New England Gardener

A perfectly manicured lawn used to be the ultimate status symbol. Now a growing number of suburbanites are turning away from fertilizers and pesticides and searching out “green” alternatives. This story talks about the trend. I also interviewed Paul Tukey, a former landscaper who became an activist after being poisoned by the chemicals he used on clients’ lawns. Check out his non-profit SafeLawns to learn more about organic lawn care options. Your comments are always welcome.

Peas Fresh From The Shell. The Perfect Snack Food

But the shift from just enough to “can anyone use a few dozen zucchinis?” happens almost overnight and I’ve found it’s good to have a plan. That way you’re not driving around the neighborhood with the car lights off stuffing produce into neighbors mailboxes.

Seriously, times are tough and most local food pantries and soup kitchens would be delighted to take fresh produce off your hands. If you’re not already familiar with a hunger effort in your community, your local cooperative extension office should have a list of pantries to get you started. You can also set up a swap with other gardeners. There’s a website called Veggie Trader that helps gardeners all over the country connect with like minded gardeners who want to trade squash for basil.

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Why Sunflowers Are Worth The Effort

Question:
I love sunflowers and I know they’re among the easiest of all plants grow. Unfortunately, my cute little backyard friends–the rabbits, I believe, but possibly squirrels and chipmunks, too?–also love tender young sunflower foliage, making them extremely difficult to grow.
We’re dying for the cheer that sunflowers would bring to our yard, but frustrated by the devastation. Any thoughts on sunflower protection?
–Danny

Answer:
Hi Danny,
I’ve had problems with critters going after almost mature sunflowers, but never this early in the season. Bummer. Have you thought about using an organic repellent such a cayenne pepper spray?

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Planting Pumpkin Seedlings for Fall Harvest

As much as I love Autumn, I’m always reluctant to flip the calendar forward for fear of jinxing summer. Don’t you just hate seeing those “Back to School” commercials when you’re heading out to catch lightning bugs?

And yet, mid-July is the perfect time to plant many vegetables for a September/October harvest.
Deals on seedlings are abundant right now. Many garden centers planted extra seedlings this spring hoping to tap into the vegetable gardening craze, and they’re anxious to get rid of leggy leftovers.

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Prune Rhododendron Within 3 Weeks After Bloom

Answer:
Hi Carl,
First off, it’s important to know that rhododendrons are very hard to kill. In fact, sometimes a major whacking is what’s called for if your rhody is severely overgrown. But the best time to prune the bushes is within a few weeks after the flowers die off. If you wait much longer, next year’s flower buds will form and if you prune them, of course, you won’t get flowers next year. This won’t affect the health of the plant, you’ll just miss the big show next spring. I generally prune for shape meaning I cut for a gently rounded look. And be sure to remove all dead wood. Rhododendron enthusiasts write at length about pruning these popular plants. Here’s a link with much more information.

All the best,
Amy

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