Tag Archives: flowers

Our Trip to Vego Farm in Texas: A Company We’re Proud to Support

There are some companies you work with simply because they have a good product. And then there are companies you support because the people behind them, the way they treat others, and the quality they stand for truly line up with your values.

Recently, we had the opportunity to travel to Texas and spend time at the Vego Farm, where Vego Garden tests and works with their products. It was such a fun and meaningful trip for us. We spent two days there, met the Vego team, connected with other creators, toured their farm and warehouse, and got to see firsthand the heart behind the company.

And after spending that time with them, I can honestly say it made me appreciate Vego even more.

Seeing the Heart Behind the Company

One of the biggest takeaways from our trip was seeing what kind of company Vego really is.

The farm itself was such a neat place to visit. There is a house on the property that serves as an office, and the whole setting felt welcoming, creative, and full of purpose. We got to spend time with the team, learn more about the company, and see how much effort goes into creating products that truly serve gardeners.

We also met Robert, the CEO, and that was such a highlight. He is amazing. It was easy to see that he genuinely cares about the company, the products, and especially the people who work there. That matters to me. When you see a company treating their employees well and building something with integrity, it makes it so much easier to support what they do.

That part of the trip really stayed with me.

Two Days at the Farm

While we were at the farm, we got to plant in some of their raised beds, spend time outdoors, and enjoy being around other creators who are passionate about gardening and growing food. It was such a great experience to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, and enjoy time doing something we all love.

There is something special about gathering with people who understand the joy of growing things, building a garden, and creating beauty and abundance right where you are.

The whole trip felt inspiring.

A Look Inside the Warehouse

We also had the chance to visit Vego’s 100,000 square foot warehouse, which was impressive to see in person. It gave us a bigger picture of the scale of the company and the amount of work that goes into getting these products out to gardeners all over.

When you see the operation behind the scenes, it gives you an even greater appreciation for the planning, design, and logistics involved. It is one thing to order a product online. It is another thing entirely to see the people and systems behind it all.

Why We’ve Trusted Vego for Years

I have been using Vego raised beds for about five years now, and I can honestly say they have held up beautifully. I bought four of their raised beds years ago, and they still look new.

That says a lot.

These beds are heavy-duty, high-quality, and built to last. For anyone wanting to grow more food, create a more organized garden space, or make gardening easier to manage, raised beds can be such a game changer. And when the beds themselves are well made, it makes the whole experience even better.

That is one of the reasons I continue to recommend Vego. Their products are not flimsy or disposable. They are thoughtfully designed and made to serve gardeners for the long haul.

Their Greenhouses Have Been a Great Fit for Us

Vego also offers high-quality greenhouses in a range of sizes, and that is something we have benefited from on our own homestead. We use one of their greenhouses for our citrus trees, and it has been such a helpful part of protecting those plants and extending what we can grow.

For those of us gardening in climates with cold snaps, wind, or challenging seasonal shifts, having a reliable greenhouse can make a huge difference. It gives you more flexibility, more growing time, and more protection for valuable plants.

More Than Raised Beds

One thing I appreciate about Vego is that they have continued to expand beyond raised beds alone. They have really worked to create products that support gardeners in a practical, useful way.

In addition to raised beds and greenhouses, Vego is also known for offering products for many parts of the gardening process, including:

What stands out is that their products are designed with gardeners in mind. They are functional, durable, and made to help simplify the work of growing.

Why Company Values Matter

As gardeners and homesteaders, many of us care deeply about where we spend our money. We want to support companies that make quality products, yes, but also companies that operate with care, thoughtfulness, and integrity.

That is why this trip meant so much.

Getting to see that Vego treats their employees well, values their team, and creates products with quality in mind made me feel even better about supporting them. Good products matter. Good people matter too.

And when you find both in one company, that feels right.

A Memorable Trip

We truly enjoyed our time with the Vego team. From touring the farm and warehouse, to planting raised beds, to meeting other amazing creators, it was a trip we will remember for a long time.

It was inspiring, encouraging, and honestly just a lot of fun.

We came home even more thankful for the relationships we’ve built, the products we use, and the opportunity to share companies with you that we genuinely believe in.

Why We Recommend Vego

After using their products for years and now seeing more of the company behind them, I can say this with confidence: Vego is a company we are proud to support.

If you have been thinking about investing in raised beds, a greenhouse, or other garden tools that are built to last, Vego is worth looking into. Their raised beds have stood the test of time for us, their greenhouse has been a wonderful addition for our citrus, and the people behind the brand made an even bigger impression than the products themselves.

That combination is rare.

And when you find it, it is worth sharing.


Our trip to Vego Farm reminded us that the best companies are not just built on products. They are built on people, purpose, and a commitment to doing things well.

From their long-lasting raised beds to their greenhouses, potting benches, trellises, grow lights, and more, Vego has created products that truly support gardeners. But beyond that, they have built a company culture that feels good to stand behind.

That is something we value deeply.

We are grateful we got to experience it in person, and we are happy to continue sharing Vego products with our community.

If you are ready to build a garden space that is beautiful, functional, and made to last, Vego is a brand we wholeheartedly recommend.

Leave a comment

Filed under Gardening

Rooted in Renewal: Setting Goals for a Bountiful Gardening Year

As the new gardening season begins, there’s a palpable sense of hope in the air. The crisp mornings and the faint promise of budding greenery remind us that this is a time for renewal, growth, and fresh possibilities. For gardeners, it’s more than just planting seeds; it’s about planting dreams, nurturing aspirations, and fostering a connection with the earth that keeps us grounded and hopeful.

