The imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae) is a notorious pest, known by gardeners all over North America. As lovely as they are, seeing the small white butterflies flit about your brassicas …
Can you think of a plant that, upon hearing how low maintenance it is, you just roll your eyes? Because how can it be low maintenance when you’ve managed to …
Nothing announces the arrival of summer better than the first bite into a sun-warmed strawberry. This berry is a summertime staple, from strawberry shortcake to home-canned strawberry jam. Heck, there …
For ages now, there has been a war waged against tomato suckers. Prune ‘em, pinch ‘em, cut ‘em off. That’s what gardeners have been told for generations. So that’s what …
The relationship between a plant and its environment is as old as time. Once a plant is in the ground, its ability to flourish has several limiting factors that go …
If you’ve got chickens, you already know they’re curious little buggers. You’ll often find them where you don’t want them, like in your flower bed or under the neighbor’s bird …
Hanging baskets, window boxes, railing planters, and a healthy number of terracotta pots are just the thing to elevate a monotone porch or patio into a heavenly place filled with …
Where I live in zone 5b, the final vestiges of winter are – at long last – behind us. Days past the last frost date, we had some very cool …
Many a gardener, both new and seasoned alike, have been surprised by the discovery of hard bumps running up and down the stem of their tomato plants. You may wonder, …
When I first started gardening in earnest, my learning zeal was as high as the leggy tomatoes I was growing. I was humble enough to know that I didn’t know …
In late spring, around the time the weather starts to be consistently nice – it happens. You’re outside, soaking up the sun, when you feel a tickle on your arm. …
As an overly-protective gardener, I’m equally excited and anxious about my vacation plans for this summer. I’m more than ready for a change of scenery, and the anticipation that comes …
Over the past few years, drought has become a common issue for gardeners everywhere. Locations that rarely had to worry about water issues in the past now deal with water …
Each spring, garden supplies and plants flood local stores. Whether you need seed starting media, a new trowel, or onion sets, you’ve got plenty of options. Among all these goodies, …
What could be better than a beautiful dragonfly zooming about the garden to brighten your day? Well, a flight of dragonflies or a static swarm has been known to top …
Terracotta pots have a way of multiplying when you turn your back on them. With each passing season, our towers of stacked pots grow taller. And why not? They’re a …
We’ve talked a lot about the deep litter method with fellow backyard flock owners, but so many are confused about the process and concerned about the well-being of their flock. …
Long before peaches are in season, long before we’re enjoying baskets of plump blueberries, and yes, even before we can pick glossy red strawberries, one ‘fruit’ makes its appearance before …
When you head out to the garden this year to put those tomatoes in the ground, don’t forget your fish. Believe it or not, fish and tomatoes go well together. …
A century ago, bluebirds experienced a steep decline due to habitat loss. We’re lucky to have them with us still today. Before our contemporary understanding of ecology, narrow management goals …
Are you planning to can this summer for the first time, or are you an experienced canner in need of inspiration to find modern ways of doing old-fashioned things? Either …
I’m of the mind that there are few landscaping problems that more plants can’t solve. Need privacy, better drainage, weed displacement, or to cover up an ugly view? Well, there’s …
Attracting ladybugs to your garden is one way to maintain diversity and manage it organically. Organic gardening always involves recognizing that we are not alone in our gardens. Successful gardens …
As winter ends, rhubarb is one of the first garden plants to greet us in the spring. This hardy perennial produces tangy stems that are perfect in pies and cobblers …