There seems to be a theme this week about seed-starting: I have tried to grow vegetable plants from seed indoors, then plant them outdoors and usually end up with a small sprout then they die and I never even get to introduce them to the great outdoors. Do you have any sure fire ways to make sure seeds sprout?
Another great question came in to Ask Gardenerd:
"I don't understand what the difference is between organic seeds and
regular seed packets. Are there any benefits of purchasing organic
seeds? Can I buy regular seeds and just grow them organically with the
same results?"
The short answer to your question is yes, you can essentially get the same results with regular seeds as with organically grown seeds. Here, for the record, is the difference:
Organic seeds are just that - organically grown. In other words, grown using sustainable methods from start to finish. No pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, all on land ...
Some great questions have been coming in over the last couple of weeks. Here's one now: "Some of our sprouted seeds are dying and all of the ones we put in pots didn't make it. What do you suggest?"
An article that I wrote for Low Impact Living.com has surfaced on a great health and wellness blog recently. Nature in Us focuses on all aspects of self-care and green living. Check out the article and the blog:
http://www.thenatureinus.com/2009/03/vegetable-gardening-this-is-year.html
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Got some exciting news today. It's official, the White House is going to install a vegetable garden on March 20th, the first day of spring!
For those who have been following the push to get the Obamas to plant a victory garden, www.eattheview.org has been a major influence in making this happen, along with Alice Waters and many others. Petitions were signed, letters were sent, and the new administration listened. Here is the article from the New York Times today:
Obamas Prepare to Plant White House Vegetable Garden
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When planning out your garden this spring, don't forget about the soil. Learn how to use this handy amendment to boost yield in the garden.
The questions have really been coming in lately. Here's one selected for this week's post:
"How do I control white flies? I tried using bugs that would eat them,
but they arrived in the mail dead. Is there anything else I can do? All of my plants died last summer and we had clouds of white flies all over
the place."
Such a bummer about those white fly predators showing up dead. Take solace in knowing that you are not alone. Others have suffered the curse of the white fly. In fact, you might even check out a previous blog entry about ...
Alice Waters, founder of Chez Panisse and the Edible Schoolyard Program, was interviewed on 60 minutes Sunday night. Not only is she the poster child for the Slow Food Movement, but she is also joining in on the bandwagon to get a garden planted at the White House. If you missed the interview, check it out here:
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The Associated Press published an article today about the dramatic increase in home gardens this year. It seems that as a whole we are facing the challenges of our declining economy with a shovel. Here in Mar Vista we're doing our part to cut back on water usage, pesticides and chemical fertilizers, as well as growing our own food. As a result, there seems to be a lot to show for it - including the upcoming Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase. On April 26 from 2-6 p.m., homeowners throughout the city will be showing off their Xeriscape, low ...
Learn the secrets of companion planting in this week's Tip of the Week. Find happy companions for your veggies and herbs.