In the garden, Epson salts is a “boost” for your plants. The magnesium in the salts is used by plants for photosynthesis. And as a fertilizer, it will help to increase flower and fruit production.
Mix 2 tbsp into 1 gallon of water and use it to revive a Peace Lily or other houseplants. [...]

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My garden file box includes this information for growing tomatoes. Your garden journal might include similar details and space for adding helpful tips as well. Don’t forget to record results, good or bad for next time.

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Mid-March is the start of the spring “planting season” for those who like to propagate garden plants indoors.

Containers
Plastic trays with small pots that fit inside are a common choice for seed starting. Most trays come with clear plastic lids to conserve moisture. I thought these small paper pots were an interesting alternative to the plastic [...]

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Prune fruit trees, shrubs, roses before spring growth starts - do not prune spring flowering shrubs.
Cut Butterfly Bush close to the ground and also Dogwood if you wish.
March 15th - force forsythia or cherry branches to flower indoors.
Trim herbs to just above the ground.
Turn compost.
Spray Dormant Oil and Lime Sulphur before buds grow on fruit [...]

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When seeds arrive from your seed catalog orders: organize packages (ie. those to start indoors, plant early, second planting etc.)
Use insecticidal soap to get rid of critters on houseplants.
Clean pots or flats for starting seeds indoors; prepare soil.
If you saved geraniums in the fall, cut them back, water and move into the sun. If [...]

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If you are short on space and still want to grow tomatoes, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with Sweet Million or another of the small fruited tomato varieties. Start the seed indoors in March and set out the little plants when threat of frost is past. They will [...]

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Are you busily poring over those seed catalogs searching for the perfect vegetable seed varieties to plant this year? For several years the “perfect” cucumber in my garden has been Orient Express. I don’t like those cucumbers that get bitter and seedy when they grow large. These ones taste more like the [...]

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Look what I found at the Dollar store! I remember my grandma used these kind of covers for storing leftovers in the fridge fifty years ago. I try to use containers that have their own matching lids, but sometimes you just can’t. In my efforts to not use plastic wrap or foil [...]

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How to remember all those little jobs that need to be tackled in your yard, monthly or seasonally…..
Use that new gardener’s journal and start a checklist for each month. Make a chart listing the tasks to be done and highlight the time through the year that applies.
For me, the best way is in my [...]

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We hear it everyday - the environment needs our help! Our governments are dealing with environmental issues in various ways and with varying degrees of success, but don’t you often wonder what you could do to help? I do. So, in an attempt to do my part, I gave myself a goal [...]

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