Gardening Advice
October 8, 2020
Good Gourd! What’s with the bumpy, weird-looking decorative squash? We get many questions about growing and curing our gourds. (Did you know that the luffa sponge is a gourd?) See different types of gourds to plant in the spring—or, find some “gourdgeous” gourds this fall and save their seeds!
What are Gourds?
Gourds are among the oldest cultivated plants. They were the early water bottles of the Egyptians, and have been used for utensils, storage containers, and dippers for centuries.... more
September 28, 2020
If you are searching for the right flowering tree or shrub to add pizzazz to your landscape, check out these three groups of plants—magnolia, dogwood, and viburnum—and you will not be disappointed.
I. Magnolia Trees
There are more than 100 species in the genus Magnolia, some native to North America and others from Asia. They are often thought of as a southern plant, but there are varieties for northern gardens, too! Indeed, there is a magnolia for most of the country, from the Northeast to... more
September 28, 2020
If this was your first year growing garden fruits and vegetables, you probably have found that much of your homegrown produce does not look like what you see in the store. Don’t be discouraged! It is what’s on the inside that counts! Learn more about that “ugly” produce.
Experienced gardeners know that imperfect produce is actually more normal and natural than the grocery store specimens which are often aesthetically perfect.
There is nothing wrong with twin-rooted carrots, even though they... more
September 28, 2020
Grab the bounty of fresh herbs while you can—and let’s dry those leaves for tea. It’s simple. See both how to dry your herbs and also how to make a good cup of herbal tea!
If you grew some of the plants mentioned in the Calming Herbs post from this spring, hopefully you have been enjoying them in iced and hot teas over the summer. Even though fall is here, the party doesn’t have to end.
Chamomile, lemon verbena, lemon balm, and any of the mints—peppermint, orange mint, and spearmint—are all... more
September 28, 2020
Fall is the best time to plant shrubs. As the gardening season winds down, it’s the last call for filling in those bare spots in your landscaping with a shrub or two. Discover six shrubs that add those beloved colors of autumn right in your own yard with a beautiful fall garden.
Many gardeners prefer autumn to any other season. The heat and humidity of summer have passed, biting insects are gone, and the leaves of many plants paint the landscape with bold strokes of red, yellow, orange, and... more
September 23, 2020
How do you cut back perennials? Some can be cut down after the first killing frost; others can be left to help birds and beneficial insects during the winter months. Let’s talk about which perennials to tackle, which to leave, how to cut back perennials properly, and other ways to prepare your perennials for winter so they survive and thrive next spring.
When to Cut Back Perennials
After several hard frosts, many herbaceous perennials have old foliage and dying stems. It’s a good time to cut... more
September 23, 2020
In the autumn, let’s not be in a hurry to cut down plants that have interesting seed heads. The birds fully appreciate having a smorgasbord of seeds to choose from and we love watching them! Listed here are plants that have great seed heads for birds.
While bird feeders are always nice, wild birds like to forage for their own bird food. Plants with seed heads not only provide nourishment but also and nesting material. Leave them until spring.
Flower arrangers and florists also know the value... more
September 22, 2020
Why not try your hand at creating a terrarium? These miniature gardens under glass have been experiencing a revival—and we can see why. It’s a mini ecosystem at work. An entire forest in a jar! Learn how to make a terrarium in five steps—to bring joy all winter long.
What Are Terrariums?
Originally popularized during the Victorian era, terrariums have made a big comeback. A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem made of soil, rocks, and plants arranged in closed glass jar or container. They are... more
September 21, 2020
Days are getting shorter, nights are getting colder, and in many parts of the country, frost is just around the corner. Now what do we do with all those fresh tomatoes? Whether your tomatoes split, are green, or just need to get picked before frost, I’ll show you how to roast tomatoes and other delicious ways to use your tomatoes!
Rescuing Imperfect Tomatoes
Tomatoes do not need to be those perfect, round (and often tasteless) specimens you find in the grocery store. Don’t throw a tomato... more
September 17, 2020
With fall’s arrival, the flowering plants are slowing down. If you have a favorite annual flower (or perennial) that bloomed beautifully, save their seeds to plant next year! Here’s how to save flower seeds.
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 this lets you pass along a successful plant. Save seeds of any flower... 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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