Field Notes

Composting 101: The Beginner-Friendly Guide
Composting is one of those magical acts that turns what looks like garbage into living, nutrient-rich soil. If you’ve ever wanted to feed your garden with what your household creates—this is the simplest, most satisfying way to start. No PhD required. Just a little curiosity, a handful of scraps, and the willingness to let nature do the heavy lifting. Below is a practical how-to guide about what composting is, why it matters, the simple science behind it, step-by-step instructions to get started, and troubleshooting for the most common hiccups. Why... Read more...
Easy-to-Grow, Beginner-Friendly Veggies, Flowers and Herbs
Easiest Veggies, Flowers and Herbs for new gardeners If you’re just starting out, pick plants that forgive mistakes and reward you quickly — that’s how gardening turns into a habit. Below are the most beginner-friendly vegetables, plus a few easy flowers and herbs that pair perfectly in beds or containers. Vegetables (quick picks) Radishes — Fast and forgiving. Direct-sow in loose soil, keep evenly moist, harvest in 20–30 days. Leaf lettuce / salad greens — Grow in partial sun or containers; cut-and-come-again harvesting gives you weeks of salad. Bush beans... Read more...
Your Spring and Summer Garden - Plan Now: Using the Winter Season to Dream and Get Organized
A practical guide for the new(ish) or beginner gardener who wants an easy-to-grow, low-stress garden next spring, summer, and fall! Winter is only a pause on the outdoor side of gardening, at least in New England and other parts of the Northern U.S. — but that means it’s time for us to take advantage of the season. While the cold days, snow, and darkness keep the soil (seemingly) quiet, you may find yourself with uninterrupted time to daydream, plan, and prepare for a season of rebirth as you enter into... Read more...
My Story - The Beginning
Hello — I’m Caryn.The woman behind the Gardener's Field Guide. I grew up in a family of tough, independent, and endlessly resourceful people - gardeners, seamstresses, cooks, carpenters, machinists, farmers, military - blue collar to the core. My mom and her siblings grew up in a house where you hunted and fished and raised your food and you made your own clothes. I spent the majority of my childhood with her parents and siblings and my cousins - learning what plants in the forest were edible, what tracks and trails meant... Read more...