It’s that time of the year when we garlic lovers need to be thinking about starting our next garlic crop. For those of us in the upper Southeast part of the country, the best planting time will be in November. Why November? Because for the cloves to develop nicely, they need a temperature between 32 degrees and 50 degrees fahrenheit. November tends to offer those kind of temperatures here in the southeast, but you can stretch this timing in either direction a bit. Later is better than earlier if … [Read more...] about It’s Garlic Time Again
Organic gardening
How weeds can help you understand your garden
As cultivators, we are constantly competing with mother nature for growing space. If a space in your yard is left bare, you can be certain that some type of weed is going to move in, if the conditions are in its favor. Weeds, just like cultivated plants, thrive in conditions that are favorable for them to be successful. By observing the most prevalent types of weeds growing in one area, we can get an idea of the soil’s pH, nutrition content, moisture, compaction and can even help identify the … [Read more...] about How weeds can help you understand your garden
Defending your garden against disease and pests
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
WINSTRIP Trays: Soil Blocks without the Mess
I don't like tear apart flat inserts for seed starting! Given their flimsiness, its really tough to get more than a season of use out of them: there just isn't a great way to consistently pop the seedling out without tearing the bottom of the 6-cell to pieces! I also find myself damaging fragile root systems as I inevitably end up needing to poke the bottom of the cells. The end result is a pile of plastic in the trash. Van Wingerden Int'l Nursery, based Mills River, NC, had the same … [Read more...] about WINSTRIP Trays: Soil Blocks without the Mess
