My Father-In-Law grows a vegetable garden in our home town at the Jersey Shore. He grew up on a farm in Italy and the man knows how to grow what he likes. It’s funny because I read so many gardening books and magazines and blogs, but he just knows from doing! Whether he likes it … Read more
The elderberries are almost ripe! These bushes are right near the street in the front yard, so they aren’t netted at all. I’m keeping a close eye on them so I might get some before the birds do. Those sunchokes, or Jerusalem artichokes, on the right, are pretty tall now. I don’t even see one … Read more
The few apples holding onto my young trees have been stolen by the squirrels or whatever else thought they were tasty enough to pick before they were ready. I’m not very sad because I know that next year we will have many more and I’ll be taking more precautions to protect the trees and the … Read more
My apple trees are just about to bloom! The granny smith AND the crimson gala both have buds. Whew! Last year they didn’t bloom at the same time, with the flowers actually opening up a few weeks apart. Looks like they will be good pollinators after all. I planted some radishes, a few lettuce and … Read more
Did you know that if you cut the bottom off a bunch of store bought celery, put it in a shallow dish of water for a day and then plant it outside it will RE-GROW?! Neither did I, but I read about it online and gave it a try and it’s totally working. I’m amazed. … Read more
Have you heard the gardening tradition of planting peas on St. Patrick’s day? I kept that one alive today and planted 2 rows of Oregon giant sugar snow peas. These are the kind where you can eat the pods too and I think the kids will just love them. I also planted some spinach, Georgia … Read more
I had my trays out in the back yard for a few days, but I’m worried it’s too cold in the greenhouse to have them germinate so I’ve moved them inside until they sprout. I’ve also decided the try to pre-sprout the few Lincoln pea’s I have left from last year’s packet before I plant … Read more
I think my tree is confused. It did NOT bloom in spring when it’s neighboring Crimson Gala tree bloomed and I was worried because these two trees were supposed to be able to pollinate each other. This is only the third autumn it’s been planted in my backyard. Will it bloom this coming spring? Will … Read more