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Fri

26

Mar

2010

Keeping Up PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Robin   

As I hurry up my own front walk, I'm disappointed. Brown Yarrow, weedy grass, spent flowerheads, clearly not enough time in my garden. I've been tending the gardens of others, and consequently mine needs attention!
There is no time or place for complacency in the garden, there is still plenty of season remaining.
Maintenence is a must, deadheading should happen weekly for maximum re-blooming. Perennials that have passed their bloom time should be tidied up.
Lettuce and Arugula seeds were sown last week in the newly cleaned vegetable bed, I hope to see them by Friday.
Weeding, of course, the never ending duty! All of this takes place during the lovely , somewhat cooler evenings. Even 1/2 hour an evening can make a great difference. I have several perennials to plant, so I'll need some compost, the same rules apply now as in the Spring.
It's also time to scout out places for some bulbs, as we have several new varieties that I would like to try this year...

 

 

Thu

04

Feb

2010

Now is the time to take inventory. PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Robin   

More people are interested in backyard vegetable gardening than ever before. The most economical way to get a vegetable garden started is with seed, the old-fashioned way. For the proce of 4-6 plants, a whole packet of the vegetable-of-choice can be purchased. It's not too early to consult last year's notes (you did make notes, didn't you?) or compile a list for this year. Are your seed starting supplies in order?--clean, serviceable flats and pots, seed starting mix, domes for germination, and most importantly seed. It's certainly not too early to shop for those desirable varieties for both vegetables and flowers. I placed an order for the few things I was not able to find locally last week. I have already heard that there may be limited quantities of certain seeds, and that people who wait to shop at the last minute may have to substitute a lesser known variety for their first choice. (On the bright side, this can also introduce you to your new favorite!)

So start shopping early, and make sure you get your favorites!

 

Mon

25

Jan

2010

A look ahead at things to come PDF Print E-mail
Written by Robin   

The days are slightly longer now, it's actually light out at 5p.m. This week would be a good time to take my pruners and loppers for the first sharpening of the year. The few seeds I can't find locally will be ordered, I hope everything is available...

Though May is a fair amount of time away, I'm giving some thought to my self-composed hanging baskets. I'll probably add one more to the southern exposure on our back patio. For me these baskets must multi-task. (Yes, I'm a big fan of Alton Brown) They must be attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and should be fragrant. The winning combination of Heliotrope (a heavenly vanilla, almond-cherry scent) and lantana (grapefruit scented) works great, you only need to add something to trail, I'm thinking lotus vine.

The hanging baskets on the N.E. corner had gone from being strictly ornamental (violas, fushia, and creeping jenny) to a melange of herbs, parsley, marjoram, chervil, and when it's warm enough, basil. And a few violas (still edible by the way). It's attractive, but oh so functional! Only about 8 feet from our kitchen door, also very handy.

 

At any rate, January is a good time for planning, list making, and just a little fantasy. Gardeners are patient.

 

Sat

14

Nov

2009

Shorter days are coming to an end... PDF Print E-mail
Written by Robin   


Since June 21st our days have been getting shorter, but in a few days they will begin, again, to lengthen. I always enjoy these shortest days as a time to reflect and ponder the coming gardening season. I also enjoy the extra festivities associated with this time of year, and a chance to re-connect with people I don't see often.

Gift giving has been made much easier for me this year, with the addition of a gourmet food selection here at Good Earth. Much of my gift list is composed of difficult-to-buy-for people, and this works out quite nicely. After all, everyone eats. Need a quick hostess gift under $10.00--we have that! The products are Colorado made, not available just everywhere, and ... delicious!

 

Fri

06

Nov

2009

Time to Get Your Garden Cleaned Up PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   

Hi folks!
Amanda K and Amanda V. say hello and would like to invite you on behalf of Good Earth to our blog. In this space we willl be offering comments, observations and suggestions. Please feel free to respond to us at your leisure.