Garden Advisor

Garden Advisor

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• User asks about garden advisor
• User needs guidance on garden advisor topics
• User wants a structured approach to garden advisor

Do NOT use when:

• Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
• User needs emergency assistance

Questions to Ask the User First

1. What is your USDA Hardiness Zone? (Look up at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov by zip code)
2. What type of gardening? (Vegetable, flower, herb, lawn, indoor plants, container, all)
3. How much space? (Backyard, raised beds, containers/patio, balcony, windowsill)
4. Sun exposure? (Full sun 6+ hours, partial sun 3-6 hours, shade under 3 hours)
5. Soil type? (Clay, sandy, loamy, unknown, container mix)
6. Experience level? (First-time, beginner, intermediate, experienced)
7. Watering situation? (Hose access, irrigation system, hand watering only, rain-dependent)
8. Budget? (Minimal, moderate, willing to invest)
9. Time commitment? (Minutes per week, hours per week)
10. Any specific goals? (Feed the family, beautiful yard, pollinators, relax, etc.)
11. Organic preference? (Strictly organic, prefer organic, open to conventional)
12. Any challenges? (Deer, pests, poor soil, drought, short season)

USDA Hardiness Zone Quick Reference

ZONE MAP (approximate, US):

Zone 3 (-40 to -30F): Northern MN, WI, ME, MT
Zone 4 (-30 to -20F): Upper Midwest, Northern New England, parts of CO
Zone 5 (-20 to -10F): IA, IL, IN, OH, PA, CT, parts of CO, UT
Zone 6 (-10 to 0F): MO, KY, VA, MD, NJ, parts of KS, OK
Zone 7 (0 to 10F): NC, TN, AR, north TX, NM, parts of OR, WA
Zone 8 (10 to 20F): SC, GA, AL, MS, central TX, parts of OR, WA
Zone 9 (20 to 30F): FL (north), south TX, AZ (south), coastal CA
Zone 10 (30 to 40F): FL (south), southern AZ, southern CA, HI

YOUR ZONE: ___
LAST FROST DATE (average): _______________
FIRST FROST DATE (average): _______________
GROWING SEASON LENGTH: ___ days

Vegetable Garden Planning

Garden Layout Planning

VEGETABLE GARDEN PLAN TEMPLATE:

Garden Type: [ ] In-ground [ ] Raised bed [ ] Container
Dimensions: ___ x ___ feet (or number of containers)
Sun exposure: ___ hours per day
Water source: _______________

WHAT TO GROW (based on what you eat):

Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Vegetables:
  1. Tomatoes (high yield, versatile)
  2. Lettuce/greens (fast, cut-and-come-again)
  3. Zucchini (prolific, easy)
  4. Green beans (bush type, easy)
  5. Peppers (productive, long harvest)
  6. Cucumbers (fast growing, high yield)
  7. Herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley (always useful)
  8. Radishes (ready in 30 days, great for kids)
  9. Carrots (easy in loose soil)
  10. Snap peas (spring crop, eat off the vine)

SPACE PLANNING (per plant):
  Tomato: 2-3 sq ft per plant (staked/caged)
  Pepper: 1.5 sq ft per plant
  Zucchini: 4-6 sq ft per plant
  Cucumber: 2 sq ft (trellised) or 6 sq ft (ground)
  Lettuce: 0.5-1 sq ft per plant
  Beans (bush): 0.5 sq ft per plant
  Herbs: 1 sq ft per plant
  Carrots: 16 per sq ft (square foot gardening)
  Radishes: 16 per sq ft

Planting Calendar Template

PLANTING CALENDAR (customize to your zone):

Zone: ___  Last Frost: ___  First Frost: ___

COOL SEASON CROPS (plant 4-6 weeks before last frost):
  Start indoors: ___/___
  Transplant/direct sow outdoors: ___/___
  Crops: Lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, broccoli, kale, carrots

WARM SEASON CROPS (plant after last frost):
  Start indoors (6-8 weeks before): ___/___
  Transplant outdoors (after last frost): ___/___
  Direct sow outdoors: ___/___
  Crops: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, corn

FALL GARDEN (plant 8-10 weeks before first frost):
  Start/direct sow: ___/___
  Crops: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, broccoli, kale, beets, carrots

SUCCESSION PLANTING:
  Plant lettuce/greens every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
  Plant beans every 3-4 weeks for extended harvest
  Plant radishes every 2 weeks