This year, my focus is on self-sufficiency—taking another step closer to producing more of what my family and I need from our own soil. It’s a goal that excites me, but it also comes with its own challenges. Being self-sufficient requires not only effort and dedication but also a good dose of planning and learning from the past.

One of my big goals this year is to keep better records. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that a well-documented garden is a productive garden. Harvest times, planting schedules, soil amendments, weather patterns—these details might seem small in the moment, but they hold the key to a more fruitful future. This season, I’m committing to jotting down notes regularly, tracking what works and what doesn’t, and using that information to make next year even better.

But let’s face it, no matter how meticulously we plan, life happens. There will be days when the to-do list feels overwhelming, when unexpected challenges pop up, or when something simply doesn’t get done. And that’s okay. This year, I’m reminding myself not to stress over the unchecked boxes or the occasional misstep. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

Gratitude is a key ingredient in this journey. Instead of focusing on what didn’t go as planned, I want to celebrate what did. The first tomato of the season, the joy of harvesting fresh herbs for dinner, the bees buzzing happily around the blossoms—these moments are treasures that deserve our attention and appreciation. When we garden with a heart full of gratitude, every harvest feels like a victory, no matter how small.

So here’s to a new season filled with promise. Let’s dig our hands into the soil, dream big, and embrace the process with patience and joy. Let’s set goals that inspire us, keep records that guide us, and allow ourselves the grace to stumble and learn along the way. And most importantly, let’s take time to marvel at the miracles that unfold in our gardens and in ourselves as we grow.

May your season be bountiful, your heart light, and your gratitude abundant. Happy gardening!

Leave a comment

Filed under Gardening

Winter Gardening Hacks by USDA Zones

In addition to the general winter gardening hacks, it’s essential to know what specific actions to take in different USDA hardiness zones, as winters vary widely across regions. Here’s a breakdown of key tasks and hacks for both perennial flower gardens and vegetable gardens, tailored for each zone.


Perennial Flower Garden Hacks by USDA Zone:

USDA Zones 3-5 (Cold Climates, Winter Temps -30°F to -20°F)

  1. When: Late Fall (October-November)
    • Mulching: Apply 4-6 inches of mulch to protect tender perennials like roses or peonies from freezing.
    • Protect with Burlap: Set up burlap barriers around shrubs like boxwoods to prevent desiccation from harsh winds.
    • Cover with Snow: Allow snow to accumulate around plants as an insulating blanket. Avoid removing it unless necessary.
    • Winter Watering: Before the ground freezes, water perennials deeply to prevent winter drought.

USDA Zones 6-7 (Mild Winters, Winter Temps 0°F to 10°F)

  1. When: Early Winter (November-December)
    • Mulching: Use a 2-3 inch mulch layer to protect the root systems of perennials, like lavender or coneflowers, from cold snaps.
    • Pruning: Prune woody perennials like hydrangeas in late winter (February-March) to encourage healthy spring growth.
    • Frost Blankets: On nights with freezing temps, cover tender perennials with frost blankets or old sheets to prevent damage.

USDA Zones 8-9 (Warm Winters, Winter Temps 10°F to 30°F)

  1. When: Late Winter (December-February)
    • Mulching: Use lighter mulching materials like pine straw to keep the soil warm, without suffocating the plants.
    • Watering: Continue occasional deep watering, as winter drought can affect growth.
    • Pruning: Early winter is the ideal time to prune roses and other flowering shrubs before they start new growth in spring.

Vegetable Garden Hacks by USDA Zone:

USDA Zones 3-5

  1. When: Late Fall (September-October)
    • Cold Frames & Row Covers: Set up cold frames or low tunnels over crops like spinach, carrots, or kale to extend the growing season into winter.
    • Mulching for Root Vegetables: Insulate root vegetables like parsnips and carrots with a thick layer of straw or leaves to prevent the soil from freezing.
    • Winter-Hardy Crops: Plant hardy crops like garlic, leeks, or winter spinach by late September to ensure they establish before the first hard frost.

USDA Zones 6-7

  1. When: Early Winter (November-December)
    • Cover Crops: Sow winter rye or hairy vetch as cover crops to protect and enrich the soil for spring planting.
    • Low Tunnels: Use low tunnels for crops like broccoli, spinach, and chard. They will continue to grow slowly under cover throughout winter.
    • Succession Planting: Plant winter crops like kale, carrots, and lettuce in October for harvest into early winter, and continue using row covers for protection.

USDA Zones 8-9

  1. When: Late Winter (December-February)
    • Winter Vegetables: Continue growing cool-season crops such as cabbage, peas, and onions without the need for heavy protection.
    • Frost Protection: In occasional frosts, use lightweight row covers to protect sensitive crops.
    • Mulching for Soil Health: Keep the soil covered with mulch, even in mild winters, to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Additional Winter Hacks for All Zones:

  1. Use Compost for Extra Heat (All Zones):
    • Build compost piles near garden beds to generate warmth from decomposing organic matter. This can raise temperatures around cold frames or perennial plants.
  2. Winter Greenhouses or Hoop Houses (Zones 3-7):
    • For zones with longer, harsher winters, consider using greenhouses or hoop houses to grow vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and herbs all winter long.
  3. Cloche Protection for Flowers and Veggies (All Zones):
    • Place cloches (glass or plastic domes) over smaller perennial flowers or winter vegetable crops to trap warmth, ideal for all USDA zones.

By focusing on zone-specific timing and protection methods, you can ensure your garden not only survives but thrives through the winter months.

Leave a comment

Filed under Gardening