Edibles

Is it a good idea to add forest soil to your garden and raised beds? Using forest soil, especially soil from a deciduous forest, is a great way to inoculate your garden soil or increase mycorrhizal fungi in your garden and subsequently improve plant growth, especially for trees and perennials that thrive in fungal-dominated soils. […]

Mulching and making compost is crucial for any organic garden.  But your compost could be dominated by bacteria or fungi and they can have different uses in your garden. What are the differences between fungal and bacterial compost? Fungal compost is made of carbon-rich materials which are best used for trees and perennials. On the

Does seed size matter?  One would think that the bigger the seed, the better it is in germination and seedling growth. The truth is actually not so simple. Large seeds have higher germination success and develop into stronger seedlings with more vigorous roots and a higher chance to survive.  However, small seeds germinate faster, making

Have you ever opened up a fruit and found seeds sprouting inside? What causes seeds to germinate prematurely? The premature germination of seeds inside fruits, called “vivipary”, is due to hormonal imbalance or a reduced level of abscisic acid (ABA).  This can happen when the fruit is under environmental stress, overripe, deficient in potassium, overfertilized

If you are looking for a solution to all the problems in gardening, it would most likely be mulching.  Mulching retains moisture, prevents erosion, prevents weeds, maintains soil temperature, prevents diseases, and even increases crop yield and immunity. In this article, we will show you how mulching can achieve these magical functions in your garden.

Weed control in your garden and lawn doesn’t always have to be a nightmare. Tilling can effectively reduce weeds if it is deep enough that goes at least 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm) below the surface. That way weed seeds can be turned from the topsoil to a lower layer and can be

It can be frustrating to plant your seeds and they just don’t seem to germinate after days and even weeks of waiting.  Seeds that are difficult to germinate either have a hard seed coat (e.g. avocado, peach), have a light requirement (celery, lettuce), or have a temperature requirement (e.g. parsley, carrots, lettuce).  Be sure to

Spring is here and you have already planted your seeds in the garden. Can an unexpected frost kill your seeds? And can seeds stored in the garage survive a cold winter?  Sub-zero temperatures do not kill seeds (even tropical seeds) as long as they are properly dried.  For seeds from cold climates, freezing or cold

Ever wondered how some plant roots can be worth hundreds of dollars?     In this article, we have found 9 most expensive wild plants and will explain why they cost so much. Most endangered 1. American Ginseng American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium or Panax quinquefolius) is a small perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to about 1

Earthworms are probably the gardener’s best friend.  They help turn the soil to keep it fluffy and rich in nutrients.   But are they also good for your potted houseplants?  Do earthworms eat plant roots?    Even though their main and preferred diet is decaying plant matter, earthworms feed on living plant roots and even