Companion Planting Guide

COMPANION PLANTING CHART:

TOMATOES:
  Good companions: Basil (repels pests, may improve flavor), carrots,
                   marigolds (pest deterrent), parsley
  Bad companions: Fennel, kohlrabi, potatoes (share blight)
  Spacing: 2-3 ft apart, basil between plants

PEPPERS:
  Good companions: Basil, carrots, onions, spinach, tomatoes
  Bad companions: Fennel, kohlrabi
  Spacing: 18 inches apart

CUCUMBERS:
  Good companions: Beans, corn, peas, radishes, sunflowers
  Bad companions: Potatoes, aromatic herbs (sage, mint)
  Spacing: 12 inches on trellis, 36 inches on ground

BEANS:
  Good companions: Corn, squash, cucumbers, carrots, beets
  Bad companions: Onions, garlic, fennel

THE THREE SISTERS (Native American tradition):
  Corn + Beans + Squash
  Corn provides structure for beans to climb
  Beans fix nitrogen for corn and squash
  Squash shades soil, reducing weeds and moisture loss

MARIGOLDS:
  Plant throughout the garden -- repels many pests
  French marigolds are most effective for pest control

Soil Preparation

Soil Assessment

SOIL TEST GUIDE:

STEP 1: TEXTURE TEST (jar test)
  1. Fill a quart jar 1/3 with garden soil
  2. Fill with water, shake vigorously
  3. Let settle for 24 hours
  4. Bottom layer: Sand (settles in 1 minute)
  5. Middle layer: Silt (settles in 4-6 hours)
  6. Top layer: Clay (settles in 24 hours)
  Ideal: Roughly equal parts = loamy soil

STEP 2: pH TEST
  Home test kit: $10-15 at garden center
  Professional test (recommended): Contact county extension office ($15-25)
  Ideal range: 6.0-7.0 for most vegetables
  Too acidic (< 6.0): Add garden lime
  Too alkaline (> 7.5): Add sulfur or peat moss

STEP 3: DRAINAGE TEST
  1. Dig a hole 12" deep x 12" wide
  2. Fill with water, let drain completely
  3. Fill again and time the drainage
  Ideal: Drains 1-2 inches per hour
  Too fast (sandy): Add compost for water retention
  Too slow (clay): Add compost and consider raised beds

STEP 4: ORGANIC MATTER ASSESSMENT
  Dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling soil = good organic content
  Pale, hard, compacted soil = needs amendment
  Solution for all soil types: ADD COMPOST (the universal amendment)

Soil Improvement

SOIL AMENDMENT PLAN:

FOR ALL SOIL TYPES:
  - Add 2-4 inches of compost to top of beds annually
  - Mulch 2-3 inches deep (retains moisture, builds soil)
  - Avoid walking on garden beds (compaction)
  - Rotate crops yearly (prevents nutrient depletion)

CLAY SOIL:
  Add: Compost (lots), coarse sand, gypsum
  Strategy: Raised beds work best over clay
  Never: Work clay soil when wet (creates concrete-like clumps)

SANDY SOIL:
  Add: Compost (lots), peat moss, coconut coir
  Strategy: Increase organic matter to hold water and nutrients
  Mulch: Extra important (moisture retention)

ROCKY/THIN SOIL:
  Strategy: Raised beds with imported soil mix
  Mix: 1/3 topsoil, 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat or coir

CONTAINER MIX (do not use garden soil in containers):
  Recipe: 1 part peat or coir + 1 part perlite + 1 part compost
  Or: Buy quality potting mix (not "potting soil" -- check for perlite)

Organic Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

IPM HIERARCHY (try in this order):

LEVEL 1: PREVENTION (best approach)
  - Healthy soil = healthy plants = pest resistance
  - Choose disease-resistant varieties
  - Proper spacing for air circulation
  - Rotate crops annually
  - Remove plant debris at season end
  - Attract beneficial insects with flowers

LEVEL 2: PHYSICAL CONTROLS
  - Hand-pick large pests (hornworms, beetles)
  - Row covers to prevent insect access
  - Copper tape for slugs
  - Traps (yellow sticky traps for aphids, beer traps for slugs)
  - Water spray to knock off aphids
  - Barriers (collars for cutworms)

LEVEL 3: BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS
  - Attract or purchase beneficial insects:
    Ladybugs (eat aphids)
    Lacewings (eat many soft-bodied pests)
    Praying mantis (general predators)
    Parasitic wasps (caterpillar control)
  - Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillars
  - Nematodes for soil-dwelling pests

LEVEL 4: ORGANIC SPRAYS (last resort)
  - Neem oil (broad spectrum, use in evening to protect bees)
  - Insecticidal soap (aphids, mites, whiteflies)
  - Diatomaceous earth (crawling insects, apply when dry)
  - Pyrethrin (last resort, also kills beneficials)

Always start with Level 1 and work up.

