Every July, I stop looking at garden centers and start looking at my own garden differently. This year, I'm testing six summer perennials to see which are easiest to propagate and documenting what happens along the way.

The first Test Garden harvests are in, but not everything followed the plan. From peas and broccoli raab to mystery pests, patient flowers, and lessons learned along the way, here's what this season has been teaching me.

Every gardener eventually runs out of room. Then comes the harder task: deciding what stays, what goes, and who gets the extras.

The trays have finally stopped looking like scattered seedlings and started revealing their personalities.

Early spring is when you learn that “rabbit-resistant” does not mean immune.

There’s a point, about a week in, when the trays stop making sense. Some seedlings are already reaching for the light. Others look the same as the day you planted them.

A first look at the Test Garden — what I’m growing from seed, the setup, and what’s starting to take shape.

Yes, deer will eat hydrangeas, especially certain types, but the damage isn’t always obvious at first glance.

Every packet promises possibility. Not every seed delivers.

Pre-emergent works by preventing weed seeds, like crabgrass, from germinating. Timing is what matters.

Most hydrangea pruning mistakes start with one simple question: Which hydrangea do you have?

These are the plants that have actually survived deer and rabbits, and how I manage stubborn wildlife in my garden.

A good garden, like a good wardrobe, is built around a few pieces that do their job beautifully.