Southern Gardening
Practical gardening tips for Southern gardeners. Learn how to grow vegetables, manage pests, improve your soil, and make the most of our unique climate and seasons. Real advice that actually works in the South.
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Choosing the Right Plants: USDA and AHS Zones Guide
Plant tags and Zones Confused by those zone numbers on plant tags? You’re not alone. Most people see “Zones 5-9” and have no idea what it actually means for their yard. Here’s a clear breakdown of plant hardiness zones and how to use them. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the country into 13…
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How to Save Your Southeast Garden in This Brutal 2026 Drought
The Southeast is ground zero for one of the worst droughts in decades. As of mid-April 2026, moderate to exceptional drought covers 96.8% of the entire region, while severe to exceptional drought hits 81.8% — the largest area of drought the Southeast has seen since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000. Georgia, South Carolina,…
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How to Grow Southern Collards: The Best Soil, Sunlight & Pest Tips That Actually Work
If you want a tough, reliable green that actually thrives in the South, Georgia Southern collards are hard to beat. This heirloom variety has been feeding Southern families for generations, and it handles our crazy weather better than most anything else in the garden. Soil Collards are heavy feeders. They like rich, well-draining soil with…