Peat in a Bag or Peat in a Bog?

Peat bogs are areas of great natural beauty, as well as being rich in wild plants, insects and animals. Yet we are still using peat in our gardens and putting these irreplaceable habitats under threat. Michaela Strachan wants to know […]

Growing Poinsettias in the Greenhouse

This is the time to set Poinsettias under way. If last year’s plants were kept for growing on for another season they should now be brought from their resting quarters and given a location in which the maximum of light […]

Grow Poinsettias for next Christmas

The real gardener derives his satisfaction from his ability to nurse plants along every step of their growth to their ultimate flowering glory. However, the greatest thrill is enjoyed by those who have succeeded in coaxing bloom from one of […]

The More Things Change

At this time of year, with the earth frozen, or at least semi-frozen, catalog madness strikes many gardeners with a considerable wallop. Sometimes when you are in the throes of this particular seasonal disorder, it is helpful to take time […]

Growing Sprouts

Sprouts are an excellent source of digestible protein, fiber, and Vitamin C, and are full of antioxidants. A 1997 study at John Hopkins University found that broccoli sprouts contain higher levels of cancer-fighting compounds than fresh broccoli itself. Sprouting is […]

PERILLA, The Beefsteak Plant

‘Every year it seems as if some arbiter of taste and fashion anoints a member of the vast mint family as “mint of the moment.” Several years ago it was thyme–not just ordinary thyme but lemon thyme, golden thyme, and […]

Vegetables You Can Grow in Winter

Nothing tastes better than fresh, crisp vegetables on a summer day.  But, did you know that summer is not the only time you can grow fresh vegetables?  Most people think that if you live in Portland or other cold places, […]

Mulching a plant for Winter Protection

In winter, low temperatures as well as too intense light, lack of water (when the soil has frozen the moisture in it cannot be absorbed by the roots), and wind may cause damage. Some harm is directly due to the […]