I was teaching a class in basic gardening the other day and was extolling the virtues of compost. I finished by saying "the single best thing you...
Composting In the Garden
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Containing the Overly Vigorous
When new plants come into the nursery I always enjoy reading the plant-tags. It's easy to take with a grain of salt such exaggerations as "Blooms...
Some General Rules for Success With Annuals
Fertilize three or four times a summer if using liquid, but don't fertilize a thirsty plant. Water first, or fertilize after a rain. Time-release...
The Tomato Code
As I walked up to the seed racks in the garden center I could hear someone talking. "Jet Star VF, Roma VFA." It sounded like some military code....
Deadheading Perennials
Last winter I taught a class in perennial garden maintenance. A middle-aged man raised his hand and laughingly asked what I meant when I spoke about...
From Pillar To Post
A well designed garden contains groups of compatible plants, yes, but it also includes structural elements that remain in the garden through all...
Saving Seeds
A woman came into the nursery the other day asking if we had any Lupine plants. "I have a beautiful Lupine in bloom and I want several more!" she...
New Dirt for Old
At this time of year some folks are eyeing their pots and planters, deciding which annuals to use in the coming season, and many in the south are...
Rooting out the Truth
When an avid plant-person like myself is at a party, the conversation often turns to gardening. So at a recent gathering I was not surprised when a...
Preparing Soil for Tomatoes
Last summer I treated myself to brunch at the local breakfast-and-lunch spot. Knowing the owner to be a gardener, I inquired about his tomatoes as I...
Puzzled About Pruning?
Some general guidelines for the kindest cut The pruning of shrubs is somewhat like the programming of a VCR machine: both cause normally intelligent...
Temperennials
I was talking with my friend Ellen the other day, and I found myself bad-mouthing the current Perennial Plant of the Year. "I might have nominated...
Basket Of Grass
We are on the countdown to springtime. Gardeners are already anxious to begin growing young plants and celebrating renewal. As they say in the North...
Daffodils
When I moved to the Hudson River Valley many years ago, my mother sent me a collection of daffodil bulbs. When I opened the box I was delighted to...
Knowing The Numbers
In this article, we’re going to look at the numbers. Not the daily lottery, but the numbers on a fertilizer package. There are three of them, and...
Watering Container Plants
When someone comes into the garden center carrying a container plant that’s in distress, I ask, "What has the watering been like?" This is my first...
Softening The Corners
Have you ever seen those magazine articles that show how to determine the shape of your face? They're illustrated with outlines of oval, square, or...
Gobble Your Garden
Ok, so maybe you don’t want to plant a huge vegetable garden, let alone raise all of your own food. I’ll be the first to admit that growing fruits...