More and more families are choosing to purchase beef directly from a local farmer. It’s important to them to know where their food is coming from, and how it is raised. For many of us, that can be an overwhelming task – we weren’t raised on a farm, and we don’t always know the terminology, much less what questions to ask.Continue Reading
J.I. Rodale is considered the father of the organic farming movement in the U.S. I’ve read Organic Gardening Magazine for many years and many Rodale Press books are included in my library. But I had never visited the Rodale Institute until recently, despite the fact that it is only an hour and a half away in Kutztown, PA.Continue Reading
As a Penn State Master Gardener, I am required to take 8 hours of continuing education each year. I wanted to take the opportunity to visit a farm just outside of NYC called Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, so I chose a day when a class that interested me was being held. Continue Reading
Are you as annoyed as I am at those stickers you have to peel off of fruit and some vegetables you purchase at the grocery store? One more reason to shop at farmer’s markets or grow your own. But, here in NEPA, the climate demands bringing in anything not in season. (Maybe I should be re-thinking that concept). But, those stickers do contain one bit of information that is quite useful. Continue Reading
When I was 8 years old, a neighbor gave me a johnny-jump up. I planted it alongside our house, watered it, weeded it and marveled at it. When it “died”, I pulled it out and was scolded by my neighbor/mentor.
I thought I was taking care of things, but that was my first gardening mistake. I’ve made many. I’ve put together some info here for beginning gardeners so that, perhaps, you’ll make a few less than I.Continue Reading