Cucamelons are the most popular crop in our vegetable garden with the long, slender vines yielding hundreds of grape-sized fruits that resemble tiny watermelons. Hence, their other name, ‘mouse melons’, or as they’re better known, Mexican Sour Gherkins. Most gardeners start their cucamelon plants from seed sown indoors in mid-spring, but the plants also produce tubers that can be lifted and stored over the winter. Growing cucamelons from tubers gives you a head start on the spring growing season, and results in an earlier and larger harvest.
How to winterize your yard with our fall gardening checklist
I love fall, but I’m not a fan of cleaning up the garden. There, I admitted it. I hit a bit of a wall of garden fatigue at this time of year when I’m actually excited to turn my attention indoors. And if I’m outside, I’d rather be hiking or biking and enjoying the weather. However, despite these feelings, I still haul my lazy self outside, often in a toque and warm woollies because I’ve left things so late. I also have a warmer pair of gardening gloves to keep my hands warm. Of course I adhere to the 6 reasons NOT to clean up your yard, but alas there are some must-dos on my to-do list. I have a loose checklist of how to winterize your yard, which I’ve outlined here.
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A wildlife garden project for all seasons: The best plants for success
When it comes to starting a wildlife garden project, most gardeners tend to focus on the spring and summer months, when wildlife is very active. But the truth is that autumn and winter are the most critical times to be supporting wildlife. Some animals migrate south for the winter, but many others stay put by either remaining active or hibernating for the frosty months. In addition to providing summer-time nutrition and habitat, supporting a diverse array of wildlife on your property also means making sure there’s ample food available in the weeks before winter’s arrival, so the animals can consume and store as much nutrition as possible. Whether providing nectar, seeds, or another source of food, your garden can become a critical haven for the many small animals living there.
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Hardneck vs softneck garlic: Choosing and planting the best garlic
Garlic planting is best performed during the month of October in most parts of the country. But, did you know that not all garlic is created equal? There are hundreds of different varieties, but not every one is right for every region of the country. Prior to planting, examine the features of hardneck vs softneck garlic to discover which type is best for you.
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3 Ways to Grow Fresh Vegetables in Winter
You don’t need a heated greenhouse to grow fresh vegetables in winter; there are many simple season extenders and techniques that can take your garden from summer to fall to winter. In my books, The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Growing Under Cover, I share the various crop protectors and winter vegetables that allow me to enjoy a year-round harvest in my zone 5 garden. Maybe you’re already a winter gardener and have planned and planted for the cold season? Or, you’re new to season extending and are wondering if it’s too late to establish winter crops? Read on. I’ve got three easy ways to help you harvest into winter.
Unusual flower bulbs for your garden and how to plant them
Don’t get me wrong, I like tulips and daffodils. Their cheery faces usher in spring with a rush of color and enthusiasm, and like most gardeners, I welcome them with open arms. But, I also like to include more unusual flower bulbs in my garden, too; ones that you don’t find on every corner. These exceptional beauties herald spring in a very different way than a riot of bright yellow daffodils. Instead, these unique spring-flowering bulbs offer their uncommon beauty in a way that’s both subtle and curious.
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