Entries by Lee Reich

FIG UPRISING

In my latest blog post I write about my success with overwintering figs outdoors here in cold hardiness zone 5. This method will work in even colder climates. Last winter, temperatures got down to -18° F here on the farmden. Here’s the link/address to the post:

I PLANTED MY FIRST SEED

Growing trees from seeds is a long-term project, which makes it all the more satisfying. Just getting them to sprout is exciting, and then you get a special affection for them as they grow. I write about tricks to getting tree seeds to sprout and other suggestions for this also fun and useful activity in my latest blog post:

WHAT’S DOING IN YOUR ‘HOOD

Wilting or browning leaves on your rhododendrons? Are they dead from some infection? Should those stems with browned leaves be lopped to the ground? Wait! Before you do anything, read the backstory to all this, with advice on where and when to yield your pruners, all in my latest blog post.

WATERING SEEDLINGS MADE EASY

With so many pots to water, I could be tethered to my home like a dairy farmer to his cows. But I’m not, thanks to capillary watering. In my latest blog post, I write what it is, how to buy it or make it, and how best to use it.

TREE PLANTING MYTHS DEBUNKED

I love to plant trees, and I’ve planted plenty. Some are now 60 feet tall. If you plant correctly, its really not very difficult to get a tree into the ground properly, especially if you ignore a few myths of traditional tree planting:

SOAP UP

Soaps have been around gardening for hundreds of years, can take care of insect, weed, or disease problems, and they’re pretty much nontoxic. But the kind of soap must suit its intended use. Read about all this in my latest blog post.

WHERE’S HOME?

[Everybody loves ladybugs. Or do they/we? It depends. Find out what’s to love and what’s not to love about these cute little buggers — which actually aren’t bugs. Read all this in my latest blog post, here:

A WINTER FAIRYLAND

As in life, so it is in the garden, snowfall bringing its joys and pains. We can’t control it in the garden (unless you shovel your lawn and veggie beds!), but lets explore the good and the bad of snow in the garden, in my latest blog post, here, of course!