Gardening Advice
July 30, 2021
Every year I am faced with the same dilemma: how to tell if a watermelon is ripe. Muskmelons are easy—they will slip right off the vine at the peak of perfection. However, watermelons remain firmly attached even when they are overripe.
I am no good at the “thump” test. Old-timers swear that they know when a watermelon is ripe just by rapping it with a knuckle. If the sound is low-pitched, hollow, and deep like a drum it is ready. Johnny’s Seed Company explains further to say that it should... more
July 21, 2021
To pinch or not to pinch? This is a garden question that is frequently asked as plants start to grow out of control during the summer. Find out what it means to pinch plants, which vegetables can (and should) be pinched, and how to pinch tomatoes, basil, peppers, and other plants that can benefit from a little mid-season pruning.
What Does It Mean to Pinch a Plant?
What do we mean by “pinching” and how is it different from clipping or pruning? Essentially, they are three different words for the... more
July 21, 2021
While 93% of the West is in some level of drought, other regions are being inundated with rain. After a hot dry June in my neck of the woods, we got 3 times our monthly rainfall in the first 2 weeks of July and another 3 inches just yesterday! What’s a wet gardener to do? See 7 tips to manage your garden after too much rain.
We were lucky to only get 3 inches of rain this time. Nearby towns had over 5 inches in 24 hours. We keep hoping for a few hot, sunny days to dry things out, but more cool... more
July 21, 2021
Water your garden wisely, especially in the heat of summer or in areas with drought. See 12 ways to avoid wasting water in the yard and garden—and help your plants survive and even thrive!
An inch of water a week, is that too much to ask for? It doesn’t seem like much but that is the optimum amount for growing most vegetables and ornamentals. If you spread that inch of water out over a 10x10 foot space it equals 62 gallons! What’s a gardener to do, especially when some areas have restricted or... more
July 19, 2021
Summer is here, and with it come more flowers to enjoy. But don’t forget deadheading—the removal of spent blossoms. Regular deadheading encourages many plants to flower for longer. Here are four reasons to keep up with this chore—plus, tips on how to deadhead flowers.
1. Prolong the Bloom
Removing spent flowerheads is one of the best ways to extend the show. By not allowing your flowering plants to set seeds they will keep producing more flowers. Their mission is not to provide you with beauty... more
July 19, 2021
Dry it, you’ll like it! Drying fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers is so satisfying! It’s flavorful, economic, long-lasting, and one of the best ways to retain nutritional value. Yes, I do recommend one special kitchen tool (a dehydrator), but it’s easily worthwhile and foolproof. After all, you only need one ingredient!
Usually tomatoes are a big seller for us at the farmers’ markets, but last week we brought home several pints of ‘Chadwick’ and ‘Sungold’ cherries, some tiny... more
July 5, 2021
Calendula does it all: attracts pollinators, repels pests, has healing properties, and is edible! This cheerful yellow and orange flower is not only calming to my spirit, but also makes a great cutting flower. See all the reasons calendula (also called pot marigold) is one of my favorite flowers.
Benefits of Calendula
Included in a mixed bouquet, calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers are sure to gladden the hearty of the recipient. Irresistible waves of bright yellow and orange daisy-like... more
July 3, 2021
I used to be a snob of sorts when it came to my garden palette, preferring cool blues and purples mixed with pinks, white, and pale yellow. I had very little red and no orange, thank you—except for the tawny daylilies.
There were just too many of them to even think about replacing them with another color. When seed shopping, I would avoid any description that could be interpreted as orange. You know how they like to trick us by calling a flower apricot, tangerine, salmon, or peach.
They... more
July 3, 2021
If you have grown a flower that has a beautiful bloom or aroma, you’ll want to plant that flower again! Save its seeds and that single flower can generate dozens or even hundreds more! See how to save a flower’s seeds to plant again—and which flowers are best for seed-saving.
Why Save Flower Seeds
Saving seeds can simply help us grow better plants. If you have grown a flower with desirable traits, you’ll want to plant that flower again! We also know that planting flowers can be hit or miss, so... more
July 2, 2021
I say “tomayto” and you say “tomahto” but however you say it, tomato time is here! Along with the luscious fruits that we gardeners await, we have the tomato disorders and diseases that the flesh is heir to—tomato flesh that is.
Blossom-End Rot
In my area, we have had enough rainfall this summer so no problems with blossom-end rot this year. This usually begins as a sunken spot on the blossom end of the fruit which turns black and leathery as it grows larger. Often you don’t notice it until you... more
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Get inspired by Robin Sweetser’s backyard gardening tips and tricks. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer’s Market.
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