This year my farm has seen a succession of middle to top predators with catastrophic consequences for the chicken population and, by extension, my livelihood. A raucous crowd of ravens was first, flying boldly into the barn and coming out with whole eggs in their beaks. I was sure they wereRead More

What to do this week Let’s talk a little about summer pruning. Most things get pruned in the spring or the fall, but then again, there is the tomato. You can’t get serious about tomatoes without getting involved with the tomato pruning controversy. People always ask me where I standRead More

What to do this week Okay, up off the couch! It’s time to plant trees. What’s that? It’s cold and rainy and the trees aren’t even leafing out yet, you whine? Perfect! The trees are still sleeping, they’ll barely suffer transplant shock. Yeah, I know you’re out of shape. DidRead...

What to do this week March is the month for winter care of trees and shrubs. They are dormant now, and will not suffer from the results of working on them. Trees and shrubs can be pruned for restoration or improved fruit production. You don’t want to do this inRead More

[dropcap]I[/dropcap] have something to confess. For someone in my position it is, well, more than a little embarrassing. An affront, if you will, to my public persona. I have spent money I could ill afford pursuing this, this interest, to the chagrin of my long-suffering children. To this strange compulsionRead More