HARDWICK – This story was originally written to run in a Center for an Agricultural Economy newsletter in the summer of 2023, but was postponed in light of the July 10 flooding. That event and its aftermath defined the summer of 2023 in our communities. It has now been updated[Read More…]
In the Garden
Selecting Crabapples for Spring Flowers
NORTHFIELD – Flowering crabapples in full bloom are one of the major signs that spring has arrived, and that summer is not too far behind. Crabapples (Malus spp.) are great trees for tough, urban conditions. They can tolerate salty soil and occasional drought. Their small size makes some varieties appropriate[Read More…]
Making Dyes from the Garden
PANTON – If looking for a fun gardening project to do with children, show them how to grow flowers to make dyes. Making colors from plants has several advantages beyond keeping children entertained. Natural dyes are safe to handle, and the plants they are derived from are easy to grow,[Read More…]
Future of fertilizer: Peecycling?
BRATTLEBORO – When Peter Stickney walks along his cow paddocks in the morning, he notes the scattered patches of greener grass across the pasture. He knows what this means: It’s where his cows have peed. So when the Rich Earth Institute, a Brattleboro organization focused on turning human urine into[Read More…]
Keep Both Chickens and Plants Safe, Productive
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – There’s more to consider than fresh eggs when raising chickens at home. For gardeners, that includes keeping both chickens and plants safe and productive. Chickens love to dig in the dirt and that can be a problem. Take advantage of their natural tendencies by allowing access[Read More…]
Making Outdoor Spaces Work
NORTHFIELD – As warmer weather approaches, it is a great time to consider how to use the outdoor spaces. Whether renting or owning, using public land or private, there are things to think about to help make these outdoor spaces work better. Ideally, the landscape should match needs, lifestyle, time[Read More…]
Know the Garden to Cut Costs
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – There’s no doubt that gardening is rewarding, but costs can get out of hand in the excitement of a new growing season. There’s always a tempting new project or plant. The solution? Buy what is needed, then buy wanted plants only after you’re sure it will[Read More…]
People Share Seeds to Support Community
BOLTON – Communities around the world are cultivating seed libraries. A surge in new gardeners and struggling supply chains during the pandemic caused the rise of seed libraries. For many, gardening was a fail-safe during these stressful times. People generously shared seeds to support their neighbors and the larger community.[Read More…]
Hellebores are Early-blooming, Low-maintenance
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – You may know them by different names such as Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) or Christmas rose (Helleborus niger). Don’t let those common names fool you. Hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus) aren’t related to roses at all. They’re actually part of the same family (Ranunculacaea) as buttercups, a[Read More…]
Share Yard with Birds, Bees and Pollinators
SOUTH BURLINGTON – A home landscape can be an amazing opportunity to collaborate with nature. Thoughtful plant choices can invite more biodiversity into the yard. Even established landscapes will benefit from plant additions that can increase traffic from favorite birds or provide forage for bees and other pollinators. Most home[Read More…]
Gardening in Cold Frame Jump Starts Growing Season
BOLTON – Get a jump start on the growing season by adding a cold frame to the garden. A cold frame allows you to start some plants two to four weeks before the recommended planting time. Any cool-season vegetable is a suitable candidate for growing in a cold frame. Popular[Read More…]
It’s Not too Late to Prune Fruit Trees
by Debra Heleba, Extension Community Horticulture Program director, University of Vermont BURLINGTON – This time of year, when plants are normally in their dormant stage, usually finds gardeners conducting late-winter pruning of apple and other fruit trees. However, recent warmer temperatures may have encouraged many trees to prematurely wake up,[Read More…]
