Articles for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Gardening & Plant Care
Practical guides to help you grow with confidence. From seed starting to seasonal care, learn what works — and why.
Outdoor Design & Sustainability
Smart ideas for beautiful, lasting outdoor spaces. Built with natural materials and responsible choices in mind.
Garden to Table
Simple ways to enjoy what you grow. Recipes, preserving tips, and ideas that carry your harvest from garden to plate.
Companion Planting
By pairing plants thoughtfully, you can create a balanced, productive garden with fewer chemicals and more natural support.
Planning your Spring Garden
To start your spring garden, its important to plan ahead and get ready for the growing season.
Gardening & Plant Care
Companion Planting: Simple Pairings for a Healthier Garden
Growing the Right Plants Together Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants near each other to support growth, improve flavor, or help reduce common garden challenges. While it’s not a strict formula, thoughtful pairings can encourage a more balanced and productive garden. Why Companion Planting Works Different plants offer different benefits. Some attract pollinators, others may help deter insects, and some simply grow well without competing for nutrients. When plants are thoughtfully arranged, your garden can feel fuller and more naturally supported. Easy Companion Plant Pairings If you’re just getting started, these simple combinations are easy to try: Tomatoes + BasilA classic pairing. Basil fits neatly around tomato plants and adds variety to the bed. Carrots + OnionsThese grow well side by side and make efficient use of space. Lettuce + RadishesRadishes grow quickly and can be harvested before lettuce fully matures. Cucumbers + NasturtiumsNasturtiums add color and can help draw attention away from vegetables. Mixing Heights and Growth Styles Companion planting also works visually. Combining upright plants with leafy greens or trailing varieties creates layers in your garden bed. This not only supports plant health but adds dimension and interest. Elevated planters make it especially easy to organize pairings and keep combinations contained. Keep It Simple Companion planting doesn’t require memorizing complex charts. Starting with just one or two pairings can help you observe what works well in your space. Pro Tip: Try adding herbs throughout your garden beds. Many blend easily with vegetables and support pollinator activity. Companion planting is about thoughtful combinations, not rigid rules. With a little experimentation, you can create a garden that feels balanced, productive, and naturally vibrant.
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How Elevated Planters Help Reduce Garden Pests
How raised planters can help reduce common garden pests.
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How Often Should You Water a Garden Bed?
Keep your garden bed healthy with proper watering.
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Outdoor Design & Sustainability
Why We Use Cedar (And Why Retailers Like Costco Agree)
Every Choice Tells a Story I used to think buying a planter was just about picking a size and hoping I didn’t kill the basil. But somewhere along the way, I realized that every backyard choice we make—every material, every design—has a ripple effect. That’s why at CedarCraft, we don’t just use cedar. We believe in it. Deeply. Cedar isn’t just beautiful and durable—it’s also the heart of our sustainability mission. And as it turns out, that mission is shared by some pretty big names… including Costco, and our other retail partner. More on that in a bit. The Roots of CedarCraft: Born From a Road Trip and a Really Good Idea Let me tell you a little story. In the early 2000s, our founders, Glen and Carol, found themselves at a crossroads. Literally, unsure of what came next, they hit the road in search of meaning, wood, and maybe a better way to make a living. Carol had noticed cedar grilling planks popping up at places like Williams-Sonoma. What if they could make those planks more accessible and ensure they came from responsible, sustainable sources? Their search led them through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, eventually landing at Gorman Bros. Lumber, a sustainable mill in British Columbia known for its commitment to forest stewardship. The match? Perfect. The mission? Clear. Repurposed With Purpose: From Smart Sourcing to Stunning Design At CedarCraft, sustainability doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means making smart, intentional choices—like sourcing solid cedar from responsibly managed forests and working with partners who prioritize forest health over fast profits. While our story began with finding ways to use rescued wood, today we proudly use sustainably sourced cedar to craft our signature pieces—including our self-watering elevated cedar planters and the beautifully designed Bali Pergola. