I’ve Got All My Veggies Planted, Now What? After all the hard work of getting my veggies into the ground, it’s tempting to kick back and relax. But the job isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty to do to ensure my garden thrives. Here’s what I’ll be focusing on next: Keep Up with Weeding Right … Read more
I have a raised bed at the front of my yard, just under a large maple tree. I used to grow impatiens there. They did great in the shade; however, they are thirsty little plants. By mid-summer, I was having to water every single solitary day—and if it was a little on the hot and … Read more
This time of year, I watch the birds. I also feed them. Because there aren’t many insects available over the winter, most birds that winter here are seed eaters. Some seeds are better than others, however. Seeds and nuts with a higher fat content are best for winter feeding—black oil sunflower seeds and even peanuts. … Read more
When to Plant October is a good time for planting most bulbs. The exception is tulips, which should be planted in November—they like to be planted in cooler soil. To store them until time to plant, keep them in a paper (never plastic) bag at an average room temperature. You do not need to chill. … Read more
I’ve had so many customers come in recently with tomatoes in their hands or pictures of tomatoes on their phones because they have a problem with the fruit. With so many customers having tomato-growing challenges, I’m reposting this updated blog from last summer. If you’re growing tomatoes, here is a list of what you may … Read more
One of the things I enjoy most in my wildlife-friendly yard is watching the fireflies. What kid hasn’t run around their backyard at dusk chasing fireflies? When I was a kid, I remember summer evenings at my grandparents’ house. My grandparents, my parents, sometimes my favorite aunt and uncle, all sat on the front porch … Read more
Can You Eat Flowers? (Yes, and Here’s How!) One thing I get asked a lot is about edible flowers. I’m usually too busy growing, weeding, watering, and feeding mine to think about eating them—but I do have a few that I have been known to nibble from time to time. Some are used more as … Read more
I’ve had several customers inquire recently about what to do about birds in their newly planted veggie gardens. You ask and we answer! Here are a few tips: Tips to Keep Birds Out of Your Garden Birds Aren’t Stupid Scarecrows work pretty well for several days. Birds are smart enough to figure out that the … Read more
I’ve had a lot of customers looking for a chemical-free way to control weeds. It can be done. Here’s how! 7 Ways to Control Weeds Without Chemicals The best defense is a good offense Keep your lawn healthy by fertilizing, watering, and overseeding in the fall. Mowing high, taller grass can shade tiny weed seeds … Read more
What would spaghetti sauce be without the warm, savory flavor of basil? I can’t even imagine such a thing! So here is how to grow your own. Ocinum basilicum—Basil. Ocinum means “fragrance.” Basilicum is from the Greek basilikon—Royal. So—Royal fragrance—appropriate, don’t you think? Like many of our fragrant herbs, basil is a member of the … Read more
