Author Archives: dirtynailz

Here’s Herbdoc with another edible wild plant: Here’s an edible weed that I routinely yanked out of my vegetable garden until I met a mother of ten who cultivated a row!  She insisted it was edible and nutritious with a … Continue reading →

Back in April, I told you about my fondness for zinnias. I started two cultivars from seed – Cut and Come Again, and the newer Benary’s Giants. I promised to tell you how I liked the Benary’s, so here’s my … Continue reading →

I always allow some milkweed to grow in my vegetable garden. I don’t let it take over, but I want to provide a hospitable place for monarch butterflies. In case you didn’t already know, milkweed is the ONLY thing monarch … Continue reading →

This is a story about a university, its faculty, staff and students, the State of Rhode Island, some Master Gardeners, and a food bank. It’s also about testing new vegetable cultivars, and bringing many diverse interests together to grow good … Continue reading →

Recently, some friends and I went on the Newport RI “Secret Garden Tour.” A ticket purchased in advance was just $20, and the proceeds went to charity. It was also an opportunity to explore the historic and lovely “Point” section … Continue reading →

Herbdoc has some good news. I love good news. The Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo silvestris) was near extinction in the early 1900’s due to over hunting and loss of habitat.  In Rhode Island, The Department of Environmental Management’s restoration … Continue reading →

This is my third post on the subject of Asian Longhorned Beetles (ALBs) . Considering what is at stake – our eastern forests – I should probably be writing even more often about these insects. These unwelcome visitors arrived in … Continue reading →

HerbDoc has some thoughts on nettles: Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, is an herbaceous perennial which grows from 3 to 7 feet tall and blooms in June.  If you’ve come in contact with it, you won’t soon forget it as it … Continue reading →

A news release from the University of Connecticut has some sobering news for commercial growers and home vegetable gardeners: late blight has recently been confirmed in Connecticut. Who can forget last season’s devastating outbreak, and the widespread destruction it caused.  … Continue reading →

Here’s Herbdoc, with another “enlightening” post. It was a pleasant surprise when a dozen or so lightning bugs (aka fireflies)  appeared in my darkened backyard a few weeks ago.  These little beetles bring back happy memories of childhood when my … Continue reading →