My Main Garden

This is my current outdoor garden here in New England, where the growing season typically runs from May through October (sometimes stretching into early November if the weather cooperates).

I start all my plants from seed indoors toward the end of March or beginning of April. They begin their life in my furnished poolhouse/workshop, where I keep them under grow lights in a warm, stable environment. This early start gives them strong roots and a healthy structure before they ever see the outdoors.

As the spring temperatures begin to rise in April and May, I gradually move the young plants outside during the day to acclimate them to natural sunlight and fresh air. Once the risk of frost has passed—usually in early June—I transplant them into my raised beds and main garden space.

From that point on, it’s all about careful watering, soil nutrition, and training the plants to make the most of the New England sunshine. By late August, as you can see in the photos, the plants are well established and thriving. Harvest generally takes place in October, when the flowers are at their peak potency and aroma.

These pictures capture the garden toward the end of August, right in the middle of the most vigorous stage of growth. By the time fall arrives, the transformation is incredible—lush plants ready for harvest and the final step of the growing cycle.