“I think this is what hooks one to gardening: it is the closest one can come to being present at creation.” Phyllis Theroux
I have always wanted my own espalier… and I finally have one due to my dear friends Allen & Beth. I recently did an Instagram live showing it to all of you! As you all know, I’m pretty true to sticking to heirlooms with a few exceptions, so I was thrilled when this tree arrived with 6 heirloom grafted apples on it! Yes… it has 6 varieties of apples on it due to the wonderful art of grafting. I personally have never done this, but I know many people who have with great success.
So in todays episode, I’m going to show you how you can create a beautiful living wall in your outdoor space with an espalier! If you’ve been looking to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your outdoor space, then this is the information you need!
Have you ever heard of the art of espalier? If not, you’re in for a treat! Espalier is a method of training plants to grow flat against a wall or fence, creating a living wall that is not only visually stunning but also functional. With a little bit of patience and know-how, you too can create your own living wall masterpiece. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about espalier, from selecting the right plants to pruning and training techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, this guide will give you the tools and inspiration you need to transform your outdoor space into a work of art. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started on this exciting journey into the world of espalier!
Check out my YouTube video below to learn more on how you can create a beautiful living wall utilizing the espalier method!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
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If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
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Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. – May Sarton
If you saw my video on vertical gardening, then you definitely want to watch this easy tutorial on how to build a TeePee trellis for your garden. With only two zip ties, and 4 to 6 bamboo poles, you can have a versatile trellis to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, plants, or any other vining plant.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
Join Jean as she chats it up with Dawn Green, Horticulturist & Owner of Dawn Gardens, LLC.
Dawn & Jean are definitely kindred spirts as they both love anything involved with being in the dirt! Today they will discuss what they are both doing in their personal gardens, as well as professional.
About Dawn…
Dawn Green is a lifelong Michigander, minus a short stay in Alabama while she served in the Army. She grew up in the U.P. with Lake Superior and Tahquamenon Falls as her playgrounds. Growing up in a family of hunters, fishermen, and gardeners she learned quickly the grocery store was not the only source of food. She leaves the hunting and fishing to other family members, but gardening has always been her passion. She often says I says she not only has a green thumb, but is “green through and through”. She is the mother of two amazing young women and grandmother of 3 adorable grandchildren. She moved to Oakland County shortly after leaving the Army and has been here ever since.
To connect with Dawn, check her out at anyone of the following platforms:
Join Jean each week as she chats it up about gardening, cooking, organizational tips & tricks, chatting about healthy lifestyles, and of course having conversations with incredible entrepreneurs!
A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins. – Laurie Colwin
Most of us have our tomatoes in the ground now and the season is on! One of the most frustrating things with gardening are the pests we incessantly seem to be contending with. I mean seriously… Where do these pests come from and how do they always seem to find my garden! I know I am not the only one thinking this.
As gardeners, we know that nothing is more frustrating than spending hours tending to your tomato plants, only to find them infested with tomato worms. These pesky pests can quickly destroy our plants and leave us with a disappointing harvest.
Well as an organic gardener I need to fight the good fight with everything I know! So fear not, I have plenty of organic methods to share with you to help in the elimination of tomato worms and keep your garden healthy.
In today’s episode, I’ve compiled a list of 10 tried & true methods I have personally used to get rid of tomato worms without using harmful chemicals. From planting companion plants to using homemade insecticidal sprays, these methods are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
So, like I always say, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, read on to discover how you can keep your tomato plants healthy and thriving all season long.
Check out my YouTube video below to learn my 10 Organic Methods to Eliminate Tomato Worms & Keep Your Garden Healthy!
To see my latest video on how and why trellising your tomato plants is so important, CLICK HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn. ” B. C. Forbes
You may have recently seen my last episode on Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Successwhich somewhat relates to today’s topic on vertical gardening. In today’s episode I will be elaborating on this topic and showing you the benefits of gardening vertically!
Vertical gardening is a gardening technique that simply involves growing plants vertically, taking advantage of unused vertical space while creating a stunning visual display. Not only does it allow you to maximize your garden space, but it also has numerous benefits, including easier maintenance, better air circulation, and less pest and disease problems. If you’re new to vertical gardening and don’t know where to start, don’t worry – this beginner’s guide has got you covered. I’ll take you through the basics, from choosing the right plants and materials to setting up your vertical garden and caring for your plants. Get ready to elevate your garden game and create a stunning, space-saving garden that’s sure to impress.
