Many herbicides are toxic to bees. Among them are herbicides containing glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup. Other herbicides toxic to bees include Dicamba products and even natural concoctions containing vinegar. Safer herbicides include those containing Atrazine and 2,4-D. How Do Herbicides Harm Bees? Some herbicides kill bees on contact. Yet, many herbicides don’t immediately … Read more
Herbs used only for their medicinal or healing qualities were divided by the herbalists in about the fifteenth century into specific groups according to their supposed action upon the human system. The background of history and legend tells its own story because practical horticulture had a therapeutic side of more excellent value than mere esthetic … Read more
There is more to a good garden than an abundance of pretty flowers. Plants with showy flowers naturally attract the most attention, but the scent is more subtle than color. A mere whiff of a pleasing fragrance from a bruised aromatic leaf can conjure up half a lifetime of memories and give refreshing enjoyment. Meanwhile, … Read more
Soil is partly earth but not all earth. Soil is a living thing. It grows, gets sick, and becomes well again. Like both garden and gardener, the soil changes dramatically from winter through spring, summer, and autumn—back to winter. As the cycles march along, year after year, our garden soil may grow stronger or weaker. … Read more
Once you are acquainted with the pleasing qualities and subtle flavors found only in garden-fresh herbs, having your supply of at least a part of those used becomes essential. Start with the hardy perennial herbs, the beneficial ones. An excellent general rule to follow is to buy perennial plants instead of seeds. It takes too … Read more
Herbs are plants of infinite interest, inspiration, and purpose. For many centuries, herbs and man have been old friends in many lands. They have fascinated, interested, served, and delighted humanity in many ways. They are still for use and delight.” They still sustain the kitchen, refresh the palate, delight the senses, and beautify our gardens. … Read more
The blustery winds and fluctuating temperatures of March can do damage to northern gardens. There is a tendency, when the weather is fine, to uncover plants protected all winter. This could lead to disaster. Tender growth suddenly exposed to frosty winds will shrivel. If there is heavy covering, remove only a part of it, allowing … Read more
The Southern gardener is really kept busy this month! Seeds of annuals and vegetables should be sown and perennials divided and transplanted. In some areas, March is the best time for starting a lawn. And, also, the battle against insects and diseases begins in earnest this month. Protect Roses from Black Spot In most sections … Read more
The saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” must have been meant for gardeners who do most of their planting this month. Since California weather is unpredictable, it is sometimes possible to do a lot of planting during the first two weeks of March. Usually, however, it is better … Read more
March – even more than January to the Middle West should – be considered the Janus-faced creature that looks both ways. I have seen this month as mild as May. That year many vegetable gardeners planted beans at the last of that month and, strangely enough, they won. There was no freezing weather and their … Read more