Now midway through July, lets take a look at how that summer heat is affecting the contents of our gardens. Here are a few tips on what to harvest, plant, and more in this most patriotic--but also hottest--of the summer months. Asparagus Asparagus takes a long time to mature--think about three years. Thus its going to be a while before any asparagus you may have planted in … [Read more...] about Proper Plantings for July
Gardening
5 Tips for Ursidae-Free Composting
Love composting, but dislike the idea of having big, furry, four-legged bear friends near your home? I don't blame you. While I love encountering (black) bears out in the woods (its usually a much less scary experience than folks imagine), having them camped out near a homestead is a different story, as they can pose a problem to children, pets and the like. Read on for some … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Ursidae-Free Composting
Jumpin’ June Plantings!
Today marks the first of June, and while I realize I've strayed from the garden a bit over the last weeks, I cannot resist this opportunity to detail some of the plantings you should be sowing into the ground for this month. Read on, for some ideas on what to dirty your hands with in this first of the summer months. Bush Beans If you haven't planted beans yet, now is the … [Read more...] about Jumpin’ June Plantings!
Decamping Tent Caterpillars
I sometimes have the chance to peruse the comments on my articles (and, when I can figure out the controls on the #&*@ing content management system, even manage to respond to a few). As it happens, I was going over the comments on my last posting and noticed a potential confusion between bagworms, and Eastern Tent Caterpillars. Its a common mistake, and one I made myself … [Read more...] about Decamping Tent Caterpillars
Bagworm Banditry
Notice a large section of your plant-life getting torn apart by sticky sacks of worms, year after year? You likely have a bagworm infestation, but this is the year to put an end to the tree-borne plant-bandits. Read on for some tips on how to remove these pests from sight and mind. Seasonal Skirmish The trick with bagworms is when to start targeting them. Good news for … [Read more...] about Bagworm Banditry