Hi all! Sometimes we get questions from folks that want to build raised beds, but aren’t sure how to do so in a sloping space. It is important that your beds be close to level so that water is evenly distributed. Your plants will like that part and it does look better this way too! So, we rolled up our sleeves and took a run at the project. Here’s how we did it and we’re pleased with the results. Hopefully you’ll find this information helpful and if you’ve got tips on how we could have … [Read more...] about Building Raised Beds on a Slope
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A Beginner Grows Some Spuds
I found myself with more personal “me” time this past year and was determined to occupy the “free” time with a new hobby. Enter the world of gardening…oh boy! There’s a lot going on with that word “gardening.” Simple, rewarding, economic, healthy they all said, and yes, while these things are true – there’s so much to this hobby called gardening! Determined never-the-less, I decided to start my “garden” with some “easy” to grow potatoes. Simple, tasty, and inexpensive (btw, groceries are … [Read more...] about A Beginner Grows Some Spuds
Soooooo Many Hops!
Today’s post is a conversation with Steve from Winston-Salem, NC. In his spare time, he is an organic gardener and home brewer. He’s also kind enough to shop at FSG (Thank you!). Steve has been growing his own hops for a few years now and we thought it would be fun and useful to get his insights on growing this great plant. We hope you agree! Please introduce yourself to our readers. Hi, well you already shared my name, some of my hobbies and my home town. Other things that … [Read more...] about Soooooo Many Hops!
A Guide to Healthy, Organically-Grown Tomatoes 2023
This article was originally published in 2017, it has been updated with new information and product links. As always, please leave us your comments below! -Pam Scott- I love tomatoes! Canning them, freezing them, drying them, pickling them, roasting them and saucing them is my idea of fun. Tomatoes, basil and mozzarella define the taste of summer for me. Growing up in cool, dry, New England, I spent most every August canning tomatoes with my mother. You can imagine my despair when … [Read more...] about A Guide to Healthy, Organically-Grown Tomatoes 2023
Talking Pawpaws with Sleepy Gap Pawpaws
Today’s post is a conversation with Andra of Sleepy Gap Pawpaws which supplies Pawpaw Seedlings to Fifth Season Gardening Co. We thought you’d enjoy learning more about this native fruit tree and hearing her story. Enjoy! Please introduce yourself to our readers! Hi, my name is Andra and I am the founder of Sleepy Gap Pawpaws near Asheville, NC. Sleepy Gap Pawpaws is a small-scale nursery and we also have an orchard with 130 trees growing for future harvests. In my other job I am a … [Read more...] about Talking Pawpaws with Sleepy Gap Pawpaws
Building a Raised Bed (2023)
Whether you live in the city or out in the country, the best way to have complete control over your garden is by building a raised bed. I say this because everyone’s soil is going to be different. It could be very sandy, loamy, high or low in nitrogen, or even solid red clay like mine is. The best way to overcome challenges presented by your soil is by building a garden bed on top of your existing soil. The first step is determining the size bed you would like to build. I built my raised beds … [Read more...] about Building a Raised Bed (2023)
A Bat Talk
We recently had the opportunity to both meet and have an engaging conversation with Dr. Rada Petric, Director of the Institute for the Environment at Highlands Field Site in Highlands, North Carolina, as well as Research Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Petric is studying the fascinating world of bat’s, in-particular their migration patterns and ecological impact on North Carolina. Hello! It’s great to meet you Dr. Petric. Please … [Read more...] about A Bat Talk
Fall Gardens Start in Summer
A common mistake among new gardeners is forgetting to plant the fall garden early enough. A perfectly-timed fall garden is, in fact, started in summer – not fall! Sure, you’re still harvesting zucchini and perhaps the tomatoes aren’t yet ripe but we’re now on the other side of the summer solstice when days are gradually getting shorter and crops will begin growing slower. So, all the while pulling weeds and plucking peppers, you’ll want to be gearing up to plant your fall garden! The main … [Read more...] about Fall Gardens Start in Summer
Organic Treatments for Fungal Infections 2022
This is one of our Top 10 most popular articles based on customer feedback and engagement. Originally published in July 2016, it has been updated with new information and product links. As always, please leave us your comments below! The hot and humid days of July and August are prime time for fungal infections to start popping up on your trees, vegetables, and landscaping plants. Some of the most common infections are powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and blight. Preventative treatments, and … [Read more...] about Organic Treatments for Fungal Infections 2022
Let’s get this spring thing started!
-Pam Scott- It’s February 1st, and I am marveling at the insulating, nitrogen-rich blanket of snow covering my garden. Today I will be making my way out to the yard to take cuttings of quince and forsythia. They will be taken indoors and put into vases of warm water where they will be forced into bloom, filling the house with the colors and scents of spring. This is a yearly tradition for me to welcome in the beginning of “Gardeners Spring”. This is also the date when we at Fifth Season … [Read more...] about Let’s get this spring thing started!
