Although they may not look it, viable seeds are alive with the structures of future plants inside. These incredible little packages contain the genetics of their ancestors and stores of energy to make germination and the healthy growth of roots and first photosynthesizing leaves possible. What is dormancy? Dormancy is a state of deep rest, … Read more
There’s something special about starting new seeds, isn’t there? Even after years of gardening, the thrill of opening a new pack of seeds never gets old. However, some seeds can be costly, so beginners need to get the basics right to avoid wasting time and money. Let’s dive into the essentials: Choosing the Right Seeds … Read more
There is nothing I don’t love about daffodils! They withstand heavy rain without flinching, and getting buried under a late-season snowstorm in mid-bloom is no big deal. Daffodils aren’t fussy about soil and will grow in sun or shade, and pests like snails, deer, and squirrels steer clear of them. Yellow is the most common … Read more
Everyone is looking for ways to save money and grow sustainably. All gardening inputs can be managed to serve you more efficiently, including your growing media. You can use most growing media multiple times. However, you must ensure the media is suitable for reusing. For example, a build-up of nutrients, diseased plant matter, fungal spores, … Read more
If you have a garden, then chances are you have grasshoppers! This common pest is easy to spot, jumping from plant to plant as it feeds on tender leaves. I experienced a particularly nasty grasshopper infestation in my garden last summer. By the end of the growing season, my zucchini barely had any leaves left! … Read more
It’s hard to believe that the film Blade Runner was set in 2019! While today’s world isn’t quite the sprawling neon-lit metropolis filled with flying cars, cyborgs, and mutants like the one portrayed in the movie, small aspects of such a future are trying to creep in. For example, automated robots might soon be growing … Read more
Formed through an exothermic reaction powerful enough to launch rockets into space, the elemental combination of two hydrogens and one oxygen is the basis of all life on earth. Plants and the photosynthetic reaction are the most efficient mechanisms capable of breaking this powerful bond and providing all of us meat sacks the air we … Read more
Have you heard of a garden olla (oy-yah)? They’ve been around for thousands of years. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, they are one of the most eco-friendly ways to conserve between 50 to 70% of water usage in the garden. That statistic was enough to pique my interest and to discover that ollas are one of … Read more
Gathering and examining data on your growing environment can have a powerful impact on understanding how various factors influence plant yield or the expression of their genetic traits. Data is information that will put your finger on the pulse of your garden or farm, and gathering it doesn’t have to be a daunting high-tech solution. … Read more
Let there be light! It’s no secret that plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, which isn’t always evident when growing indoors. With cooler months ahead in many parts of the world, we are turning our plant-loving energy to grow rooms, windowsills, and countertops. Room illumination is critical to the success of a plant, whether it be … Read more