by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – I like to have blossoms in the garden and in vases everywhere. I try to have something blooming all the time or as often as possible. Right now, in mid-April, I count more than 10 species of plants in bloom, along with seven[Read More…]

by Dr. Vern Grubinger, Extension Vegetable and Berry Specialist, University of Vermont BURLINGTON – Blueberries are a popular backyard fruit. Once established, they will provide lots of delicious, healthy berries for many decades with proper care. To succeed with blueberries, plant winter-hardy varieties and maintain soil pH between 4.5 and[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Are you in a rut? Spring is here, but most of us cannot plant anything outdoors due to cold nights or wet ground. Yes, you can plant seeds indoors and baby them until early summer, but that requires a place to grow them[Read More…]

by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont BURLINGTON – It’s finally spring (never mind any snow still on the ground). Daffodils have emerged, their buds anxious to open. Soon tulips (Tulipa), perhaps the most anticipated flowers of spring, will grace front yards and town squares. Tulips are[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Although I still have some snow around the house here in Cornish, many of you may be looking at brown grass and mud. It will be some time before real spring weather is safely ensconced. We all want to get outside and enjoy[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Early spring is a good time to look at the trees and shrubs on your property when you are not distracted by flowers and leaves. Study your “woodies” now to see if they need some care, and if some plants need to be[Read More…]

by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass.– Spring may be upon us, but winter is reluctant to let go. In the meantime, we’re all eagerly awaiting the time when we can head back to our gardens and get them into shape for the coming[Read More…]

by Jodi Larison, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont Plant materials have been used to solve crimes on television shows, in books and in real life. The use of plant materials in solving crimes is called forensic botany. Plant materials that have been utilized in solving crimes have included flowers,[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Even though spring has arrived according to the calendar, I fear winter is not done with us yet. Mother Nature is full of tricks, so I am not packing away my snow shovel just yet. But to reassure me that she will provide[Read More…]

by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTHFIELD – Salt can be a great asset in the winter for deicing roads and walkways. Salt prevents ice from forming by lowering the freezing point of water, creating safer surfaces for people to walk and drive on. However, salt[Read More…]

by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Ask a farmer, “When should I prune my apple trees?” and you will most likely hear, “March.” That’s an old tradition, but not because it is the only time to prune. You can prune any time. But March is a month on a[Read More…]

by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – It’s that time of year when the groundhog has retreated back into its burrow, but the temperature tempts us with the possibility of spring. We all know there’s still plenty of snow and cold weather yet[Read More…]