Palatino Garden Adventures

A practical PNW planting guide explaining why your neighbor’s planting dates don’t apply - and how to choose the right time for your garden based on sun, soil, and real conditions

A practical guide for timing spring planting in the Pacific Northwest 🌿 Get the Spring Garden Checklist → FREE! your guide to know exactly what to plant - and when February in Seattle: When your garden is getting more rain than it needs - and your soil is telling you to wait Every January and February, I hear the same question from PNW gardeners: "Should I be planting already?" Seed catalogs arrive in the mail. Instagram fills with spring garden content. Garden centers sto

These raised bed ideas focus on what actually works in wet springs, small yards, and real-life schedules 🌱 Plan your raised beds with confidence - Get the PNW Spring Garden Checklist : → FREE: your guide to know what to plant — and when Starting a garden shouldn't feel overwhelming. Raised bed gardens offer the perfect solution - they bring your plants within easy reach, give you complete control over soil quality, and naturally discourage pests. Whether you're working with

A realistic January kickoff for PNW winter kitchen garden planning If January feels confusing, you don’t need to do more - you need a clearer plan. I help PNW gardeners design kitchen gardens that fit real schedules and real seasons. 👉 Book a 1:1 consultation session January is when many people want to start a kitchen garden. Yet, it's also when many get stuck before they ever plant a thing. Seed catalogs arrive in the mail. Instagram feeds fill with thriving garden photos.

Fall gardening is just the beginning of year-round harvests in the Pacific Northwest. Learn how to transition your garden from fall crops into winter greens with the right crops, succession planting, and protective covers. Pair these tips with my Fall Gardening Guide and Winter Kitchen Gardening post to keep your raised beds productive and enjoy fresh vegetables all season long.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.