This issue of Garden Culture focuses on one of the most widely discussed concepts in cultivation: crop steering. Whether you work on a small indoor setup at home or you manage a full commercial facility, plant steering is all about understanding your plant’s signals and giving it the right push at the right moment. While there’s no single perfect approach, seeking expert guidance can help you avoid common mistakes.
This edition gathers some of the sharpest minds in the industry to help you master that process. Our featured author, Tyler Simmons from Front Row Ag, dives into the idea of the root zone as your primary joystick. His article breaks down irrigation and EC tools in a way that demystifies the data and brings the whole concept back to plant behaviour.
If you have ever wondered how foliar feeding fits into a steering plan, Av Singh brings clarity with his piece on canopy nutrition and the future of foliar fertilisers. For growers working in organic containers, Everest Fernandez explains how to steer plants by working with the soil rather than fighting it. And for those looking toward the next frontier, Colin Bell, PhD, introduces microbial plant steering and how biology can guide growth in ways that synthetic controls never could.
I hope these articles help you achieve your gardening goals. If you do try something new from this edition, please let us know.
Crop steering isn’t complicated! These 5 tools help you manage VPD, lighting, irrigation, pH, and plant training for stronger, more resilient crops.
Switching from hydro to soil? Learn how organic container systems and living soil changes plant steering, feedback loops, and grower intuition.
Part 1 explained why plants respond to controlled water stress. Part 2 shows you how to control that stress through irrigation and why it matters for your bottom line.
The 2026 Growing Season is focused on simpler, more authentic gardens, highlighting “lemonading.”
In Viseu, Portugal, Projeto Origens responds to the climate emergency with nature-based and community initiatives.
Gardener Georgette Sunderland believes in the power of nature and includes it in all of her gorgeous wallpaper designs. Her work is inspiring and restorative!
