Planting flowers and vegetables in large outdoor container can be an excellent way to maximize both space and yield. Though the process of filling these pots with high quality potting mixes is relatively simple, the cost can add up quickly. This is especially troublesome for those on a tight budget. By becoming more familiar with […]
The time it takes for waste products to turn into gorgeous, usable compost may seem like an eternity. That’s where drunken composting comes into play. What is drunken composting? Yes, it has to do with beer – composting with beer, soda and ammonia to be exact. What is drunken composting? Getting a compost pile hot […]
If you are just getting started with a home orchard, you may be very upset to see miniature apples, plums or other fruits scattered beneath your healthy trees in May and June. This is actually a common phenomenon called June fruit drop. What is June drop? What causes it? A combination of factors results in […]
Hogweed, hemlock or parsnip, it can be quite difficult to distinguish one from the other. However, all of these plants have several things in common and you’ll want to avoid them. Contact may cause unpleasant, potentially deadly, reactions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service want to help you identify and differentiate these plants so you […]
BY STEPHANIE HILLER for YES! Magazine When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the future of the Cannard Family Farm—whose organic vegetables supplied a single Berkeley restaurant—was looking stark. Ross Cannard is the son of an iconic leader in the local organic movement in California. “Iconoclastic,” Ross says with a chuckle. Bob Cannard built his 30-year career by […]
If the leaves on your plants have white spots on them. This symptom may be caused by a number of problems. White spots on leaves should be distinguished from the white or light gray powder caused by powdery mildew. What causes white spots on leaves Fertilizer – Copper Deficiency – copper is essential to the growth […]
Thrips are little slender insects that have fringed wings and feed on other insects by puncturing them and sucking out their insides. However, some of them also feed on the buds and leaves of a plant. This causes distorted parts of the plant or black specks, which is actually the feces from the thrips. Stippled […]
To help you enjoy going outdoors, try strategically placing insect-repelling plants in your garden or on your patio. Essential oils in these plants act as nature’s bug repellent. Insects tend to avoid them. You can even use some of these plants to make your own natural bug repellent. 1. Lavender Repels moths, fleas, flies and […]
Plastic is overtaking the world. It is one of the greatest threats to planet Earth. Currently in the world 300 million tons of plastic from fossil fuels is made annually and nearly 12.7 million tons ends up in the oceans. It is predicted that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the […]
If you’re looking for a fun project to do in your backyard here’s an idea for you. You can make this happen with minimal requirements and materials. Parents are creating pole bean teepee for their kids to play in and it looks super cool. A living bean teepee in the garden is a magical place to teach children about gardening, […]
