A reader writes in and asks, “What’s the difference between hay and straw? Which one should I mulch my garden beds with, or does it matter?” A: Hay is grass or grain (clover, wheat, barley, alfalfa, timothy, oats or rye) that has been cut to use as animal fodder. A farmer will use a combine to pick […]
Hay or Straw: Which is Right for Your Vegetable Garden? Read More »
(aka Fresh Picked Salad for One) by Maria G. A great deal of thought and planning takes place when I look over the selections in the seed catalog in November. I hope to choose interesting varieties of seed that do well in my NJ garden and taste great when prepared for the table. Lettuce is an
Growing Lettuce from Seed vs. Direct Sowing Lettuce Read More »
Winter blues getting you down? Don’t just dream about garden planning for NJ’s spring planting season… do it! Even a first-time gardener can successfully grow healthy and delicious vegetables if they learn the basics of gardening and plan their plot in advance. Below, a list of things to consider before you lay the groundwork for
NJ Garden Planning in February? Yes! Start Now and Be Ready for Spring Planting Read More »
So you want to plant some cold-weather loving veggies, but it’s August, and it’s hot, and you just don’t have time? Guess again. If executed properly, all you need is one afternoon of light gardening to be on your way to enjoying some hearty soups, stews and side dishes that include your favorite greens this
Gardening Shortcut: How to Plant Your NJ Fall Garden in 2 Hours or Less Read More »
Choosing a Fertilizer for Your Vegetable Garden Vegetables grow best in soil that contains 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate, and 5 percent potash. The commercial fertilizers list this ratio on their bags, so if you see a fertilizer that’s labeled 5-10-5, then you know you’re buying the right thing. That being said, we do not generally
Choosing a Fertilizer for Your Vegetable Garden Read More »
Best time to water your garden vegetables The best time to give your thirsty garden plants a drink is on a bright, sunny morning. Many people water at night, when they get home from work. Night air plus wet plants in your garden equals susceptibility to disease. If you find that watering just isn’t working
Best Time to Water Your Vegetable Garden, Best Time to Pick Vegetables Read More »
5 Common Mistakes Made by New Gardeners New to the gardening game? Don’t let these frequently-made farming flubs put the kaibosh on your crop this summer! Gardening mistake 1: Planting in poor quality soil. The quality of the soil means everything to the health and vitality of the veggies and herbs growing in it. Your garden
5 Common Gardening Mistakes Read More »