Square Foot Gardening for your 2020 Victory Garden by Vicky Spelman

University of Florida - Gardening Solutions

Square foot gardening is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections (typically 12" (30 cm) on a side, hence the name). The aim is to assist the planning and creating of a small but intensively planted vegetable garden. It results in a simple and orderly gardening system, from which it draws much of its appeal. Since the beds are typically small, making covers or cages to protect plants from pests, cold, or sun is more practical than with larger gardens. 

Backyard Botany: Daffodil

What is crop rotation by Vicky Spelman

Courtesy Wisconsin Horticultural Division of Extension

Crop rotation is one of agriculture’s oldest beneficial practices.  In the home vegetable garden, crop rotation involves changing the planting location of vegetables each season within the garden.  It is used to reduce damage from insect pests, to limit the development of vegetable diseases, and to manage the soil fertility.

Want to extend your growing season? by Vicky Spelman

Oregon State University Extension

Want to extend your growing season? Build a raised bed cloche.  

Cloche (pronounced klōsh) is a bell or dome-shaped cover used to protect small or delicate outdoor plants from frost and cold weather.  This definition has expanded and includes the many types of portable and permanent structures used for sheltering plants from wind and cold – and serve as mini-green houses.

Easter Lily Lore and Care by Vicky Spelman

Pixabay

The popular Easter lily we use today to celebrate the holiday is referred to as ‘the white-robed apostles of hope.’  These snow-white flowers symbolize new life and hope.

Vegetable Miracles in the Snow by Nancy Shepard

Photo: Nancy Shepard

With such nice weather last week, I cleared a space in my garden for planting some cool-season veggies:

·      Arugula (Eruca vesicaria ‘Rocket’)

·      Spinach (Sinacia oleracea ‘Lavewa’)

·      Snap Peas (Pisum sativum ‘Sugar Snap’)

·      Snow Peas (Pisum sativum ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’)

Spring Planted 'Bulbs' for Summer Color by Barb Kett

SPRING PLANTED “BULBS” FOR SUMMER COLOR

“Bulb” generally covers true bulbs and other structures such as corms, tubers, tuberous roots and stems, and rhizomes that store food for the plants.  Buy bulbs early to get the biggest selection and healthiest bulbs - usually, the bigger, firmer the bulb, the better the flowers.

There are many spring planted bulbs that provide great color, foliage, and flowers for the summer season.  Dahlias, caladium, canna, gladiolus, allium, tuberous begonia, and lilies are some of the easiest to find summer blooming bulbs.

Urban Farming by Vicky Spelman

 Graphic - Vicky Spelman

Urban:  An urban area is the region surrounding a city. Most inhabitants of urban areas have nonagricultural jobs. Urban areas are very developed, meaning there is a density of human structures such as houses, commercial buildings, roads, bridges, and railways. "Urban area" can also refer to towns, cities, and suburbs.

Spring Bulbs for Pollinators by Vicky Spelman

Hiliary Halliwell - Pexels

All those bulbs you planted last Fall should be starting to pop up.  In March and April, we will still have some colder weather but the anticipation of Spring is here. As temperatures warm up pollinators will emerge from hibernation needing food sources.  Some of the earliest flowers to bloom are bulbs helping to provide the necessary nectar for hungry bees and pollinators.

Spring in the Water Garden by Nancy Steinke

Photo:  Nancy Steinke

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, water gardens come to life. As with other areas of your garden, your pond requires extra attention this time of the year. Cleaning after spring thaw, when the water temperature is 50 to 55 degrees F, removes the excess nitrogen that can lead to overgrowth of algae, or “greening”. This causes the least disruption of the colonies of beneficial bacteria, essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Houseplants bring health and enjoyment to your work and home by Joyce D’Agostino

Photo:  Joyce D’Agostino

In recent years, studies have proven how including plants to our surroundings not only helps to clean the air but to help us improve our mood, concentration and focus.

Check Your Turf for Snow Mold by Donna Duffy

Photo by Donna Duffy

Snow mold is a fungal disease that appears in late winter/early spring as the snow melts. Due to the prolonged snow cover this winter, there’s a good chance that you may find some patches of snow mold on your turf. I found several large and small patches when I walked around the (finally) snowless yard this morning.