intensive gardening

Why “Intensive” Gardening is Not Good

By: Callie Works-Leary | March 9, 2025
I founded The Dallas Garden School because of the overwhelming amount of snake oil sold to gardeners online and on social media. Self-proclaimed gardened gurus love teaching tricks and quick fixes and all sorts of techniques that have no scientific-basis and lack any evidence of effectiveness. One of the most...
a woman harvesting bush beans in her north texas garden

How to Grow Bush Beans

By: Callie Works-Leary | March 1, 2025

Grape Expectations

By: Callie Works-Leary | February 14, 2025

What To Plant in February: Essential Guide

By: Callie Works-Leary | February 11, 2025

Surprise Yourself By Growing Celery in North Texas

By: Callie Works-Leary | February 8, 2025

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Early Tomato Planting: Smart Strategy or Risky Mistake?

By: Callie Works-Leary | January 29, 2025
Tomatoes are extremely frost sensitive. Even if frost doesn’t kill them, it can severely damage foliage. Planting early is very risky. Yet, there are people who recommend planting tomato seedlings in North Texas as early as the third week of February in order to give them a headstart. Is planting...
Marigolds growing next to tomatoes to repel pests as companion plants

The Scientific Evidence That Marigolds Repel Tomato Pests

By: Callie Works-Leary | February 25, 2021
For a long time, companion-planting advocates recommended planting marigolds with tomatoes as pest control. Gardeners knew anecdotally that tomatoes had fewer pest problems when marigolds were around, but the scientific support for the theory just wasn't available.
grow big tomatoes fertilizer

6 Must-Have Fertilizers for Texas-Sized Tomatoes

By: Callie Works-Leary | January 26, 2021
tomato seedling in someone's hand

How To Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

By: Callie Works-Leary | December 31, 2020
growing nasturtiums in north texas when to plant

Your Guide To Growing Nasturtiums in North Texas

By: Callie Works-Leary | February 4, 2022
Nasturtiums are an old-fashioned favorite in the flower garden, but many North Texas gardeners struggle to grow them successfully. Luckily, any gardener can overcome the challenge of growing naturtiums if they plant them at the right time. Here's a quick guide to growing nasturtiums in North Texas.
The best tulips for North Texas

The Best Tulips for North Texas According to Experts

By: Callie Works-Leary | September 29, 2021
Tulips are one of the most popular annual flowers grown in North Texas landscapes. Despite their popularity, tulips can be challenging to grow here. The key to dramatic displays - like those at the Arboretum's annual 500,000-bulb celebration - is proper timing and variety selection.