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to reducing waste, maximizing material use, and creating products that honor the forests they come from. Why Western Red Cedar? Sustainability You Can See—And Smell We choose Western Red Cedar for a lot of good reasons. It’s naturally rot-resistant, chemical-free, and weathers like a dream—making it ideal for outdoor planters, pergolas, and raised beds. No pressure-treated mystery materials here. Just real wood that’s built to last (and smells amazing) But cedar isn’t just a pretty face. It’s part of a bigger promise. Our cedar is sourced from responsibly managed forests across North America, primarily in Canada and the northern U.S. Working with trusted partners like Gorman Bros.—a leader in FSC® and PEFC-certified practices—means our supply chain stays close to home and focused on forest health. CedarCraft supports local jobs in Canada and the US, reduces transportation emissions, and keeps quality at the forefront. When you grow vegetables, flowers, or herbs in one of our self-watering elevated cedar planters, or lounge under a Bali Pergola, you’re not just investing in your outdoor space—you’re backing a whole system built on responsible forestry and thoughtful design. Growing Forests, Not Just Tomatoes: Our Partnership with the National Forest Foundation - Here’s something we’re truly proud of: CedarCraft supports the National Forest Foundation’s reforestation efforts across the U.S. to helps restore ecosystems, fight climate change, and bring life back to damaged lands. Further, we believe in third-party accountability. That’s why our materials are PEFC- certified—a globally respected sustainability standard. PEFC Quick Guide Forests are managed to the highest environmental, social & economic standards Materials are traceable through the entire supply chain PEFC products meet procurement and sustainability expectations Supports the long-term health of forest ecosystems globally Look for the PEFC label—it’s more than a symbol, it’s a promise. Honored to Be Aligned: Our Shared Values with Costco CedarCraft is proud to be an honored seller at Costco, and not just because they have great snacks. Costco partners with brands that meet high standards for sustainability, quality, and integrity. We’re proud to be one of them. This partnership is about more than shelves and barcodes—it’s about shared values. Values that put people and the planet first. Direct From Us, Direct From the Source When you shop with us at Cedarcraft.com, you get the full CedarCraft experience—stories, sourcing, impact, and all. From our Bali 8x8 Cedar Pergola to our best-selling self-watering elevated planters, we make it easy to bring sustainability home. Everyday Sustainability: Tips for a Greener Backyard Sustainability doesn’t stop at checkout. Here are five simple ways to keep the mission going at home: Collect rainwater to hydrate your garden naturally Compost leaves and veggie scraps to feed your soil Mulch your clippings to keep soil cool and hydrated Look for certified products (like PEFC or FSC) when shopping It’s not about perfection—it’s about momentum. From Mischelle: Beauty With Purpose I have two teenage boys. I’d love to leave them a world that’s not so polluted they need an inhaler to play tennis—that’s assuming I don’t strangle them before they graduate. So yeah, sustainability matters to me. Not just as a feel-good buzzword, but as a way of pushing back—one planter, one pergola, one conscious choice at a time. If you’re here for beauty and purpose, you’re in the right place. Explore our self-watering plantersCheck out the Bali Pergola Together, let’s build something that lasts—naturally.
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Using Planters to Define Outdoor Spaces
How planters can shape and organize your outdoor space.
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Add Shade and Comfort to your Outdoor Space
Simple and intentional design ideas to add shade to your backyard.
