Just when you think you’ve become accustomed to the spotted lanternfly invasion, along comes another menace to the ecosystem: the Asian jumping worm. Allow me to introduce you to Amynthas agrestis , also known as Alabama jumper, Jersey wriggler and the rude-but-accurate crazy worm. Unlike garden-var...

Rest is a fundamental human need. Sleep, sure. But sometimes that just looks like needing a break from our daily routine and an opportunity for relaxation and fun away from our normal schedule and surroundings. The farming and homesteading crowd are no different. The demand of a busy schedule someti...

There’s an old saying: “Good things come in small packages.” That’s certainly true of the tiny flowers that bloom in spring. And autumn is the perfect time to plant these bulbs. We’re all familiar with the drifts of daffodils and tulips that brighten the view at winter’s end, but have you considered...

By now, you’ve likely thought about getting that wood stove or fire place up and running. Or you already have! Those mornings can be chilly. You’ve done the important task of cleaning your chimney or flue and are ready to stay cozy. You’ve also likely stocked up on firewood all summer and autumn, bu...

Garlic is an unusual crop. It’s vegetatively propagated, planted in autumn and especially flavorful. It probably originated in central Asia, and then was brought to Europe, and by the early 1700s, to America. There are two types of garlic. Hardneck garlic forms a false flower stalk in spring called ...

Wild bees are important pollinators for our crops, gardens and wild plants. In Vermont there are over 350 types of wild bees, including 17 different species of bumblebees. Bumblebees are efficient pollinators that are especially important for spring crops, such as early blooming berries and tree fru...

October 12 is National Farmers Day every year, and every year, one day doesn’t seem like enough time to thank them for all that they do. Out of curiosity, I searched “What does a farmer do?” Oddly enough, one of the first links that popped up came from Indeed – that’s right, the job search site. The...

It’s the time of year when strangely-shaped, multi-colored, warty gourds begin to appear in gardens, markets, CSA boxes and on front porches. If you planted any type of gourds in your garden this year, enjoy peeking under leaves now to see what variations have developed. Decorative gourds belong to ...

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...