What, When, How To Use Garden Tools Just starting out as a new homeowner? Get the garden tools you need. Tips on which essentials a newbie gardener should buy. Hint: if it decorates a wall, you aren't using it. | What Essential Tools Do I Need to Garden? There are an array of tools in every garden center and hardware store, and some look like they were dreamed up after eating too late at … [Read more...] about A Basic Guide To Essential Garden Tools For Beginners
garden basics
Landscaping 101, A Mini Course
Plan To Landscape Your Own Yard And Garden Here is a quick course in planning your landscape- what to think about and where to find your information. There is so much excellent tutorial information available that any homeowner can design and install their own beautiful landscape if they wish to do it on their own. Why would you? Well, economic reasons for one - landscaping is one of the … [Read more...] about Landscaping 101, A Mini Course
Late Winter Is Time To Prune
Best Time To Prune Visualizing how to cut tree branches If we get a break in the weather (which we will, eventually), it will be ideal time to get the pruning tools out and clean up winter damage, trim out fruit trees, and cut back many clematis vines. Those that bloom on new wood are prime candidates for pruning, although those which are scrubby looking, like quince bushes … [Read more...] about Late Winter Is Time To Prune
The Down And Dirty Weeding Tool List
The Bare Essentials Some essentials when brand new I've done a lot of tweeting and writing about weeding this season. There are a couple of reasons for that including the unusually wonderful weather (from my perspective, anyway), and my desire to have my yard look like I actually garden, despite many trips to visit the children and grandchildren. The weather: It has been a … [Read more...] about The Down And Dirty Weeding Tool List
Posted, A Short Garden Tip Video
Mini-tutorial when you only have a minute On Care Of Ornamental Grass I wanted to add to the videos made for Ilona's Garden Youtube channel. I like short tips videos, so I made one while showing my son how to cut down the leftovers from last season. I have so many chores that I am delegating some of the ones that don't need any expertise. This is one of those easy tasks, just point and … [Read more...] about Posted, A Short Garden Tip Video
Seeds For Trial Garden
A few of the seeds that were sent to me This year I received seeds to trial in my gardens from American Meadows. They arrived this last week, and the weather is finally warming up so that I can get ready to plant them. Exciting, is it not? I have a large amount that were sent in the nicest cloth bags, 1/4 lb. worth of an annual Wildflower mix, and equal amount of a Honeybee mix! Those … [Read more...] about Seeds For Trial Garden
Brush Up On The Basics
Ready, Set, Go GardeningWe are beginning a new growing season, once the plant orders are in, the plans have been laid, and the plants begun indoors, we are well on our way to a busy Spring start. So, before things get too hectic, I thought it could be useful to brush up on a few basics. You can make your lists or take notes if you like, or just share this post or bookmark :)First: Good ToolsLove … [Read more...] about Brush Up On The Basics
Still too early, so wait for it
Don't Start Seeds Too EarlyPhoto: MissyRedBoots, Judith BrougSome of you aren't going to heed this advice. I blame the fact that this winter has been so long (psychologically) and cold that with all the complaints about it, many gardeners want to jump the gun. Whether the stores will aid and abet you, I don't know... our road conditions have been bad and I haven't gone to stores with seed … [Read more...] about Still too early, so wait for it
When Thoughts Turn To…Plants
It is January, and in Ohio we experienced our usual January thaw... so everything is quite soggy at this point. Most of the gardeners here realize that we have several more months until we can garden and at least one more month to expect winter weather, but right now our thoughts turn to plants -the way a young man's thoughts in spring turn to love. Oh, right, maybe that is all the time. Lots … [Read more...] about When Thoughts Turn To…Plants
I Learned Something – You Can Too
Seed bombsI've been doing everything except gardening and blogging for the last few weeks. It is fall, and while I usually am out in the garden planting bulbs and all sorts of autumn tasks, this year I tidied the garden and then left for the South to visit my children and grandchildren. Along the way from Ohio the beautiful leaves turning in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia satisfied my yen for … [Read more...] about I Learned Something – You Can Too
When Should I Transplant My Garden Plant?
The rule of thumb for transplanting any sort of plant is:The best time to transplant a plant is when it is most dormant.That rule seems simple enough, and for most plants, dormancy is in spring before the leaves appear, or in late summer or early fall when they are getting ready for their winter sleep. For those of us in cold climates, we are taking chances when planting any later than the … [Read more...] about When Should I Transplant My Garden Plant?
Expectedly, We Re-entered Winter
I hope no one else in Ohio is disappointed, since there is no real end of winter weather here before April, and last blasts of it can happen into May. I look outside onto snow frosted fields, the upturned furrows breaking the surface are like a choppy sea. More winter storms are coming this week, but I am jaded to either their charm or their fury. Que sera, sera.It is too early to start seeds, … [Read more...] about Expectedly, We Re-entered Winter