A microcosm of microbes underfoot
This past week, as I harvested the last of my fall green beans and pulled up the vines (and put them in the compost), I saw something that made me think about the great big web of life that we rarely see and hardly think about. There’s a huge microcosm of life underfoot, namely fungi and bacteria that have evolved over millions of years to … Continue reading A microcosm of microbes underfoot
The dreaded ‘pughetti’ makes its appearance
As my regular readers know, sometimes my gardening articles are inspired by the things that happen to me in real life. For example, I wrote about water conservation after traveling to the New Mexico desert, and about produce competitions during my week at the state fair. Sometimes, though, the inspiration comes from a totally unplanned source. Picture this: A Sunday afternoon trip to a large … Continue reading The dreaded ‘pughetti’ makes its appearance
Organic growing takes attention
More and more gardeners are interested in growing organically. This is especially true for gardeners growing fruits, vegetables and even grains. Reasons include concern over pesticide use, human health, preservation of beneficial insects and microbes and reducing input costs. Part of growing organically is eliminating pesticide use or using organic pesticides derived from natural materials such as minerals, fungi, plant extracts and more. The other … Continue reading Organic growing takes attention
Onions deserve a little respect
Let’s face it: When it comes to crops for the vegetable garden, onions are one of the least sexy things you can grow. Garlic, it seems, is the most vivacious and interesting member of the allium family. Nobody gets excited about the lowly onion like they do their heirloom tomatoes or half-runner beans. There aren’t boards on Pinterest dedicated to favorite onion recipes or pretty … Continue reading Onions deserve a little respect
Fall tasks are at hand
As we progress further into the cool, crisp days of autumn, it is time to turn our attention to preparing the garden for the winter to come and even look forward to next year’s garden. By preparing, you can conserve resources and energy for next year’s gardening season. This week, I’ll talk about a few things you can do to enjoy the garden in the … Continue reading Fall tasks are at hand
Extending the garden season
Even though the temperature may be quickly dropping, even as the fall colors illuminate the mountains, and even as chrysanthemums pop up on front porches and in gardens, there’s still plenty of life left in the vegetable. To keep your garden growing into the fall and winter, just remember that you need to use protection. Using season extension techniques, it can be possible to add … Continue reading Extending the garden season
When it comes to blooming, the difference is night and day
Autumn creeps slowly into the mountain valleys of West Virginia. Cool, crisp evenings signal the end of summer and our gradual march toward winter. Colors slowly appear, then radiate, in the trees hugging the sides of the mountains. Summer-visiting birds pack up and move south, preferring to winter in warmer locations. And I find it harder and harder to remove myself from the embrace of … Continue reading When it comes to blooming, the difference is night and day
New lawn? What type of grass is best?
September means cool evenings, colorful trees, football and shorter days. September also means that it is the best time to take care of your lawn or establish a new one. Many of the questions I receive concern which type of grass is best for the lawn and the best schedule for care. So this week, let’s take a little time to get some lawn details … Continue reading New lawn? What type of grass is best?
Tropical oasis created in W.Va.
About a month or so ago, I took a call from a guy named Johnny Carter, wanting me to come see his garden. He insisted that his backyard garden would be interesting enough to feature in my newspaper column. With some doubts, I promised that we would connect in late August, when my schedule was less hectic and his garden was “at its peak.” Of … Continue reading Tropical oasis created in W.Va.
What weeds are telling you
Sometimes it seems like there is just this one weed that has to ruin everything. It grows out of control, ruining the aesthetic of your lawn, landscape or garden. It outcompetes the things you actually want to grow. It looks horrible and grows way too fast to keep under control. I know that some people don’t mind weeds, or even appreciate them (many are tasty … Continue reading What weeds are telling you
BearlyGrowing 