Non-gardeners may suppose this time of year is when those of us with vegetable gardens sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor, but we know better. After all the watering, planting, weeding, training and mulching —this is harvest time! Fortunately, on a small scale, harvesting vegetables has enormous universal appeal. When they were […]

In the midst of the summer heat, it’s sometimes challenging to appreciate the brief gift of hot weather for what it is. When temperatures climb, we must water more frequently—and sometimes during a stretch of drought like the one we’re experiencing this summer in the Northeast—the chore of watering can seem interminable. Day after scorching […]

While some herbs overwinter in sunny windows or greenhouses, and others dry well for later, there’s a handful of culinary herbs that– to my mind– are best grown only during summer and enjoyed when fresh. Though they can be preserved one way or another, there’s no substitute for their fresh presence in summer’s signature dishes. […]

When you walk in off the street, you’ll notice an immediate change in your blood pressure. The Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden– the horticultural therapy branch of the NYU (New York University) Medical Center– is just a stone’s throw away from FDR Drive. But the tranquility of the garden, and the history of its role […]

This month I thought I’d explore a topic that's new to me. This activity isn't usually done inside greenhouses, but I do think it's of interest to gardeners. What is an efficient, odorless way to recycle food wastes, producing compost at the same time? The answer is vermicomposting, or the farming of worms. An average […]

Struggling with supplemental lights and squeezing plant flats into your house or apartment can make growing seedlings a challenge–but greenhouse gardeners enjoy the benefits of planting in environments ideal for their purpose. Whether you grow under glass or not, here’s how to insure your plants turn out the best they can. As in so many […]

Finally, a chance to peruse seed catalogs and plan for the new gardening season to come. Here are a few selections to consider, from some of my favorite seed sources. Johnny’s Selected Seeds This Maine-based company introduces a new heirloom green tomato this year– ‘Cherokee Green’ has medium size fruit that mature green with a […]

As we step into the new year, celebrate the transition with an early dose of spring by “forcing” some winter branches or dormant bulbs. (Not as violent as it sounds, forcing simply means encouraging plants to believe it is a different time of year—in this case, not winter—so that they bloom.) A sunny January day […]

If holiday gifts are on your mind, these suggestions may help with the gardening recipients on your list. Or perhaps, like me, you’ll add a few of these items to your personal wish list. Globally, gardening as a pastime is enjoying an all-time high in popularity; new gardeners sprout every day. The Curious Gardener’s Almanac […]

Before all our minutes are swallowed by the holidays, and while there’s still space in the greenhouse—pending the onslaught of spring seedlings—let’s consider a special winter bonus for greenhouse-owning gardeners—the privelege of enjoying winter-blooming plants! All the plants suggested below will thrive in bright sun and cool temperatures—ideally between 40 and 50 degrees. Remember that […]

Cooler evenings and shorter days—everything points to summer’s end. It’s time to move plants indoors. Here are a few things to consider before you do. Realistically assess your indoor space. Whether you plan to begin spring seedlings or grow winter crops, remember to allow room for these activities. Most plants you move in grow larger […]

With the hottest days of August behind us, this is a great time to plan for cooler times ahead. Particularly at the juncture of two seasons, your greenhouse provides a growing environment sheltered from increasingly unpredicatable weather. Chilly nights? Just close the vents and let the thermostat bring on a little heat. Indian Summer? Re-open […]