a way to garden’s top garden stories of 2016

YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: I run the numbers, then share what stories you clicked on most in 2016. I’ve made two lists this time: one of the most popular things that were published all year, the other of most popular over all.

The latter includes vintage articles that thanks to strong search traffic get tens of thousands of clicks apiece (or more) each year in seeming perpetuity–beating out “new” things until some of those hopefully achieve the search-engine sweet spot, too.

Drumroll, please:

2016’s top ‘new’ thingsPower shopping the seed catalogs with Joseph Tychonievich Using native perennials in a formal border, with Mt. Cuba’s Travis Beck How to grow spinach, with Tom Stearns of High Mowing Making sourdough starter, with Sarah Owens Know your weeds, with Richard Dickinson 6 easiest orchids to grow, with Longwood’s Greg Griffis Gift ideas: roundup of stuff I actually use 3 gifts any gardener will treasure Time-tested perennials, with Kathy Tracey of Avant Gardens Meet Bob, the new “cat” in my life Getting creative with succulent hens and chicks, with Kathy Tracey of Avant Gardens Productive fall and winter vegetable gardens, with Niki Jabbour Nuisance wildlife control, with Marne Titchenell Proactive fall vegetable cleanup, with Chanticleer’s David Mattern Growing and blooming Clivia, with Longwood’s Alan Petravich 2016 hits (the classics, thanks to search traffic)The tricky matter of when to harvest garlic How to freeze parsley, chives and other herbs 10 tips on successful underplanting When to start seeds: garden calculator What to plant now for a fall vegetable garden Growing potatoes organically: how to plant, hill, harvest When inner conifer needles turn yellow or brown Slideshow: 54 top shade plants Why vegetable. Read more on awaytogarden.com