I wouldn’t know how to begin a discussion on gardening without beginning with a discussion on how to improve soil fertility. When I teach a workshop, I ask students what they think of when they think “garden”. Most often, the answer has to do with the harvest.
And, of course, we wouldn’t garden if we couldn’t look forward to a bountiful harvest. But, I always encourage my students to build soil because healthy, fertile soil will result in a healthy, nutrient-dense harvest.Continue Reading
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 seriously couldn’t imagine gardening without mulch. Even before transitioning to a no-dig garden, we mulched, mulched and mulched some more.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
I guess it’s part of my personal philosophy. I work hard, but I don’t see the point of doing a job a certain way when there’s an easier alternative. So, I don’t dry dishes, because they’ll dry themselves in the dish drainer. And I take the easy way out when it comes to growing raspberries.
Raspberries, and other thorny bushes like blackberries, are brambles in the Rubus genus. They are perennials, but their branches (or canes) live for only two years. First year canes are known as primocanes, and second year are called floricanes.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