We’re finally 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. This week let’s look at several ways to help determine when it’s best to plant seeds or put out transplants. Frost Free Dates. Most plants can’t…
April is National Garden Month so I’d like to write about starting a garden and the planning and choices that requires. 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 too. No bananas, oranges, or mangoes, but we do have a wide selection of great fruits, vegetables, and flowers that…
Despite this week’s chilly nights, spring is officially here and gardening season has begun! New birds and wildflowers are appearing almost daily while rhubarb and daffodils have come to life. The previous article described some early pruning and fruit tree protection techniques that should be done and it’s still a good time for those important tasks. In this week’s topic, starting your own garden plants from seed assures you get better varieties and it’s very satisfying to grow your own…
The deep snow has been replaced by slippery mud, a sure sign that spring is here! The sun shines a bit brighter and longer every day now, making our gardens irresistible on warmer days. But beware, don’t be tempted to get too ambitious just yet. Hidden deep in all that messy leaf litter in your gardens are many overwintering beneficial insects that need a little more time to wake up and get to work. Let them have this time and…
This is really a traditional winter in Vermont with plenty of beautiful snow, cold nighttime temperatures, and little to do for the garden except dream and plan. Not exactly! There’s plenty to keep a good gardener busy. If you haven’t ordered your garden seeds yet, that is your #1 priority! This week I offer a collection of short winter tips and easy-to-do ideas that will prove useful and make the coming garden season a little more productive. If you really…
What could be more fun than picking out your veggies, flowers, and herbs for the new gardening year? There may be no better way to overcome the mid-winter doldrums than to imagine your next garden and decide what to grow this year! You probably already have some old reliables in mind but how about trying some different varieties and some completely new plants to add some adventure to the season. Despite the calendar, now is the time to get your…
The good news is that the days are getting longer! In mid-winter we gain just over 2 minutes of daylight every day. Slow but sure, spring in coming. The other sure sign that spring is coming is the arrival of new seed catalogs. This is a great time of year to begin planning for your new gardening season. In this last article for 2020 let’s begin thinking about preparations for 2021 with deciding what to plant and some tips about…
I like to wrap up fall gardening with planting something. Garlic is an easy New England crop and it’s great to have something to look forward to for next year 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…
Leaves made the Green Mountains green all summer and now provide the beauty of autumn across the Vermont landscape. Next they are released from their trees to bring fertility and build soil. The key message 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 rake away…
Jack Frost visited this week and the first damaging frosts of the season are upon us. Many gardens are already showing signs of leaf injury on squash, cukes, peppers, tomatoes, and basil. These are among the most susceptible plants. Even if you escaped the first frost there is a second round in the forecast and it will be more serious with 3 cold nights near 30 F Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Good News, there are a few easy precautions we…