Check out my YouTube video below for the whole scoop on vertical gardening & how it will benefit you!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ― Lewis Grizzard
I admit it… I haven’t always trellised my tomatoes. I’ve always used the standard tomato cage, but trellising is something I recently started doing. Yes, I have always known it is the best way to grow my tomatoes, I just never took the time. Well friends, I am taking the time now as it will provide me with a healthier & more abundant crop of tomatoes!
Quite friendly, I got tired of my tomato plants sprawling all over the tomato cages & the raised beds taking up valuable space all the while making it difficult to harvest those ripe, juicy fruits. Trellising my tomato plants will provide more space for me to grow around them. This will allow me the opportunity to succession plant more effectively.
It will also improve airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Not to mention, trellised tomatoes are easier to care for and harvest, resulting in a better yield.
Now you are asking, “Ok that’s all great Jean, but where do I start? You start right here friends! In today’s episode, I’ll provide you with 5 tips for successfully trellising your tomato plants, from choosing the right trellis to proper pruning techniques. Whether you’re a veteran gardener or novice just starting out, these tips will help you achieve a bountiful tomato harvest & beautiful garden. So let’s get started and take your tomato growing to the next level!
Watch my YouTube Video as I explain Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” Margaret Atwood
Mulching your raised beds is crucial for optimal growth. There are several benefits to mulching with grass clippings, however there are a few techniques that you need to know!
Check out my easy tutorial on Gardening 101~ How-to Mulch Your Raised Beds with Grass Clippings. Check out my YouTube Video below!
Keep posted for my upcoming blog on the benefits of mulching with grass clippings!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
“The first gatherings of the garden in May of salads, radishes, and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby ― how could anything so beautiful be mine. And this emotion of wonder filled me for each vegetable as it was gathered every year. There is nothing that is comparable to it, as satisfactory or as thrilling, as gathering the vegetables one has grown.” ― Alice B. Toklas
Throughout the winter months I long for the warm days when I can get back into the dirt and smell the scent of plants growing. Yes, they do have a scent and all gardeners know it. It’s like the smell of the first lawn cutting, or the way the air smells after a heavy rain.. It is simply a romantic aroma!
Have you ever wondered how some of your gardening friends always have fresh produce when your garden seems to have given up the ghost? Or how farmers market vendors have fresh lettuce all season, and yours turns bitter and bolts?
What you may not know is their secret… and that’s what I’m going to share with you all of you today! It’s called succession planting, and it’s super easy to incorporate into your gardening plan.
Let’s talk about the benefits & techniques of succession planting. With this method, you can maximize your garden’s yield and enjoy a steady supply of fruits, herbs, & veggies throughout the growing season.
In today’s blog post, I’ll teach you the various benefits of succession planting, including increased productivity and reduced waste. I’ll also discuss the different techniques and strategies you can use to implement this method successfully. So, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, today you will discover how to make the most of your garden with succession planting.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
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You can get some really great tips in Elliot Coleman’s, Four Season Harvest! Great book! **Information adapted from Organic Gardening Magazine, “Keep It Coming” By Barbara Damrosch. Feb/Mar 2010, pg.s 42-47
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
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Join me today as Founder & Lead Biker for Bike Dearborn, Tracy Besek & I chat it up about biking safety, advocacy, and being a part of this great group!
This month’s focus has been on local food, and healthy life choices. I tend to focus a lot on farmers markets, but obviously there are so many other ways to invest in healthy life choices, exercise being another obvious one!
My guest today and I met almost ten years ago during my tenure in Dearborn with both the DDA and the Chamber of Commerce. We collaborated together with the city’s farmers market I managed… OK, yep I’m going to tie in the farmers market again, LOL.
So now I’d like to introduce you to Tracy Besek, Founder & Ride Leader for Bike Dearborn!
Some of the awards Tracy has received include:
2016 Beaumont’s Healthy Community Champion Award
2018 Advocate of the Year from the League of Michigan Bicyclists. I’ve since become an active board member and co-chair of the DEI Committee.
2018 Sierra Club of Southeastern Michigan Green Cruiser of the Year. 2022 Received Certificate of Appreciation from County Commissioner Sam Baydoun for promoting healthy living in Dearborn
Join Jean each week as she chats it up about gardening, cooking, organizational tips & tricks, chatting about healthy lifestyles, and of course having conversations with incredible entrepreneurs!
