Did you know there are many types of basil you can grow in your garden? While strolling through the paths of my own raised bed vegetable garden, I realized that I had planted at least one type of basil in every single bed. There was Genovese basil, lemon basil, Thai basil, Greek basil, and a handful of cultivars of sweet basil. I guess it’s fair to say that I’m a big fan of basil!
Read More »Types of basil to grow in your garden and containers
How to clean a bird bath for your garden’s feathered friends
One of the joys of looking out my patio door or quietly sitting on my back deck is when I see birds frolicking in my bird bath. They’ll splash about and then perch on the edge, fluffing and preening their bedraggled feathers. Birds also drink from the birdbath. Filling the birdbath with fresh water is part of my plant-watering routine. However in the heat of summer, that bird bath can become a cesspool of germs. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean a bird bath.
Read More »6 steps to growing a healthy tomato garden
Once you’ve got your tomato garden planted, it may seem like it’s time to take a step back, relax, and watch your plants grow and produce a bumper crop of tasty tomatoes. However, a little ongoing care and maintenance can mean the difference between productive, healthy plants and a disappointing yield. Here are our six essential steps to growing a tomato garden.
Read More »Cabbage worm identification and organic control
Imported cabbage worms (Pieris rapae, syn. Artogeia rapae) can wreak havoc in a vegetable garden. If left unchecked, they’ll consume the leaves, stems, and even the flower buds of all members of the cabbage family. Thankfully, cabbage worm control isn’t difficult, if you arm yourself with the information you need to tackle these common garden pests. Continue Reading
Read More »Growing strawberries in pots and hanging baskets
Growing strawberries in pots and hanging baskets is an easy way to enjoy super-sweet fruits all summer long. I keep a pot of strawberries on my sunny back deck as well as a few baskets in my polytunnel so I can graze as I putter in the garden. But why grow in containers? Why not plant them right in the garden? Strawberry plants are compact and perfect for tucking in small spaces like pots, planters, and baskets. Growing in pots is also a good way to foil pests like slugs that seem to know just when a strawberry is most sweet. Plus, strawberries grown in containers are generally less prone to bacterial and fungal diseases.
Read More »Deer-resistant annuals: Colorful choices for sun and shade
Those of us who have a hearty population of deer visiting the yard know how challenging it is to keep them from destroying the garden. Both my front and back yards are Deer Central, so I sympathize with other gardeners who face the same issue. There are many strategies for gardening with deer, including building a fence and using spray deterrents, but your first line of defense is always to choose plants the deer don’t prefer. Today, I’d like to share some of my favorite deer-resistant annuals. These are reliable plants for summer color, even in the most deer-plagued garden. Continue Reading
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