Pollinators are in trouble. These important wildlife move from plant to plant while searching for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, they are dusted by pollen and move it to the next flower, fertilizing the plant and … [Read more...]
Water and Shelter for Pollinators
All living creatures need water to survive. They use it for: HydratingCleansingModerating body temperatureReproducing If you are not fortunate enough to have a pond or stream near your garden, you can create an adequate water source by … [Read more...]
Planting Natives to Attract Pollinators and Birds
Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Native plants feed the insects that are the base of the food web, and insects that are especially important as food … [Read more...]
Stake your Tomatoes
Don't wait to stake and trellis your tomatoes until they are large! It is much easier start when they are a foot tall and you can sucker as you go along. CONTINUE SOURCE: PennState Extension … [Read more...]
Create New Garden Beds with Sheet Composting and Sheet Mulching
The amount of work usually associated with creating a new garden bed can be challenging. Removing grass and weeds, digging up the area, and incorporating fertilizer or other amendments into the soil can be labor intensive. Fortunately, there is a … [Read more...]
Pollinator Plants; Mid-Atlantic Region
Providing wildflower-rich habitat is the most significant action you can take to support pollinators. Adult bees, butterflies, and other pollinators require nectar as their primary food source, and female bees collect pollen as food for their … [Read more...]
How to Grow and Care for Beardtongue (Penstemon)
The plantain family (Plantaginaceae) gifts us with some wonderful ornamental flowering plants, including snapdragons, foxglove, and the valuable Penstemon genus, which contains more than 250 beardtongue species ready to … [Read more...]
How to prevent seedling damping off
Seedlings infected by damping off rarely survive to produce a vigorous plant. Quite often a large section or an entire tray of seedlings is killed. CONTINUE SOURCE: University of Minnesota Extension … [Read more...]
Get in the Zone: Two Truths (and a Lie) about Zone Maps
Have you ever returned from a trip, determined to recreate that tropical vacation vibe in your northern backyard? Or maybe you hope to grow lilacs, like those that filled the vase on your grandmother’s kitchen table—but aren’t sure they’ll flourish … [Read more...]
Seed Libraries Research Guide: Home
A seed library is a place where community members can get seeds for free or for a nominal fee and is run for the public benefit. Read more: … [Read more...]