Life Happens!

Beneficial insect habitat planting offers an alternative to physical pest controls like netting, fencing and traps. By planting perennial flowers like tansy leaf, buckwheat and others in field margins that bloom periodically over time can increase parasite populations that feed upon crop pests while providing alternate food sources. Goal of this exercise: creating a self-regulating ecosystem through attracting predatory insects that keep pest populations under control. Diversity Beneficial insect habitat plantings should include an array of resources designed to attract various kinds of insects. These might include alternative food sources (like flowers that attract aphids), shelter from wind and sun,

Continue reading

Water harvesting with rain barrels is an effective way to lower water bills, protect groundwater sources, and create a resilient garden – all while decreasing reliance on drought-strained municipal systems. Be sure to install first-flush diverters so as to wash away feces and contaminants before filling your barrels with water. Slow, deep irrigation is preferable over frequent shallow irrigation for maximum effectiveness and ease of use. How much water do I need? An inexpensive rain barrel setup can save a great deal of money in your garden, but harvesting the liquid gold of the sky requires much more than simply

Continue reading

Polyculture gardens are composed of different plants that are planted together to increase food harvests while requiring less maintenance than growing vegetables in long rows. They mimic nature’s plant guilds. When starting this type of garden, use the guidelines for square foot gardening as your starting point. Consider adding flowering plants like sweet alyssum, marigolds and nasturtiums as pollinators plants for added benefit. Vegetables Polyculture perennial vegetable gardens provide an easy solution for home gardeners or small market or orchard gardens looking to extend the growing season and increase fresh food supply in late fall and spring. Permaculture plant guild

Continue reading

Rain barrel water harvesting can be an effective way to save money on water bills, reduce reliance on groundwater supplies and lessen drought vulnerability. But there are certain risk factors you must keep in mind before beginning this endeavor. Avoid plastics like PVC and polystyrene (recycling numbers 3 and 6, respectively), and make sure your barrel features a screen to keep mosquitoes at bay. How to Install Reviving past traditions by collecting rainwater into barrels, ponds or cisterns allows families to conserve this essential resource while decreasing dependence on municipal supplies while creating more resilient gardens that can weather drought

Continue reading

Fallen leaves are an invaluable asset to any garden, offering mulch as a solution to suppressing weeds, improving soil texture and increasing fertility over time. Leaf mold differs from compost in that its transformation occurs via slow “cold” fungal breakdown. As a result, it’s ideal for improving clay soils while holding onto moisture in sandy ones; mulching perennials and roses; and mixing into seed-start mixes. How to Make Leaf Mold Nature has provided gardeners with an incredible natural resource: dark brown, earthy leaf mold. A wonderful natural mulch, soil amendment and potting mix; low in nutrients so as not to

Continue reading

Cover crops at their most beneficial when in bloom are at their height. Sugars, energy and nutrients are transferred back into the soil; but if a cover crop goes to seed it loses this function. Legumes contribute to soil health by adding nitrogen through their roots, and by producing mycorrhizal fungi that assist plants with taking in nutrients more easily. Buckwheat Buckwheat is an ideal summer cover crop to help restore and refresh soil between vegetable crops, adding organic matter while suppressing weeds and protecting the soil for as long as two months between crop cycles. Buckwheat requires minimal fertilizer

Continue reading