By selecting the contents of the raised bed, soil properties like texture, drainage, and organic matter content can be controlled. A soil and compost mix is recommended, at a ratio of 70% soil to 30% compost. Make sure that both the soil and compost … [Read more...]
Mulch – A Survey of Available Options
A gardener has many choices when it comes to mulch. This article covers the pros and cons of various types of organic, non-organic, and living mulches. Read more: … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk – Isn’t That Just Plum-Dandy!
QUESTION The client called about a 6-yr old plum tree that had fruit for 3 years but not for last 2 even though it bloomed well. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem was identified as a lack of a pollinator variety. Japanese plums … [Read more...]
How to Use Succession Planting in Your Garden
Succession planting, also known as successive planting, is a way to extend your harvest by staggering plantings of crops or planting varieties with staggered maturing dates. There are four methods of succession planting. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Are There Alternatives to Glyphosate for Weed Control in Landscapes?
However, recently the toxicity and environmental safety of glyphosate has been questioned**, And, though the US Environmental Protection Agency continues to maintain that glyphosate does not pose a threat to human health or the environment when used … [Read more...]
Seed and Seedling Biology
Viable seeds are living entities. They must contain living, healthy embryonic tissue in order to germinate. Read on: … [Read more...]
Soil Preparation
The ideal soil for a vegetable garden is deep, friable,and well-drained with a high organic matter content.Proper soil preparation provides the basis for goodseed germination and the subsequent growth of gardencrops. Read on: … [Read more...]
How to Grow and Care for Hellebore
The common name hellebore is assigned to several species of plants in the Helleborus genus of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes monkshood, delphinium, and anemone. Hellebore foliage is thick, evergreen, and forms a low lying clump with … [Read more...]
Bedford Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale
IT'S ALMOST TIME! The Bedford Extension Master Gardeners have been hard at work growing plants for their annual Plant Sale. Laurel Denne, Plant Sale Coordinator, stated, "Our goal is to provide quality plants and also offer unique plants that … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk
Oh, the Gall of it All QUESTION The client submitted a photo of a strange growth on his oak tree and asked to know what it is and if he should do something about it. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION It was identified as the wool sower gall, … [Read more...]