book cover

June 13, 2008

will the real oregano please stand up?

Filed Under edibles | 15 Comments

I WANTED TO PLANT OREGANO some years ago, as I expect many gardeners do, for a fresh supply to cook with. That may sound like a simple desire, though fulfilling it was anything but. The plant marked as “Oregano” at the garden center grew lush with little care, a low, green mound with a pleasant aroma if touched. But come harvest time, the oregano leaves tasted like peppery dirt, if that good, and the plant had spread in every direction I did not intend for it. Not exactly what I had in mind for a seasoning with my homegrown tomatoes, or a good garden subject. Was it poor (or too-rich) soil? The wrong location? Improper care? No: Wrong plant.

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May 13, 2008

what ‘deep’ means (to a tomato)

Filed Under edibles, tools & techniques | 4 Comments

YES, WE HAVE A ‘WOO-WOO’ DEPT. HERE at A Way to Garden, but when I say “deep” in this post I’m not talking about that at all (for once). I’m talking tomatoes, and how to plant them, since it’s almost time. See how:

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May 7, 2008

peas need staking?

Filed Under edibles, from seed, tools & techniques | 7 Comments

PERHAPS YOUR PEAS NEED staking? Plastic netting strung between a series of poles is fine for taller varieties. But if you listened (!!!) and planted peas that don’t need staking, as suggested, then maybe all you’ll need is a little pea brush. Basically this is just whatever branched twigs and trimmings you have left from winter cleanup or recent pruning, inserted into the row to “brush up” the shorter peas. I installed some such twigs today that I’d collected in my rounds…the start of this year’s brushing up, and yet another way to recycle in the garden. More twigs to come to make a wider, longer framework (and then come peas).

May 5, 2008

the new greenhouse

Filed Under edibles, from seed, tools & techniques, uncategorized | 5 Comments

THIS WEEK I BUILT A GREENHOUSE. Well, to be more correct, Susan (who has worked with me in the garden for many years, for which I am endlessly grateful), built a greenhouse. Want to see her work of art? Read more