This spring I’ve been teaching kids the importance of pollinators at various educational events. Last week at our Kanawha County 4-H camp, my students constructed a model flower and discussed pollination and pollinators (pictured). It has been interesting to see how these youngsters take in the information and even change their minds. Continue reading Teaching kids about the birds and bees (and butterflies, etc)
We are at the point in the year where activity in the vegetable garden has reached a fever pitch. It is likely to remain busy for some time through the summer. We are actually at a point where we are managing things that are starting to reach maturity while looking forward to the fall.
There’s no better example of this than the squash family — while you may have summer squash and zucchini preparing to mature, it is time to cast an eye toward fall and plant pumpkins. Continue reading Squash family provides harvest for summer and fall
Sarah’s plant is called a Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus konjac). Native to subtropical Asia, it isn’t all that common in the United States. It is part of the Arum family and is related to plants you might know, like Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Peace Lily. Continue reading Little Lawn of Horrors: Mystery plant spooks homeowner
Malabar spinach is a plant native to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. It can add beauty and color to the landscape and is a tasty leafy green. Continue reading Tropical vine adds taste to plate and landscape
The fact of the matter is that producing flowers and fruits are tasks that take large amounts of energy. Unlike animals, which can increase food consumption to meet increased energy demands, plants are at the mercy of the amount of energy they can produce on their own. Continue reading Sometimes late bloomers are the best
The square foot gardening method was developed by a man named Mel Bartholomew and popularized in his book simply titled “Square Foot Gardening,” originally published in 1981. The current edition of the book is called “All New Square Foot Gardening, 2nd edition.” Bartholomew, who I had the pleasure to meet one year at the West Virginia Master Gardener Conference, passed away on April 28 at the age of 84. He leaves behind a legacy that will change the way many people garden for years to come. Continue reading Gardening for big flavor in a small space
Many perennial vegetable plants are not only tasty, but also attractive and find a home either in the landscape or vegetable garden. Continue reading Perennial vegetables: long-lasting flavor for the landscape or veggie garden
Most of us who have watched old movies may have heard the term “mayday” being used as a distress call. While the pure, unending frenzy of spring and the beginning of the garden season may have this extension agent screaming “Mayday! Mayday!” from time to time, that’s not what this article is about. The May Day I’m talking about is an old holiday that is … Continue reading Celebrate Gardening on May Day
If you peruse a garden center, farmers market or grocery store, you’ll see a whole bevy of different labels — “chemical free,” “natural,” “organic,” “certified organic” or “GMO free.” What do these labels mean, or do they mean anything at all? Continue reading Garden and food labels: Fact or Fiction
Sure, you can buy sweet potato starts at your local garden store, but they keep getting more expensive. Maybe you should use the method to produce sweet potato slips at home to start your own. Continue reading Give Your Sweet Potatoes the Slip
BearlyGrowing 