Brad Downey

Brad Downey

I’m Brad Downey, and I’ve been caring for plants since my teenage years when I helped my grandmother in her greenhouse. Later, I studied Horticulture at Michigan State University, where I focused on soil health and plant disease prevention. For the past 12 years, I’ve worked with home gardeners and community groups to keep plants healthy and thriving. On My Earth Garden, I share routines, simple fixes, and the kind of advice I’ve learned from both books and dirt-under-the-fingernails experience. When I’m not writing, I enjoy bonsai shaping and weekend hikes.

Blog

How Long Does It Take for Grass Seed to Grow?

Most people assume slow grass growth means something went wrong. Often, the seed is doing exactly what it

How To Take Care Of Tulips For Healthy Blooms?

Tulips can look weak, droop early, or fail to bloom when they do not get the right care.

Mandevilla Plant Care Tips for Better Flowering

Mandevilla plants are known for their colorful flowers and climbing growth that can brighten patios, balconies, and garden

Spinach Pests Guide: What Eats Leaves and How to Stop

Spinach is a popular, nutritious leafy green, but it can be a favorite target for many pests. Small

Best Month to Plant Spinach and How Late to Sow Seeds

Spinach is one of the easiest and healthiest vegetables to grow at home. Timing your planting is very

Can You Eat Thyme Stems? Here’s the Truth

Most people strip thyme leaves and toss the stems without thinking twice. But the stems do not always

What Is a Sprig of Thyme? Size and Uses

Recipes call for a sprig of thyme all the time, but most home cooks pause when they see

How to Grow Hostas in Containers?

Not everyone has a shaded garden bed to work with. Sometimes the best spot for a hosta is

How to Care for Hostas and Keep Them Healthy

Hostas are one of the most forgiving plants you can grow in a shaded garden. They are hardy,

Do Hostas Come Back Each Year? The Simple Truth

Watching hostas collapse and turn brown in the fall can be unsettling if you have never grown them

Growing Basil in Pots Made Easy

Basil is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow at home, offering fresh flavor and fragrance right

Where to Plant Peonies for Best Blooms?

Few flowers make a garden look as charming as peonies. Their full blooms and long lifespan make them