I am constantly slaying horticultural snake oil dragons. There is so much misinformation on the web and even within University/Extension publications. In this blog I turn my attention to compost–a subject that is almost universally cherished by gardeners, gardening groups and horticulturists. Unfortunately there are a lot of misnomers about compost. Plants are composed of … Continue reading The Yin Yang of Compost
As a continuance of my Kenny Roger’s themed article last month on sowing and planting at appropriate soil temperatures, I thought this month I’d approach “Know when to sow ‘em, know when to plant ‘em” in a different way. When it comes growing vegetables and herbs, many new (and even experienced) gardeners are confused as … Continue reading You gotta know what to sow and what to plant: Veggies and Herbs
“Dirty Dozen” is one of those short, alliterative phrases that’s easy to remember and fun to use. In today’s post, I’m applying it to garden products whose production or use can be damaging to the health of ecosystems, environments, and even humans. How many of these products are in your garden shed, or appear in … Continue reading My “Dirty Dozen” garden products
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 … Continue reading No Mow May: Is it a good idea?
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 … Continue reading Companion plants, they are not what you think!
We have seen many high-profile examples of insect invasions, and as gardeners, we have probably come across some of these species in our very own landscapes and experienced their impacts first-hand. If you live in the Eastern part of the United States, you have probably already heard about one of these invasive insect species that … Continue reading Pest Profile: Spotted Lanternfly
Given the growth in home gardening, the fervor around houseplants, and the interest in hydroponics and other growing methods, it makes sense that the interest in home greenhouses is also building. Sure, home greenhouses have been a “thing” for a long, long while – from well-to-do folks with conservatories on their estates to the more … Continue reading So you think you want a home greenhouse, do you?
I have a very interesting research project on the effects of urban pressure on Coast Live Oak (CLO). CLO is a California native oak and I am interested in seeing if urban cultural conditions prevent the development of mycorrhizal fungi on their roots. My study is blocked, that means that all the treatments occur in … Continue reading Landscape Fabric Strikes Again–Oh the Horror!
I’m resorting to clickbait tactics to get your attention. Here’s another – “Warning! Graphic photos follow!” Uncorrected roots in containers or landscapes will create chronic water stress problems for trees. If you have failing trees on your own property or on property you manage, you need to do one simple thing before you assume that … Continue reading “This one secret hack will save you time and money!”
As most folks in the US prepare for a Thanksgiving meal, or at least eat more Thanksgiving-inspired fall meals, potatoes and sweet potatoes often play a major supporting role in these most delicious victuals. Whether mashed, smashed, baked, candied, or turned into casseroles or pies, these starchy vegetables are stockpiled in grocery stores and markets … Continue reading Po-TAY-to, po-TAH-to: Let’s call the whole yam thing off!
