The USDA recently released its newest Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the map that gardeners use to decide when their last anticipated frost is likely to occur and when they can set out plants of various types.
The USDA reports that many areas are now half a zone warmer than on previous maps, “mostly a result of using temperature data from a longer and more recent time period.” (An interactive map is available at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/). While many debate whether this reflects a global climate change or just a more accurate assessment of the data, gardeners want to know one thing:
What do the New USDA Growing Zones Mean?
by Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti February 3rd, 2012 | Gardening
Putting the Garden to Bed with Free Mulch
by Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti November 8th, 2011 | Gardening
In November, I envy the southern gardener, who is just starting seeds and garden plants at the time that my garden is a fading memory. If you are like me and are putting your garden to bed in these final fall days, you may want to do so with some free mulch.
For years, we did not mulch our garden in the fall; we simply pulled the dead vegetable plants and left the plot to its own devices over the winter; however, a few years ago we started mulching it as our final task of the year, and I’m glad
For years, we did not mulch our garden in the fall; we simply pulled the dead vegetable plants and left the plot to its own devices over the winter; however, a few years ago we started mulching it as our final task of the year, and I’m glad
Guerilla Gardening
by Heather Duchan November 4th, 2011 | Gardening
Guerilla Gardening is a movement that's been around for ages and describes any act of gardening on a piece of land without direct permission from the owner. The term "guerilla gardening" was probably coined in the 1970's by a group known as the "Green Guerrillas." Led by a woman named Liz Christy, this group turned an abandoned lot in the Bowery Houston neighborhood of New York into a garden.
After that first group cleaned up the lot and revamped the soil, they petitioned the city to make that space an official community garden. The city agreed. Since then, this public
After that first group cleaned up the lot and revamped the soil, they petitioned the city to make that space an official community garden. The city agreed. Since then, this public
Extending the Growing Season
by Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti October 11th, 2011 | Gardening
Fall is a time of mixed emotions for me. While it is beautiful in the Midwest, the cooler temperatures and shorter days remind me that gardening season is almost done. And as a vegetable gardener, I am particularly saddened by the impending loss of fresh vegetables that travel from garden to plate in mere minutes.
However, I do use a few tricks to extend the growing season:
Bring it inside. Many plants will make the transition to growing indoors fairly successfully, particularly if they have been growing all season in containers. I have successfully brought dwarf fruit trees, herbs, lettuces, peppers,
However, I do use a few tricks to extend the growing season:
Bring it inside. Many plants will make the transition to growing indoors fairly successfully, particularly if they have been growing all season in containers. I have successfully brought dwarf fruit trees, herbs, lettuces, peppers,
Controlling Pests Without Pesticides
by Angela Yorke September 19th, 2011 | Gardening
Ever since my garden started growing well, I’ve noticed the appearance of insects around the home. It’s one thing to keep ants out of the kitchen, but I’m not keen on using pesticides to get rid of the pests in my garden. This is because of the potential harmful effects of pesticide residues. Happily, there are alternatives to bug spray.
Birds can be your best friend when you want to get rid of creepy crawlies and insect pests around the home without resorting to pesticides. A well-tended garden is a good habitat for all creatures though, both pollinating insects and
Birds can be your best friend when you want to get rid of creepy crawlies and insect pests around the home without resorting to pesticides. A well-tended garden is a good habitat for all creatures though, both pollinating insects and
