Are we all placed here on this planet for a single specific purpose, or perhaps several tasks to carry out during our lifetime? Maybe some have never come to such awareness or give it little thought. Finding life’s purpose can sometimes be a challenge. Such a discovery might be early in life — mid-life for […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Ted shares letters from readers
Plus, tips for growing peas
Singing Gardener: Names of tomato seed winners are announced
Plus, Ted has an additional surprise
Have your ever felt like a town crier? Well I certainly have personally experienced something similar myself while projecting my voice from the top of my lungs on numerous occasions without any amplification or PA system. More on history of what a town crier is comes further along, but right now yours truly has a […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Meet Jim Anderson from Alberta
Learn about his farm and his cattle nose pump business
Previous Singing Gardener columns have often included what’s going on in someone’s garden. Well today, a story begins shortly that comes straight from the farm where we find Jim Anderson of Rimbey, Alberta. It results from my article about dowsing, divining and witching for water. Matter of fact, the subject of witching attracted a number of responses, so more on that […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Get acquainted with peonies that have people names
Plus, more info about the hackberry tree
During my primary grade school years, teachers focused a lot on memorizing — especially poetry. One poem in particular that still vividly speaks to me, even to this day is “Trees,” by Joyce Kilmer. His dramatic poem whose words appear next, may also speak to others out there among our family of Grainews readers. I think that I shall never […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Draws for tomato seeds have taken place
Plus, what kind of weather should we expect after this cold winter?
Draws for the dozen packets of Cosmonaut Volkov heirloom tomato seeds took place on March 5. Winners can expect their seeds in the mail via Canada Post with names appearing in April 9 issue of Grainews. Endless thanks to each and all who participated. I’ll be checking the entries for comments and garden tips following the draws […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Try this natural treatment for cracked and dry heels
Plus, info on an easy-to-sow and easy-to-grow annual flower
There’s a proverb that says: Bad for the rider — Good for the abider. So what does that mean? Here’s one explanation. The rider is driving a vehicle on a muddy road with ruts and faces uncertainty ahead. The abider is a farmer whose fertile fields are sufficiently moistened and prepared to produce a good […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Fruits of the vine — heirloom tomato and heirloom melon
Don’t forget to enter Ted’s tomato seed draws
If you’ve ever attended live theatre, you may have experienced a curtain raiser. It’s a short, dramatic piece performed before the main play or event of the evening. That’s not to say there’s no such thing as live theatre in the afternoon as there certainly is. Now just imagine yours truly standing at the mike […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Taking care of a rosemary plant in low-light time of year
Plus, how to make some liquid calcium from dried eggshells to use on tomato plants
For some time my thoughts have told me to write something about rosemary. An email with questions about wonderful herbaceous rosemary has spurred me on to say — today’s the day. I enjoy watching those TV commercials that say: “We’re egg farmers — we love what we do.” If that’s a signal I also love eating […] Read more
Singing Gardener: Get to know the ‘Delta’ Hackberry tree
Plus, a reader shares experiences with using sawdust in the garden
When are those startling and scary news reports about recalled imported fresh food veggies going to end? Maybe never! As I write this column some of the most recent recalls have applied to specific brands of romaine, leafy red and leafy green lettuces and whole heads of cauliflower. Who knows what’s possibly next? My theme […] Read more
Singing Gardener: The art of water dowsing — few can do it, many can’t
Plus, Ted has tomato seeds to give away — enter to win
Call witching what you will as it can be a controversial word. Some folks don’t like the word “witcher” either. Others relegate the practice of witching for water as bunk and trickery. Opting to express it as divining or dowsing is also used. But let me ask whether you’ve ever heard of a “witcher” who searched […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
