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Growing plants from seed is a great way to save money and a great way to grow varieties not available in local nurseries. But it can be such a disappointment when those seeds don’t sprout. There are a number of reasons your seeds aren’t germinating and most of them can be prevented, or corrected.
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You are likely familiar with wood chips, which refer to any woody material which has been broken down into small chips. Ramial wood chips, on the other hand, may be new to you. Also known as arborist wood chips, ramial wood chips are made from small diameter (under 3″) tree branches and often include the fresh leaves of the tree.
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When I look at weeds, do you know what I see? I see plants that have removed minerals from the soil in which they were growing. And because of that, I want to compost them so that those nutrients can be returned to my garden soil. But composting weeds presents some challenges. Here’s how to compost them the safe way.Continue Reading
I purchase seeds from a variety of companies, and each company’s packaging is different. But most seed packets contain similar types information. For such a small space, there is generally quite a lot of valuable information, but it can be overwhelming at times. That’s why I’m here – to help you read a seed packet.Continue Reading
Back in the day when we were first married (guys, that was 40 years ago!), we lived in a run down house in the country without running water and only a wood stove for heat. The road we lived on was used so infrequently that grass grew down the middle of the road in spots.
The woman who delivered our mail was one of the few vehicles that we saw in a day, and this wonderful woman was worried about us – we were just kids. She would leave presents in our mailbox from her garden. One of the things she would leave were Jerusalem artichokes, which I had never before experienced.Continue Reading
It’s always fun to get to check out a new book before the rest of the world sees it. And The Suburban Micro-Farm by Amy Stross was no exception. This gardening book really does cover it all, and there is plenty for both the beginner, and advanced gardener.
If you are living on a small plot of land, you’ll really appreciate Amy’s years of experience and wisdom in getting the most of every inch of your property. She’ll teach you how to build your soil, and to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs.Continue Reading