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From Garden to Table - Recipes & More
Creamy Cashew Pesto
There’s something about fresh basil that feels like summer in a bowl. Bright. Fragrant. Just a little wild. This creamy cashew pesto is rich, smooth, and surprisingly versatile. It’s not just for pasta (though it’s excellent there). Spread it on grilled vegetables, swirl it into soups, spoon it over chicken, or use it as a sandwich spread. Why Cashews? Traditional pesto uses pine nuts, but roasted cashews bring: · A naturally creamy texture · A slightly sweet, buttery flavor · A more budget-friendly option · Easy substitutions (almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well) The result is a silky pesto that blends beautifully and feels almost luxurious. Ingredients · 3 cups fresh basil leaves (packed) · 1 ¼ cups roasted cashews (or any nut you prefer) · 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese · 1 tablespoon sugar · 4–6 cloves garlic (depending on your love of garlic) · ¼ cup fresh lemon juice · ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar · ⅛ cup water · ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil · Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Add all ingredients to a food processor. 2. Blend for 6–8 minutes (or longer if needed) until completely smooth and creamy. 3. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure no chunks remain. 4. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, lemon, or garlic to your preference. 5. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Tips for the Creamiest Texture · Blend longer than you think you need to. Cashews take a few extra minutes to become silky smooth. · If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. · For ultra-smooth pesto, soak cashews in warm water for 15–20 minutes before blending. Storage Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To help preserve the vibrant green color, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing. Freezes well for up to 2 months.If you make this, don’t be surprised if half of it “disappears” during the tasting phase. That’s just quality control.
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BBQ Spice Rub
This bold BBQ spice rub builds a savory crust on brisket, ribs, pork, and vegetables—especially when paired with a True Fire Cedar Grill Plank for subtle smoky sweetness.
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Pesto-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
The real magic happens when creamy pesto meets tender pork and a hint of cedar smoke. This simple, budget-friendly cut transforms into a feast with just a few ingredients and the unmistakable aroma of grilling on a cedar plank. Ingredients · 1 pork tenderloin · 1 cup creamy cashew pesto (see recipe) · 1 cup crumbled feta (or mozzarella) · Optional: fresh spinach or other vegetables · Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Soak the plank: Submerge a True Fire Cedar Grill Plank in water for at least 2 hours. For added flavor, try soaking it in apple cider vinegar or wine. 2. Prep the pork: Butterfly the tenderloin by cutting lengthwise down one side (not all the way through), then the other side, until it opens flat. 3. Fill it up: Spread pesto inside, sprinkle with cheese, and add spinach if desired. Roll it back up and secure with toothpicks. Season the outside with salt and pepper. 4. Grill: Place the tenderloin on the soaked grill plank, set it on the grill, and close the lid. Cook 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (pork safe temperature is 145°F, so remove it 5 degrees early). 5. Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy. The Backyard Payoff The True Fire Cedar Grill Plank keeps the pork moist, adds a subtle sweetness, and fills the backyard with that irresistible cedar aroma. Kids devour it. Dogs beg shamelessly under the table. And the scent alone might have the neighbors wondering where that herby, garlicky, smoky goodness is coming from. Here’s to backyard feasts on a budget and the simple joy of cooking outdoors.
