Get in Touch with The Root Bench
Have a question about growing vegetables in New England's challenging climate? Wondering if that perennial will survive a Zone 5b winter? Or maybe you've discovered a variety that thrives in clay soil and want to share your success story? I'd love to hear from you.
The Root Bench is a one-person operation run by Cameron Hayes, so while I can't respond to every message instantly, I read everything that comes through and do my best to reply to genuine inquiries within 3-5 business days.
How to Reach Me
The best way to contact The Root Bench is via email at [email protected]. This inbox is checked regularly, and it's the most reliable method to ensure your message reaches me.
What I Welcome
I'm particularly interested in hearing about:
Regional gardening questions — Specific challenges related to New England growing conditions, short seasons, late frosts, or heavy clay soil
Variety recommendations — If you've found a cultivar that performs exceptionally well in zones 5b-6b, I want to know about it
Collaboration inquiries — Partnerships with nurseries, seed companies, or gardening organizations that align with The Root Bench's no-nonsense approach
Corrections or updates — If you spot an error in any article or have updated information about plant hardiness or growing techniques
Guest post proposals — Well-researched, experience-based articles about New England gardening (please include a brief outline and your relevant background)
What I Don't Cover
To set clear expectations, The Root Bench focuses exclusively on New England gardening. I'm not able to provide detailed advice for other climate zones, and I don't accept promotional content, link exchanges, or generic gardening submissions that could apply anywhere.
I also don't offer personal garden consultations or plant identification services through email, though I'm happy to point you toward local resources that can help with those needs.
Response Time
As a working horticulturist who also maintains therootbench.com, my response time varies with the season. During the growing season (April through October), I'm often in the field and may take up to a week to respond. During the quieter winter months, I'm generally able to reply within 2-3 days.
If your question is time-sensitive — for example, you're trying to decide whether to plant something before an impending frost — please mention that in your subject line, and I'll do my best to prioritize it.
A Note on Community
The Root Bench exists because I believe New England gardeners deserve better than generic, one-size-fits-all advice written by people who've never dealt with our clay soil or watched a promising June garden get flattened by a surprise frost. Your experiences, failures, and successes in this challenging climate are valuable, and I'm always eager to learn from fellow gardeners who are doing the real work.
Whether you're a seasoned grower with decades of experience or someone who just planted their first tomato in a Zone 6a backyard, your message is welcome here. Let's figure out what actually works in New England — together.
Email: [email protected]