Laura Neff

Start 2026 Green: 5 Organic Gardening Practices for a Healthier Landscape A new year brings fresh opportunities to grow more intentionally, and 2026 is the perfect time to embrace organic gardening practices. By working with nature instead of against it, you can create landscapes that are healthier, more resilient, and better for the environment. Organic gardens support soil life, conserve resources, and encourage biodiversity, benefits that last well beyond a single season. Here are five...

When Houston gardeners think about bugs, they often picture fire ants, mosquitoes, or leaf-chewing pests that thrive in our warm, humid Gulf Coast climate. But not all insects are trouble. In fact, many of your yard’s most powerful protectors are beneficial insects, tiny allies that keep pest populations in check, support pollination, and help maintain healthy soil. In an organic Houston landscape, these insects play an essential role, and encouraging them is easier than you might think....

December is one of the most enjoyable months to garden in Houston. While much of the country shuts down for winter, our Gulf Coast climate stays mild enough for planting, refreshing beds, and planning for the months ahead. For students, staff, and community gardeners connected with Rice, this is a perfect moment to slow down, tend the soil, and prepare the landscape for a vibrant spring. Cool-season vegetables take center stage this time of year. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, mustard, and...