You Never Know What You’re Going to Dig Up
It's true that you never know what you'll dig up, but most of the time when you dig deep into a garden, all you discover is rock or clay. One …
peas
For the Birds
In the two years I took to write my book, 100 Birds and How They Got Their Names (Algonquin Press), I had ample opportunity to think about differences between birders …
Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Lemons
Lemon trees are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. They are relatively easy to care for, and they produce an abundance of delicious fruit. But did you …
Dealing With Hot Pepper Diseases
Like all food crops, hot peppers are susceptible to various fungal diseases. Your greatest weapons against these are best planting practices, which help prevent disease in the first place.
This …
10 Winter & Fall Cover Crops You Can Plant Now
I'm writing this in early fall in the northeastern part of the United States, where fall weather is well underway. The last of my summer tomatoes are ready for harvest, …
Pee in Your Garden!
Back when I had a real job, my coworkers loved it when I brought veggies from my garden to share. At least they said they loved it. Unless you think …
Composting as Therapeutic Gardening
I love when people are able to share their most somber therapeutic gardening stories with us. One story I always remember when I’m composting is this piece by Cathie Desjardins …
Vegetable Seed Spacing Guide to Avoid Overcrowding
I'll be the first to admit that one of the things I've struggled with in the garden is vegetable seed spacing. No matter how many times I plant veggies and …
Squash Wars: A New Hope
I first noticed the little white-and-brown bugs on my squash in the middle of August. “Stink bugs,” I said. “Oh, well. They’re not that bad, just stinky.” I ignored them …
Baseball is Gardening is Baseball
It occurred to me several years ago that two of my three passions were so intertwined that they followed the same season. Pinball, of course, has no season and was …
