Rita's Monthly Gardening Tips,  April 2, 2013

Gardening with young children is done for many reasons, but large-scale high- quality production is not usually an objective. Gardening with children is more about the process than the product. Children are naturally curious and will enjoy the chance to spend time with an adult doing this important but fun work. Fun is the important part. Always make it fun. Their attention span may be short, so let them enjoy small tasks while you continue the on-going

work that needs to be done. Be prepared to be flexible in your goals. It may say in the book to plant in straight rows, and your child’s row may be straight—but diagonal to everything else. And who says that marigold seeds can’t be planted in a circle instead?   Continue reading →

Rita's Monthly Gardening Tips,  March 2, 2013

Plant herbs in your garden and enjoy a flavorful harvest to enhance your meals. Herbs will also really lure beneficial insects to your garden.

Beneficial insects feed on pollen and nectar until it is time for them to eat the harmful insects.

Beneficials are insects that feed on common garden pests, like aphids and mealy bugs. Beneficial insects are considered the good guys and are why
gardeners are cautioned not to spray insecticides at random. You don’t want to accidentally hurt those that are on your side.   Continue reading →