By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

As the summer drags on the importance of water becomes more and more apparent.

This summer’s water shortage can be caused by many factors but the truth is this seems to be an ongoing problem and in doing so the gardener needs to plan ahead.

Rain barrels are an old technology that is having a resurgence in popularity and need.

The concept of a rain barrel is simple. A container is placed below a rainspout equipped with some type of drainage spout on the side and that is it. But while the concept is simple the benefits of adding a rain barrel to the gardening arsenal are many. A rain barrel reduces the cost of water, directs water form foundations to more useful areas, reduces water pollination, and provides naturally soft water with out additives.

As simple as a rain barrel is Read the rest of this entry »

By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

In years past I have wrought my beloved herbs in many ways.

I have dried them and placed glass jars, repotted them in decorative containers, and made wreaths out of both dried and fresh herbs.

Below are two different types of wreaths that serve different purposes but create an olfactory spa that welcomes guests and homeowner alike.

Dried Herbal Wreath

Materials

• Straw wreath
• Floral staples or bobby pins
• Bunches of fresh herbs

Steps

1. Pick herbs in the morning and place in small bunches.
2. Lay out the herbs in a design that you would like for your wreath.
3. Starting in Read the rest of this entry »

By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

As the days shorten and temperatures cool garden maintenance becomes a crucial chore that needs to be done.

But do not think that if you did not garden in the beautiful dark earth that you can sit on your laurels until next season.

There are still plenty of things that need to be done before the cold winter wind blows.

The first thing to remember is that this closing down the “garden” will be spread out according to what you planted and how you planted it. If you planted cold crops in the ground just cover when cold weather shows up and uncover when the sun comes up or place in a cold frame. If you planted cold crops in planters simply cover for a frost or if the container can be moved just bring indoors. But remember to uncover and/or take back outside in the morning.

If cold crops were not planted getting ready for winter is easy. First gleam all the remaining produce off plants. Many vegetables can be ripened off the plant Read the rest of this entry »

By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

This year’s gourd crop has arrived with mixed blessings.

My gourds were planted in a vertical fashion to maximize my limited space.

My birdhouse gourds and dipper gourds were planted on opposite ends of m clothesline with loofahs dispersed in between.

My bushel gourds and assorted varieties of gourds were planted along the side of my shed. All my gourds have been healthy this year but I have had some problems. Fertilization has been a big problem this year. My gourds produce male blooms in search of a mate to fertilize but to now avail.

The blooms have Read the rest of this entry »

By Michael Nolan

After Reg & I finished work on our upcoming urban gardening book “I Garden – Urban Style,” I had a lot of thinking to do.

Though I have spent decades living, loving and teaching the urban gardening lifestyle there was something I’d longed for since childhood that I wouldn’t be able to find in city life.

At the end of May I packed up and moved from Atlanta to a small 10 acre rural homestead in Alabama where I have been slowly but surely building my dream of a sustainable organic homestead farm ever since.

At first I thought this move might mean the end of my contributions to UGC but I’ve been here a long time and after spending the better part of a year working with Reggie on the book (that every one of you needs, by the way) I just couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye.

With that in mind, I plan to introduce a new angle here at Urban Garden Casual Read the rest of this entry »