BURLINGTON – We are now in our gardens installing new plants, weeding and applying mulch. As we move soil, we inevitably encounter earthworms. Since introduced jumping worms have been reported across Vermont, many gardeners feel alarmed when earthworms appear. Jumping worms are the newest earthworms to appear in Vermont. The[Read More…]
In the Garden
Groundcovers work as living mulch
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Most gardeners are familiar with the benefits of mulch. Its application helps suppress weeds, conserves soil moisture and helps regulate soil temperature. It can also help with erosion control by keeping topsoil in place. Plants can also act as a living mulch A groundcover plant is[Read More…]
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday in the garden
SOUTH BURLINGTON – As we prepare to celebrate 250 years since our nation’s founding, it seems like an opportune time to take a retrospective look into what gardening was like in America in 1776. Long before the days of grocery stores and industrialized farming, early Americans planted gardens to provide[Read More…]
It’s time to pay attention to vegetable gardens
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – By now, most of us have planted our vegetable gardens. My peas, onions, lettuce, spinach and potatoes went in early, and now our tomatoes and peppers have settled in and are starting to grow. Is it hammock time? No, now it’s better to do some maintenance[Read More…]
Incorporate edible plants into landscaping
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Those who have always grown a traditional garden with rows of tomatoes or sprawling cucumbers might consider taking edible gardening one step further by incorporating food crops into your landscape plan. Growing plants that produce food as part of your yard’s design can add an unexpected[Read More…]
Hydrangeas are easy to grow, popular garden additions
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Hydrangeas are such a familiar fixture in home gardens, it’s easy to assume there’s not much know about them. While it’s true they’re easy to grow, there are a few things to know when adding a hydrangea to a yard. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs. Some have[Read More…]
Hydrangeas are easy to grow, popular garden additions
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Hydrangeas are such a familiar fixture in home gardens, it’s easy to assume there’s not much know about them. While it’s true they’re easy to grow, there are a few things to know when adding a hydrangea to a yard. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs. Some have[Read More…]
Combating slugs in the home garden
SOUTH BURLINGTON – Slugs are a tenacious foe in the home garden, as they do their work at night and are capable of wreaking havoc quickly. To combat them, you need to understand what conditions they prefer, what plants they target, and how to protect your garden from their assaults. [Read More…]
Planting under trees presents challenges
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – If planting something beneath a tree, or growing grass there, it’s possible to grow successfully in a shady, full-of-roots location. While it’s true that planting under a tree does present challenges, that doesn’t mean it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Any plants sharing soil will compete[Read More…]
Keeping track of plants
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – I decided this year to do a better job of keeping track of what plants are blooming when, and photographing them. I encourage you to do the same: we all forget what we have from time to time. And next winter we’ll be able to enjoy[Read More…]
Get growing by starting a vegetable garden
FAYSTON – Spring has finally arrived and with it comes a renewed sense of excitement to try something new. For those who have been thinking about starting a garden, this is a great time to give it a try. Whether transforming a corner of a backyard, building a raised bed[Read More…]
Azaleas, Rhododendrons attractive, well-behaved
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Azaleas and other rhododendrons are fixtures in yards and gardens for good reasons: they’re attractive, well-behaved, and easy to care for. But which is which? Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are, in fact, rhododendrons, though all rhododendrons are not azaleas. Azaleas tend to be smaller shrubs (around five[Read More…]
