In dark, boggy corners of the world, where water and sunlight are in abundance but the soil is poor and acidic, plants turn to desperate measures for nutrition. These plants have developed the uncanniest adaptation to this harsh world; trapping, killing and eating small invertebrates, insects, small frogs, mice and perhaps something larger… Just in time for Halloween, we have …
The Three Sisters and Companion Gardening
Friday March 1, 2019
Native Americans relied on three principal staples for survival; corn, beans and squash. These crops were so important to the Indians that they were often called "The Three Sisters," and they perfectly illustrate the concept of companion plants. All three sisters work together and support each other to their mutual benefit. The tall, sturdy corn stalks provides a frame for …
The World’s Hottest Peppers
Wednesday October 17, 2018
The title of “World’s Hottest Pepper” is always contested. Pepper heat can be a bit subjective and inconsistent. And it seems as soon as everyone agrees on a champion, a new hybrid emerges claiming insanely scorching heat. But one pepper has managed to hold off all comers for the past few years – The Carolina Reaper.The Carolina Reaper Along the …
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
Thursday September 28, 2017
The French writer Albert Camus called fall “a second spring where every leaf is a flower.” In Colorado, we are lucky enough to have one of the most dazzling “second spring” color displays in the world. Colorado aspens transformed into a shimmering sea of gold on a warm September afternoon is truly a sight to behold and the next …
Do-It-Yourself Garden Fountain in 6 Easy Steps
Thursday August 24, 2017
The gentle sound of bubbling water is the perfect garden soundtrack. You can bring the soothing sounds of running water to your home or garden with this easy to make garden fountain. Its compact size makes it perfect for outdoors or indoors. It would look great on the patio or deck or even inside an office or living room. Materials …
Dog Daze of Summer
Friday July 7, 2017
With all the hot weather in these past few weeks, it certainly feels like we’re entering the “Dog Days of Summer.” But why do we call these sweaty times, “Dog Days?” Ancient astronomers observed that the hottest, driest part of the year coincided with the rising of Sirius, The Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Major (“Big …
Belgian Giant “Fee-Fi-Foo-YUM!”
Wednesday June 7, 2017
Heirloom Indeterminate 88 days to maturity 24 oz If you’re going to go big, go really big. Belgian Giant produces huge tomatoes, averaging over a pound! In our 2016 Tomato and Pepper Trials, we found Belgian Giants to be the largest heirlooms by far. In fact, the winner of the Largest Tomato Contest that year was a Belgian Giant. These …
Mortgage Lifter – “The Legend of Radiator Charlie”
Friday May 5, 2017
Heirloom Indeterminate 85 days to maturity 14 oz. This fantastic heirloom tomato was developed in the early 1930s by an amateur gardener named Marshall Cletis Byles, better known as “Radiator Charlie.” Byles was an auto mechanic by trade and owned a small garage located at the foot of an imposing mountain in the town of Logan, West Virginia. The mountain …
Happy First Day of Spring!
Monday March 20, 2017
Today is the Vernal Equinox, the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. The word equinox comes from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” Today, the sun will pass vertically above the Equator, giving us a nearly equal length day and night all over the globe. Chichen Itza on the vernal equinoxChichen Itza on the vernal equinox Ancient Traditions The …
Top Six Health Benefits of Houseplants
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Houseplants are more than just pretty decorations. Study after study has shown that living with plants provides real, measurable health benefits. Houseplants can improve your health, lift your mood and even make you more productive. With a houseful of plants around you, you’ll be able to…