Henchy Family Gardens — Quick Guides
Watering
How much, how often, and smart scheduling.
Soil & Compost
Healthy soil basics, mulching, amendments.
Pests & Diseases
Prevention first, then gentle, effective fixes.
Pruning & Training
Stronger plants, better airflow, bigger yields.
Seed Starting
Lighting, timing, and stress-free transplants.
Seasonal Care
Month-by-month tasks and protection tips.
Seasonal Care Checklist (Zone 7a)
🌸 Spring 🌸
- 🌱 Start cool-season seeds; harden off transplants
- 🌿 Top-dress beds with compost & mulch
- 🪴 Set row covers for early pests
🌞 Summer 🌞
- 💧 Deep water 1–2× per week; mulch to hold moisture
- ✂️ Prune for airflow; stake/tie climbers
- 🐞 Scout weekly for pests; treat early
🍂 Fall 🍂
- 🌾 Sow cool-season greens; succession plant
- 🍁 Leaf-mulch paths; cover crop empty beds
- 🧹 Clean tools; store hoses & fittings
❄️ Winter ❄️
- 🪴 Plan next season; order seeds
- 🌿 Protect perennials; check overwintering beds
- 🔧 Sharpen & repair tools; clean pots
Quick FAQs
💧 How often should I water?
A deep, steady soak encourages roots to reach down and grow strong, while quick sprinkles leave them shallow and thirsty. Early mornings are best — cool air, gentle sun — so moisture can soak in before it evaporates. Watch your garden’s cues: drooping leaves, dry soil, or a lighter surface color whisper when it’s time for a drink. Every watering is a moment to slow down, listen, and nurture life at its simplest and most essential.
🌱 Best soil mix?
A balanced soil mix provides three essentials: structure, nutrition, and drainage. For raised beds and containers, try:
40% Topsoil — the base that anchors roots and holds minerals.
30% Compost — adds nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microbes.
20% Coconut Coir or Peat Moss — improves water retention and texture.
10% Perlite or Vermiculite — keeps soil light and well-drained.
Blend by layering in your bed or wheelbarrow, then turn with a shovel until uniform. Texture should be soft yet crumbly — damp enough to hold shape, loose enough to fall apart in your hand. 🌱
🪲 Gentle pest control?
Healthy plants resist trouble better than weak ones. Focus on basics — good soil, proper spacing, steady watering. Stressed plants attract pests, so think of prevention as plant self-care.
Keep beds tidy — remove diseased leaves and fallen fruit.
Water early so foliage dries by nightfall.
Encourage airflow with gentle pruning and spacing.
Rotate crops each season to break pest life cycles.
Nature’s Helpers
Invite beneficial insects — quiet heroes that solve most pest problems for you:
Ladybugs love aphids and whiteflies.
Lacewings devour thrips and mealybugs.
Hoverflies protect tender seedlings.
Bees & butterflies pollinate and strengthen the ecosystem.
Plant calendula, alyssum, dill, and sunflowers to create a welcoming buffet for your garden allies. 🌼
Ask the Gardener 🌻
Got a plant problem or an “Is this normal?” moment?
Send your question and we’ll help — one seed of wisdom at a time.
We read every note. Photos welcome!