Some veggies like a crowd, others want space
Although there are many old sayings like, “Plant your potatoes when the oak leaves are the size of a mouse’s ear,” I would rather depend on soil temperature and calendar dates. Besides, who really knows the size of a mouse’s ear?
Mid-May Continue reading “Tips for planting the vegetable garden”
Savor sorrel in soup and salad
Even if you planted your peas and spinach in April, you will not be eating them anytime soon. Despite days of full sun and occasional days of high temperatures, spring in New England is often cold and rainy, too. Our vegetable gardens putter along, Continue reading “Early season treats from the garden and the woods”
Dig some holes, see what you’ve got
Most gardeners know that success in the garden depends on many factors: You can’t grow a sun-loving plant in a shady area, for example. And a shrub that loves wet places won’t do well in dry soil. But the key to success is Continue reading “How is your soil and how can you improve it?”
An idea for more pollination and less pollution
In 2019 a British nonprofit called Plantlife coined the term “No Mow May.” They proposed that gardeners leave their mowers in storage for the month of May in order to let wildflowers and weeds bloom and provide pollen and nectar for pollinators. Continue reading “No Mow May”
Look at all the pretty flowers!
I like to have blossoms in the garden and in vases everywhere. I try to have something blooming all the time, or as often as possible. Right now, in mid-April, I count more than 10 species of plants in bloom, along with seven species Continue reading “Early spring bloomers”
One option: grow a lot of something you love
Are you in a rut? Spring is here, but most of us cannot plant anything outdoors due to cold nights or wet ground. Yes, you can plant seeds indoors and baby them until early summer, but that requires a place to Continue reading “Things to try — or not!”
Walk gently and carry a soft rake
Although I still have some snow around the house here in Cornish, New Hampshire, many of you may be looking at brown grass and mud. It will be some time before real spring weather is safely ensconced. We all want to get outside Continue reading “More chores for spring”
Take a look around without flowers distracting you
Early spring is a good time to look at the trees and shrubs on your property, when you are not distracted by flowers and leaves. Study your “woodies” now to see if they need some care — and if some plants need Continue reading “Early spring chores”
Cut stems, force blossoms, enjoy view
Even though spring has arrived according to the calendar, I fear winter is not done with us yet. Mother Nature is full of tricks,but to reassure me that she will provide us with flowers this spring, I am forcing her hand a bit. Or Continue reading “Bringing spring into the house”
Use good tools and don’t overdo it
Ask a farmer, “When should I prune my apple trees?” and you will most likely hear, “March.” That’s an old tradition, but not because it is the only time to prune. You can prune any time. But March is a month on a Continue reading “Pruning fruit trees”
