For many gardeners around the US (and the northern hemisphere) the weather is warming up for spring planting season and many are itching to get out in the garden. But when is the right time to plant those veggies and flowers and not gamble on their success? Just like Kenny Roger’s character in The Gambler, knowing when to do something is important (this is where I’ll end the cheesy comparison – you’ve just got to come up with a catchy title sometimes).… Continue reading this article “Don’t be a garden gambler: You’ve got to know when to sow ’em, know when to plant ’em”
No Mow May: Is it a good idea?
I know what you’re thinking: “No Mow May? But it’s March!” Although spring currently seems like a distant wonder for us here in Montana, many of our warmer states are seeing the signs of spring that get you thinking about, among other things, your lawns (and if you’re a bee enthusiast like myself, you’re also thinking about the early season pollinators that are beginning to emerge in these landscapes).
What is ‘No Mow May’?
No Mow May (or April, or March- depending on where you are) is a movement that was originally made popular through an organization based out of the United Kingdom called Plantlife.… Continue reading this article “No Mow May: Is it a good idea?”
It’s all Greek to me…
Are we in winter or spring? The answer is YES!
If you’ve been following the national weather this week, you might be wondering if the groundhog has developed a split personality this year. Is winter over or are we in for six more weeks of cold? While the eastern half of the United States is feeling the effects of record-setting high temperatures and one of the earliest springs on record, the western U. S. is observing cold and snowy conditions all the way down into Southern California.… Continue reading this article “Are we in winter or spring? The answer is YES!”
The nitty gritty on how water moves in plants, part 1
It’s still too cold here in the Pacific Northwest to see much happening outside, so it seems a perfect time to write about something you can’t see anyway. That “something” is the movement of water and dissolved substances through two pathways: the xylem and the phloem. And before you roll your eyes and go watch TikTok videos, keep in mind that learning about these transport systems is critical to understanding how plants work and caring for them appropriately.… Continue reading this article “The nitty gritty on how water moves in plants, part 1”
Home Greenhouses III: Basic Structure Types
Over the last few months I’ve had the chance to talk about the popular topic of home greenhouses. We covered a few of the basics in my first article, then touched on some regulations that might effect the building and management of home greenhouses in some areas. In this installment we’ll talk a bit about common structures used for home greenhouse construction so you can consider which structure(s) might be right for your situation.
Types of Structures
Greenhouse structures can range from simple to the very complex. … Continue reading this article “Home Greenhouses III: Basic Structure Types”
Chill out! Winter cold and chill hours for fruit
If you have fruit trees in your garden, then you may already be aware of the importance of winter cold for the development of blooms and fruit. Some fruit varieties like apples, cherries, peaches, and blueberries all need a certain number of hours of temperatures below 45 F to prepare the trees to bloom in the spring. Surprisingly, other trees you might not think of as fruit trees also need a period of cold conditions to produce a good crop, including pecans and olives.… Continue reading this article “Chill out! Winter cold and chill hours for fruit”
Another “drainage solution” that makes problems worse
I received an email this week from an arborist colleague who had been sent an “engineering solution” which claims to help with rooting issues in clayey soils or areas where root area is reduced. There was a spiffy diagram accompanying this which I’ve reproduced below.
I could dissect this for you and point out all the problems right now, but instead I’d rather supply you with some factual information and let you apply it to this “engineering solution.”… Continue reading this article “Another “drainage solution” that makes problems worse”
Home Greenhouses Pt. 2: Regulations & Restrictions
Last month I dipped into some of the considerations of owning or building a home greenhouse, having just “inherited” a greenhouse with my new house. The questions and comments were numerous, so I decided to continue on discussing considerations for home greenhouse ownership and operation. There will likely be a few more articles down the line….so strap in.
This time around, I thought I’d talk about something that we hate to talk about, but is important to understand: rules and restrictions around what you can and can’t do, especially if you live in an urban area or municipality. … Continue reading this article “Home Greenhouses Pt. 2: Regulations & Restrictions”
Companion plants, they are not what you think!
Companion plants! Great, what a good idea. When you first hear the term and think about the concept it sounds great but there is a lot to not like about it. The term “companion plants” implies that these plants are partners and they “enjoy” each other’s company. The term is an anthropomorphism or overlaying of human qualities on non-human organisms. A more appropriate term may be plant associates or plant associations, a term taken from plant ecology, which has more basis for use.… Continue reading this article “Companion plants, they are not what you think!”