After a lovely winter break, I returned to the office with a stack of seed catalogs begging me to order more seeds. I already have hundreds of different seed packets that I have accumulated over the years. Many of the seeds are old enough that they likely are not viable anymore, but I just have...
Has this cold, dreary weather been making you wish you could get outside and play in the ‘dirt’? Or perhaps you’re looking for ways to improve your garden soil during the winter. Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is a good way to accomplish both of these. In addition to producing compost, it’s...
Although the weather outside may be frightful, the Good Growing team wants to wish you and yours a season of peace, joy, and rest. Enjoy this final article from our team in 2024. Thank you for your support and dedication and cheers to you as you keep on growing in 2025.In the heart of the holiday...
Welcome to astronomical winter! Our calendars mark the beginning of winter as December 21 (sometimes the 22) because of where Earth is in its orbit around the sun. Is it too much of a leap to say that gardeners and those who work outdoors are particularly connected to this astronomical event?I have...
Three of my most prized trees are the oaks we planted in our front yard shortly after we moved. They share our front yard with a black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea), witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) and apple (Malus spp.) trees. ...
The problem with learning about invasive plants species is once you know about them, you start to see them everywhere. It can be a little depressing. How joyous it was when I began my life in horticulture. Learning about amazing plant processes and all the wonderful plants used in the ornamental...
As the autumn leaves fall from our trees, the trunk and branching structure become more prominent and visible. This transformation can add new dimensions and interest to a landscape, but it can also draw our attention to tree health challenges we might have overlooked in other seasons. As we...
If there is one certainty for all humans is that we are drawn to natural elements. Two of the best examples are how we can become transfixed when looking at fire or water. Scientists have studied this effect and shown that our brains reduce stress chemicals when we are staring at a fire, water, or...