“You know, when you get your first asparagus, or your first acorn squash, or your first really good tomato of the season, those are the moments that define the cook’s year. I get more excited by that than anything else.” ― Mario Batali
I am getting so itchy to get out and plant stuff!!! If you’ve been following me on my Facebook & Instagram, then you’ve seen my new greenhouse go up & the raised bed gardening coming to fruition. We’ve been at a stand still the last few days with the weather… yep, I’m in Michigan. We need a bit more pea stone for the raised bed garden, and more compostable materials for the beds themselves…. Then the dirt and I can plant.
Next year at this time, I will already have lettuce and other greens in the beds, but I must be patient this year. As the temperatures start to rise and the sun shines a little brighter, May is the perfect time to start planting our vegetable and herb gardens.
Many of you ask me what we can start planting, so last month I threw together a blog post, and I thought I should do the same for May. After all, now is the time we can really start thinking about the garden and the beautiful bounties she will hold this year.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables and Herbs
There are many benefits to growing your own vegetables and herbs. For one, you can ensure that the produce you are consuming is fresh and free from harmful pesticides. Additionally, gardening can be a rewarding and stress-relieving hobby. Not to mention, it can save you money in the long run. By growing your own vegetables and herbs, you can reduce your grocery bill and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your food was grown with your own two hands.
Best Vegetables to Grow in May
MId to late May is the perfect time to plant a variety of vegetables in Zone 4 & 5. Some of the best vegetables to grow in May include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and green beans. These plants thrive in warm weather & will grow beautifully once the evenings stay above 50 degrees. It is essential for them to have warm soil and night temps for them to mature and develop.
Tomatoes are classic vegetables & super easy to grow & can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer cherry tomatoes or beefsteaks, May is the ideal time to get these plants in the ground.
Peppers are another popular vegetable that can add some spice to your garden. Bell peppers, jalapenos, and habaneros are all great options for May planting. Cucumbers and zucchini are also easy to grow and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or even pickling.
Carrots & green beans are other versatile vegetable crops that can be served as a side dish or used in casseroles and soups.
Here are a Few Planting Tips for May Gardening
When planting your vegetables in May, it’s important to choose a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. Most vegetables require at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining and has plenty of organic matter. This will ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
When planting your seeds or seedlings, as I always say, be sure to follow the instructions on the packet or label. Some plants may require a certain depth or spacing between each plant. If the information isn’t detailed enough, simply Google the plant and all those details will pop up! Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing.
Top Herbs to Grow in May
Herbs are a great addition to any garden, and May is the perfect time to plant them. Some of the top herbs to grow in Zones 4 & 5 during May include basil, cilantro, chives, parsley, and thyme. These herbs are easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Basil is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It can be used in sauces, salads, and even on pizza. Cilantro is another herb that is commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. It can be used in salsas, curries, and stir-fries. Chives and parsley are versatile herbs that can be used in a variety of dishes, while thyme is a great herb for seasoning meats and vegetables. CLICK HERE for my delicious Pesto Recipe!
Maintaining Your May Garden – Watering, Fertilizing, and Pest Control
Maintaining your garden is crucial for a successful harvest. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Most vegetables require about an inch of water per week. Fertilize your plants every few weeks to ensure they have the nutrients they need to grow.
Pest control is also important for maintaining a healthy garden. Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests. Additionally, companion planting can help deter pests naturally. For example, planting marigolds next to your vegetables can help repel aphids and other pests.
Harvesting Your May Garden
As your plants start to mature, it’s important to harvest them at the right time. Generally, vegetables should be harvested when they are ripe and before they become overripe or start to rot. Herbs can be harvested throughout the growing season as needed.
When harvesting your vegetables, use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem cleanly. Avoid pulling the vegetables off the plant, as this can damage the plant and reduce future yields. Herbs can be harvested by snipping off the leaves or stems as needed.
Gardening in Zones 4 & 5 in the month of May can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple tips & tricks, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re a novice or beginner gardener, there’s no better time to start planting than now. So grab your gardening tools and get ready to dig in the dirt!
Looking to the future, consider trying out new vegetables and herbs in your garden. There are countless varieties to choose from, each with their own unique flavor and characteristics. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite vegetable or herb that you never knew existed!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
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All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
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