Hard-working pruners (secateurs) need some pampering to be rejuvenated. How to clean, sharpen, and care for garden tools so they can perform their best.
Tips for gardeners
Listed in order submitted.
Dos and don’ts of dormant oils
Dormant oils are useful for treating overwintering eggs of insects. However, not all trees and shrubs tolerate dormant oil.
Pest guide: 10 pests to worry about
Not all bugs in your garden are bad, but here are 10 pests to pay attention to so you can reduce damage to your plants.
Allergy-free gardening
If you wheeze and sneeze when you set foot in the garden, just think about sex — plant sex, that is. Tips on how to make an allergy-free garden.
July’s a good time to find plant bargains
If you have gaps in your gardens, or want to re-fresh your containers, July can be a good time to bargain shop for good plants at reputable garden centres.
Protect evergreen shrubs and trees in winter
Evergreen shrubs and trees might give the impression that they’re tough and resilient, but evergreens require protection to avoid winter injuries.
The joys of sharing plants
Nova Scotia gardener Jim Smith shows the joy of sharing plants with a Dominion Day rose. Its red-and-white striped buds normally open on Canada Day.
Plant hardiness zones changing, slowly
“Will it grow in my zone?” is the pertinent question about plant hardiness for perennials. The lines on the maps for zones are changing, slowly.
Conifer needles good for the soil
The conifer needles that fall on Judith Adam’s property remain where they fall on soil or lawn, making a soft mulch.
Saving tomato and pepper seed
Saving seeds can be as easy as collecting and drying pepper seed, and safely packaging them. It is a bit more complicated to save tomato seed.
Substituting coir for peat moss
Many gardeners are eager to learn more about using coir as a substitute for peat moss. Coir is a layer of plant fibre contained in the husk of coconuts.
How to prevent (ok, reduce) next year’s Japanese beetles
Japanese beetles enjoy eating the leaves of more than 200 different plants and trees, and they feast on roses. We use nematodes to try to control our Japanese beetle population.
Sharing the harvest
There may be an organization near you eager to share the harvest or pick that fruit to distribute or sell in your community.
