It's Friday (yay!) and possibly this weekend there will be some time to browse seed catalogs (sans cookies) and make some decisions on what to grow in the edible garden. Tomatoes are a staple in my garden (probably in most people's) since 'growing your own' has become the way to enjoy them fresh. Of course, buying …
Continue reading Gardener ‘Shape Up’, Tomato Nutrition Is Tops!
It's time. Time to start the forward motion for a gorgeous and productive garden in 2012. First up, is selecting seeds. I've been browsing the offerings from my favorite suppliers as well as some 'new-to-me' suppliers to determine my projects for this year. One of my new veggie choices for this year is beets. I've …
Ever mistaken a desired flower for a weed? I have a bit of a story to tell regarding Moluccella laevis a.k.a. 'Bells of Ireland'. Just in case you are not familiar with 'Bells of Ireland' it is an annual plant producing beautiful light green flowers, shaped like bells, on strong sturdy stems. 'Bells of Ireland' …
It's an overwhelmingly busy time of year in the garden if you live in the Intermountain West. The temps have climbed to a moderate 60-70ish most days and the soil is warm and ready for digging. Now you may be thinking, "Well, that's what gardener's love to do so really, why the drama about it …
Continue reading Avert the Garden Mayhem of May! Dig, mix, plant…repeat
Mother's Day! What a grand holiday for mothers that are also gardeners! For it is without a doubt the best day of the year to recruit "garden helpers." It is a day where the willingness to do something nice for Mom combines with the fresh breath of Spring helping the most hesitant of gardeners get …
Continue reading This Mother’s Day was for Seizing the Moment and the Helpers
Remember the seeds we labored over a few weeks back...the ones started inside to get a head start on the growing season. Well, if all has been growing well it is probably time to "harden off" or "pot up." In the style of modern communication; HO or PU. To HO seedlings, be patient and spend …
Gardening with children is both fun and rewarding! I have noticed many children have a fascination with 'magic seeds' (er... beans anyway) and planting seeds to grow their very own apple, cherry, whatever-they-love-to-eat tree or plant can be very exciting. As a child, I remember planting seeds from an apple I had eaten to have …
Do you want to work in your garden but the weather is not cooperating just yet? Well, here's something you can do that is easy and quick and will have big reward in early summer. Plant some poppy seeds! This is literally one of the 'easiest things ever' to do in your garden. I am …
You're Back! Super! In this post, I'll share my thoughts on seed starting equipment and seed planting. First the equipment. There are two primary pieces of equipment needed for successful seed starting/growing. Shop light fixtures with fluorescent tube bulbs, i.e., a growing station and a soil heat mat. As you continue to learn about seed …
Continue reading Seed starting – tips and techniques for great results (II)
I attended the Idaho Spring horticultural symposium here in Boise a couple of weeks ago and was particularly inspired by Willi Galloway of digginfood.com. She gave a presentation on seed starting and it prompted me to remember the seed starting equipment I have packed away in a box in the garage. I was really involved …
Continue reading Seed Starting…tips and techniques for great results
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