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 […]
We all get hungry and need nourishment to live. Plants, too. Plants in the ground might get by without food, but for container plants, it is essential. Food and water—take Goldilocks’s advice: not too much, not too little, just right. So, let’s take a look at what’s on the menu for our plant babies. Fertilizer […]
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! When you see certain words, run the other direction as they generally indicate you are looking at a plant thug. Those are the plants that look good at first but threaten your sanity in a year or two. You can find these at garden centers all over. The plant might be ornamental […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I would have to say spring has officially sprung in my backyard. I can see ducks in the little creek that flows when it rains. The snow has melted and the warmth of the sun has given way to so many native plants starting to unfurl their leaves and reach out to touch the sun. […]
QUICK AND EASY BIRDHOUSE Supplies: 1 plastic milk jug 30 inches of thick string or very thin rope. Directions: Reattach cap. Cut a 2-inch hole in the side of the jug about 2 inches from the bottom. Make a small hole (slightly bigger than the diameter of your string) on each side of the top […]
Winter is also hard on our feathered friends. This month they are struggling to find resources to stay alive after February’s bitter cold and snow. Birds do have a variety of coping methods for survival. Some grow additional feathers for warmth. Others fluff up their feathers to create air pockets for insulation. Some are like […]