Category Archive

gardening

DIYing a vertical pumpkin patch in our tiny urban backyard

With urban living comes many advantages. Jules and I both walk or ride our bikes to work, we are a few minutes walk from a zoo, there countless numbers of cafes, restaurants, bars, playgrounds, etc. within walking distance. But there are also some disadvantages. Real-estate is a valuable commodity where we live and there aren’t many lots that would accommodate the size garden we wish we could have so we have to get creative.

Why you should garden. Yes, even in hurricane-threatened New Jersey.

If I ever gave anyone one tip of advice it would be this: At some point in your life grow your own food.

Using dung beetles to keep poop in check and other backyard hacks for your dogs

In our post about composting pet waste Homie Maria told us how she used dung beetles in her backyard to keep her dog’s poop in check. Of course we were all very intrigued, so Maria was kind enough to let us in on the dung beetle details. Including some other brilliant backyard hacks thought up by her gardening genius late husband…

Put Stormtroopers and Boba Fett to use in your garden

We already know that Darth Vader can be useful in the kitchen. But did you know that Stormtroopers and Boba Fett can be just as useful in the garden? Derek (of Cute Fight-fame) uploaded this amazing find that he entitled “Meanwhile, on Endor…” to our Flickr pool.

Container gardening, what works?

I have been poking around and growing sweet potatoes in containers looks to be easy enough. So, I would like to do a potato box, too. But should we put that on our deck? or would the cement patio be better? What else grows well in containers? (In the Northern Mid-west?) I know we can’t put anything out until near the end of May, but when should we start the sweet potatoes? Or… you know… any other suggestions?

Where can I get my hands on some comfrey?

I’ve been wanting to plant comfrey for a couple years now but can’t seem to find it commercially. Even found hint that it might be banned (?).

Anyone have more advice for me on this or how I can get some comfrey for my garden?

Use water to kill weeds

Ariel had her “baskets!” moment when it comes to using bath water to water her plants. But did you know that water could also be used to kill plants? Offbeat Homie Mel dropped some knowledge on us.

7 tips for how to grow gargantuan basil plants

A couple of weeks ago, we were talking homemade mozzarella and I mentioned my gigantic basil plants. Basically they’re growing so large that they will consume my house. Here are the tips I know for growing mad basil.