Are the dog days of August getting you down? Just the thought of fall garden crops can be refreshing! Figuring out what vegetables to plant in August is a piece of cake. Your county extension office has easy-to-follow lists and tips for fall garden crops. If the office is nearby, drop in. If not, you…
Not every gardener is blessed with full sun, making vegetable gardening challenging. But, by choosing shade tolerant vegetables, it’s possible to harvest plenty of fresh, homegrown produce. Different levels of shade Before you begin experimenting with vegetables that grow in the shade, it’s important to understand there are different levels of shade, and each level…
By definition, a plant fertilizer is either a chemical or a natural material added to the soil or growing media to increase its fertility and aid in plant growth. Understanding how best to feed your plants increases plant vigor and results in higher yields. The best natural fertilizer for plants There’s been a major shift…
Even in cold climates, fig growing is easier than you think. Though this fruiting tree (Ficus carica) is native to the Middle East and Asia, it’s fast becoming a popular backyard fruit crop for gardeners across North America. Figs are prized for their succulent, honey-like flavor. How to Grow a Fig Tree Consider the Hardiness…
April showers bring May flowers, but that’s not always the case. Often times May and June bring severe weather and storms that can damage all your hard work. If your blooms are already full and bright, you can harvest them to enjoy indoors and save them from the harsh springtime weather. Start by cutting those…
Everybody knows the feeling– just as your tomatoes are looking great, a hail storm batters them. Weather is certainly one of the greatest factors influencing gardening success, and while we can’t control it, we can mitigate the damage at times by trying one of these methods to protect plants from the effects of extreme weather….
Intrigued by community gardens, but worried about getting in over your head? It can certainly seem daunting and ambitious, but thinking of it as “gardening in community” and taking it just one step at a time may make it easier to get started. Consider these three easy steps to jump start your spring planting: Step…
Or rather, your soil. Whether you’re amending an in-ground area or improving a growing medium for your containers and raised beds, there is no substitute for good soil. And not just good soil, the best soil. Working on your soil may be a little less thrilling than aisles of fresh green plants and racks of…
Homegrown tomatoes are a little slice of heaven. Their flavor and texture far surpass store-bought tomatoes, and with a seemingly endless variety of colors, shapes, and sizes available, vine-ripened tomatoes are the jewel of summer garden. Gardeners are constantly striving to increase the health and productivity of their tomato plants, collecting tomato growing tips on…
A Show-Stopping Discovery C.L. Fornari is a nationally renowned speaker, author, radio personality and television host. Known as “The Garden Lady,” she regularly appears at horticultural shows and clubs throughout the United States and Canada. For decades, C.L. grew numerous varieties of plants and vegetables in the ground and in plastic containers. Then in 2007…