Tomatoes — the full-size varieties, at least — are late to begin ripening this years. Why? And besides that, leaves are getting some ugly spots on them, then yellowing. What’s up? Learn about causes and cures in my recent blog post:
Miniature vegetables might increase your net worth, or seem to. At least according to Truman Capote. Read about the vegetables and what makes them miniature (Nature or nurture) in my latest blog post:
It’s been a wet season, but that doesn’t mean that rain always stepped up to the plate when plants were in need. This week’s blog post looks into just how much water plants need, how to coax water into the soil and get it to stay there (along with air, of course), and what to triage if water is limited. Rain may fall, but dry periods intervene. My blog is at: https://leereich.com/2025/07/the-truth-about-rain.html
I can’t help but carry these two pruning tools everywhere. I use them to deal, for instance, with tree shoots vying to become “top dog,” to grow “dinnerplate” dahlias, and to take care of watersprouts. Find out what these tools are — you likely have them — and how to use them, by reading my latest blog post:
I really like marigolds, their look and their aroma, especially the Signet marigolds. Could I be planting them right in my vegetable garden for pest contol? Or disease control? This pressing question is answered in my latest blog post, here:
How do you “cultivate” your garden? By that, I don’t mean “tend;” I mean stir your soil. It’s a way to deal with weeds and keep the surface, ready to let rainfall percolate in. The tool I use is a hoe. Not just any hoe, but a . . . well, read which I prefer and how I came to have multiple copies in my latest blog post:
A good craftsman doesn’t blame his tools. With that said, some tools do make gardening run smoother, more enjoyable. Perhaps even better. I made a list, with descriptions of a Baker’s Dozen of gardening tools in this category, a list which you can see in my latest blog post:
It’s been a wet spring so far here on the farmden. No matter I’m ready with water for when the plants need it, which could be between wet spells or for a prolonged dry spell. No, I’m not going to be dragging hoses around and standing impatiently in place holding a spray wand. Read about what plants need water the most and how I get it too them in my latest blog post, here:
Sprouts for your garden? They’re good for the garden in many ways. Especially with certain vegetables, I give my garden sprout. Curious why, what, how? All divulged, of course, in my latest blog post, here:
Don’t pay attention to “experts’” contention that growing your own sweet corn isn’t worth it. Unless, that is, you don’t care about really good flavor. With planning, corn won’t crowd out other vegetables. For details on how I get to grow great tasting corn, see my latest blog post, here:
