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Down with dirt: expert gardening tips

You’ve been playing in the dirt for many years now and need some more inspiration. Maybe you want to maximize your productivity. Maybe you’re stuck in a rut and need some outside perspective. Our expert section will be growing.

We hope you grow with us!


Soil Testing

Published in Down with dirt

Where can you get your soil tested or buy soil testing kits? Any of the home or in-store testing methods are far inferior to the UMass soil testing lab’s equipment and expertise. For $9 UMass will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about soil—and tell you accurately. Some of the home kits […]

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Raspberry Pruning

Published in Down with dirt

To obtain maximum yields, raspberries must be pruned properly. Pruning produces higher yields by increasing berry size. It also helps control diseases. Pruning procedures are based on the growth and fruiting characteristics of the plants. Growth characteristics Raspberries are unique because their roots and crowns are perennial, while their stems or canes are biennial. A […]

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Growing tip: Perennials—Continuous Color

Published in Down with dirt

In bloom from early spring through fall, garden perennials will brighten your landscape year after year. Combine colors that please you. Make the flower garden a focal point.

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Growing tip: Asian Longhorned Beetle

Published in Down with dirt

An alert citizen discovered the Asian Longhorned (ALB) in Worcester, MA in early August 2008. It is estimated that the population has been in existence there for as long as 15 years.

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Growing tip: Sweet Corn

Published in Down with dirt

Sweet Corn is a member of the grass family, which includes other cereal crops such as wheat, oats, barley, sorghum and rice. Corn require plenty of space to grow, and therefore, is recommended for large gardens.

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Woodland Border Wildflower Garden

Published in Down with dirt

The secret to growing wildflowers is to choose plants whose natural environment can be duplicated in your yard. Sunlight, soil moisture and composition will determine the natural plant environment. The deciduous woodland environment includes oak, beech, maple and hickory trees.

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Strawberries Through the Whole Growing Season

Published in Down with dirt

Strawberries are the first locally-produced fruit of the year to ripen. Harvest frequently begins as early as the first week in June and extends for 4 to 5 weeks into early July, depending upon variety selected, your location, and the system selected for winter protection.

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Storage of Vegetable Crops

Published in Down with dirt

A shrewd gardener always plans to grow more vegetables than can be eaten fresh. The surplus of course can be preserved in a variety of ways for consumption during the winter months.

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Seed Saving

Published in Down with dirt

An increasing number of gardeners save seeds from plants that grow well in their garden. This is enjoyable and fascinating. It allows you to continue growing varieties that are difficult to find in catalogs.

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Season Extenders

Published in Down with dirt

Most vegetable crops are very sensitive to cold weather, and the majority grow only during the frost-free months of the year, limiting the growing season in New England.

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