Building a Living Mulch
Living mulch uses low-growing perennials, grasses, sedges and spreading plants to gradually cover bare soil, reduce the amount of mulch a bed needs and make more of the garden itself...
The Farm Connection |
Resources
Building a Living Mulch
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A Beginner’s Guide to Grafting Bare Root Rootstock
Learn how to graft your own apple and pear trees right at home with this beginner-friendly guide. Grafting is simpler than it looks, and with just a sharp knife, a...
Sam Menne |
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Cut, Root, Repeat: Winter Plant Propagation for the Homestead
Learn how to take hardwood cuttings of figs, elderberries, grapes, mulberries, and more. These cuttings root reliably during the dormant season, making winter propagation an indispensable skill for any grower....
Sam Menne |
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Building Better Blueberry Soil: Fall Prep for New Planting Sites and Established Bushes
Blueberries thrive in Western North Carolina when their soil mirrors the cool, acidic forest environments they naturally depend on. Fall and early winter are the ideal seasons to adjust pH,...
Sam Menne |
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Seed Stratification at Home for Milkweed & Natives
In nature, native seeds rest through winter’s chill before sprouting in spring. By mimicking these conditions at home, you can give your seeds the same natural cue for strong germination....
Sam Menne |
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Winterizing Figs
Learn how to protect tender fig wood, preserve next year’s breba (first) crop, and set your trees up for a stronger, earlier harvest. From smart siting and heavy mulching to...
Sam Menne |
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Overwintering Tender Perennial Plants: Techniques & Tips
Learn how to overwinter tender perennial plants in Western North Carolina. Learn tips on protecting tropicals, medicinals, and container-grown herbs like turmeric, lemongrass, rosemary, and lavender before the first hard...
Sam Menne |
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Autumn Pruning Tips
Fall isn’t the time to cut everything back. Some perennials and shrubs benefit from light pruning now, while others depend on their winter growth for protection and wildlife forage. Learn...
Sam Menne |
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Dividing & Transplanting Perennials
Autumn isn’t just about harvest, it’s a season of renewal underground. Learn how to divide perennials like coneflowers, lobelia, and iris to rejuvenate your garden, expand your plantings, and support...
Sam Menne |
