Orchard Basics
A Graft Union Needs the Right Position When a Fruit Tree Is Planted
On a grafted fruit tree, the join between variety and rootstock helps guide planting depth. Identify it before backfilling the hole.
SOIL · CROPS · FARM PRACTICE
Good growing starts below the surface.
A practical agriculture journal about soil, water and the observations that help growers make better decisions.
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Growing Fruit
A Strawberry Runner Can Become a New Plant Before It Leaves the Parent
Root a strawberry runner while it remains attached to the parent, then separate the new plant after roots have established.
Growing Vegetables
Cure Storage Onions Before Putting the Harvest Away
Dry storage onions with airflow, separate damaged bulbs and check the necks before moving the harvest into longer-term storage.
Growing Food
Harvest Rhubarb Stalks Without Treating the Leaves as Food
Rhubarb’s edible stalks and poisonous leaves must be handled differently. Identify the plant and follow harvest guidance for its age and condition.
Growing from Seed
A Seed Packet’s Germination Percentage Is Not Your Expected Field Stand
Separate a seed lot’s germination test from the number of seedlings that establish in soil, and record field conditions before deciding what went wrong.
Kitchen Garden Skills
Pinch Basil Above a Leaf Pair to Encourage a Bushier Plant
Find a leaf pair before pinching basil, leave useful growth below the cut, and combine harvesting with a simple check of the plant’s condition.