by Chuck McClung
These days, many gardeners are already aware of the many advantages of using native plants in the landscape; they are tough, drought tolerant, and a source of beauty and food. I was recently asked what are some of my favorite native plants. Following is my top 10 countdown of favorite native plants for
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by Krista Rome
Most folks don’t realize you can easily grow beans and grains in the maritime Pacific Northwest. Through my research, the “Backyard Beans & Grains Project,” I have discovered numerous varieties that grow quite excellently here in the Pacific Northwest. All of them can be grown and processed using only inexpensive hand tools.
I have
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by Chuck McClung
With the spring season arriving, home gardeners are eager to get outside. In this article we’ll explore planting fruit trees and the many kinds of berries we can grow in the Pacific Northwest.
Maybe you’ve never planted a fruit tree or maybe you’ve tried growing fruits or berries and it just didn’t seem to
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by Jessamyn Tuttle
When Chris and Wayne Osborne moved to the Skagit Valley in 1982, they intended from the start to work with seeds. “We both came from the seed business,” said Chris Osborne.  Wayne’s employer, an iceberg lettuce seed company, wasn’t interested in expanding their business in this region, so they decided to start their
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by Chuck McClung
You’ve likely heard of the health benefits of wheat grass. For decades now, many people have praised its vitamins and minerals that enhance health and vitality. Did you know that wheat grass is easy to grow? Like really easy to grow! For literally pennies you can grow that pot of wheat grass that
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by Chuck McClung
Many people consider gardening a done deal after the leaves have fallen and a frost or snow occurs. True, many gardens look dull, drab and lifeless during the gray winter months. And sure, we may not want to be out there weeding in winter, and we likely won’t need to anyway. Nonetheless we
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Long-lasting flowers for your backyard garden
by Chuck McClung
Gardening is more than just flowers, but it seems to be the flowers that lure many of us. We all love flowers.
I am often asked about the easiest flowers to grow with big beautiful, long lasting blooms. Why not have it all?!
But before we talk about these type
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by Chuck McClung
Butterflies and hummingbirds are one of the most popular and welcome attractions in the backyard garden. Their brilliant colors and characteristic movements dazzle our senses. So how do we attract butterflies and hummingbirds to our gardens?
With all gardening endeavors, I always say, “know your plant.” And to know your plant is to know
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by Chuck McClung
After a few efforts in backyard gardening, you find that there are at least a few crops that have consistent success each year. Perhaps for you this means green beans, lettuce, carrots, or zucchini. For something a little different, I often encourage gardeners to try a least one new veggie each year. Following
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by Sylvia Watkins
Seed season is upon us. The holiday season has come to a close, and the winter doldrums are setting in. The countdown to spring begins, or for us serious gardeners, the countdown to St. Patrick’s Day, the day that – in addition to toasting a pint to the Irish – means planting some
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