A Vital Gardening Tool: Your Garden Journal

On November 24, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As an Amazon affiliate, I research products and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you order through the links I am sharing. Last week I was standing in the vegetable garden thinking about what to grow next year. The pole beans were very productive but became entwined in the galvanized squirrel-proof mesh “roof.” It is time to grow bush beans again!

So glad I got into the habit of creating garden journals/diaries/notes through the years. Tucked into a bookcase, I saw a journal from the 18 years I lived in Manhattan and gardened at the Clinton Community Garden on West 48th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. The planning and spacing decisions for a 4′ x 6′ plot was intense. Notes on weather, on when fish emulsion was added, and of course, what seeds and plants are written down. Soon I will need to decide between organic Blue Lake and Provider bush beans.

Highly suggest that you do not use a spiral notebook…easy for pages to get torn and not enjoyable to write in. With a hardcover, you can cut out and scotch tape photos, plant labels, and articles and know they will not fall out.

Top BH’s CHOICE* suggestions:

Garden Journal for desktop

Ideal for the Detailed Gardener

Beautiful and well organized journal

Plans for a Magical Garden

BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and recommend.

Gardens to Bed & Ideas for Next Year!

On November 16, 2023November 17, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Other than some herbs and one raised bed with carrots still waiting to be pulled for a stew, I am no longer eating from the garden. Hoping that your garden was beautiful and productive this year and I have some suggestions for 2024! As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links I am sharing.

Having cleaned and stored tools after oiling and sharpening them, my “need vs wish” list for Black Friday deals on the 23rd is formulating. Are you looking for any specific products for Christmas gifts or next years’ garden? Email me at gardenwithnature@live.com or send a Facebook message and I’ll share the “best finds” before Black Friday!

My first BH’s CHOICE * selection for comfortable and attractive outdoor seating are Retro and lasting metal chairs and for anywhere you want to place a garden, bird feeder, or star-viewing bench these fit the bill.

Speaking of the birds that stay in your garden all year, they can cuddle-up to stay warm in this roosting box and, if you have Eastern Bluebirds, then get this guard for the lower (since warm air rises) entrance hole to keep Chickadees and House Sparrows out. Have squirrels? This sturdy, easy-to-fill bird feeder has tricked them through the years… their weight will not allow them to jump on it, but the birds will spill some for them to enjoy, too.

One more! Will be moving the composter closer to the backdoor and in more sunlight this weekend. Here is a easy-to-turn composter to make “black gold” a lot quicker!

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY DEALS:

FABULOUS LAMP FOR SEED STARTING

LIVE INDOOR PLANTS

RAISED WOOD PLANTER BOX

* BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and recommend.

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It’s Time for Bed & Goodbye to Hummingbirds

On October 11, 2023October 11, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn FallLeave a comment

Putting your vegetable garden to bed is almost upon us. As an Amazon affiliate. I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links and my BH’s CHOICE * for this necessary and enjoyable chore is this kneeler/seat for your comfort. No sense having wet knees, getting pebbles in your skin, or having trouble standing up after pulling spent vines or pulling weeds.

The hummingbird feeders have now been removed, cleaned, and are hanging on hooks in the garage but this trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is still flowering in case some late migrators pass through.

My absolute favorite hummingbird feeder (and I have tried many different types) is now this easy-to-clean glass (not plastic) beauty. And, since learning about this anti-ant product two years ago, not one ant has ever crossed the thin circle of gel after squeezing out and spreading a thin circle of it around the feeder hook.

Now, there is a HUGE lesson to share with you that many people do not know. Never place your hummingbird feeder in full sun. The sugar water – – never use red dye! – – gets really hot! Hang your feeder up in the shade with the easiest, most secure hook I have ever used for feeders that sway in the wind.

* BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and can recommend.

In Bloom — Early October

On October 4, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies have not been seen in a few weeks but bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and more hawks have been seen.

Ideal time to pull any invasive weeds or vines out and cut up to dispose of in your garbage — not inside of your compost bin or slow pile.

Cornus Kousa dogwood fruit in full bloom.

In Bloom – Mid-September

On September 12, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Phlox and Trumpet vine attracting pollinators.

Writing: sharing knowledge

On August 31, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Seasonal Shifts

On August 31, 2023 By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

On this last August day, I watched dozens of leaves drop to the shady woodland hillside. As I turned, heard and then watched a hawk circling high above, and then noticed asters in bloom.

I harvested some oregano a few days ago and let it dry on the kitchen island. Just mashed up hard boiled egg shells to “plant” in a raised vegetable bed later.