Starting Seeds Outdoors in Containers: A Pro & Con List
Like many things in life, success in gardening is all about timing. Plant your tomatoes in October and it’s unlikely you’ll have much to show for your work. When it …
tomatoes
10 of the Best Vegetables for Canning and Preserving
There's something special about growing pounds and pounds of your favorite vegetables. It makes every meal feel like a celebration when you have heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, crunchy cucumbers, and …
Green Thumbs and Family Ties
My Italian mother-in-law, more feisty than a jalapeño and as mellow as honey, sat in the shade of the pergola in full bloom and shouted at me. "Why do they …
The Mystical Garden Chronicles
One year, I am sorry to report, the females in my family backed into the sides of our garage on three separate occasions, causing damage not only to car doors …
From Irish to Italian: A Culinary Love Story
Growing up in a 100 percent first-generation Irish household, my mother's idea of spaghetti sauce was simple: three cans of Contadina paste mixed with water and a packet of "Spatini" …
The Old Watering Can
In ratty flannel shirts and stained jeans, my mother would patrol the perimeter of her little garden, beaming with undivided pride and happiness. She would bend down, plucking weeds and …
Why Am I an Onion, Why Not a Tomato?
In the lush, green expanse of Mrs. Green's garden, rows of vegetables stood tall and proud. The tomatoes, with their vibrant red fruit, gleamed in the sunlight, while the onions, …
Homegrown and Heartfelt
If you’ve noticed more zucchinis than usual showing up on your neighbor’s doorstep lately, you’re not alone—and you’re witnessing something wonderful. …
The July Jungle
Every July, my garden transforms from a neat little patch of soil into a glorious, sun-drenched jungle. It’s as if my plants throw a party the moment I turn my …
Hummingbirds in the Garden
I've learned a lot about hummingbirds in the garden over the years. I've learned that they are not only incredibly beautiful creatures, but that they are also quite delicate. I've …
