by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) have been on our tables and in our gardens for so long, it’s nearly impossible to think of them as growing in the wild. Once upon a time they did just that. That’s[Read More…]
In the Garden
Benefits of Organic vs. Chemical Soil Treatment
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – On a cold and snowy day I paused to think back a few years to a conference I attended run by the Ecological Farming Association in Pacific Grove, Calif. There were several sessions by scientists presenting research confirming what organic gardeners have always[Read More…]
Brighten the Winter with Microgreens
by Andrea Knepper, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont BOLTON – What could be better than fresh greens during the dreary winter months? What if you grew and harvested them yourself? Growing microgreens in your home is easy, cost-effective and satisfying. All you need is some soil, seeds and a[Read More…]
Building a Simple Plant Stand
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – As I write this, the wind chill factor is well below zero, and summer seems a lifetime away. But if you are thinking about starting seeds indoors this year, this would be a good time to build a simple wooden plant stand. You[Read More…]
Some Houseplants are Toxic for Pets
by Jodi Larison, Extension Master Gardener Intern, University of Vermont WEST DOVER – In their book, “How to be your Dog’s Best Friend,” the Monks of New Skete suggest that for many people, dogs and houseplants are the only readily available touchstones with the natural world. They also say that owners[Read More…]
Saving Seeds from Heirloom Vegetables
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – As a boy in the 1950s I knew there were two kinds of tomatoes: deep red, plump and tasty ones my grandfather grew, and the kind that came four in a package wrapped in cellophane. The Cello-Wraps, as I think of them, had[Read More…]
Planning a Garden in the Lawn
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – This is a good time to make plans. If you are willing to spend just 15 minutes a day, every day, from spring to fall you can create an edible showcase for beauty: the splendid look of ripe red tomatoes, multi-colored Swiss chard,[Read More…]
Making Sense of Seed Catalogs
by Dr. Vern Grubinger, Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, University of Vermont BRATTLBORO – Looking through seed catalogs, my mind leaps ahead to the growing season. I see lush green foliage and ripe, colorful fruits and vegetables. It’s a great way to cope with a long winter. Of course, seed[Read More…]
Greening up Office Space Helps Alleviate Stress
by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Whether your office is in a traditional workspace or tucked away in a spare room at home, practicality rules and, above and beyond all else, your office is a place for productivity. That often means a[Read More…]
The Spring Flower Shows Are Back
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – The spring flower shows are always a contrast to the cold, icy days of winter. Bright flowers, garden paraphernalia and numerous workshops make these events fun, both for beginner and expert. Here is this year’s offerings, starting with the first ones in February[Read More…]
Growing Food for Taste and Flavor
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – We gardeners love our home grown vegetables. As John Denver sang long ago, “Only two things that money can’t buy and that’s true love and homegrown tomatoes.” And why do they taste so good? We can grow tomatoes that don’t have to conform[Read More…]