Peat-Free vs Peat-Based Compost: Which is Better?
It’s no secret that I love compost. For those just getting into gardening, compost is decomposed organic matter that can be used as a soil amendment in garden beds and …
my vegetable garden
3 Benefits of a Homemade Irrigation System for Vegetable Gardens
I sometimes wish watering my vegetable garden (and folding laundry, and cleaning bathrooms) was as easy as an I Dream of Jeannie head-nod. (Am I dating myself?) It's not that …
Human Pollinators and Their Handy Toothbrushes
I remember the day I learned how to be a human pollinator and pollinate flowers with a toothbrush. It was a hot, June day and I was eager to learn …
5 Vegetables to Plant in October
A few years ago, I was in line at the farmer’s market talking to a farmer about how great he must be feeling because it’s the “end of the season.” …
Gardening Humor for “Real” Gardeners
Do you remember when you were a young budding gardener, and you thought, "one day I'll be like those other gardeners, with their perfectly pruned tomatoes, their pollinator gardens, and …
The Lady Bird’s Blessings
Again, an intrusion of aphids has found its way to the bridal wreath bush in my Maryland garden. The assailants have slowly drained the graceful shrub of its vitality. Year …
The Joy of Planning a Garden During Hard Times
In the Winter, I start to get the itch to start planning a garden extra early. Sometimes it’s only a few days past the holidays and I’m already waiting at …
Atheists on My Houseplants!
Master Gardeners do a lot of community service, including answering questions from home gardeners, often on community garden hotlines. Erv Evans, from the North Carolina state Master Gardener program, has …
5 Garden Hand Tools Every Greenthumb Should Have
When I started my first vegetable garden I went a little tool-crazy. I bought every type of shovel, shear, and weeding gadget marketed to me at big box home and …
My Soon-To-Be Labyrinth Garden
When I was young, my family lived on a farm at the edge of a very tiny country town. I didn’t have a lot of other kids nearby to play …
