There are a lot of pests and diseases—even nutrient deficiencies—just waiting to pounce on our vegetables/flowers/trees/shrubs. It can be overwhelming to know what to do. So here are some things to keep in mind: Identify the problem: If you are not 100% sure what the problem is, bring a sample to a reputable garden center … Read more
I’ve had several customers inquire recently about what to do about birds in their newly planted veggie gardens. You ask and we answer! Here a few tips: Tips to Keep Birds Out of Your Garden Birds Aren’t Stupid Scarecrows work pretty well—for several days. Birds are smart enough to figure out the weird-looking thing that … Read more
I’m getting so many people these days looking for plants that repel mosquitoes, so here you go: Plants That Can Help With Mosquitoes Citronella-scented geraniums are pretty lacy-leaved members of the geranium family that contain citronella oil. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Other lemon-scented herbs that also contain citronella oil are lemon thyme, lemon balm, and … Read more
I’ve had a lot of customers looking for a chemical-free way to control weeds. It can be done. Here’s how! 7 Ways to Control Weeds Without Chemicals The best defense is a good offense Keep your lawn healthy by fertilizing, watering, and over-seeding in the fall. Mow high—taller grass can shade tiny weed seeds so … Read more
Okay, so I’ve got all my veggies planted. I can put up my feet and relax now, right? Not exactly. What I Need to Do Now Here’s what I need to do now: Stay on top of weeds. Right now, weed seedlings are already popping up in my freshly planted raised beds. If I slack … Read more
It’s May—Finally! All danger of frost is past, right? Not exactly. We did have a surprise frost last year in mid-May!!! Normally, we’re pretty safe in considering ourselves out of the woods now. And I’m proving it by moving my orchids, citrus, and other houseplants outside for the summer. After last year, however, I’m going to move them … Read more
Dandelions — the bane of any gardener, right? Or….not? Dandelions are related to Asters. They have a basal rosette of heavily toothed leaves-hence the name ‘dandelion’ which comes from the French ‘dent-de-Lion’—meaning tooth of the Lion. The botanical name is taraxacum officinale, from the Greek ‘taraxos’ meaning disorder and ‘akos’ meaning remedy—referring to the many … Read more
This coming Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day. Earth Day was established in 1969 at a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) conference in San Francisco, California. In March of 1970, a sanctioned Proclamation was signed at the U. N. by Secretary-General U Thant giving official United Nations recognition. What Led to Earth … Read more
What would spaghetti sauce be without the warm savory flavor of basil? I can’t even imagine such a thing! So here is how to grow your own. Ocinum basilicum—Basil. Ocinum means “fragrance.” Basilicum is from the Greek basilikon—Royal. So—Royal fragrance—appropriate, don’t you think? Like many of our fragrant herbs, basil is a member of the … Read more
April is National Gardening Month. Is that perfect timing or what? Right now my yard is a riot of color—the lush rose pink of the redbud, the sunny yellow of the forsythia and daffodils, the little patches of rich blue muscari and light blue starflowers, and the yellow dandelions and purple violets dotting my backyard … Read more
