Typically, the onset of spring marks the beginning of the allergy season with the pollen of ash, birch, elm, hickory and other trees wafting through the air. Late spring and summer bring problems with grasses. Summer and fall continue the agony with numerous weeds such as burdock, ragweed (goldenrod) and […]
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
Farmers often use a forage crop to add nutrients back into their soil. A forage crop is an excellent way for a home gardener to also add nutrients and rehabilitate their soil. It is a great method for adding organic material to a garden and dealing with difficult soils such […]
A previous column talked about what to look for when deciding on the ideal shrub for your landscape design. Once you have the shrub(s) planted, like many gardeners, you may have a question concerning a specific problem. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers, for your information.
Here are some handy garden tips to keep in mind this gardening season:
Epsom salts can be a way to help green up your garden naturally. Epsom salts contain magnesium and sulfur, two elements that are found in nature and are important for plant growth. Magnesium helps form chlorophyll in plants and is essential for photosynthesis, various enzyme reactions and other plant growth […]
At first glance, you may think that the words ever-blooming and perennials would not occur in the same sentence. I assure you that there are some perennials that are considered ever-blooming, many of which will grow in Zone 4. For those who garden because they love flowers, they want their […]
I am always seeking unusual plant species and varieties. Even with the many two plant species already in my garden, I never stop searching for the rare and unusual to add. Unfortunately, some of those plants always don’t survive my conditions (soil and/or growing zone) but I at least enjoy […]
As we all know, there is nothing like the first scent of the lilac to tell us spring is officially here. What we refer to as the common lilac in North America is actually native to mountainsides in southeastern Europe, but was brought across the Atlantic to North America in […]
It is true that weeds and unwanted plants are present in almost every garden, but there are some ways to control weeds without them getting out of hand and taking over the garden. With some patience, diligence and some early attack methods, you’ll soon be keeping weeds at bay and […]
Shrubs can be excellent additions to your landscape design. Once you have the shrub(s) planted, like many gardeners, you may have a question concerning a specific problem. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers, for your information. This can happen often with shrubs and has probably happened due to […]
A previous column indicated the benefits of earwigs in your garden. Although you may be disgusted by earwigs, remember they are considered beneficial insects, so they should only be treated as pests when their damage becomes excessive. This column offers some safe-to-humans-and-pets and effective methods to help you reduce their […]
Due to the mild winters of recent years, earwigs have successfully migrated north and established themselves in the yards and gardens of Northwestern Ontario. By far, earwigs seem to be the insect that makes humans cringe the most. When mentioned in conversation, even those that have never seen an earwig […]
