Yesterday's rainfall: None
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 15.3
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jun 21 | 75° | 55° | — | Overcast |
| Mon, Jun 22 | 68° | 61° | 0.46 in (73%) | Heavy rain |
| Tue, Jun 23 | 68° | 55° | — | Overcast |
| Wed, Jun 24 | 74° | 54° | — | Overcast |
If you've ever wondered about turning your furry friend's "deposits" into garden gold, you're not alone. Composting dog poop is a surprisingly controversial topic among gardeners, often prompting strong opinions on both sides [1]. While some see it as free fertilizer, others warn it should never touch a compost pile.
The science behind it explains the fuss: dog waste is fundamentally different from the manure of herbivores like cows or rabbits. As omnivores, dogs, much like humans or pigs, can carry pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and roundworms. These nasty bits are quite comfortable surviving in soil, making them a persistent threat if not properly neutralized [1].
The biggest mistake gardeners make, according to one soil scientist, is assuming that simply because dog waste decomposes, it's safe. While it will break down, regular home composting often doesn't generate the sustained, prolonged, high heat required to kill these dangerous pathogens. This is especially true in colder climates, making safe dog waste composting a challenging feat for the average backyard setup [1].
So, can you compost it? Technically, yes, but with a *huge* asterisk. For most home gardeners, the expert recommendation is to steer clear. However, if you're determined and meticulous, it's suggested to run two entirely separate composting systems: one dedicated solely to dog waste and another for your regular garden scraps. Critically, any compost produced from dog waste should *only* ever be used on perennial or ornamental gardens—never on anything you plan to eat, like vegetables [1]. This ensures that potential pathogens don't make their way to your dinner plate. Beyond composting, it's also a good reminder to pick up dog waste from your yard, as leaving it can lead to nutrient runoff and contribute to disease and pest issues in your garden [1].
***
Source Footnote List: [1] "Can You Compost Dog Poop?" — Gardening In Canada - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDLvzQGbqBs
Yesterday's rainfall: None
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 16.3
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jun 20 | 77° | 56° | — | Overcast |
| Sun, Jun 21 | 74° | 56° | 0.18 in (51%) | Moderate rain |
| Mon, Jun 22 | 66° | 55° | 1.54 in (92%) | Moderate rain showers |
| Tue, Jun 23 | 68° | 55° | — | Overcast |
With hotter summers becoming the norm, finding sustainable ways to keep our gardens hydrated is more crucial than ever. A recent GrowVeg video dives deep into the art of rainwater harvesting, making a compelling case for why nature's own supply trumps treated tap water for your plants [1].
The video emphasizes that rainwater, naturally free of chemicals like chlorine and at a more consistent temperature, is superior for plant health compared to municipal water. It's also a smart way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint, especially as water restrictions become more common. To help gardeners harness this precious resource, GrowVeg demonstrates two different projects for automatically collecting rainwater, offering practical steps to ensure your garden thrives even when the temperatures soar and natural rainfall is scarce [1].
If you've ever battled garden pests, you know the frustration of trying to achieve a completely pest-free zone. However, a candid insight from "Homegrown Florida" offers a refreshing perspective that many experienced gardeners learn after years of trial and error: true pest management isn't about eradication, but rather about understanding which pests genuinely require intervention and when to trust nature to do its part [1].
The creator, a seasoned gardener with a decade of experience in Florida – often dubbed the "pest capital of the United States" – openly admits there's no magic spray or one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, the focus shifts to prevention, nurturing beneficial insects, and striking a "middle ground" between pure Integrative Pest Management (IPM) and aggressive chemical approaches. It's about honesty regarding the pros and cons of various methods, and recognizing that a truly successful garden embraces a certain level of natural activity, stepping in only when a specific pest threatens to overwhelm your plants [1].
Yesterday's rainfall: 0.46 in
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 14.1
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun 19 | 73° | 56° | — | Mainly clear |
| