(BPT) – Holmes and Watson, Riggs and Murtaugh, Starsky and Hutch – when it comes to sleuthing out just what critter is munching on your spring garden, you may feel like your partnership with Mother Nature is as contentious as any that ever graced the big, or small screen. After all, how are you supposed [...]

For gardeners who want to optimize their results, the Zone System is indispensable. The Zone System was created by the USDA (U.S. Dept of Agriculture) and divides the country into eleven zones. The divisions are based on the minimum average winter temperature with zone 1 the coldest, zone 11 the warmest. Maps of the zone [...]

(NC)—Easy to grow and full of antioxidants and vitamin C, cherry tomatoes provide a sweet, healthy snack. On their own growing in a container or in the midst of a garden, they create a colourful accent ranging from red to yellow and deep purple depending on the variety. “Cherry tomatoes are tastier and sweeter the [...]

Chefs love fresh herbs (NC)—Many restaurant menus highlight fresh herbs that are harvested on-site for their culinary creations. Chefs, depending on the space available to them, plant herb containers on restaurant patios or create herb gardens on building roofs. Fresh, fresh, fresh is the mantra for good tasting, healthy food. Seasoned and novice gardeners alike [...]

(NC)—Herbs are known for use as fresh seasoning in food and drinks and for medicinal care. Yet certain herbs do attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. Seeking nectar, they are attracted to a variety of mint plants including chocolate, orange, pineapple and even mojito mint. All mint plants have great culinary uses; chocolate [...]

Are you looking for a WP template for your garden blog?  Then check out GardenPress! Here are all of its features: Here’s a new. clean & simple free WordPress theme with a pretty garden motif! I’ve created a slick little calendar window with a pretty tulip image, unique bullet images, and made the theme in [...]

(NC)—With sweet summer in our midst, it’s time to gear up the green thumb and get gardening. This season keep your pet in mind while planting your garden and create a truly enjoyable outdoor oasis that’s also safe for your four legged friend.  Clarine Lee-Macaraig, an eco-expert with Evergreen – a national organization committed to [...]

The Water Garden Diaries is my newest blog where I start with five beginner water gardens at the beginning of spring and try to make them into beautiful water paradises! If you want to follow me as I learn the ins and outs of gardening with pond plants, then this is the place for you.  Here is [...]

pH, the relative degree of acidity or alkalinity, is a vital component of a plant’s environment. As the pH changes the ability of the roots to absorb nutrients changes. But to understand how and more importantly, what to do about it, it’s helpful to have a knowledge of some very elementary chemistry. pH is a [...]

(NC)—Spring is the season of rebirth and re-growth. Which also means green-thumbs can’t wait to get back in those gardens! To get you started, here are some helpful tips from garden guru Peter Cantley, at Loblaw Companies Limited Make your garden beds. Rid planting areas of weeds and spread a 4-inch layer of compost or [...]