Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
By Elizabeth Takakjian Do you want to keep weeds down? Retain moisture? Stop erosion? Well then, mulch IS the answer. Besides doing all that, applying mulch is a great time saver when applied correctly. Let’s look at why and learn about a number of different types for your garden. Time Saver – Following a…
By Elizabeth Takakjian Grids When introducing new gardeners to vegetable gardening, I suggest they string out their beds in colorful neon mason line following the Square Foot Gardening method introduced by Mel Bartholomew. It’s a great method that helps you with planning out your plant spacing for optimal growth and the neon colors look great!…
Benefits of Home Gardening By Elizabeth Takakjian Are you looking for reasonably priced natural fruits and vegetables? It’s as close as your yard or balcony if you plant a garden. Growing fresh, healthy, clean fruits and vegetables is easier than you think. Today there are quick ways to get growing: grow bags and self-watering containers…
By Elizabeth Takakjian Each fall I start out with good intentions of organizing my gardening supplies as I close down the garden for the winter, and to some degree I do, but inevitably there’s a corner of the garage or shed in a jumble. In it are things tossed there just after the first snow…
By Elizabeth Takakjian Gardeners often end the season with a collection of seed packets – both partials and unopened. What to do? Toss them? Tuck them into the corner of your shed until next season when you rediscover them and wonder if they are worth planting. Just how may years is a leftover tomato seed…
By Elizabeth Takakjian For many gardeners closing up the garden for the winter months is often more of an afterthought brought on by cold mornings and shorter days than a planned end to the season. Still there are sunny, pleasant fall days to enjoy in the garden before the last leaves fall. Take these…
By Elizabeth Takakjian Soft Neck Garlic aka Artichoke Garlic– small tight cloves, good choice for storage. Hard Neck Garlic aka Ophio Garlic – excellent for fresh eating; doesn’t store as well. FALL Planting and Mulching Garlic grows best in rich, loose soil that has been enhanced with compost. Fall is the optimal time for planting…
By Elizabeth Takakjian Creating Healthy Places in Suffolk County community gardens keep on growing and giving! As an educator, seeing a student become the teacher is one of the proudest moments and that’s exactly what Magail Roman has done. A novice gardener two years ago when she joined the Growing Together Garden in Brentwood, Ms.…
By Maryann Birmingham Preserving food in Mason Jars may sound “old-fashioned” but, it’s as modern and trendy as the newest gourmet creation! When you preserve food at home, you’re creating products that save money and time in the kitchen. Preserving food is simple, just a step beyond following a recipe. In home canning this step…