What is a microclimate? If you want to utilize microclimates, you need to understand the variables they are defined by and the limits they have under the broader regional climate. In essence, the word microclimates needs to be recognized not so much as “small pockets of different climate” within a regional climate, but as small […]
Transplanting Grapes from Self-Rooted Vines
How are grape vines like banyan trees? Grapes are some of the most forgiving plants I know of. The downside of their vigor is that they need regular and extensive pruning. The upside is that they will grow almost anywhere. When the vines are left on the ground, they tend to form new roots. Kind […]
4 Tricks to Tame Your Autumn Garden
It seems like in the late summer to early autumn everything needs to be done in the garden. The weather is hot, so watering is crucial. With the heat and water, weeds are growing like gang-busters. And all the while, there is produce to pick and process. Here are 3 tricks that can help you […]
Are Bees Really Dying At Alarming Rates?
What are the real facts about bees dying? There has been a lot of concern about bees dying. Some bees have died, to be sure, but there has been a lot of reaction without level-headed evaluation. I have put together a list of articles that give good reasons to question the headline hysteria. Why is […]
7 Top Insect Predators in the Southwest Idaho Garden and How to Combat Them
How to identify insect trouble The heat of summer seems to be prime time for insect populations to invade the garden. They can do devastating damage quickly, so it is a good idea to know not only what to look for, but what can be done to save your crops. My most consistently troublesome insects […]