What Does it Take to be an Organic Gardener?
Some may dive into organic gardening with great expectations, and a feeling of pride at the choice they are making. However, when the reality of what it takes to be an organic gardener sets in, expectations become disappointments, and commitment to the choice may begin to fade.
For example, in many regions of the country, this has been an exceptionally cool and wet summer. If this is the first time that an individual has tried organic …
Edible Gardens: Eat What You Sow
There seems to be a simple truth in gardening, there are flower garden people, edible garden people, and a few who are a little of both. Flower garden people do not want to be bothered with ugly vegetable plants in rose and perennial gardens, and vegetable garden people plant flowers often only as a companion to a vegetable in their garden.
Michelle Obama is doing it, more and more neighbors and communities are doing it, and …
Tomato Troubleshooting
This is the time during the summer that tomato problems start to show you if they are happy with the way you are growing them, or unhappy. They show signs of stress and insect damage. In Northeast North America, there has been an outbreak of tomato disease affecting many tomato growers – both commercial and homeowners. Unfortunately, you can’t fix every problem that might plague your tomato plants, but you can help with some of …
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 …
Summer Squash Drop and Dash!
Photo by JoePhotoAugust is here, with full force. That means that people all over North America will be doing the “squash drop and dash.” What, you might ask, is that? The squash drop and dash is a vegetable delivery technique practiced by vegetable growers with fleet feet. Summer squash plants, including zucchini, crookneck and patty pan squash are prolific producers. They …
Growing Tomatoes in Tires
It is getting to that time of year when we all start thinking about sowing seeds, especially those of tomatoes. Unless you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, there never seems to be enough warm, sunny days to get tomatoes to ripen. However, I did come across this idea which should help to speed up the process, and hopefully allow tomato plants to mature quicker.
My friend has been growing tomatoes in tires …
Growing Tomatoes From Seed
If you don’t want to use tires to start your tomato seeds and you don’t have a greenhouse, then start your seeds indoors.
Tomato seeds ought to be sown 6 to12 weeks before the last expected frost date, most varieties will germinate in 5 to 12 days. For optimal germination, the soil temperature should be between 70 to 75 degrees F. Moisten the soil medium before sowing seed. Sow seeds …
Tomato Madness
Tomatoes are grown by more gardeners than any other vegetable.
If the letters that I get indicate anything it is that it seems that
this is the only vegetable that many people grow!!
Here are some tips that may help you in your tomato growing:
Grow the correct variety. This may sound obvious but it really isn’t.
Many gardeners who move around the country still stick to the same
variety that …
