Hello, Rural Sprout readers, It was a beautiful day yesterday in Pennsylvania, and I had a rare weekend with nothing planned. So, naturally, I layered on the sunscreen and got to work outdoors. The clematis I planted last fall is now large enough to warrant a trellis, so I picked
a nice one out and got that installed. I planted some bare root clematis in my little planter that surrounds my mailbox post. I mulched, I weeded, I watered seedlings. I had a gin and tonic on the porch and read a chapter in my book. I hung laundry out on the line. I put on more sunscreen and went outside to wage war against the burdock that has popped up in my side flower bed. I picked dandelions for dandelion
mead. And when all was said and done, I wearily climbed the stairs for a nice, hot shower. Why is it that you have to reapply sunscreen every two hours or every 40 minutes when you’ve been swimming or sweating, but when you get in the shower, there is just no getting this stuff off? After my second lather and scrub, I considered grabbing my
orbital sander and some 80-grit.  Finally free of my sunscreen and ready to read another chapter in my book, I sat in my favorite armchair listening to the rain outside. It was a day of battling sunscreen, knowing full well that today I would wake up to a freeze warning tonight, temps in the 40s, and all of my winter stuff packed away already. I’ve been inspired by Mickey’s latest piece about those pesky little messy corners in the yard or garden that we all have. I think I might tackle one of those today. That is, if I can find a sweater that isn’t packed away. Enjoy, my
friends.Â
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There's an episode of the beloved 90s sitcom Friends, where it's revealed that Monica (self-proclaimed neat freak) has a secret closet jam-packed with stuff. A hodgepodge of knick-knacks, tucked away out of sight, was how
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If you're hoping for a pest-free summer, the time to take action is now. Do these three things to set up your plant's defenses this spring.
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If you've ever wanted to grow potatoes but were intimidated or didn't have enough space, this method is perfect for any gardener.
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If you want large, juicy peppers this year, there are some things you need to do know, when you plant them.
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I'm of the mind that there are few landscaping problems that more plants can't solve. Need privacy, better drainage, weed displacement, or to cover up an ugly view? Well, there's a plant for that. So
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Wait! Don't pitch those old clothes. We all benefit from understanding how to reuse items that might usually be thrown away. Reusing, repurposing, or upcycling old clothes can save money and help the climate crisis
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Can I compost that? It's a question home composters always ask. Here's over 100 things you SHOULD put in your compost.
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Whether you know them as bachelor button, cornflower or blue bottle, no cottage garden is complete without these blue flowers swaying on the breeze. With their shaggy blooms, bachelor buttons add homespun charm as few
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Get the most from your garden with companion planting. Next in our companion planting series: corn companion plants.
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Many gardeners who prefer growing flowers choose specific varieties for fresh-cut arrangements. After all, who doesn't enjoy the look of a fresh bouquet in their home? The bright colors, vivid greenery and intoxicating scent, are
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It happens every summer. No matter how much new seed you put down or how often you water, there will come a point where your lush green lawn turns into a crunchy brown landscape. Where
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Learning how to grow carrots can be a challenge for any gardener. Growing this classic root vegetable seems simple, but without careful cultivation, you'll end up with little harvest to show for your efforts.
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Did you miss a newsletter or want to read a few for inspiration? Find past newsletters here. Don't forget to check out our Facebook page for daily updates. That's all for this week, Rural Sprout Readers. |
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