Common Garden Pest Identification

Container Gardening

Container Growing Guide

CONTAINER GARDENING ESSENTIALS:

CONTAINER SELECTION:
  Size matters -- bigger is almost always better:
  - Herbs: 6-8" pot minimum
  - Lettuce/greens: 6-8" deep, any width
  - Peppers: 5-gallon minimum (14" diameter)
  - Tomatoes: 10-gallon minimum (18" diameter)
  - Cucumbers: 5-gallon with trellis
  - Zucchini: 10-gallon minimum

  Material:
  - Plastic: lightweight, retains moisture, inexpensive
  - Terra cotta: attractive, breathes, dries faster, heavier
  - Fabric grow bags: excellent drainage and aeration, portable
  - Self-watering: best for consistent moisture, less daily attention

  CRITICAL: All containers must have drainage holes!

SOIL:
  Use quality potting MIX (not garden soil, not topsoil)
  Add slow-release fertilizer at planting
  Refresh or replace soil annually

WATERING:
  Containers dry out much faster than in-ground gardens
  Check daily (stick finger 1" into soil -- dry = water)
  Water until it drains from bottom
  Morning watering is ideal
  Consider self-watering containers or drip irrigation

FEEDING:
  Containers deplete nutrients quickly
  Fertilize every 1-2 weeks with liquid fertilizer
  Or use slow-release granular at planting (lasts 3-4 months)
  Signs of nutrient deficiency: yellowing leaves, poor growth

BEST CONTAINER VEGETABLES:
  - Cherry/patio tomatoes (determinate varieties)
  - Peppers (all types)
  - Lettuce and greens (any container)
  - Herbs (all types)
  - Radishes (shallow container is fine)
  - Bush beans
  - Strawberries
  - Dwarf cucumbers and squash

Herb Garden Guide

ESSENTIAL HERB GARDEN:

CULINARY HERBS (start with these):
  Basil: Full sun, warm soil, pinch flowers for more leaves
  Cilantro: Cool weather, bolts in heat, succession plant
  Parsley: Part shade OK, biennial (lives 2 years)
  Rosemary: Full sun, well-drained, perennial in zones 7+
  Thyme: Full sun, well-drained, perennial, drought tolerant
  Mint: ANY condition (invasive -- keep in pot!)
  Chives: Full to part sun, perennial, easy
  Oregano: Full sun, perennial, spreads easily
  Sage: Full sun, perennial, drought tolerant
  Dill: Full sun, direct sow, attracts beneficial insects

GROWING TIPS:
  - Most herbs prefer well-drained soil (don't overwater)
  - Harvest regularly (promotes bushy growth)
  - Pinch flowers to keep leaf production going
  - Most herbs are happier slightly hungry than overfed
  - Windowsill herbs need 6+ hours of light (or grow light)

PRESERVATION:
  - Freezing: best for basil, cilantro, chives (chop, freeze in ice cube trays with oil)
  - Drying: best for rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage (hang bundles, air dry)
  - Herb butter: mix chopped herbs with softened butter, freeze
  - Herb salt: layer herbs and coarse salt, dry, grind

Indoor Plant Care

Houseplant Quick Reference

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY HOUSEPLANTS:

VERY LOW MAINTENANCE:
  Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
    Light: Low to bright indirect
    Water: When top 1-2" dry (every 1-2 weeks)
    Skill: Nearly indestructible

  Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
    Light: Low to bright indirect
    Water: When completely dry (every 2-4 weeks)
    Skill: Thrives on neglect

  ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
    Light: Low to bright indirect
    Water: When completely dry (every 2-3 weeks)
    Skill: Extremely forgiving

LOW MAINTENANCE:
  Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
    Light: Bright indirect
    Water: When top inch dry
    Bonus: Produces baby plants

  Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
    Light: Low to medium
    Water: When leaves start to droop (it tells you!)
    Bonus: Air purifying, flowers

  Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
    Light: Bright indirect
    Water: When top 1-2" dry

MODERATE CARE:
  Monstera deliciosa
    Light: Bright indirect (no direct sun)
    Water: When top 2" dry

  Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
    Light: Bright indirect to some direct
    Water: When top 2" dry, consistent schedule

INDOOR PLANT TROUBLESHOOTING:
  Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering
  Brown crispy edges: Underwatering or low humidity
  Leggy/stretching: Not enough light
  Dropping leaves: Stress (moved, temperature change, draft)
  Pests (tiny insects): Isolate, wipe with alcohol, neem oil spray

Watering Schedules

INDOOR PLANT WATERING GUIDE:

THE GOLDEN RULE: Check the soil, don't follow a calendar.

CHECKING METHOD:
  1. Stick finger 1-2 inches into soil
  2. If dry = water  |  If moist = wait
  3. When watering, water thoroughly until it drains from bottom
  4. Empty saucer after 30 minutes (no sitting in water)

GENERAL FREQUENCY (varies by conditions):
  Succulents/cacti: Every 2-4 weeks
  Snake plant, ZZ, pothos: Every 1-2 weeks
  Tropical plants: Every 1 week
  Ferns: Every 3-5 days (keep evenly moist)
  Peace lily: When leaves droop slightly

FACTORS THAT INCREASE WATERING NEEDS:
  + More light
  + Higher temperature
  + Lower humidity
  + Smaller pot
  + Terracotta pot (breathes)
  + Active growing season (spring/summer)

FACTORS THAT DECREASE WATERING NEEDS:
  + Less light
  + Cooler temperature
  + Higher humidity
  + Larger pot
  + Plastic or glazed pot
  + Dormant season (fall/winter)

Lawn Care Schedule

LAWN CARE ANNUAL PLAN:

SPRING:
  [ ] Rake out dead grass and thatch (when ground is firm)
  [ ] Soil test (every 2-3 years, spring is ideal)
  [ ] Apply pre-emergent herbicide (before soil temp reaches 55F)
      Organic: corn gluten meal
  [ ] First mow when grass is actively growing (highest setting)
  [ ] Begin regular watering if rain is insufficient
  [ ] Fertilize (light application, organic or slow-release)

SUMMER:
  [ ] Mow high (3-4 inches for cool-season grass, 2-3 for warm-season)
      Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height at once
  [ ] Water deeply but infrequently (1" per week including rain)
      Water early morning (6-10 AM) to reduce disease
  [ ] Leave clippings on lawn (free fertilizer)
  [ ] Spot-treat weeds as needed
  [ ] Reduce mowing frequency during heat/drought

FALL (most important season for cool-season lawns):
  [ ] Aerate (core aeration, especially if compacted)
  [ ] Overseed thin areas (after aeration)
  [ ] Fertilize (heaviest application of the year for cool-season)
  [ ] Continue mowing until growth stops
  [ ] Final mow slightly shorter than summer height
  [ ] Rake or mulch fallen leaves (don't let them smother grass)

WINTER:
  [ ] Service mower (sharpen blade, change oil, spark plug)
  [ ] Stay off frozen grass when possible
  [ ] Plan spring projects
  [ ] Order seed or sod if needed

Output Format

When providing gardening advice:

GARDEN PLAN

Zone: [zone], Location: [region]
Garden Type: [vegetable/flower/herb/container/lawn/indoor]
Season: [current]
Experience Level: [level]

WHAT TO DO NOW:
  1. [Task] - [brief why] - [how to do it]
  2. [Task] - [brief why] - [how to do it]
  3. [Task] - [brief why] - [how to do it]

WHAT TO PLANT NOW:
  [Plant list with spacing and care notes]

COMING UP NEXT (next 4-6 weeks):
  [Preview of upcoming tasks and plantings]

TROUBLESHOOTING:
  [Address any specific problems mentioned]

SHOPPING LIST:
  [Seeds/plants, soil amendments, tools needed]
  Estimated cost: $___

RESOURCES:
  Local extension office: [state].edu/extension
  Planting calendar for your zone: ___

Example

Input: "Help me get started with garden advisor"

Output: A structured garden advisor plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

Edge Cases

• Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
• Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
• Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.