by Andrea Knepper, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont BOLTON – Many home-grown fruits and vegetables require pollination to develop fruit and seeds. Approximately 75 percent of all food crops grown in the United States depend on bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. However, pollinator populations worldwide are decreasing due[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Once, a long time ago, I was sitting on a porch overlooking a landscape with an acquaintance. I commented that if she removed or thinned a line of tall pine trees, she would have a lovely long view. “Great idea! I’ll have them[Read More…]

by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – You’ve probably heard plants described as annual, biennial or perennial. You may have even heard some called a “tender perennial.” When planning a garden, knowing the difference can help you decide which type of plants you[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – One of the best ways to learn how to create a lovely garden is to see others. Visit good gardens of neighbors, great gardens near and far. I recently visited three great gardens and, as always when viewing other gardens, they gave me[Read More…]

by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTHFIELD – Raised beds are a great way to minimize effort and maximize enjoyment of vegetable and flower gardens. Plants grown in raised beds are easier to access because they are higher off the ground and have less surface area[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – For me tomatoes are the best tasting, most important vegetable I grow. I eat them raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked in soups and stews. I dehydrate some, I freeze many whole, and I make some sauce for quick dinners in winter.[Read More…]

by Nadie VanZandt, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont PANTON – When planning this year’s vegetable garden, consider companion planting with flowers and herbs. It’s a rewarding way to attract pollinators, manage pests and promote biodiversity in your garden. The practice will improve your soil’s health and the quality of your[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – I’m a sucker for a good looking flower. Back when I was first developing my flower beds I would go to a plant nursery and grab everything and anything that was in bloom and looking great. And I believe in buying multiples: not[Read More…]

by Ginger Nickerson, Forest Pest Education Coordinator, University of Vermont BURLINGTON – The week of May 22-28 has been designated National Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week to help increase public awareness of this tree-killing beetle and the damage it can cause to all species of native ash trees within the[Read More…]

by Dr. Vern Grubinger, Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, University of Vermont BURLINGTON – A vegetable garden is not complete without tomatoes. Local farm stands will soon be offering a wide selection of tomato transplants for your garden. Try a few different varieties. Most modern tomato varieties are hybrids. They’re[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Although there are many old sayings like, “Plant your potatoes when the oak leaves are the size of a mouse’s ear,” I would rather depend on soil temperature and calendar dates. Besides, who really knows the size of a mouse’s ear? Mid-May is[Read More…]

by Lynette Courtney GREENSBORO BEND – What a difference a single week can make. We were having lovely weather for being outside, but wait a few hours, and a killing frost creeps in. I’d dug and potted all sorts of beautiful plants for the nursery’s opening, this Friday, but when[Read More…]