For years I’ve relied on the professionals to start my plants from seed, buying them whenever they’d reached the fledgling stage. But this is very limiting. There are all these intriguing heirlooms out there, just waiting to be discovered by the adventurous gardener, but the problem is, you aren’t going to find them at most local nurseries. I mean, when was the last time you picked up a six-pack of “Aunt Ruby’s German Green” or “Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter” at Home Depot?

By Casey Kelly Barton

Freshly planted onion sets

I love gardening this time of year because onion sets arrive at area nurseries, and they're incredibly easy for kids (and adults) to plant. My boys helped put in a few rows yesterday with minimal oversight by me.

By Casey Kelly Barton

Looking for a virtually indestructible plant for your vegetable garden? Try Swiss chard. I'm in love with mine. I planted some "Orange Chiffon" seeds in early spring and harvested the baby greens for salads.