News & Articles | Organic Growers School

To achieve a thriving garden worthy of a humble-brag, healthy soil is number one. However, even great soil can cause problems if the pH is off. Soil pH affects how well plants take in nutrients. If your plants look droopy or their leaves turn yellow, the issue might be a pH imbalance, not a nutrient deficiency.

Even in areas that normally get a lot of rain, gardeners in WNC are noticing longer dry spells, hotter springs and summers, and lots of unpredictable weather. Droughts have always happened, but now they occur at different times, last longer, and feel more intense.

Food connects us to land, culture, and community. At Organic Growers School’s 2026 Spring Conference, the Cooking Track returns—offering immersive, hands-on culinary experiences.

After a year when Helene-impacted programming limited our cooking offerings, we’re returning in 2026 with renewed energy and a though...

Dear OGS,
Several growers have recently asked about preparing cold frames for winter weather. What steps should be taken to protect crops and infrastructure through the colder months?

— Sarah - Asheville, NC

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Dear Sarah,

This is an excellent time of year to finalize cold frame preparations, though good planning begins m...

Dear OGS,

I heard that the time to plant garlic is in the fall. If that’s true, how do I plant it?

— Roger

Asheville, NC

Dear Roger,

Garlic is best planted in the fall and harvested the following summer, around mid-July. Spring-planted garlic will grow, but the bulbs typically ...