The Chestnut in America: History and Future A hundred years ago American Chestnuts were the titan of the eastern forest. Trees so big nothing short of the Redwood compares. Trees that made grown men look like toddlers standing in front of. Each fall Chestnuts would cover the forest floor making it difficult to walk without […]
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Fall Abundance: Hickory Nuts
Fall in the Northeast is a time of abundance. Unquestionably my favorite season, fall provides a bounty unlike no other. A phrase I’ve heard from a well known naturalist brings fall in the Northeast into perspective, “Beware of Falling Food”. This couldn’t be more true than when we talk about going out and harvesting nuts, […]
Asparagus: Planting, Harvest, and Maintenance
Asparagus is one of those polarizing vegetables, people seem to love it or hate. I am in the ‘love it’ camp and you should be too! Continue reading for a step by step guide to successful asparagus planting. Done correctly your asparagus beds will reap bountiful spring harvests for decades. Remove Competition Asparagus is perennial […]
Birds in the Orchard
Having birds in your orchard or in your farm fields often leaves farmers and homesteaders uneasy. Gardeners become enraged when they see birds invading their garden they worked so hard on. I used to share the same disdain for birds but over the years my tune has changed. I’ve actually done a complete 180, now […]
Do You Need To Stake Your Fruit Trees?
When people first started asking me about how to stake their fruit trees, my first question back to them was ‘why do you think you need to stake your trees’? I ask to make them think. It’s true, not all fruit trees need to be supported by stakes. Let’s explore the ins and outs of […]
How to get Rid of Tent Caterpillars
The Eastern Tent Caterpillar has a well earned reputation for being terribly destructive. Capable of leaving entire trees in their wake, this caterpillar has the ability to defoliate a mature tree in a matter of weeks. As destructive as they are, keeping Tent Caterpillars at bay may be easier than you first think. Where do […]
All About Beach Plums
Where do Beach Plums Grow Today we get a close up look at the elusive beach plum. Popular by fans of unusual fruit, the beach plum grows native in my home state. Here along the N.J. shore and much of the northeastern coast this overlooked native edible sits unnoticed all but edible plant enthusiasts like […]
Elderberry Questions: is Clay Okay and more?
Elderberry plants are a hardy bunch. Any edible native plant that grows in a roadside ditch battered by constant winter salt spray and summer herbicide spray, doesn’t die but actually thrives and spreads is a winner in my book! While you don’t want to eat Elderberries fresh, they can be processed into things like jams, […]