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What to Plant in July in USDA Zones 4-6
As we step into the warm embrace of July, many of us might think it's too late to start planting. But let me tell you a little secret: July is …
compost pile
August Adventures in the Garden
There’s something about August that feels like the garden’s grand finale before Fall starts tapping on the shoulder. It's hot, a little chaotic, and honestly, I’m never quite sure if …
My Compost Pile: A World Unto Itself
It’s a bright, breezy Saturday, first week of June—a fine time to be a backyard composter here in southern New England. I wander outside to check up on my pile, …
Mow, mow, mow, you go
It’s the middle of May, and my backyard compost pile here in southern Connecticut is now fully six months old. As much as the first half of its life was …
Root Pruning Secrets to Convert Unruly Blackberry Plants into Productive Bushes
Let’s face it – blackberry plants have commitment issues. Give them an inch, and they’ll take over your entire yard! One minute you’re dreaming of summer cobblers, and the next …
How to Keep Animals Out of Compost Bins
Composting is the gift that keeps on giving. I love turning food scraps, cardboard, grass clippings, and other green and brown materials into a usable and nutritious soil amendment. It …
Hydroponic vs. Garden Lettuce Growing Showdown
Are you stuck in lettuce limbo, endlessly scrolling through Instagram-perfect hydroponic setups while glancing guiltily at your perfectly good garden plot outside? You're not alone! The great lettuce location debate …
The Best Way to Thin Carrots for Healthy Root Growth
Ask any carrot grower about their first harvest, and you'll likely hear tales of twisted, tangled, or stumpy roots that looked nothing like those perfect grocery store carrots. The secret …
The Myth of the Black Thumb
I always love the story of a gardening underdog. Gardening offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and express yourself creatively. I enjoy growing flowers, herbs, fruits, …
What to Plant in January in Zones 9-10
Lucky you! While gardeners in other zones are huddled inside with their seed catalogs, January in zones 9-10 feels more like spring in most other places. With daytime temperatures typically …
