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With the official first day of spring at hand, March is an exciting month in the garden. While it is important not to rush into gardening too early and put tender seeds or seedlings at risk, it is also important not to miss these first days of warming temperatures, fertile soil and abundant rains. While the exact dates of each task will vary depending on where exactly your garden is and what its needs are, all gardeners should be considering these tasks throughout March. Pruning Evergreens and Removing Wraps In early March as melting begins, burlap wraps or ties that...

Squirrels can be frequent visitors to any yard or garden, but they aren’t always welcome guests. When squirrels become disruptive and destructive, it may be best to take steps to discourage their visits and keep them out of the yard. About Squirrels – And the Problems They Can Cause There are more than 275 species of squirrels found around the world, and they’re found on every continent except Antarctica. All squirrels are members of the animal family Sciurida, closely related to chipmunks and groundhogs. Because they are rodents, their strong front teeth are constantly growing and need to be kept...

The start of a new year is a great time to start new gardening tasks, and savvy gardeners know there is plenty to keep busy with in January, even if the garden may be buried under ice and snow. Whether you are just starting out with a first garden or have years of experience, there is always more to do to improve a garden and be sure it is its beautiful, blooming, bountiful best. In January, gardening means… Recycling the Christmas Tree If you used a cut Christmas tree, add it to a brush pile or chop it up for...

Chickens are becoming more and more widespread in suburban areas, and a backyard flock can be a wonderful part of sustainable living. To keep your chickens healthy, comfortable, and productive in winter, however, it is important to provide them with the proper cold weather care. Can Your Chickens Care for Themselves in Winter? Chickens are well-adapted to survive even very cold winter weather. Their feathers provide excellent insulation, and the birds can fluff their feathers to create an even warmer coat. They may even tuck their bills or feet into fluffy feathers to keep those bare parts warm. On sunny...

Deer may be elegant, attractive wildlife, but they can be some of the worst backyard and garden pests as they damage trees, eat gardens and flowerbeds, trample foliage and leave feces throughout the yard. While fences can be effective at keeping deer away, harsh barriers can also be eyesores. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to deter deer that are inexpensive, easy and effective. Strong OdorsDeer have sensitive noses and tend to avoid areas with strong odors that might conceal predators or other threats. Crushed garlic cloves can be sprinkled on mulch, or spread human hair clippings to give deer...