Gardening: Making the most of summer basil

If you planted basil in your garden, there are a few things you can do now to ensure a good harvest. Basil is sensitive to drought, so you will need to water it often for a better crop. You can tell if the soil is dry by using a trowel or your fingers to dig down 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. Try to water in the early morning for the best results. Watering in the evening is okay, too, although water sitting on leaves overnight may encourage fungal disease. Avoid watering during … (read more)

It feels like we wait all year for fresh lettuce, and the window seems to close quickly. How can we maximize lettuce season?  While lettuce is easy to grow, factors like temperature impact how well it does. Understanding timing and varieties can help yiel … (read more)

Is there anything better than a fresh, home-grown cucumber? Warmed by the sun, the crisp and juicy just-picked cucumber just doesn’t compare to store-bought ones. Although cucumbers are relatively easy to grow, getting a nice crop can take some strategizi … (read more)

Planning your vegetable garden doesn’t have to be daunting. By starting with your own observations and being open to experimentation, you can develop a garden plan that takes into consideration what you have learned in previous years. First look back at w … (read more)

Did you run out of time to cut back your perennial garden in the fall? You are not alone. In the past, I have also neglected to cut my perennials back, but this year I left them in place on purpose. Leaving strong-structured perennials up over the winter … (read more)

Spending time planning your vegetable garden and thinking about what food you will produce is an excellent way to find some stability in these unsettling times. While growing our own food is an asset, as well as a source of comfort and enjoyment, I’d like … (read more)

It’s happened again. Leaves are getting crispy, flowers are going to seed and the air is beginning to cool. As hard frosts become a reality, it is almost time to start thinking about cutting back our perennials and putting our gardens to bed. I’d like to … (read more)