Aerate: Turn pile weekly to add oxygen
- Monitor: Ideal temperature is 130-150°F
- Cure: Let finished compost rest for 2-4 weeks before use
Using Finished Compost
Your "black gold" is ready when it's dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling:
- Mix into garden beds (1-3 inches)
- Top-dress lawns in spring and fall
- Make compost tea for foliar feeding
- Use as potting mix amendment (1 part compost to 3 parts soil)
Companion Planting Guide
Discover plant partnerships that boost growth and repel pests naturally
Why Companion Planting Works
Companion planting creates beneficial relationships between plants:
- Natural pest control through scent masking
- Attraction of beneficial insects
- Improved pollination rates
- Efficient space utilization
- Enhanced soil nutrition
Top Vegetable Companions
Create powerful plant partnerships in your vegetable garden:
| Vegetable | Best Companions | Avoid Planting With |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Basil, carrots, onions, marigolds, parsley | Corn, potatoes, fennel |
| Cucumbers | Beans, peas, radishes, sunflowers, nasturtiums | Aromatic herbs, potatoes |
| Carrots | Tomatoes, leeks, rosemary, sage, chives | Dill, parsnips |
| Cabbage Family | Beets, celery, dill, mint, sage, thyme | Strawberries, tomatoes |
Pest-Repelling Plants
Incorporate these plants to naturally deter common garden pests:
- Marigolds: Repel nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids
- Basil: Deters flies, mosquitoes, and thrips
- Nasturtiums: Trap crop for aphids and squash bugs
- Lavender: Repels moths, fleas, and flies
- Chrysanthemums: Natural source of pyrethrum (insecticide)
Three Sisters Garden
This Native American companion planting method combines:
Corn
Provides structure for beans to climb
Beans
Fix nitrogen to nourish corn and squash
Squash
Large leaves shade soil and deter weeds
Seasonal Planting Calendar
Plan your garden year-round with our climate-specific planting guide
Understanding Your Growing Zone
Successful gardening starts with knowing your USDA Hardiness Zone. This determines:
- First and last frost dates
- Optimal planting times
- Plants that will thrive in your climate
- Overwintering possibilities
Spring Planting Guide
As soil warms, plant these cool-season crops:
Root Vegetables
Carrots, beets, radishes
Leafy Greens
Lettuce, spinach, kale
Brassicas
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
Peas & Onions
Snow peas, onions, leeks
Summer Planting Guide
Warm-season crops to plant after last frost:
- Nightshades: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
- Cucurbits: Cucumbers, squash, melons
- Legumes: Beans, edamame, peanuts
- Herbs: Basil, cilantro, dill
Tip: Plant heat-tolerant varieties like okra, sweet potatoes, and Malabar spinach in hottest months
Fall & Winter Planting
Extend your growing season with these cool-weather champions:
- Garlic (plant in fall for summer harvest)
- Cover crops (rye, clover, vetch)
- Perennial vegetables (asparagus, rhubarb)
- Cold-hardy greens (mâche, claytonia, kale)
Native Plant Finder
Discover plants native to your region that support local ecosystems
Benefits of Native Plants
Native plants offer significant advantages for your garden and local wildlife:
- Require less water once established
- Naturally resistant to local pests and diseases
- Provide food and habitat for native wildlife
- Support pollinators with co-evolved relationships
- Help preserve regional biodiversity
Find Plants for Your Region
Select your region to see recommended native plants:
Southwest
Southeast
Rocky Mountains
Pacific Northwest
Midwest
Northeast
Top Native Plants for Wildlife
These powerhouse plants support diverse ecosystems:
- Milkweed: Essential host for monarch butterflies
- Goldenrod: Supports 115+ butterfly and moth species
- Oak trees: Host 534 species of caterpillars
- Sunflowers: Provide seeds for birds and nectar for pollinators
- Coneflowers: Attract butterflies and seed-eating birds
Natural Pest Solutions
Effective, eco-friendly strategies to manage garden pests
Common Garden Pests & Solutions
Identify and manage pests without harmful chemicals:
| Pest | Signs | Natural Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled leaves, sticky residue | Spray with soapy water, introduce ladybugs |
| Slugs/Snails | Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails | Beer traps, diatomaceous earth, copper tape |
| Tomato Hornworm | Defoliated plants, dark droppings | Hand pick, attract parasitic wasps with nectar plants |
| Squash Bugs | Yellow spots on leaves that turn brown | Plant resistant varieties, use row covers |
| Japanese Beetles | Skeletonized leaves | Hand pick in morning, use milky spore for grubs |
Beneficial Insects
Attract these natural predators to your garden:
Ladybugs
Consume aphids, mites, scale
Lacewings
Larvae eat aphids, caterpillars
Parasitic Wasps
Control caterpillars and aphids
Ground Beetles
Eat slugs, snails, cutworms
DIY Pest Sprays
Make effective pest control solutions at home:
- Garlic Oil Spray: Blend 2 bulbs garlic with mineral oil, strain, mix with water and soap
- Neem Oil Solution: 1 tsp neem oil + 1/2 tsp soap + 1 quart water
- Pepper Spray: 2 tbsp hot pepper powder + 6 drops soap + 1 gallon water
- Soap Spray: 1 tbsp mild liquid soap + 1 quart water
Privacy Promise
How we protect and respect your personal information
Information We Collect
We collect information to provide better services to all our users:
- Account information: Name, email address, and profile details
- Garden data: Information about your garden setup and preferences
- Usage data: How you interact with our website and services
- Device information: Browser type, IP address, and operating system
How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- Personalize your gardening experience
- Provide relevant content and recommendations
- Improve our services and develop new features
- Communicate with you about updates and offers
- Ensure the security of our platform
Data Protection
We implement robust security measures to protect your information:
- SSL encryption for all data transmissions
- Regular security audits and vulnerability testing
- Limited employee access to personal data
- Secure storage with industry-standard protections
Service Terms
Terms governing your use of GreenThumb services
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using GreenThumb services, you agree to:
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Use services only for lawful purposes
- Not engage in unauthorized commercial activities
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As a GreenThumb user, you agree to:
- Provide accurate account information
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- Not share your login credentials
- Be responsible for activities under your account
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- Engage in illegal activities
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