My father used to say the best apples on the tree are the furthest away on the limb. You have to reach for them, so reach for the stars. My dad filled me with memories and stories that will stay with me for as long as I live. He gave me what I wanted most […] Read more
Need a reason to grow zinnias?
They’re beautiful additions to any garden and can also help vegetables grow
Protect your fruit trees from fire blight
Singing Gardener: Plus some tips for disinfecting garden tools
Hi folks! It’s Ted here. I’m back again and so glad my gardening companions are tracking right along with me on the Grainews Singing Gardener page. Thanks for coming by this way. Gardening is an art, a craft and an opportunity to be the student of a lifelong teacher. She shouts out to us, “Learn from me. […] Read more
Tips for growing spectacular geraniums
Singing Gardener: Plus a shout out to Jim, the Pie Guy
What a pleasant surprise I had recently. Jim Hyrich, known as Jim, the Pie Guy, came by one day while I was away for a short time. In my absence he left some of his homemade flapper pie, along with an attached note: “Ted. These are a couple slices of my flapper pie. I am […] Read more
Try collards in your cabbage rolls
Singing Gardener: Here are some tips on how to grow them
Here at my home turf in southern Manitoba, there are community gardens. The property owner rents out a piece of land during the summer to gardeners who are eager to do their own thing, and there’s always a waiting list to get a spot. The emphasis on planting as much of our own food as possible […] Read more
Bishop’s Flower a boon to beneficial insects
Singing Gardener: Plus a recipe for pickled carrots
Some proverbs! “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” I don’t often hear that one anymore, but it was a common expression when I was a kid. Conversely there’s a proverb that says, “It’s a wise child that knows its own father.” There’s this one for a young man seeking a mate: “He […] Read more
Pick of the crop
Singing Gardener: When it comes to carrots, Scarlet Nantes is hard to beat
Hello young people, hello senior citizens and welcome to everyone in-between who is trying hard to make ends meet and keep afloat on the river of economic problems — in particular, the high cost of food. We’re glad to be gardeners and keepers of the soil. Cost-wise, it’s hard to eat healthy if you’re eating […] Read more
Want to grow a huge tomato? Mortgage Lifters can do the trick
Singing Gardener: Plus more from Ted’s treasury of tomato tips
Hey there gardeners! Let’s meet in the tomato patch where, with a bit of imagination, a whole bunch of us can gather together to sing “O I’m lovin’ my tomatoes in the good old summertime, my tomatoes, in the garden, in the row, my tomatoes where they grow.” Now back to reality. Today’s page is […] Read more
The benefits of feverfew
Singing Gardener: Plus some tips for growing summer poinsettia
Migraine headaches! Ever had one? I’m no expert, but I do know body pain is increasingly a part of everyday life for many people, regardless of age. I’m so glad I’m a gardener. Nature’s pharmacy and self-help remedies from around the world are useful as my preferred guides for relieving pain along with prayer. I have […] Read more
My amazing Kerr apple-crab tree
Singing Gardener: Plus a useful breathing technique to help you sleep
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then it sounds reasonable that two apples a day are even better. Yes — apples are on the agenda of words today and I’ll tell you about my amazing Kerr apple-crab tree. While I was a youth at home, it was common for friends or neighbours […] Read more
Have a plum tree but no plums? Here are some tips to help it bear fruit
Singing Gardener: Plus advice for getting an amaryllis plant to rebloom
Is the melody of your life without some of the right notes or is there a barrier standing between your health and happiness? There’s an old saying that a person with his health has a thousand dreams but a person without health wants only to get well. More and more gardeners of all ages are taking greater responsibility for […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
