Winter officially ends tomorrow and most of my established native plants are leafing out and showing off their new growth. The native seeds I sowed late in the fall have ended their dormancy and are starting to break through their outer coatings in a process called germination. Why do seeds wait before sprouting, and what […]
Why Native Seeds Wait: Evolution’s Answer to Environmental Stress Read More »
Botany, WinterIt’s February in Pennsylvania—the perfect time to plan your garden and dream about the warm days ahead. This year, I’m thinking about the wildlife I want to attract and how that shapes my plant choices. Instead of flipping through seed catalogs in search of the brightest colors or the latest “deer-resistant” plants, I’m asking myself:
Plant with Purpose – Why Your Plant Choices Matter for Local Wildlife Read More »
Guide, ObservationsAs a teenager I enjoyed nature in passing—animals, insects, and trees were usually background to whatever else I was doing. I would always watch the birds chasing waves at the beach, but I didn’t know the difference between sanderlings and seagulls. I sure as hell never imagined I’d come to see trees as one of
Establishing a Self-Sustaining Meadow and Making Space for Wildlife Read More »
FallThis growing season has been monumental for me: my first full season at the new home, my first time starting seeds in a greenhouse, and the most ambitious garden plans I’ve ever had. While there are many reasons to celebrate, I can’t stop thinking about how I lost all my tomatoes. This hit me hard
Three Months in a Greenhouse: Successes, Failures, and Lessons Read More »
Observations, SpringWith over 600 seeds started, ranging from heirloom fruits and vegetables to wildflowers and native pollinator plants—I’ve grown exponentially more than my previous years starting seeds in the basement. The greenhouse offers unparalleled advantages, allowing me to sow seeds earlier than ever before because of the amplified natural sunlight and heat retention. Moreover, the natural
How Has a Greenhouse Changed How I Start Seeds? Read More »
Spring