Fall Planters (Video)
This fall planter is great if you want to fill a large space, or scale it down for a smaller space. https://youtu.be/Urk1d1bheoQ
Succulent Pumpkin Planter (Video)
https://youtu.be/Z7Ofskx6euw We made pumpkin succulent planters with a 4.5” succulent planted into a white pumpkin. We carved the top of the pumpkin and removed the pulp and seeds to make a pumpkin shell planter. Water as needed but keep dry to preserve the pumpkin and keep the succulent happy. This should last up to a [...]
Fall Junk Shop Tip
Adding a small metal cactus to an ordinary sedum pot makes for a one of a kind planter!
Fall Hook’s Tip
We used an old 6ft folding ruler to make this rustic star wall decoration. Fold each section into the shape of a star and when the two ends meet secure with an industrial staple or small nail. Decorate with dried flowers or Bittersweet for a great fall door wreath.
Fall junk shop tip #1
Pull out some “useful” garage art, add a hardy mum or two and finish with a variety of pumpkins. Add Golden Rod, cornstalks and fall leaves to existing summer planters, drop a pumpkin in the center and now you have a beautiful fall planter!
Harvesting, Drying and Storing Herbs
Herbs are meant to be used. Here’s a quick guide for harvesting, drying and storing herbs from your garden. Whichever method you choose to use be sure to label the dried or frozen final product for future use. Tips for Harvesting Herbs: Ideally aim to harvest herbs on a sunny day after the dew is [...]
The Joys of Fruit Preserves
Introduction to Fruit Preserves Fruit preserves are a fabulous way to enjoy the summer flavors year round. A bit of jelly on toast or a biscuit is a great start to the day or can be a sweet treat to be enjoyed at anytime. These delicious treats are easy to make and make for fun [...]
Unusual Pollinators
When you think about pollinators the organisms that come to mind are bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. These are the pollinator poster children. In reality, many other organisms assist in pollination and seed dispersal. These unusual pollinators include other invertebrates such as flies, slugs, moths, and beetles. Even some of the less desirable insects such as [...]
Attracting Pollinators
Pollinators are an important part of any garden as they play a critical role in the reproduction of the vast majority of flowering plants. Without these helpful little critters many plants would be unsuccessful in producing fruits and seeds for the next generation of plants. Building a pollinator friendly garden can help all of your [...]
The Benefits of Composting
Composting and Recycling Chart from Vassar Sustainability Humans produce a ton of waste that ends up in landfills around the world. Landfills produce methane, a major greenhouse gas, and are a monument to human wastefulness. It is important to keep usable materials out of landfills. Recycling materials such as plastics, cans, glass and [...]
The Basics of Crop Rotation
What is Crop Rotation Crop rotation is the practice of switching the family or type of crops grown in a plot each year. This cycling helps to maintain soil health and break up disease and pest cycles. As a result, proper crop rotation can reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides. Benefits of Crop Rotation [...]
An Introduction to Cover Crops
Benefits of Cover Crops As part of this week’s series on integrated pest management systems and reducing the need for chemicals in the garden, here is a look at the practice of growing cover crops for the benefit of the soil. Cover crops help to prepare the land for the growth of the main crop. [...]
Companion Planting
Companion planting is one of the techniques used in integrated pest management plans to reduce the use of pesticides in the garden. Companion planting takes advantage of the simple fact that some plants grow better together than alone. Similarly, some plants are not compatible and inhibit each others growth. Companion planting is the practice of [...]
Hook’s Tips for Growing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes not only taste sweet and delicious, but they are nutritious as well. Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, blood sugar regulating nutrients, and anti-inflammatory nutrients. On top of all of that, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins as well! Here are our tips on how to grow your own sweet potatoes. We recommend [...]
Hook’s Tips for Conserving Water
There are many reasons to think about reducing water use in the garden including conserving water, saving money, not having to worry about local watering bans during droughts or even if you want to put in a new bed that is inconveniently far away from the nearest water source. Here a couple of Hook’s tips to [...]