The Savvy Sage

Question: What landscape plants should I avoid planting because they are invasive or have other negative qualities, even though I might find them in a nursery? Answer: You’ve touched on the horticultural equivalent of the idea that “just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done.”…

Question: I live in an apartment with a small outside patio area. Can I grow some vegetables? Answer: Yes, you can grow vegetables in a small plot of soil, or in containers on concrete. People are often surprised by how productive a compact space can be. The key is choosing the right crops and making…

 One of the most common questions for Master Gardeners is ‘What’s wrong with my tomatoes?’Here’s a general troubleshooting guide for tomatoes:Weather Tomatoes can be finicky, too hot or too cold, and fruit setting is delayed. If an extended period of summer heat is forecast, use an old sheet or…

 Article by Peg Smith - May is the major planting time for the summer garden of warm-season vegetables. Daytime and nighttime average temperatures are optimal for transplanting and direct seeding. Our local weather can oscillate between cooler or warmer than usual, so some judgment is needed. For…

 In celebration of National Love a Tree Day on May 16, this article invites you to take a moment to reflect on the many ways trees support human life and well-being. One useful starting point when discussing the many gifts trees provide humans is the concept of ecosystem services, defined as “the direct…