Pollinators play important ecosystem role
Let’s take a moment to talk about the birds and the bees. You heard right — the birds and the bees. Now before you get your head too far into the gutter, let me clarify. We are literally talking about birds and bees and other pollinators. And it’s a great time to talk about pollinators, since this coming week is celebrated as National Pollinator Week. … Continue reading Pollinators play important ecosystem role
Controlling weedy foes in the garden
Weeds seem to occupy the minds of gardeners for a great deal of the growing season. There are weeds in the landscape, weeds in the vegetable garden, weeds in the lawns … weeds, weeds and more weeds. Some people let the weeds preoccupy them for most of the gardening season, while others really couldn’t care less. Sometimes I just shake my head as I see … Continue reading Controlling weedy foes in the garden
Be water-wise and you’ll be OK when summer sky is dry
This year, I’ve had the opportunity to do some traveling. It turns out, though, that all of the wonderful places that I have visited have had one thing in common: drought. Earlier this year I traveled twice to California, and just last week I had the fortune of touring farms around New Mexico. Signs everywhere tell you to conserve water, and restaurants serve water only … Continue reading Be water-wise and you’ll be OK when summer sky is dry
Ugly truth: Over-pruning does lots of damage to trees
As I drive through Charleston and other places, I can’t help but notice a plague affecting many of the trees in lawns and landscapes. This plague isn’t spoken about much, but it leaves deformed, weakened and vulnerable trees in its wake. The sad thing is, this plague is completely avoidable. I’m not talking about a fungal disease or an insect, though we have plenty of … Continue reading Ugly truth: Over-pruning does lots of damage to trees
Growing your best tomato
Now that warm weather is (supposedly) here to stay, it’s time to turn our attention to the more fair-weather members of the vegetable garden team. I would say that it is finally safe to plant peppers, beans, corn, cucumbers, squash and the like. But the one thing most people are really excited about planting is tomatoes. I’m not sure why planting tomatoes creates so much … Continue reading Growing your best tomato
Container gardening brightens small spaces
If you take a look around any garden center the week leading up to Mother’s Day, you’ll see lots of flowers and plants flying off the shelves in preparation to be given as gifts to dear old Mom. Roses are a common gift, but so are container plants and hanging baskets. Container gardening is more popular than ever, thanks in part to recent garden trends … Continue reading Container gardening brightens small spaces
Extension Service marks 100 years
Most people know that my day job is serving at the agriculture extension agent for WVU Extension Service in Kanawha County. Some people might even know what that means, while I bet a great many people have no idea what extension is or how it works. This week, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act by President Woodrow Wilson, which … Continue reading Extension Service marks 100 years
Should I be planting hybrid seeds?
There seems to be a lot of confusion and misinformation these days concerning the origin and safety of everyday garden seeds. While I do appreciate many of our heirloom seeds, I also appreciate what hybrid seeds bring to the table. Unfortunately, misinformation has led to a great number of home gardeners believing that hybrid seeds are genetically modified and unsafe. It is amazing to see … Continue reading Should I be planting hybrid seeds?
Give thanks for trees, and plant a new one
This week we celebrate two days that help us turn our attention toward making our planet a better place. On Tuesday, we celebrate Earth Day, which turns our consciousness to the Earth, and more specifically, to our place in it. Then on Friday, we celebrate National Arbor Day (for some reason, West Virginia Arbor Day was April 11), when we celebrate the role of trees on the … Continue reading Give thanks for trees, and plant a new one
Raise your garden to the next level
Many people ask me what my best suggestion is for starting a vegetable garden. Hands down, the first suggestion that comes out of my mouth is to garden in raised beds. There are just too many benefits to raised beds not to make them a serious part of your garden. For a modest up-front investment of money, time and labor, you can enjoy years of … Continue reading Raise your garden to the next level
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