Pollinators are in trouble. These important wildlife move from plant to plant while searching for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, they are dusted by pollen and move it to the next flower, fertilizing the plant and … [Read more...]
Solving the bagworm problem without chemicals
Sooner or later, most landscapes have to deal with a bagworm problem. Sometimes the hungry pests only threaten one or two trees in a landscape. But they can really ruin the party when it comes to the classic, evergreen privacy buffer. Continued: … [Read more...]
Floating Row Cover
An organic gardening tool that improves plant growth and excludes pests. Floating row cover (FRC) is a white, light-weight, non-woven fabric made from spun-bonded polyester or polypropylene. It has a “gauze-like” appearance and resembles interfacing … [Read more...]
Wake up and use the coffee – grounds, that is! Author: Jan Rhoades
I have always wondered about those free coffee grounds for your garden offered at most Starbucks. I never took them up on the offer, and pretty much decided that it was a good way for them to get rid of untold pounds of grounds and not feel guilty … [Read more...]
Composting
All organic matter eventually decomposes. Composting speeds the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria and other decomposing microorganisms. The final product, humus or compost, looks and feels like fertile garden soil. This dark, … [Read more...]
Composting Leaves
The leaves of one large shade tree can be worth as much as $50 of plant food and humus. Pound for pound, the leaves of most trees contain twice as many minerals as manure. For example, the mineral content of a sugar maple leaf is over five percent, … [Read more...]
Whatever You Do, Don’t Put Coffee Grounds in Your Garden
The internet is full of ways you can make gardening easier and cheaper, but some methods are too good to be true. No matter what the gardening blogs tell you, leave the spent coffee grounds alone. They're bad news for your garden. See article... … [Read more...]
Oh, Rats! How to Solve Compost Bin Pest Problems for Good
Got Rats? Here's how to not. Oh, Rats! How to Solve Compost Bin Pest Problems for Good Five reasons to use a compost tumbler in your home garden to make healthy compost soil food quickly from kitchen and yard … [Read more...]
Parasitic Vines That Feed on Parasitic Wasps That Feed on Trees
Parasitic Vines That Feed on Parasitic Wasps That Feed on Trees Parasites have a leisurely lifestyle — set up camp at someone else’s place, live off their food, profit (evolutionarily speaking). … [Read more...]