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Gerdening Adventures Blog
How Redoing Our Backyard Brought Our Family Together
For most of the 48 years we’ve lived here, half of our backyard wasn’t really ours. We used the space like it was ours, but technically it was theirs. And because of that, we never really did much with it. There was always this feeling in the background that one day, half of what felt like our backyard could disappear. It’s hard to get too attached to a space when you’re never quite sure how long you’ll have it. Then our neighbor finally sold their house. Developers came in, redid the property, and put up a fence right on the actual property line. Just like that, everything changed. The guessing was over. The line was clear. For the first time, the yard was really ours. That is what kicked all of this off. At first, it was just the fence. But once the fence went up, it felt like something shifted. We started looking at the yard differently. Not like this vague in-between space we had never fully claimed, but like something we could finally care about. Something we could shape. Something we could make nicer, more useful, and honestly, more us. And that is when one project turned into about ten. Everyone helped put up our cedar fence, and from there the whole thing sort of snowballed. The fence made us start thinking about the yard. The yard made us think about how we wanted to use the space. Then came the cement deck, the plants, the rocks, the mulch, the borders, the elevated planters, and what feels like at least a hundred trips to the local DIY store. It was a lot. It was messy. It was dusty. It was not always efficient. But it was ours. What I did not expect was how much it would bring our family together. My husband’s older son moved in with us, and he and his dad had been separated for years with pretty limited interaction. Life had created a lot of distance there. But somewhere in the middle of this backyard project, they found themselves working side by side. Planning and laying a cement deck. Moving things. Figuring things out. Planting, spreading rocks, making decisions, solving problems. Just being in it together. And sometimes that is how closeness starts coming back. Not always through some big emotional conversation. Sometimes families come back together not around a table, but around a yard. Around a garden. Around the kind of work that gives everybody something to do with their hands while the relationship quietly starts mending a little in the background. That is what this season has felt like for us. The kids got involved too, which made it even better. What could have just been another house project slowly turned into something shared. Everybody had a part in it. Everybody had opinions. Everybody helped. And even though there were still the usual project moments, changing plans, extra store runs, little frustrations, there was also something really good happening underneath all of it. My piece of it was the side yard. I worked with my boys to plan the process, take measurements, set up borders, and lay mulch. We talked through ideas, figured things out as we went, and made more trips to the DIY store than I even want to count. My son even helped choose the plants for the elevated planters, which made me smile. It was one of those small moments that probably would not seem like a big deal to anybody else, but to me it was. It felt like one more little thread being woven into this whole thing. That is probably what I keep coming back to. Yes, we are redoing the backyard. Yes, we are making it prettier and more functional. Yes, we are adding garden spaces and trying to make it feel more intentional than it ever has before. But underneath all of that, we are also making a place for our family to happen. A yard can just be a yard. A garden can just be another thing to take care of. But when people work on it together, it starts becoming more than that. It becomes a place where conversations happen more easily. It gives teenagers a reason to show up and help. It gives parents and kids something to build side by side. It gives people who have been distant a way to get a little closer without having to force all the words first. That has been the unexpected gift of all of this. We started because the yard was finally ours, and for the first time, it felt worth investing in. But what has made it meaningful is not just how it looks. It is what has happened while we have been building it. The fence. The deck. The rocks. The mulch. The planters. The plants. The measuring. The mistakes. The store runs. All of it has turned this into more than a backyard project. It has turned it into shared ground. The backyard is still a work in progress. There is still more to do, more to plant, more to shape, and definitely more store runs in our future. But it already feels different now. Not just because it looks different, but because of what has happened here. We thought we were fixing up the yard. What we were really doing was growing into it together. Mischelle is a writer, backyard hopeful, and everyday gardener who loves creating outdoor spaces that feel warm, useful, and inviting. She writes about gardening, family, and the simple ways a backyard can become a place to grow, gather, and slow down.
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How to Prepare Your CedarCraft Elevated Planter for Planting
If you are new to elevated gardening, planter setup can feel like one more thing to figure out, but it is actually pretty simple. Start by placing the funnel into the fill tube so it is ready for the final watering step. Use a raised garden or elevated garden soil mix, since it creates a lighter, healthier space for roots to grow. As you add the soil, moisten it as you go so the planter starts out evenly prepared for planting. After that, smooth the top, make room for your plants, and get them settled in. The last step is filling the reservoir with water using the funnel, which helps the planter provide steady moisture and makes the whole setup easier to manage.
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Companion Plants That Actually Make Sense for Everyday Gardener
Companion planting does not have to be complicated to be useful. In this post, we take a practical look at companion plants that actually make sense for everyday gardeners — especially those growing in planters and raised beds. Instead of relying on confusing charts, this article focuses on herbs and flowers that may help deter pests, attract pollinators, and support a healthier garden overall. From marigolds and chives to nasturtiums and dill, it explains not just what to plant, but why these pairings work. With a personal story, real-life examples, and a realistic approach to protecting plants like basil, this post makes companion planting feel approachable, helpful, and worth trying.
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