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
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
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
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. … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
To protect our precious plants and our environment we look for safe and natural ways to garden. Oil-based pesticides are an effective and ecologically friendly way to handle many insect pests and even some diseases. Various oils have been used for centuries. They remain an important tool to manage certain pest problems (e.g. scales, aphids, … Read more
Although we hope winter is on the wane, several more inches of snow are possible. Believe it or not, we should be grateful for snow! It not only insulates plants from cold but also from early warmth that could trick them into growing too soon. Consider it a down jacket for your precious plants. We … Read more