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 Often to Water Grass Seed for Healthy Growth?

Watering is one of the most important steps in growing a healthy lawn from seed. Yet, it’s also

18 Best Companion Plants for Echnacea

Echinacea grows well on its own, but the magic happens when you pair it with the right neighbors.

How to Plant Tulip Bulbs in Pots and Care for Them?

Spring colors in small spaces? Yes, please! Tulips bring joy to any home, and pots make them possible

When to Plant Sweet Potatoes? A Home Grown Guide

Sweet potatoes thrive in warm weather and need consistent heat throughout the season to produce a strong, healthy

List of Best Peony Fertilizer for Healthy Blooms

Peonies are a true garden gem, and their beauty starts with proper care, especially choosing the right fertilizer.

Vegetable Garden Layout Plans and Spacing

Your vegetables are fighting for survival right now, and you might not even know it. When plants crowd

Bad Companion Plants for Eggplant & Best Pairings

In many gardens, eggplants are planted with care and expected to produce glossy purple fruits, yet harvests often

How to Cure Garlic for Long-Lasting Storage?

Growing garlic is rewarding, but the way you cure garlic after harvest determines how long it stays fresh

When to Harvest Onions? Key Signs, Curing, and Storage Tips

Onions may look ready from above the soil. However, timing the harvest just right preserves the perfect flavor

Seed Sprouting Times: How Long do Seeds take to Sprout?

Staring at empty soil, wondering how long do seeds take to sprout? Most herb seeds take anywhere from

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts Step by Step?

Growing Brussels sprouts at home can be both rewarding and practical, especially for those who enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich

How to Grow Tomatoes? (Tips & Techniques)

Tomatoes are a very popular vegetable among the gardeners. The reason behind it is very simple: its taste,