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...

A good plant parent does all the right things. They provide their plant babies with the right amounts of sunlight and water and fertilizer (and maybe conversation). This time of year can be a little tricky, though. Those plants have been enjoying outdoor life all summer, but what is the best time to...

This vibrant orange squash is the hallmark of the autumn season. As the golden days of October fade away into clear, light blue skies, crisp windy afternoons and the fiery colors of changing leaves, pumpkins begin to dot the landscape. As porch decorations on your neighbor’s home. In large bins at l...