Articles and Tips November, 2008
Be Thankful for Gardening
Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. It has almost disappeared as a holiday, with Christmas decorations going up right after Halloween in many places. (I think WalMart had a tree up on November 1.) I still like it for what it is: a chance to gather with family and friends after a long summer. It is a chance to hunker down for winter. Where I …
Organic Thanksgiving Vegetables: Grow, Harvest, Prepare
While the Turkey gets most of the attention on Thanksgiving, the vegetables and side dishes really make the meal. Every year around Thanksgiving, there are lots of morning show segments about how to make innovative side dishes, or give your stuffing a “kick.” I am definitely NOT about giving my Thanksgiving side dishes a makeover. They are just fine the way they are. I do cook …
Organic Landscaping
Am I seriously going to write a post about Organic Landscaping? Yes. Why? Well, because there is a lot of talk about Organic Gardening, and rightfully so (that is what this site is about, yes?), but not so much talk about organic landscaping. Why might we care? Well, because “landscaping” is kind of another term for the plants …
The $64 Tomato
Because the snow is starting to fly, it is time for a garden book review! What is nicer than sitting by a crackling fire with a good book. This week’s book is The $64 Tomato, by William Alexander. I was, at first, skeptical about this book. I am skeptical …
Ordering Seeds for your Organic Garden
The winter winds are blowing and it’s time to order seeds for your organic garden! Even though it’s not winter yet, while last summer’s gardening results are still fresh in your mind, now is a good time to start planning for next year. If you wait until February to plan, a few things will happen:
1) You might pay more for your seeds. …
The Horticultural Symbol of the Armistice and Veterans Day
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly. . .
So begins the poem In Flanders Field by Canadian Physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, in May of 1915 upon witnessing the battles in Ypres salient, France. One of the most recognized symbols of Veterans Day is …
How to Plant Trees
Planting trees involves more than digging a hole and sticking the tree in the ground. You can try that, but don’t be alarmed if, a few years later, your tree isn’t doing so well. There are a lot of myths about tree planting that lead people to do silly things when they plant trees.
Tree Planting Myths
The tree needs a really deep hole.
This is one of the worst gardening myths. A tree does …
Spring Flowering Trees
Fall is the best time to plant trees. Get your trees in the ground before it freezes solid, and your trees will have an excellent chance of growing new roots and establishing themselves before winter. That will give them a head start in the spring. Today, I’ll give you the rundown on some great trees to plant now for spectacular spring color. Thursday, I’ll explain how to plant your trees so …
