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…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – If seeing strawberries at farmers markets and roadside stands starts a dream about harvesting this sweet, juicy fruit, give it a try. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are a perennial fruit hardy in United States Department of Agriculture Hardness Zones 3 to 9, depending on the variety.[Read More…]

CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – July is a great month for blossoms but only if you have planned for that to happen. Many gardeners go to their local nurseries in May and June, selecting plants in full bloom. But when July comes along, those gardeners are tired or hot or at[Read More…]

SOUTH BURLINGTON – Saving seeds from vegetables crops is a fun and easy way to benefit from nature’s generosity. With a little knowledge and some advanced planning, restocking a seed supply for next years’ planting should have no cost.  When purchasing vegetable seeds this year, recall that some varieties were[Read More…]