What is Black Walnut Tree toxicity?
A native Black Walnut tree produces toxic juglone in its roots to reduce competition from other plants and assure its survival. The juglone can persist…
Ask the Experts
Ask a New QuestionWhat does “harden off” mean?
Plants or seedlings that have been growing protected in sunny windows need to acclimate slowly to the sun’s full strength and whirling winds of outdoors. …
Where should I look for Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) egg masses?
White oak is the preferred host for Lymantria dispar (formerly Gypsy Moth), but most other oak species (in the Northeast) are also highly susceptible, as…
What are Jumping Worms?
What we know: Worms in general are alien to New England and until recently were not a concern. Some are considered a benefit! Not the…
When should I plant bulbs?
Spring-flowering Bulbs (Daffodils, Hyacinth, Tulips, Crocus etc.) can be planted in the garden around the Berkshires from late September and while soil can still be…
Does my plant have a disease?
You purchased a healthy robust plant and now a month later you think it has a problem. The problem may be major or minor. How…
What do we mean by ‘soil can be worked?’
In spring heavy snows can take a long time to melt and the soil even longer to drain. The phrase, “soil can be worked”, means…
How do I know when a plant is established?
You have probably heard many references regarding plants becoming established. Perhaps you have seen tags on plants that say they are drought-tolerant once established. If…
What is the difference between compost and mulch?
Sometimes we use the terms compost and mulch interchangeably which may create some confusion about what makes them different from each other. While compost might…
What are the easiest vegetables to grow?
If you are just getting started, don’t have much time to dedicate to gardening or are pretty sure you were not born with a green…
What are soil amendments and what do they do?
Soil amendments are materials added to soil to improve soil structure, enhance drainage or moisture retention, adjust your soil’s pH, or add nutrients. For example,…
When is the first frost or last frost?
You can determine your garden’s first frost by checking a thermometer to see if the temperature has dropped below 32 degrees and visibly seeing a…
Should I plant in containers, raised garden beds or in the ground?
The answer to these gardening questions depends on your gardening situation. Most plants can be grown in containers, in raised garden beds or in the…
What does partial sun/partial shade/full sun/full shade mean?
Full shade refers to areas in your garden that receive fewer than four hours of sun each day. Most plants that call for full shade…
How often should I fertilize my plants?
How often you fertilize depends on what needs fertilizing and which fertilizer you are using. If you fertilize fruit trees with formulations made specifically for…
How often should I water?
This is, of course, one of the most frequently asked questions about any type of gardening. From vegetable gardens to succulents, how much and how…