Just Veggies

Shredded Leaves for Winter Mulch

Shredded leaves are nature’s free mulch. Not only that, they are a valuable fertilizer source that drops onto your lawn each fall—did I say for free? And because it’s both free and a boon for garden, you might just find yourself asking your neighbors if you can take their leaves off their hands, too. All ...

Signs of Slug Damage

Slugs seems to be an issue in my new garden. Having just planted a 10 ft. x 15 ft. plot in an unfamiliar space, every day reveals something new—a new angle of the sun, a new branch blocking a corner of the veggie plot and, unfortunately, a new uninvited critter visiting the garden. The fresh ...

While Potentially Helpful to Birds, Mulching with Leaves can Cause a Problem

It’s tempting to think of soil as inert dirt of various compositions, but healthy soil is actually home to a vibrant, diverse, microscopic ecosystem. The microorganisms in soil are responsible for creating many of the nutrients needed for healthy plants, in part by breaking down and decomposing materials such as organic mulches. I’ve always been a ...

Fall Clean Up and Planting in the Garden

Last weekend, we received an inch of much needed rain and the temperature became much cooler. However, this weekend, the highs are supposed to be in the 80’s once again. This is the time of year that Autumn is trying to push its way in, but summer is holding on strong. I’m hoping to be ...