Last time, we mentioned the importance of planting cover crops in the off season. Thing is, there are quite a few different types of cover crops, and while all are helpful, each has its own particular specialty. Read on for the various uses of cover crops, and the particular benefits of several popular variants. Erosion The most common reason for planting cover crops is to … [Read more...] about Cover Crops and Their Uses
Gardening
Offseason Garden Prep
If you've got a fall garden going, you've still plenty of plants in the ground, so bookmark this for when you're done for the year. If, however, like many gardeners, your growing season is over for the year, its time to begin thinking about prepping your ground for spring. Read on for some ways you can get a head start on a fruitful spring season. Removing Plants For … [Read more...] about Offseason Garden Prep
Handling Harlequin Bugs
Harlequin bugs. You can't live with 'em, and it would certainly be more pleasant to live without them! Unlike their carnival-esque name, these mid-sized little garden pests are no laughing matter. Feasting primarily upon cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts--or basically any brassica they can find--these bugs tend to show up in clusters, leaving a path of destruction in their … [Read more...] about Handling Harlequin Bugs
Garden Tips for a Rainy Year
It's been a wet year on the homestead. Between seemingly endless rain, and humidity that often sees 90-percent, I can't remember the last time I actually had to go out and water the garden. While it's hard to complain about rain when we often see so little of it, there can always be too much of a good thing. So what can too much rain and moisture do to a garden? Read on to find … [Read more...] about Garden Tips for a Rainy Year
6 Insect-Repelling Plants
Looking to cut down on the amount of bugs in your garden, the natural way? Consider ringing it with a few of the insect-repelling plants below, and watch the bugs fly away. Lemongrass First up is lemongrass, as its an obvious choice for this list. Lemongrass naturally secretes citronella oil, the primary ingredient found in many anti-insect candles and scents. Lemongrass is … [Read more...] about 6 Insect-Repelling Plants