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Palatino Garden Adventures
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Three posts that explain how I think about kitchen gardens
How I Learned to Grow Food
In Germany, where I grew up, gardening was a school subject. We learned how to grow food every year, right alongside math and reading. When I moved to Seattle, I realized most people never learned this basic skill. That's the reason I started Palatino Garden Adventures.
Your PNW Spring Planting Guide: What to Grow (and When) from March Through June
I've written a lot about when to plant and when to wait. This is the hands-on companion: a month-by-month guide to what actually goes into the ground from March through June in Seattle, Zone 8 to 9a. Specific crops, real timing, and lessons from getting it wrong more than once. Plus a link to the PNW Crop Planner Pro for 40+ crops with live planting timelines.
3 Decisions That Make or Break Your Kitchen Garden
Most kitchen gardens don't fail from neglect. They fail because three decisions got made wrong before anything was planted. Not which seeds to buy or how often to water, but the decisions that determine whether your garden actually fits your kitchen, your schedule, and your climate. Get those right and everything else gets easier. Get them wrong and no amount of effort makes up for it. Here's what they are and how to get them right in the Pacific Northwest.
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Winter Kitchen Gardening in the Pacific Northwest (Yes, You Can Harvest Year-Round)
Winter Kitchen Gardening Pacific Northwest: How to Harvest Fresh Greens All Year Practical tips for winter vegetable gardening in Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest 🌱 Not sure what to focus on right now? → Get the PNW Spring Garden Checklist : A simple guide to help you plan through winter into spring A vibrant assortment of winter vegetables featuring broccoli, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, and a turnip, showcasing the rich textures and colors of the season's harvest.
Aug 8, 20253 min read
How to Design a Productive Raised Bed Garden for Small Yards
Raised Bed Garden Design for Small Yards: Maximize Your Harvest in Any Urban Space In my raised bed, young garlic greens and vibrant parsley flourish, showcasing a thriving garden space. Even in the smallest city yard, a productive raised bed garden is absolutely possible - with the right layout. In fact, when space is tight, raised bed garden design for small yards becomes everything. Knowing how to plan your raised beds for productivity, ease of access, and long-term soil h
Jul 8, 20253 min read
🪴 What Should I Plant in My Kitchen Garden?
Wondering what to plant in your kitchen garden this June? This guide helps Pacific Northwest gardeners choose the right crops based on sunlight and space. From tomatoes and beans in sunny beds to greens in the shade, June is a key time to start or expand your garden. Get quick suggestions, succession planting tips, and advice for every light level. Need a personalized plan? Book a consultation to get a garden tailored to your space and goals.
Jun 15, 20253 min read
Don’t Overthink It: These 5 Foolproof Vegetables For Beginners Practically Grow Themselves
New to gardening in the Pacific Northwest? Start simple with these 5 foolproof crops: radishes (ready in 30 days), parsley (hardy and low-maintenance), salad mix (quick and cut-and-come-again), green onions (even regrow from scraps), and bush beans (no trellis needed). Perfect for small spaces and beginners. Start with just a few, build confidence, and enjoy fresh harvests all season.
May 29, 20252 min read
DIY Frost Guards for Your Greenhouse: A Simple Winter Heating Trick That Works
I added a simple and affordable DIY heater to my greenhouse and saw nighttime temperatures rise by up to 9°F (about 5°C). Using a few candles and an unglazed clay pot, this setup creates just enough warmth to protect plants from frost—no electricity needed! It’s a great low-tech solution for cold nights, especially when combined with bubble wrap insulation to retain heat while letting in sunlight. Perfect for extending your growing season on a budget.
Apr 28, 20252 min read
The Turnip Trials: A Fresh Start in the Garden
Growing turnips has long been a challenge despite my love for their crisp flavor and nutrition. Past attempts led to poor germination and tiny roots, likely due to soil issues. This year, I’m starting fresh with Hakurei turnips, sowing in modules to protect seedlings and preparing enriched raised beds. I’ll track seedling health, experiment with other varieties, and aim for a fall crop. With sunny weather ahead, I’m hopeful for a successful season.
Apr 28, 20252 min read
Want more like this? Clear the Noise is my newsletter on cutting through overwhelm with systems thinking and smarter defaults.
Ready to grow with intention this season? Join the Seasonal Planners Circle — a community for Pacific Northwest gardeners who want to plan smarter, harvest more, and never miss a planting window.
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