A few days ago, I spent a couple of hours in my greenhouse getting ready for planting season. It was one of those windy, 45-degree days that makes you want to stay inside. But when I stepped into the greenhouse, it was a toasty 80 degrees. Warm. Bright. Peaceful. I could have easily pulled up…
Using Wood Ash in the Vegetable Garden: What Every Gardener Should Know
I live in an older home with fireplace. Many years ago, we purchased a wood burning fireplace insert for it. We knew if we wanted a warmer house without astronomical heating bills, we had to look for alternatives. We generally don’t use it unless the temperatures get below freezing and we’ve had a few opportunities…
Before You Plan Your Garden, Create a Vision
Every January, I see the same thing happen. Gardeners buy seeds.They sketch plans.They make ambitious lists. And then—somewhere between planting and mid-season—they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or discouraged. Not because they did anything wrong, but because they skipped one important step: They never created a vision for their garden. Before you decide what to plant or…
Frost vs. Freeze: How to Protect Your Fall Vegetable Garden
Ever notice how some vegetables can shrug off a light frost while others, like basil, turn to mush at the first chill? It all comes down to frost tolerance — and understanding the difference between a light frost and a hard freeze can help you protect your garden when temperatures drop. Frost vs. Freeze —…