Category Archives: Gardening

Perfect apples: It’s in the bag

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Sandy

Last year, I tried using nylon socks to protect my apples from pests for the first time. The results were fantastic. So I’m back at it this year, although I’m changing it up a bit. Last time, I used orthodontic … Continue reading →

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Basil & bugs

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Sandy

It’s looking like we’re going to have a great year for basil. I’m growing two types this year, large leaf (left above)and Greek basil (on the right). Basil is a plant that really benefits from pinching. First, it prevents the … Continue reading →

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Peas

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Sandy

I did a smaller pea planting this year, but decided to plant three different varieties in one bed. The pea plants are huge! They’ve grown so much since the last photo, taken April 1. From left to right, I have … Continue reading →

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Our new “edible landscaping” garden

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Sandy

I’ve written before about the before and after transformation of our front yard. I’ve also written about the big decision to part ways with our big leaf maple. The structural changes we’ve made to this area have created the perfection … Continue reading →

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The muscle car of tomato plants

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Sandy

About a year or two ago, grafted tomato plants started appearing on the garden scene. As Valerie Easton explained in an Seattle Times article last year, grafted tomatoes “have proved more effective at taking up water and nutrients, they are … Continue reading →

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Video: Flight of the Orchard Mason Bees

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Sandy

  The Orchard Mason Bees are doing great this year! By far, this has been the best year for the bees since we started hosting them a few years ago. The weather has cooperated well, with enough decently warm days … Continue reading →

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Mushroom mysteries: What do I have here?

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Sandy

We are not a mushroom eating family. Derek loathes them. I can tolerate them if they are a small part of an otherwise non-mushroomy dish. When I came upon pretty sizable mushroom colonies in the rhubarb and garlic beds this … Continue reading →

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Reject “stump” garden

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Sandy

On Pinterest, I’ve seen a number of postings lately in which people suggest growing new plants from the root stumps of the veggies they purchase at the grocery store. I’ve never thought about doing this, but it seems like such … Continue reading →

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Harvest: Swiss chard and baby garlic

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Sandy

This weekend I harvest a good batch of Swiss chard (Bright Lights) and baby garlic greens (Inchelium red). The Swiss chard in the greenhouse has been going gangbusters! It’s one of those plants where a few plants can quickly start … Continue reading →

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Grape pruning, bees, and an essential gardening tool

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Sandy

Grapes need a good pruning each year. They produce more grapes when properly pruned. While there are different methods for pruning grapes, I keep grape pruning pretty simple. I focus on a number of “lead” vines and hack pretty much … Continue reading →

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