There are so many considerations to bear in mind when growing plants in a controlled space such as a greenhouse – and this is particularly the case at this time of year. While the summer is something of a boon for all kinds of gardeners, as there are a lot of activities to be getting […]
Hunting for new ornamental plants? The web is a terrific place to start. But good, reliable sources donāt always pop up first in a Google search. So, hereās the Northwestās best-kept internet gardening secretāGreat Plant Picks. Started in 2001 as an outreach educational arm of the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, Great Plant […]
Last year in July, the upper Midwest was in the grip of a historic drought. What a difference a year makes: So far this year, weāve had about 10 inches more rain than normal. The spring that came with the cool, wet weather was glorious (at least, for those of us whose yards and basements […]
Of all the many options open to greenhouse growers when it comes to choice of plant, it could be argued that one of the most satisfying is producing things you can then go on to eat. Herbs are possibly the most straightforward of these edible plants – and they perform very well in a greenhouse. […]
When thinking of a new plant to grow in a greenhouse, it is easy to be completely overwhelmed by the wide range of choices available. Far more than any other gardener, greenhouse growers are totally spoilt for choice – and there are many reasons for this. The fact that a greenhouse grants a degree of […]
Growing herbs in a greenhouse is arguably one of the most satisfying ways you can put the controlled gardening environment to use. This is because you get all of the satisfaction of growing some plants all of your own from seed – and herbs are renowned for being particularly aromatic, which is a desirable characteristic […]
Summer is a wonderful time to be a gardener, as there is such a wide and varied range of tasks to perform that the pastime really comes into its own – regardless of whether you are a seasoned pro or a keen amateur. However, it can be difficult to narrow down a choice of plants […]
Two bird houses sit at opposing corners of the vegetable garden perimeter, perhaps twelve feet apart, attached to the posts supporting our deer fence. Last year we saw four nestings of blue birds move through them. So far this year, the houses have provided temporary shelter to both bluebirds and wrens; we are now on […]
Many plants benefit from the controlled growing environment that a greenhouse brings, but it is always extremely satisfying when you develop a tough-to-grow crop for the table. Grafted heirloom tomatoes are this year’s cultivation craze. Although grafting has its detractors, it helps you get the incredible taste of an plump-looking Brandywine (Solanum lycopersicum) combined with […]
There are many potential uses for a greenhouse – and the fact that you can grow a very wide range of plants outside their typical habitat means that it is a popular choice for a wide range of gardening purposes. However, arguably one of the most satisfying uses for this kind of controlled gardening environment […]
Little by little the greenhouse plants that have been sewn, potted on and juggled about for the last couple of months are finding their way outside. First they have to look sturdy and healthy, and to have produced a few leaves, then they get a week on the back steps ā a gentle sunny and […]
Who knew you could be an intrepid plant hunter in your own backyard? Ellen Zachos, thatās who. In her new book, Backyard Foragingā65 Familiar Plants You Didnāt Know You Could Eat, Ellen describes a variety of edibles, from the more commonāJerusalem artichokes, elderberries and crab applesāto those in the āwho knew?ā category. Written in an […]
