Gardening for Everyone

Successful results of one-year-old grape vine, and wildflower test plot

Himalayan blackberry is often a problem weed, but can be quite good if pruned regularly.

The progress in a plot of Helianthus anuus wildflowers

The best method to start new Opuntia cactus plants.

After selecting one vertical stem for your grape vine, prune lower growth and start new plants.

Amsinkia and eriogonum varieties coming up randomly in my garden

Most quality fruit trees will be purchased or shipped bare root, or packed in loose soil medium.

Carefully check several things when buying a new fruit tree

First pruning of fruit trees planted last spring

Rooting cuttings in soil medium. Sage or Artemisia variety.

Fireblight, a bacterial disease, affects plants in the rose family. Sterilize pruners with isopropyl alcohol between each cut.

Felco brand makes a complete line of pruners and pruning saws

Plastic pots are good for the environment, if you use them hundreds of times.

Layering soil amendments in the vegetable garden.

Starting vegetables indoors even while snow and freezing temperatures continue

Varieties of Opuntia cactus, and cold hardiness

At time of planting grapevine and building support structure, I created a lower grade nearby, but not at base of vine. Doing this after plant is established could harm roots.

Growing Helianthus annuus, a prolific and attractive wildflower, in an experimental plot in the yard.

Collecting rainwater is something to consider if it's done properly.

Creating a temporary berm of soil around trees and shrubs facilitates hand watering.

It's necessary to do any training of branch angles on young trees while the branches are still flexible.

Growing a seedless red grape vine for eating, supported on a half pergola

Broadleaf evergreen shrubs shown: Euonymus fortunei, Ilex variety (Holly), Rosmarinus officianalis.

Homesteading #2 - Potato patch