You Bet Your Garden

January 28, 2012 — Although the butt of jokes, Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious member of the cabbage family. Mike McGrath reveals the special tricks it takes to produce sprouts with a surprisingly sweet taste. Plus answers to all your growing questions!

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I have been trying to grow Brussels sprouts the past two years...

January 21, 2012 — Is it a deadly menace? A natural mole repellant? An attractive tropical? Mike McGrath takes a close look at the notorious castor bean plant. Plus: Answers to an especially large selection of your growing questions.

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I have a question about a plant that I find very intriguing: the Castor Bean Plant...

January 14, 2012 — What can you do if your spring bulbs are jumping the gun? Mike McGrath discusses premature sprouting of spring bulbs and how to avoid a common springtime mistake. Plus your fabulous phone calls.

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In November I planted iris bulbs and covered the ground with mulch as was directed on the package. It is now the end of December and the irises have sprouted up about 2-3 inches above the mulch...

January 7, 2012 — Worried about the safety of store bought food? Mike McGrath names the crops that are the most peppered with pesticides and explain which ones are easiest for a home gardener to produce. Plus: organic answers to all your growing questions.

December 31, 2011 — Looking forward to a new season of growing? Mike McGrath rings in the New Year by listening back to some of your most fabulous phone calls from the season past. Plus: Your gardening New Years resolutions.

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Many of you have seen those rosemary plants pruned into perfectly shaped miniature Christmas trees and wondered whether you could keep them alive for long...

December 24, 2011 — Just what can you accomplish with a greenhouse? Mike McGrath explains the big difference between free standing and attached; and the types of tricks any greenhouse will do best. Plus: organic answers to all your growing questions.

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I searched your website and couldn’t find your thoughts on backyard greenhouses...

December 17, 2011 — Join us for our annual Christmas Spectacular where you’ll learn fascinating facts about poinsettias, Christmas cactus and mistletoe. Plus holiday tunes from Ken Kweeder and the Reindeer band.

December 10, 2011 — Can you grow your own artichokes? Mike McGrath discusses how people outside of California can attempt to coax this edible thistle along. Plus your fabulous phone calls.

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Mike: I went to THE website (that’s what I call your site) and was shocked; for the first time, your alphabetical index failed me...

December 3, 2011 — Many install chemical trenches around their home to prevent termites. Mike McGrath discusses how long these tunnels remain toxic and safer ways to protect your home. Plus: The dangers of moving firewood with Leigh Greenwood from The Nature Conservancy, Forest Health Program. And your fabulous phone calls.

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My wife and I want to plant fruit trees, grape vines and a vegetable garden...

November 26, 2011 — The holidays are coming! Mike McGrath discusses how to harvest some of your landscape for holiday greenery. Plus, Mike speaks with Pat Stone, editor of Greenprints, “The Weeder’s Digest,” recent winner of a major award from the Garden Writers Association of America; the human side of gardening; and your fabulous phone calls.