Ask a Master Gardener: How to compost in winter

Compost, the dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material produced by natural decomposers, provides many benefits to gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Converting garden waste, kitchen scraps and various paper items into compost at home reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and saves households money on garbage fees.

Ask a Master Gardener: How to plan a new garden

The middle of winter with snow covering brick-hard, frozen ground may seem like an odd time to plan a new garden bed, but it’s the best time. If you make decisions now, you’ll be ready when the weather warms and the ground is workable.

Ask a Master Gardener: How to grow citrus indoors

Imagine having sunny orange, bright yellow and luscious green fruit growing in your home, especially during this gray, cold time of year. While we do not associate citrus plants with our northeast climate, there are several varieties that can be grown as … (read more)

Ask a Master Gardener: Sprouts, the superfood to grow at home

Sprouts are a versatile, dramatic addition to foods that go far beyond the basic bean sprout. Sometimes seen as an addition to sandwiches, toppings on salads and garnishes on entrees, sprouts add crunch, flavor and vibrant color to a variety of dishes.

Ask a Master Gardener: Garden inside this winter

Cold weather has arrived, and you’ve put your garden to bed for the season. That doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Just shift your focus from outdoors to in. 

Ask a Master Gardener: Manage apple tree pests this winter

The apple harvest is over, but there are still some important pest management practices to follow to ensure healthy trees in the spring. The pests we need to manage are not the little ones we typically see in the summer but are larger and fluffier and inc … (read more)

Ask a Master Gardener: Tips for giving indoor plants as gifts

Not only do houseplants improve air quality in the home but a growing body of research shows that the care of houseplants is associated with greater mental health and well-being.

Ask a Master Gardener: Caring for amaryllis

Amaryllis bulbs and blooms make popular and appreciated holiday gifts. Gifted in full bloom to brighten the winter months or lovingly tended to bloom after the new year, amaryllis add vibrant color and joy to the dreary season.

Ask a Master Gardener: All about saffron

Did you know that the world’s most expensive spice comes from a type of crocus? It’s true. Saffron is derived from Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus.”

Ask a Master Gardener: Thinking spring this fall

Temperatures are dropping and it’s time to put the garden to bed. It is also a perfect opportunity to prepare for spring. What you do this fall can provide big benefits when the garden wakes up next year.

Ask a Master Gardener: Fall insect pests

When the weather starts to turn cold, four common insect invaders may show up uninvited in your home. None of them breed in the house or cause any damage to humans, pets, food items or structures. These nuisance pests are looking for a warm, protected pla … (read more)

Ask a Master Gardener: Gardening helps your body and soul

Research shows that spending time in nature enhances our physical and mental well-being, so it’s no surprise that gardening offers similar benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety and negative thoughts. Gardening is an all-around wonderful activity fo … (read more)

Ask a Master Gardener: All about apples

They’re the most familiar of fruits, but how much do you really know about apples?

Ask a Master Gardener: Sustainable fall maintenance

When the air becomes cooler, and leaves begin to turn colors, it’s time to gear up for fall garden maintenance. Or is it?

Ask a Master Gardener: The beautiful New England aster

An excellent choice to consider for late-season interest in your garden is the New England aster, a North American native plant with many benefits. When other plants start to wither, New England asters bloom with brilliant shades of violet and purple dais … (read more)

18