-Ryan Blankenship- 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 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 … [Read more...] about Building a Raised Bed
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Holiday Gifts for the Gardener
This time of year, we get asked a lot to recommend gifts for gardeners. We talked with our staff, and here are some of their favorites for people on your list who like to dig in the dirt: A tool they wouldn’t necessarily get for themselves, but will keep forever – A really nice quality garden tool will last for generations and makes working in the garden more enjoyable. We carry a few lines of truly high-quality tools that any gardener would love. Rogue Hoes are made from recycled … [Read more...] about Holiday Gifts for the Gardener
Time to get the planting beds ready
The time is coming that we gardeners have been waiting for -- getting the planting beds ready. Start now and you'll have more time in season for the actual seeding and planting! Here's a checklist of things to do: Plan out what you're going to plant in each bed, taking into consideration putting plants together that require the same soil conditions. A simple diagram of each bed on a piece of paper will do. Check your soil pH in each bed. If needed, add amendments to each bed to raise … [Read more...] about Time to get the planting beds ready
Soil Testing: Learn your soil needs
Testing your soil is an important part of growing food- especially in areas with geologically old, nutrient-depleted, acidic soils as are commonly found in the Eastern United States. Fall is the perfect time of year to get your soil tested to see what type and quantity of soil amendments you need to give your plants the nutrients they need without adversely affecting the soil or environment. Application of too much nitrogen and phosphorus, for example, can leech into waterways and cause … [Read more...] about Soil Testing: Learn your soil needs