There are many advantages to growing in raised beds and 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 in the hilly, rocky, weedy, cool, wet, northern New England conditions. Raised Beds. While building raised beds will require some extra…
We’re finally in the time of year when we can plant some things into the ground. Some seeds can go in early, other seeds & plants need to wait for warmer days. How do we know what to plant when? In April and early May 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…
Despite our recent wintry week April is National Garden Month so now is a great time to think about starting a garden and all the planning and choices that involves. 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,…
My guess is that you garden because you enjoy growing plants for flowers and for some food. It is a great satisfaction to bring in food & flowers that you grew yourself. My hope is that you do this mostly using organic practices. Perhaps you also buy organic foods when you can. If you also feel that organic foods tend to be too expensive to buy all the time, you might like to watch this short (3 minute) video published…
When our snow is replaced by slippery mud, it’s a sure sign that spring is almost here! We are now getting 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 working in the soil. Houseplants and indoor sheltered garden plants will benefit from feeding now and some…
As March moves ahead, we can’t be sure if it’s going to snow or be mud season. Recent snows have buried any sprouts peeking up from bulbs such as irises, lilies, snow drops, and early crocuses. Good news is that the added snow means more water availability come spring. Nevertheless, there are some garden preparations we can be doing now, including planting onions and petunias! If you haven’t yet pruned your fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries, etc.) any mild days…
Once the Holidays have passed some thoughts turn to garden plans. 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. Seed catalogues have already been arriving and it’s not too early to make your selections before the best varieties sell out. …
Here we are… winter in Vermont with beautiful snow, cold nighttime temperatures, but 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 list in the full article (or any others that you like) and you can browse their online catalogs from the comfort of home. Don’t delay, the best varieties sell out first. In this article…
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 tree green and fresh longer. Christmas tree health. I can offer two simple tips that will help your tree stay green and hold its needles longer: 1) Just before placing your tree…
Leaves made the Green Mountains green all summer and now provide the great beauty of autumn across the Vermont landscape. Nature is now releasing leaves from the trees to add fertility and build soil. The key is to convert those rich leaves into compost, not remove them as is often the misguided custom. The second message this week is about the great importance of water to plants heading into winter. This article is all about not raking leaves and how…