Gardening Advice
November 11, 2021
Everyone has heard of fast food, but Thanksgiving is a time to think about "slow food." No, I don't mean the bad service that you get at your favorite greasy spoon.
Slow Food is a worldwide movement that celebrates the pleasure of fresh, local food and traditional cooking. Promoted as an alternative to fast food, it strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and encourages farming of…
November 9, 2021
What winter weather is in store for us? Our ancestors lived close to the land, and by observing the natural world they learned to predict what the seasons would bring. Clouds, birds, animals, and plants all provided clues.
Clouds, birds, animals, and plants all provided clues. Proverbs, sayings, folk predictions, and superstitions were passed down through generations of hunters…
November 5, 2021
The emerald ash borer has hit my area hard and all the ash trees close to our house have been affected. The trunk was too large for our chainsaw, and the 5 other trees, though smaller, were too close to the house for us to safely take down. Time to call in the experts! So, what is an arborist and what do they do that is so special and often very expensive?
One of our trees is a…
November 3, 2021
Hydroponics sounds complicated, but it just means growing plants in water instead of soil. Great for small spaces! Once you're set up, hydroponics is easier than farming (no weeding, pests, etc.) and provides great yields. Learn the basics of hydroponic gardening for beginners—and how to get started!
What is Hydroponics?
The word hydroponics comes from the Greek for “working with water," and…
October 26, 2021
Even though the basil enjoyed an extra-long growing season this year, I am not ready for the party to end. I plan to keep my basil pots alive indoors to extend their life as long as possible! Here are tips on how to care for your basil indoors and keep that taste of summer (and the pesto!) going.
The basil plants in the garden were spectacular this year. I think the key was…
October 20, 2021
It’s time to think about our feathered friends. It takes more than just hanging a feeder or two. Small birds eat constantly during the day and they need to be able to find food 365 days a year. Here are five tips for making your backyard more bird-friendly.
Why Help Our Birds?
Just being outside in the garden surrounded by birdsong is a wonderful way to spend the day. Listening…
October 18, 2021
When the weather gets cold, the inside air can get desert-dry. That’s fine for the succulents. They are survivors. As long as they have a warm sunny spot they love the dry conditions. See top succulent plants for those home.
Succulents are not one plant family but a wide variety of plants from many families that have the ability to store water for long periods of time. You…
October 12, 2021
When you are shopping for spring-flowering bulbs this fall, keep an eye out for shallot sets. As you plant your garlic, make room for some of these tasty little onions, too. You can even interplant them in your flower bed alongside the tulip, crocus, and hyacinth bulbs. Their oniony odor can keep rodents at bay while giving you early shallots to enjoy.
What are Shallots?
Think of…
October 12, 2021
You can find fun gourds at markets in the fall. So what's with these bumpy, weird-looking squash? Are pumpkins a gourd? Can you eat a gourd? How do you grow gourds? See different types of "gourdgeous" gourds—from bottle gourds to snake gourds to luffas.
What Are Gourds?
Gourds (Cucurbitaceae) are among the oldest cultivated plants. They were the early water bottles of the…
October 11, 2021
If you can’t visit the tropics, try growing your own citrus trees in containers! Dwarf citrus varieties will grow year-round if kept in the right conditions. They all bear edible fruit and have glossy, evergreen leaves and delicious-smelling flowers. (The scent is heavenly!) Learn how to care for your indoor citrus trees.
There are many kinds of citrus that work well as container…
October 11, 2021
Do you know your winter squash? The squash is part of American history, having started as a native vegetable grown by the Wampanoag. Today, there are dozens of squash varieties, ranging in shape, size, and color! They're so convenient because they will last many weeks (or months) and easily worked into so many dishes. Here's a quick guide to our favorite types of squash for eating and…
October 8, 2021
As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.
A Long History of Gardening
Gourds, beans, and peppers were being cultivated in Mexico by 5,500 BC, and by 5,000 BC, maize was…