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…]
In the Garden
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…]
Late Winter Woody Plants Provide Seasonal Interest
by Bonnie Kirn Donahue NORTHFIELD – Late winter is a great time to notice how certain trees and shrubs provide seasonal interest and complement each other in the landscape. As the snow recedes, the grays, tans and browns in the landscape offer a subtle background for plants with color to[Read More…]
After Use, Plant Easter Lilies in Garden
by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – It’s no surprise that the Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is the most popular floral gift for Easter giving, but did you know that, contrary to its name, it isn’t a spring-blooming flower? When grown outdoors, they[Read More…]
Pruning Fruit Trees: Now is a Good Time
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – March, April and May are good months to prune your fruit trees. Traditionally farmers pruned their fruit trees in March. I think they did so because they had less other work they could do at this time of year: it was too early to[Read More…]
