Homestead Basics

Is it harmful to water my household plants with softened water? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

I recently moved into a very old home that came with a very old raspberry patch. I pruned and cleaned it out last year, but it didn’t do well. Is there anything in particular that raspberry bushes like that may give my berries a boost for the coming summer? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

How high should I stake my pole beans? And how far apart should I plant cabbage? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Should I consider buying a Christmas tree that can be replanted after the holiday? Is replanting usually successful? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Is there an herb that goes best with anise in the garden? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

I got some bulbs late last fall and didn’t find time to plant them. They’ve been in my barn. Can I plant them in the spring? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

What is the best way to rid my lawn of grubs? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

What is a Heat Zone Map? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Is it best to propagate cacti by using cuttings? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Does Vermont have a long enough growing season for red peppers? The green bell type are no problem. How about okra? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

A series photos featuring strikingly beautiful and unusual icebergs…

I read the term pleaching in a gardening book and couldn’t figure out what they meant. What is it? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Have you heard of planting seeds in eggshells to start transplants? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Do you know of a pet-safe means to prevent or reduce the fleas in my rather large yard? I tried nematodes on my lawn, but that didn’t work. Daily yeast tablets and flea collars don’t seem to repel them from my dog either. (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

When is the best time to transplant camellias? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The simple pleasures which gardening offers can have added value for those with limited access to nature…

When is the best time to plant rosebushes? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Should I prune my fruit trees now? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Developers of the Bloom Box envision personal fuel-cell power plants in every home in America by 2020.

I received a fig tree (fruit-bearing type) as a Christmas gift and want to find out the correct time and way to set it into the ground. I live in central Mississippi. (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

When should I plant strawberries in a strawberry jar? What variety of strawberries do you recommend for planting in such a jar? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Can I plan to grow grass in the shady areas of my new yard? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Have you heard of Shirley poppies? I haven’t been able to find them. (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

What is the best location for a cold frame? (answer).

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Community marine reserves hold the key to restoring and preserving local fisheries.