Tag: garden
Late Summer, Early Fall Are Perfect For Planting!
August 16, 2022The middle of August can be a tough time for gardeners. On one hand, the challenges of weeding and watering seem to be at their peak. On the other, there’s a growing dread that it won’t be long before the green season gives way to gray skies, falling leaves, and frosty temps. But take…
Watering properly is key to healthy plants — and conservation
July 12, 2017We’ve been fortunate this summer — so far — with a fair amount of rain that’s been keeping lawns green and gardens growing. Still, there are times when plants need a little more than Mother Nature is providing. We’ve blogged many times about using rain barrels to help conserve water, but watering properly also helps…
It’s time to tuck in the garden for winter
October 24, 2016The nights are longer, the temperature is colder and, unless you have some late Fall veggies growing, it’s time to get your garden ready for the winter. One of the first things you should do is pull up any remaining (unless you’re still growing veggies) plants and vines. While some people leave them in o ver the…
It’s time to get that garden started
April 6, 2016It doesn’t feel like it, but it’s spring, and that means it’s time to start your vegetable garden. Start with the wrong veggies, though, and you’ll end up with … nothing but frost-wilted plants ready for the compost heap. The folks over at Rodale have some handy tips here and here to get you growing despite winter…
Fertilize lawns, gardens responsibly to keep your water supply clean
March 30, 2016Spring has sprung, which means many of us are itching to get outside and start working on helping Mother Nature turn things green again. One springtime ritual, however, regularly leads to green, polluted waterways: over-fertilization of lawns and gardens. As the Penn State Extension office points out, “Lawn fertilizer contains the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus,…
It’s almost winter, so why not grow an herb garden?
November 16, 2015Most of the trees have dropped their leaves, the days are shorter, the nights longer and the doldrums of winter are around the corner. Wait, weren’t we just picking basil and tomatoes? The garden may be long gone, but you can still enjoy some greenery indoors. Growing veggies might be a stretch, but windowsill herbs…
When August heat looms, plant these blooms
July 31, 2014Are you looking to add some color to your flower gardens now that other blooms are starting to fade? It can be tough to find plants that not only bloom in the heat of August, but can tolerate what is often one of the driest months of the year. While they all will need regular…
When you water the garden, don’t forget the birds
July 19, 2014We write often about alternative ways to provide plenty of water for your garden plants. But what about the birds, which help with pollination, keep destructive insects at bay and spread seeds? A recent article from Rodale’s Organic Gardening made us realize that we all can do more to keep our feathered friends happy. One of the biggest…
This soil amendment wiggles as it works
May 22, 2013Do you have worms? No, not the kind that calls for a visit to a vet or a doctor. The kind that crawl, mostly unseen, in the soil of your garden, lawn, and flowerbeds. They’re a wonder of nature; veritable living cultivators that churn through hard and soft soil alike, providing nutrients, breaking down organic…
When should I pick my vegetables?
August 3, 2012It’s that time of the gardening season you’ve been anxiously awaiting: Tomatoes and peppers are ripening, squash is weighing down the vines, and (early) potatoes are ready for the table. But what’s the best way to harvest what you’ve sown? It all depends on the produce you’ll be picking. With some fruits and vegetables, it’s…