Peas should be planted in central Virginia around the middle of March, so I thought I’d give you some interesting tidbits about these delicious veggies. Well, botanically speaking, they’re technically a seed. The peapods are a fruit! Pea Facts Peas are one of the earliest known domesticated crops—about 11,000 years ago, though they were eaten … Read more
Did you know that by the third week in February, days are almost an hour and a half longer than on the Winter Solstice (December 21st)? Plants, which rely on the sun for photosynthesis, certainly notice. While most plants are not getting enough sun to “actively” start growing, they are getting enough light to wake … Read more
When people buy a new houseplant, one of the first things they often ask is, “When do I repot it?” The correct answer is, “Not yet.” Repotting is a shock to the plant. Taking it home to a new environment is a shock to the plant. Try to give a plant no more than one … Read more
This past Friday was Groundhog’s Day. Were you one of the 30,000 people who traveled to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for Groundhog Day to see what Punxsutawney Phil had to offer? Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this year and predicted an early spring. So what the heck is a Groundhog, anyway? How often is he … Read more
I’ve been gardening for most of my life. Yes, I took horticulture, but the real education came not in a classroom but in my backyard’s red Virginia clay soil. The wisest gardeners, I believe, are simply those who made the most mistakes—and learned something. Golly, I must be a genius by now. My Early Gardening … Read more
en It’s the time of year to begin thinking about seeds for your spring/summer garden. Let’s talk about the difference between heirlooms, hybrids, and GMOs. What is An Heirloom? An heirloom seed is one with history. An heirloom has been passed down for several generations. Many heirlooms have been passed down for more than a … Read more
What’s better in the winter than a windowsill project that not only gives you something to do, but makes your food taste better? Try growing herbs indoors! And the fragrance in great, too…. How to Start Herbs From Seeds or Cuttings Many herbs start well from seeds–particularly basil, chives, parsley, dill, and cilantro. For a few herbs, like … Read more
The days are short, and the sunlight is weak. So, what can I do with my houseplants this time of year? Remember that humidity is almost non-existent indoors, and lighting is much less than these tropical plants are used to. So here are some things to keep in mind. Because the light and day length … Read more
So many people make New Year’s Resolutions, but how many of us keep them? I go to the gym in January, and people are waiting everywhere. Go in March, however, and there’s not nearly as long a wait. I’m going to make a few resolutions for my garden. We’ll see how I do. My 2024 … Read more
This coming Thursday, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day/longest night of the year. At this point, our north pole is tilted the farthest away from the sun. They’ll celebrate the first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Christmas Day cookouts are relatively common—in Australia! From then on, the days will get a … Read more
