MIX POTTING MIX
Sustainable right down to my potting mixes? Not quite. A look at coir vs. peat, and other organic components. And what about perlite.
Entries by Lee Reich
SUMMER WEATHER, PLANT THE GREENHOUSE
Hot weather means potted tropical and subtropical plants vacation outdoors, greenhouse figs start growing strongly, and I try for early curcurbits in the greenhouse.
WINTER’S LEGACY, STILL
The wacky winter left it’s legacy on one pear tree, growing only at its top half. But I can’t blame the weather for my poor tomato and pepper seedlings this year. Or maybe I can.
MAKING SCENTS (AND A BOOK GIVE AWAY!)
The air makes wonderful scents, even if the source two invasive plants are responsible. My lilac, scentsless too long, cries out for drastic pruning. Asl, free copy of my book.
WEEDS (SOME GOOD)
I take a multi-pronged approach to weeds, everything from blades to fire to acid . . . to eating them (those that taste good).
APRIL SHOWERS BRING . . . NO!
April showers do NOT bring May flowers, or vegetables, at least not on this side of the “pond.” Hand watering is needed, plus some way to tell when it’s needed.
RATIONALITY CHALLENGED
With spring’s warm spells comes irrationality. Avocadoes in New York? Why not? Rush out to plant onions. (Timing turned out correct).
OLD ENEMIES RETURN
Two very old foes — damping off and quackgrass — do an encore here. Now, after gardening for many years, I know how to deal with them — not eliminate them 100%, but to keep them in check.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WEATHER
The weather is bouncing me around, have me revel in the warmth and the worry in the cold — for my plants, fruit trees and bushes in or nearing bloom, leas sprouting. Note to myself: Do not plant peas on St. Patrick’s day next year.
HISTORIC PEAR AND NUTTY PINE
Gardening leads me down an historical road, with Lady Petre pear, the first pear to originate in America; and then down a road to the future, with visions of my limber pine seedling one day yielding delicious pine nuts.
