garden basics
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Most gardeners understand that good soil is foundational to good growth. But it may surprise some to know that the soil we live on is very much alive, dynamic, and part of a highly complex ecosystem. What some refer to as “dirt” is actually one of three actors in a three-part food web along with…
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Fall is the best the time of the year to get your garden prepared for Spring and to head off common garden problems. The cooler temperatures also make it more pleasant to work outside. 1.Get your soil tested and apply recommended amendments now for a jump on Spring. The soil test will tell you how…
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Since 2019, UGA Extension, in collaboration with the Center for Urban Agriculture, has host the Great Georgia Pollinator Census. Last year’s census was a huge success, with 3,755 citizen scientists participating in 124 counties across the state. This year, you can be a citizen scientist, too, and join the fun, August 20 and 21. The…
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Like all Girl Scouts, Amelia Reece, a Girl Scout from Paulding County, is always looking for ways to better serve her community. In 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amelia saw a way to help others around her. As grocery stores experienced food shortages and adults lost their jobs due to the pandemic,…
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According to the EPA, the average American uses 100 gallons of water each day, and the average household spends 30%-60% of its daily water supply on gardening and lawn care alone, depending on the season and climate1. In addition, growing population and consequent demand for water continue to rise. While these numbers should drive everyone…
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Though tiny in stature, three to four inches long and weighing less than 0.2 ounces, hummingbirds provide huge thrills to birdwatchers across the state as the ruby throated species arrives in north Georgia in late March or early April and are welcome guests until fall migration. Upon arrival, the female immediately begins building her nest…
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Making seed tapes are a good project for doing with children and those that have physical limitations that can keep them from spending much time in the garden. The seed tapes can be made in your home and be ready for planting when Spring comes. Seed tapes are an easy way for children and gardeners…
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Seed balls are a good activity to do with children in late winter when it is not easy to do other outdoor activities or school is virtual. Seed balls are a great way to reseed your landscape and add flowers in barren spots in your flower beds or lawn. Clay seed balls have been used…
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Using Toilet or Paper Towel Rolls for Seed Starting An easy way to start your seeds indoors is to use empty toilet paper, gift wrap or paper towel rolls. Toilet paper pots are a good planting method to use with children. You can use bigger seed in these pots – corn, beans, cucumbers. Some plants do not like to be transfer but…
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What better time than the bleak days of winter to think ahead to a brimming bowl of blueberries freshly harvested and still warmed from the sun right out of your home garden? Blueberries are a successful cash crop for Georgia farmers and an easily grown fruit for the home gardener, as well, with their minimal…
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