On this 50th edition of Vermont Home Gardener I would like to announce No Mow May and promote raised bed gardening. There are so many advantages to growing in raised beds that we really should consider them for any garden. Whether you are beginning a new garden or wish to improve an established garden, raised beds will make your garden more productive, more convenient, and are less work in the long run (no tilling, ever!). Raised beds do very well…
We’re slowly getting to the time of year when we can plant some things into the ground. Some things can go in early, other things need to wait for warmer days. How do we know what to plant when? Most soil is still too wet to dig or till unless you have raised beds. Let’s look at several ways to help determine when it’s best to plant seeds or put out transplants. Also, a few words about the benefits of…
Despite our recent wintery week April is National Garden Month so now is a great time to think about starting a garden and the planning and choices we can make. Most basically, “What should I grow?” depends on what you want to eat or to see in your yard, and the kind of work you can do. Soil & climate conditions in Vermont place some limits on our choices but we do have a great selection of hardy fruits, vegetables,…
Snow has been replaced by slippery mud, a sure sign that spring is almost here! We now get just over 12 hours of daylight per day and that stimulates new plant growth. It also makes our gardens irresistible on warmer days. Don’t be tempted to get too ambitious just yet, but there are several jobs that can be done before digging soil. Houseplants and indoor sheltered garden plants would benefit from a feeding now. I prefer to use a liquid…
As March gets started, we can’t be sure if it’s going to snow or be mud season. We have seen some brave sprouts peeking up from bulbs such as irises, lilies, snow drops, and early crocuses. Some would call this “Fool’s Spring”. Nevertheless, there are some garden preparations we can be doing, including planting onions, petunias, and coffee! If you haven’t yet pruned your fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries, etc.) these mild days might be your last chance to get…
Here we are… winter in Vermont with beautiful snow, cold nighttime temperatures, and there’s still plenty to keep a good gardener busy. If you haven’t ordered your garden seeds yet, that is your #1 priority! Look at the short list of local seed companies that I listed in the previous article (or any others that you like) and you can browse their online catalogs from the comfort of home. This is not the year to delay, the best varieties are…
Once the Holidays have passed thoughts turn to garden dreams. There may be no better way to overcome the mid-winter doldrums than to imagine your next garden and decide what new things to grow this year. Despite the calendar, now is the time to get your plans and seeds organized so you’ll be ready when spring arrives. Unlike “normal” times, this year may again be challenging to get what you really want to plant. Seed catalogues have already been arriving…
Like it or not, the gardening season in the Green Mountains has ended, mostly. Before our thoughts turn completely to the holiday season there are a few tasks worth attending to before we’re totally snowed in. There are also a couple easy tips to help keep your Christmas green and fresh longer. Indoor pest prevention. If you brought indoors a few of your favorite plants, as I did, this is a good time to give them a close health exam…
I like to finish fall gardening with planting. Garlic is an easy New England crop and it’s great to have something to look forward to for next year that’s already in the ground when winter arrives. Nothing compares with fresh garlic from your garden and now is the time to sow your garlic, along with many other bulbs that will be the first things up next spring. Let’s look at a few tricks to have a successful garlic crop year…
Leaves made the great Green Mountains green all summer and now provide the beauty of autumn across the Vermont landscape. Next they are dropped from their trees to add fertility and build soil. The key message here is to use those rich leaves. Do not remove or discard them as is so often the misguided custom. The second message this week is about the great importance of water to plants heading into winter. Let’s look at why we should not…