As consumers we’ve become accustomed to seeing perfect blemish-free fruits and vegetables in grocery stores. However, the reality is that minor cosmetic imperfections are completely natural and do not affect food safety or nutrition. The lyric “I don’t care about spots on my apples” from Counting Crows’ cover of “Big Yellow Taxi” challenges these unrealistic … Read more
As an avid gardener I’m always trying to identify the various plants popping up around my yard. One common leafy plant I frequently see is the dock, with its large distinctive leaves. If you’ve wondered “what does a dock leaf look like?” while out in the garden, read on for a helpful visual guide. What … Read more
Installing a self-watering system for your outdoor plants is a great way to reduce maintenance while keeping your garden thriving. With so many options available, it can be tricky to determine which system is best for your needs. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal self-watering method for your outdoor plants: Assess Your Plant … Read more
Felco pruners are some of the best hand pruners available, known for their durability, quality blades, and smooth cutting action. But over time, the blades will naturally dull with use, requiring sharpening to restore a precise cut. Sharpening Felco pruners properly helps extend their lifespan while making pruning tasks easier and cleaner. In this guide … Read more
Lamb’s ear is a soft, fuzzy perennial plant that is a favorite in many gardens. While it makes a great groundcover and borders in the yard did you know you can also dry lamb’s ear to preserve that beautiful texture? Dried lamb’s ear has many creative uses for home decor wedding bouquets, holiday crafts and … Read more
Unfortunately, the Facebook URL provided no usable content. The other sources did not contain any specific information about a willow tree located in West Branch. Weeping willow trees are renowned for their graceful, cascading branches that give them a distinct flowing fountain-like form. Their long, leafy tendrils that dangle downwards make weeping willows instantly recognizable … Read more
As a gardener, dealing with pesky birds that invade your mulch can be incredibly frustrating. Birds love pecking through mulch to find seeds, insects, and other tasty morsels. Unfortunately, this can leave your garden mulch looking like a disaster zone. The good news is there are several effective techniques you can use to deter birds … Read more
Nectarines are a delicious stone fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into recipes when ripe, But what if you pick or purchase nectarines before they reach peak ripeness? The good news is that nectarines will continue ripening off the tree under proper conditions Follow this guide to understand the ripening process and how … Read more
If you’ve grown tomato plants, you may have noticed odd bumps or growths forming on the stems. These protrusions are actually aerial roots that form as part of the tomato plant’s normal development. Below we’ll explore what aerial roots are, why tomatoes produce them, and what to do about these strange stem growths. What Are … Read more
Crab apple trees can be a huge boost to pollination and fruit production in an apple orchard. Their blooms provide pollen that is compatible with most apple varieties, making cross-pollination more successful. But not all crab apples are created equal when it comes to maximizing your yield. Selecting the right crab apple tree is key … Read more