I'm guessing that, like me, most of you have started putting out your seeds and seedlings for the season, and will continue to do so over the next couple of months, at least. Congratulations... you have just provided the first feast of the season for the fungi, bacteria, bugs, and beetles that will soon arrive in your garden! As they say, "plant it, and they will come," or something like that. Now what are you going to do to protect your little plant babies? Sure, you can break out the … [Read more...] about Defending your garden against disease and pests
Beneficial Insects
Buckwheat: The Phosphorous Philanthropist
Most cover crops are a fall affair. Planting seed like crimson clover or rye can be depressing because it means winter will soon sequester the barren land for three months. Still, not all cover crops need the fall fixture for optimum growth. Buckwheat, also known as the "phosphorous pump", is a beautiful and beneficial addition to a summer garden. Buckwheat is unique in its ability to mine phosphorous from the soil into its roots. … [Read more...] about Buckwheat: The Phosphorous Philanthropist
Fall 2.0: Not Just For Pumpkins Anymore
A seasonal stereotype festers every time fall begins its crisp dance of falling leaves. Summer persuades most minds that it is the only season for growing. It's hard not to blame anyone for the thought. A feast of red ripe tomatoes, glistening cukes, and the age old implementation of the three sisters adorn the summer plot. However, once the wind alerts the nose that humidity must exit, most growers pack it up until next spring.The other problem that attaches is that alot of fall seeds must … [Read more...] about Fall 2.0: Not Just For Pumpkins Anymore
The Dirt on Those Sneaky Cover Crops
Ah, the uncelebrated cover crop. Saviour of many, yet thanked by few. They are not as sexy as the voluptuous tomato nor do they possess the rainbow gathering of certain chards. Cover crops remain unsung heroes because most of their goodwill happens under the soil (although one would certainly be devoid of heart if they didn't find a field of crimson clover breathtaking). Cover crops create a soil microclimate, which are rich in nutrients. Basically, a grower can scatter cover … [Read more...] about The Dirt on Those Sneaky Cover Crops
A Warm and Fuzzy Insecticide Piece Part 1
A microscopic soap opera happens every day with trillions of different scenarios. Lives are created and then vanquished. Treasures taken and babies stolen. Colonies come together to defeat an indomitable titan only to lose their village moments later from a grander giant's foot. As our world turns, so does the insect universe. The size of the species (theoretically ranging from 900,000 different kinds to 30 million), rabbit reproduction rates, mammoth lack of care for fellow insects, and … [Read more...] about A Warm and Fuzzy Insecticide Piece Part 1
