Compost is one of the most significant elements of successful gardening. The making of compost contributes significantly to both the garden and the gardener. It is the essence of recycling; it is the very foundation of organic gardening; and it illustrates the deepest and most meaningful cycle of life and death. As recycling goes, what … Continue reading The Philosophy of Composting
Snippets
Pollinators or Pollenizers?
[The author, Dave Green, answers a question as to why a gardener’s plum tree did not produce fruit. Dave points out the difference between pollinators and pollenizers.] “Plums need pollinators to make fruit. How is your bee population? Pollen doesn’t move by itself, even if they are self fertile. Bee populations in many areas are … Continue reading Pollinators or Pollenizers?
Potatoes and St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day remains one of our nation’s most celebrated holidays nearly 250 years after the first American celebration took place in Boston in 1762. While a few traditions have changed, the ceremonial planting of potatoes around St. Patrick’s Day remains strong, according to Burpee Chairman and CEO George Ball. “Customer interest in potatoes has … Continue reading Potatoes and St. Patrick’s Day
Replacing Potting Soil in Containers
A suggestion from one of our readers: I have around 40 pots… and I change the soil in all but my three big whiskey barrels. For them, I weed out the roots and all the “junk” that accumulates in them through the winter, “stir it all up,” and then add as much “new” potting soil … Continue reading Replacing Potting Soil in Containers
Did You Know?
Noted furniture designers Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, who celebrated their company’s 25th anniversary and 20 stores in April of 2014, originally planned on opening a Christmas tree farm. ~The Boston Globe, 05/01/2014 Wheat is thought to be the most widely grown plant in the world. It has been cultivated for more than 7,000 years … Continue reading Did You Know?
Keep a Gardening Journal
It need not be fancy or store bought. A plain loose-leaf notebook will do. But, whatever you do, keep a gardening journal. Cut out garden layouts and pictures you like from your magazines and paste or tape them in your journal. Note the names of plants that you may want to try out. If you’re … Continue reading Keep a Gardening Journal