Compost, the dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material produced by natural decomposers, provides many benefits to gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Converting garden waste, kitchen scraps and various paper items into compost at home reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and saves hous...

The middle of winter, with snow covering brick-hard, frozen ground may seem like an odd time to plan a new garden bed, but it’s the best time. If you make decisions now, you’ll be ready when the weather warms and the ground is workable. Putting in a new garden bed takes a lot of effort, and nothing ...

The African swine fever (ASF) “I Protect Pigs” photo contest is back and now accepting entries. Brought to you by USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), this contest promotes the importance of good biosecurity behaviors by encouraging the public to submit a photo of owner/pig safe...

Imagine having sunny orange, bright yellow and luscious green fruit growing in your home, especially during this gray, cold time of year. While we do not associate citrus plants with our Northeast climate, there are several varieties that can be grown as indoor/outdoor houseplants. Native to Southea...

It begins in December. By January, seed and plant catalogs arrive at your mailbox (or email) almost daily. Browsing through their pages provides a welcome escape from the garden-deprived days of winter. These catalogs contain a wealth of information to help grow a successful garden. The trick is hav...

Sprouts are a versatile, dramatic addition to foods that go far beyond the basic bean sprout. Sometimes seen as an addition to sandwiches, toppings on salads and garnishes on entrees, sprouts add crunch, flavor and vibrant color to a variety of dishes. Adding sprouts to meals also enhances the nutri...

With spring around the corner, do you need inspiration for your 2025 garden? Here is a look at the top three trends in garden design and the plants that can help elevate your outdoor style. Each year, Monrovia – one of the nation’s largest growers of premium plants, trees and shrubs – analyzes data ...

Streptocarpus are commonly known as cape primrose, but don’t confuse them with the common primrose ( Primula vulgaris ), a perennial plant that you may have grown outdoors at home. While the two share some physical similarities, their care requirements are quite different. The common primrose in you...

Cold weather is here, and you’ve put your garden to bed for the season. That doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Just shift your focus from outdoors to in. Adding foliage plants to your home can help satisfy your need to be surrounded by green. Easy-to-grow choices that are also tolerant of the low-light...

If your holiday includes a live, cut Christmas tree, you may be wondering what to do with it after the festivities are over. Many towns, civic clubs and solid waste districts now have disposal programs in place. Most offer curbside pick-up of spent trees so long as all decorations, including tinsel,...

The apple harvest is over, but there are still some important pest management practices to follow to ensure healthy trees in spring. The pests we need to manage are not the little ones we typically see in summer but are larger and fluffier and include rabbits, mice and voles. Occasionally, voles wil...

The holiday season is a perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care. This year, why not give them something that helps keep them safe and healthy on the farm? The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety & Health Center (UMASH)put together a list of farm safety gifts that combine practicality wi...

Did you know that the world’s most expensive spice comes from a type of crocus? It’s true. Saffron is derived from Crocus sativus , commonly known as the “saffron crocus.” While blooming crocuses are as common in spring as boldly colored leaves are in autumn, the saffron crocus blooms in autumn. Saf...

Red and sugar maples are part of what makes the Northeast unique. In spring, they provide the makings of maple syrup and in autumn, they provide our landscape with some of the brightest colors. Although they have a lot in common, there are many differences between these two species and there are sev...

Raising chickens during winter has challenges: decreased egg production, frozen water and possible frostbite. However, there are management strategies that will keep your flock safe during winter. Winterizing your chicken coop and daily monitoring of your chickens will help to keep your flock health...