Tomatoes are vines, so it’s natural to grow them up. This not only saves garden space but also keeps plants healthy. Tomato diseases live in the soil. Fruit rotting on the ground invites slugs. And wouldn’t you rather eat that tomato than accidentally step on it? How do we grow up? Here are a few ideas. BUY … Read more
Obtain 5-gallon plastic bucket Cut 2” hole in center of bottom Also cut 5-6 ¼” holes in the bottom for drainage Place bucket right side up on two sawhorses Place a coffee filter or sheet of paper at bottom of bucket Cut slit in sheet of paper and slide it under root ball (inside bucket) … Read more
Native plants often have a reputation for being “aggressive”, “thuggish”, or “weedy”. Sometimes this reputation is earned. Common milkweed, for example, is great for monarchs, but can be a real pain for a gardener to try to control (only plant this particular variety if you have lots of space and an informal style!). And it … Read more
So, you’ve been considering container gardening. Let’s think a bit more specifically about what it takes to create a spectacular pot. You don’t need professional help or specialty plants—Just take a walk down the aisles of your favorite garden center this spring and choose wisely. Plan the structure of your pot. The easiest way is … Read more
Container gardening is easy, fun and accessible to anyone. A huge space is not necessary to garden, not even a yard. All you need is a patio, a deck or even a front stoop. With a few containers you can create your own little oasis with little cash outlay. You can even grow veggies or … Read more
Nothing is so beautiful as Spring— When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush… Gerard Manley Hopkins The weeds have arrived. Are we celebrating their beauty? In my garden they preceded the snowdrops. I’m not sure they ever really left. While weeds compete with desired plants for space and nutrients—and we do battle—you … Read more
May is a wonderful month because it brings warmth and sunshine into the garden. You are now putting plants into the garden and reaping the rewards with blooms and vegetables. Exercising—Continue exercising so your legs and arms can safely handle the workload. Bulbs—Allow bulb leaves to die naturally so the bulbs receive the sun’s energy … Read more
As the days get warmer, I start dreaming about a summer vacation. Often, my family will pack up and set off in our pop-up camper to stay a few nights in one of our national or state parks. The natural places in our country hold so much beauty! This year we probably won’t be heading … Read more
What is the most popular fruit grown in our home gardens? You know it as a tomato. Botanically it is a fruit as are zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, beans and peas. Nutritionists call them all vegetables, mainly because we eat them as savory dishes. But by whatever classification, a tomato is what so many of us … Read more
Transplanting a plant into the garden soil is a fairly easy task. Items you will need include a trowel (or shovel for larger plants), compost soil, starter fertilizer and water. These steps are geared to planting a perennial, but the same is true for an annual plant. Let’s look at this project step by step: … Read more