Sage Advice Archives - Page 11 of 24

Ask Gardenerd: How to Build a Mini Greenhouse

A fun question came in to Ask Gardenerd this week:

" I have a big south facing back porch. I would love to make a small greenhouse where I could start seeds and, maybe, even let herbs [over]winter. Do you have ideas for making my own greenhouse?"

There are many options, from a mini-greenhouse to the full-fledged, brick and mortar English greenhouse. I used to create my own mini-greenhouses by taking tomato cages, laying them on their sides ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:March 7, 2012
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:5 Comments

How to Know if it’s GMO?

"Dear Gardenerd,

How do we know if our seeds are genetically Modified?"

Excellent question! I have answers for you.

The good news is that GMO seeds are widely available to the commercial agriculture industry, but the push to sell them to home gardeners is not yet popular (and most likely not lucrative). The bad news is that farmers growing non-GMO crops for seed are having a harder time isolating themselves from farms that ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:February 8, 2012
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:5 Comments

Ask Gardenerd: When is it Organic?

A very thoughtful question came into Ask Gardenerd this week:

"I'm new here. So far my big challenge is getting started. I do have a question. I do want to eat organic. Let's say I get a small plant, like an herb, from Home Depot or a similar store, I plant it and grow it organically with no man-made chemicals are pesticides. Does that make the plant organic? Is it kind of organic? If I keep it growing year-after-year and grow it organically, will ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:February 2, 2012
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:2 Comments

The Trick to Bigger Garlic

A question came in to Ask Gardenerd this week:

"Hi, I've just harvested my garlic and it's ok but a little small. Any tips to get it fatter. John, ps Love your site"

Thanks for writing in John, and I'm glad you like the website. Since your email address seems to be in Australia, it makes sense that you would be harvesting garlic right now.

I have my own answers to growing big garlic, ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:December 14, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:1 Comment

Pruning Asparagus

A question came in to Ask Gardenerd this week:

"Could you please help me understand how to trim my 4’ tall asparagus patch that was planted in the fall? Does it need to turn completely brown? How low do I trim it?"

Great question, and the answer can be confusing, because there are two schools of thought on the matter. Many gardeners, including those at Peaceful ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:December 8, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:63 Comments

Ask Gardenerd: Starter Advice for Container Gardening

I love when questions like this come from fresh gardenerds:

"I just stumbled on your website and am interested in gardening classes. I started gardening this spring by using pots and hanging pots. My veggies and herbs did extremely well. I put seedlings in potting soil, watered occasionally, and voila! I'm an Ocean Park farmer! But now I'm excited and want to learn the basics. Can you provide me with upcoming class information and recommend an introductory book? Thanks, Bob Meepos"

Hi Bob,

I'm glad to ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:October 5, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:0 Comments

Ask Gardenerd: When do I harvest my root crops?

A question came into Ask Gardenerd this week that I've been hearing for the past month or so. Seems like a good time to address it:

"When do you know when to pull out things that grow underground like radishes, green onions, even carrots? I'm either too early or too late. - Rochelle"

Well Rochelle, the answer is in your hands. More specifically, it's your index finger. When growing root crops, the foliage will put on a pretty show above ground, but the real magic is happening underground. In order ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:August 4, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:4 Comments

Like a Moth to the Apple

A new question came in to Ask Gardenerd this week:

"Hi, My mom has a very good fuji apple tree, but we lose a lot of apples to worms. Is there a natural, organic, non-Monsanto something that would help deter pests? Thank you, -Michael"

I'm so glad that you are seeking an alternative method to prevent this problem! It's so easy to grab a bottle off the shelf and start spraying. Let's see what we can do to get you on the road to apple tree salvation. ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:July 6, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:0 Comments

Ask Gardenerd: Where to Find a Furrower?

We've been answering Ask Gardenerd questions on the sly lately, but this one seemed like it would benefit other gardenerds who love their tools:

"Can you suggest a good garden furrower? The old single wheel in front style?"

I don't have a garden big enough for a tiller/furrower so I don't have personal experience with one, but I noticed that most of the furrowers out there attach to giant monster tillers. Before we move on, a momentary side bar about tilling since we're on the subject:

Tilling ...

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 22, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:1 Comment

New Video: Transplanting Tomato Sprouts

Check out the newest instructional video on the Gardenerd YouTube channel. We show you how we transplant tomato sprouts into bigger pots and nurture them to planting size. Cool tips for you from Gardenerd!

Transplanting Tomatoes

...

Post author:Christy
Post published:June 8, 2011
Post category:Sage Advice
Post comments:0 Comments