Urban Gardening

Farewell from William Moss

Thank you for reading this newsletter. For the past couple of years it has been exciting to work with the National Gardening Association (NGA) to promote urban gardening and greening. We all know someone who has been touched by the ... more >>


Tumble composters like the Envirocycle eliminate turning by hand.

Eight Great Gifts for Urban Gardeners

Picking gifts for friends can be tricky, but fortunately gardeners are easy. We always need new plants, products, and materials. Below are some of my favorite gardening gifts for 2008 ... more >>



GreenCare volunteers help out with a mulching project. (Photo courtesy of GreenCare.)

GreenCare
for Troops

The upcoming holidays are about giving, sacrifice, and community involvement regardless of ... more >>


December Q & A

Question: My container zinnias were colorful and longlasting, but marred by what I think was powdery mildew. What is the best treatment for this ... more >>

  

December 2008


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Christmas tree boughs make an attractive post-holiday garden mulch.

December Gardening Tips

  1. Avoid landfills by recycling or repurposing your Christmas tree after the holidays. Its fragrant needles are excellent in potpourris and the branches serve as ornamental cover and winter protection for your garden. Many communities have collection and recycling programs. Fish biologists also take old Christmas trees and sink them in ponds to create fish habitats.

  2. Begin to monitor houseplants for pests and diseases. Take care of problems early and be careful not to overwater.

  3. December has the shortest days of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. To enjoy this month's natural beauty, rise early and take pre-work walks in the bright sun instead of cold evening walks under the Yule moon.