
Susan Patterson
Susan Patterson is a master gardener, published author, and sustainability advocate with more than three decades of experience growing vegetables, herbs, fruit, and medicinal plants. Her work focuses on edible gardening, natural wellness, and helping people reconnect with the land through practical, accessible methods. She has authored numerous books on gardening, healthy living, clean eating, and plant-based wellness, and has written extensively on homesteading, organic growing, and the use of herbs and essential oils for health.
Susan’s passion for plants was rooted early in childhood, working in her grandparents’ country market in Iowa, where she learned firsthand the value of fresh, homegrown food. Her love of flowers and food gardening was further nurtured by her mother and later deepened through her involvement with the West Virginia Herb Association, where she studied medicinal plants alongside experienced herbalists and eventually became an instructor.
As an educator, Susan is known for translating traditional plant knowledge into clear, practical guidance. Her books combine step-by-step instruction with a strong emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and wellness, encouraging readers to grow food not only for nourishment but also for healing and self-reliance. She has also developed innovative gardening products, including a patented microgreen growing system, and co-founded Earthenmamma, a company dedicated to empowering people to grow food and live well.
When she is not writing or teaching, Susan enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her husband and family. She currently lives in Arizona.
Latest articles by Susan Patterson
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Jalapeño Pepper Plant Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Flavorful Jalapeños for Garden-Fresh HeatJalapeño plants are easy to grow and make a wonderful addition to any vegetable garden. Grow alongside tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic for a salsa garden!
By Susan Patterson
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How to Grow Onions – A Step-by-Step Guide for a Bigger, Better HarvestOnions are one of the most satisfying crops to grow at home – and they’re simpler than you think. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.
By Ellen Wells
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How to Grow Shallots: A Complete Guide for a Bumper HarvestOne of the easiest members of the onion family to grow, shallots mature faster and require less space than their counterparts. Growing shallots in your garden is very easy. Look at how to grow shallots in this article.
By Ellen Wells
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Best Spring Flowering Bulbs to Plant in the Fall for Gorgeous Early BloomsThere is nothing more satisfying to a gardener than seeing those first early spring flower bulbs popping up from the cold ground. Take a look at some common spring flowering bulbs in this article.
By Janey Goulding
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How To Prune Orchids The Right Way: Reinvigorate Key Orchid Species For Better Blooms And Happier PlantsWhile it’s important to prune regularly to keep plants looking and feeling their best, it’s not always clear how to prune orchids. Here’s our guide to making those essential cuts
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Best Mulch For Tomatoes: Expert Guide To Boost Yields, Lock In Moisture & Keep Weeds At BayThe right mulch can transform your tomato crop – helping plants thrive while saving time, water, and effort in every type of garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Orchid Fertilizing Guide: Expert Tips For Thriving Plants And Better BloomsFertilizing orchids is vital for vibrant foliage and brilliant blooms. Learn how often to feed plants at different stages and get the right nutrient balance.
By Amy Grant
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How To Stratify Seeds: Boost Germination With Cold TreatmentGive seeds the best possible start through stratification. Learn the cold treatment method to break dormancy, speed up germination, and grow healthier plants.
By Amy Grant
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How And When To Harvest Onions: Everything You Need To KnowOnions are an easy-to-grow and manage crop that, when properly harvested, can provide a kitchen staple through the fall and winter. Find out when and how to harvest onions in the garden in this article.
By Susan Patterson
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How To Grow Guzmania – Caring For Beautiful Blooming BromeliadsGorgeous guzmania plants are colorful and dramatic and can light up a room, but it’s good to get familiar with what they need to thrive.
By Susan Patterson
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Virginia Creeper Control & How To Get Rid Of Virginia CreeperMany gardeners become frustrated with Virginia creeper, as it chokes out everything in its path. However, this article provides tips for getting rid of Virginia creeper vines to alleviate those frustrations.
By Susan Patterson
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Killing Garlic Mustard & Learn About Garlic Mustard ManagementGarlic mustard is a cool-season biennial herb that may occasionally garlic mustard can become weedy; therefore, it is important to become familiar with garlic mustard weed management. Learn more here.
By Susan Patterson
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8 Best Plants For Under Trees To Transform A Shady Landscape Under The CanopyThese plants for under trees will totally transform your shady landscape! Whether you want lush foliage, beautiful blooms, or easy-care ground cover, there’s a plant for every need.
By Susan Patterson
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Bamboo Palm: Complete Plant Care And Growing GuideCaring for a bamboo palm indoors is about as easy as it gets and, while it resembles the larger bamboo species, it’s actually an attractive tropical houseplant.
By Susan Patterson
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Magnolia Tree Pruning Guide: What You Need To KnowIf you are lucky enough to own one, you may wonder how to trim a magnolia tree to maintain its shape. These graceful beauties are somewhat self-sufficient when it comes to developing a shape, so know what you’re doing before pruning a magnolia tree.
By Susan Patterson
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How To Grow All Your Vegetables In A 5-Gallon BucketContainer planting vegetables is not a new concept, but what about using buckets for growing vegetables? Read on to learn more about this method!
By Susan Patterson
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Pruning Oleander Shrubs: When And How To Prune An OleanderLearn the best time to prune oleander bushes, and how to do it to keep your oleander happy and healthily blooming.
By Susan Patterson
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Growing Redbud Trees: How To Care For A Redbud TreeGrowing redbud trees is a great way to add brilliant color to your landscape. Click here to learn how to care for a redbud tree.
By Susan Patterson

