BURLINGTON – After a very wet spring, warm and dry conditions have dominated Vermont and the Northeast since the beginning of June. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, the driest areas of the region have received only 25% to 75% of normal precipitation. At the same time, temperatures[Read More…]

SOUTH BURLINGTON – Rabbits are adorable creatures, until they devour your newly planted perennials, that is. Many gardeners find themselves quite frustrated by the damage that rabbits can cause to their beloved plants. Understanding what you can do to discourage them from dining in your garden can help gardeners and[Read More…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – It’s the height of summer, and the weather is hot, hot, hot! That doesn’t mean work in the garden is done. Instead, venture outdoors in the early morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid working in the sun during the hottest part of the day.    If[Read More…]

BURLINGTON – Lilacs are currently losing their leaves due to a disease called lilac leaf blight, caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora spp. Common throughout Vermont and the Northeast region, this disease also occurred in 2024 because of the wet weather in the spring and early summer. The fungus overwinters on the fallen[Read More…]

NORTHFIELD − Many common flowering plants growing on roadsides and fields are more beneficial than you might think. One of these plants that you should consider letting flower this year is goldenrod (Solidago spp.). Native to the Northeast, goldenrod is an incredible host plant for caterpillars and a pollinator plant[Read More…]

CORNISH, N.H. – Ever year on the third weekend in August, my hometown of Cornish, sponsors a country fair. Not only does it have junk food and rides for the kids, it has ox and horse pulling competitions, woodsman’s events and more. The school is full of photography, art and[Read More…]

MONTPELIER – What makes good soil and what does “good” mean? Most of us would likely answer that good soil is full of readily available nutrients for our vegetables and flowers to uptake and robustly grow. There is, of course, more to good soil than nutrients. Otherwise, why would we[Read More…]

S. BURLINGTON − Trees are among the hardest working plants in the landscape. Even the smallest yard can accommodate at least one or two of these botanical powerhouses. Adding a tree will provide habitat and shelter for many animals and beneficial insects. Birds will build nests in the branches and[Read More…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. − The celebration of summer is underway, bringing with it peak gardening season. Every day there’s something new to harvest and enjoy. Perennial flowers are in bloom. Blueberries and tomatoes are ripening. Soon you’ll be offering extra veggies to the neighbors. Warmer weather also brings with it[Read More…]

BURLINGTON − Blueberries, which originated in North America, are one of the healthiest fruits to eat. They have a unique and delicious flavor, are low in calories and are packed with antioxidants. They hold up well in the freezer or fridge, so can be enjoyed long after harvest. This year,[Read More…]

BURLINGTON – University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets are urging Vermont cherry growers and pick-your-own customers to be on the lookout for the European cherry fruit fly. Although this insect has not yet been detected in Vermont, it has been found in[Read More…]