We were lucky when we bought Spruce Acre in Ithaca, N. Y., 15 years ago. The former owner had left us a healthy asparagus bed of 100 plants. Since then, I’ve wondered why so many gardeners ignore this vegetable. Does preparing the bed sound complicated (your state agricultural college can give you advice)? Don’t you … Read more
Sweet potatoes rate the attention of home gardeners wherever they can be grown. That includes territories beyond their range as an important farm product, such as Connecticut and southern New York. During the last 25 years, we have grown them in various kinds of soil. Though the vines grow luxuriantly in the Summer rains or … Read more
The old sayings that distance lend enchantment and familiarity breed contempt were never more applicable than to that lowly but all-important garden commodity — barnyard manure. When it was to be had almost for the asking, we avoided reference to it when among gentle people. If it became necessary to mention it, we used the … Read more
What can one say about an Italian garden which has not been said before in poetry, prose, music, in song – from the roses of Paestum to the newest hybridization of orchids, which is being done in a range of glasshouses on a hill beyond Bellosguardo and envy one of the seven deadly sins! Yet, … Read more
Once upon a time, there was a little boy who assured his mom he had not been “out back of the barn smoking again.” It was true. He hadn’t been back of the barn smoking. This time it was in the carriage shed. (I know this to be true for a fact. I’ve known the … Read more
The relationship between cold frames and gardens increases as the days become longer and the sun warmer. In fact, the chief purpose of the cold frame in spring is to prepare plants for outdoor conditions. Once they recover from the initial transplanting within the frame, hardier plants, such as cabbage and broccoli, should be gradually given … Read more
We first sowed soybeans for green manure and then as bait for rabbits. The theory behind the second usage was that rabbits preferred soybeans to other beans, so if there were enough soybeans to be had, they would leave the other beans alone. The theory worked wonderfully. The rabbits had all the beans they liked … Read more
Here are four backyards of various sizes which have been designed for outdoor living as well as the enjoyment of gardening I. Two Small Gardens A BACKYARD—no matter how small — can be easily transformed into an intimate, colorful garden spot where outdoor living may be enjoyed throughout the season. Just ask Miss Mary R. … Read more
Few places in my yard give me more exciting movements per square foot of space than my cold frame. It is just a short distance from the house, near the kitchen, so I have to pass it every time I go to the barn to do chores. This is fortunate, for a cold frame needs … Read more
Without paper milk cartons, I wouldn’t know how to get along in my garden. They are durable enough to last a long time and easy to dispose of. We have to buy them when we buy milk; it is a waste of money to throw them away and buy something else to use for the … Read more