There is a difference between planting an orchard that survives and one that thrives. To create an orchard that grows well and produces quality apples, a number of considerations should be addressed before any trees are planted. Choose the Right Site The site chosen for an orchard can mean the diffe...

Ah, August. Summer is in full swing, but autumn is already peeking around the corner. The rewards of gardening are everywhere. Fruits and berries are ripening, as are vegetable crops. It’s time to begin harvesting and enjoying that fresh, home-grown flavor. Is there anything better than the taste of...

You patiently waited until the danger of frost had passed to plant your tomatoes. And you installed a sturdy support system in anticipation of healthy, robust plants. But there are still some things you can do to ensure the harvest of your dreams. If you’ve had your soil tested, you’ll know exactly ...

Much is said about self-sufficiency when it comes to growing your own food, whether that’s fruits and vegetables or livestock for meat. But there’s another important part of our diet that can’t be overlooked: beverages (and specifically, alcoholic ones). If you imbibe, you know there’s nothing sweet...

Do you want to enjoy fresh, home-grown veggies this summer? Perhaps you’d like to adorn your home with fresh-cut flowers. Whatever the reason, this year you’ve decided to start a garden of your own. But before you grab a spade and head for the backyard, put pen to paper and make a plan. Dream as big...

As April focuses on gardening with kids, it makes me think about the fun my sisters and I have with houseplants and perennials. I come from a long line of gardeners, some from necessity, some for the beauty and healing qualities of gardening. My maternal grandmother was an avid gardener and had a sp...

April is Kids Garden Month and what better time to share your love of gardening with a child? From learning what it takes to grow your food to spending time with family to encouraging a child’s curiosity, gardening has many benefits. Starting with small projects based on your child’s age, ability an...

Are you ready for an early season gardening adventure? Seed displays are prevalent right now in stores from garden shops to supermarkets. Grab a pack of seeds (or two or three) to start indoors. With a few basic supplies, by the time the weather is suitable for planting outside, you’ll have some hom...

For a stunning display of blooms in early spring, most New England gardens would benefit from the addition of a remarkable perennial: the hellebore. Among the first plants to herald spring, hellebores have gained huge popularity due to their many laudable qualities. Hellebores are non-invasive everg...

Watching the first flowering bulbs appear from the thawing ground in spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Luckily we don’t have to wait all winter to have spring blooms. A great way to do this at home is by forcing bulbs. Forcing bulbs means tricking the plants into thinking it is time to...

The village of Richfield Springs in Otsego County, NY, has a population of about a 1,000 people. The borough of Brooklyn has about 2.6 million. Even though Dan Sullivan grew up in New York City, he discovered his heart’s home was the country. Dan said he grew up playing on the streets of Brooklyn, j...

Forsythia in February? Impossible, you say! Not so. A vase full of flowers from the garden won’t take much more effort than harvesting some branches to force them to bloom. A good time to take cuttings for forcing is when you’re doing your annual winter pruning. If pruning isn’t on your winter to-do...

While rosemary is not a perennial in Vermont, you can still grow and enjoy fresh rosemary all year. Just plant it in a container. Bring it outside in warmer weather and inside before the first frost. Why rosemary? It is attractive, resembling a small pine tree, and has a pleasant scent, is easy to g...

National Kale Day, which is celebrated the on the first Wednesday of October, takes place to highlight kale’s health benefits and its culinary versatility, and it promotes eating,growing and sharing kale throughout the United States. Kale is one of those lauded “superfoods” as it is among the most n...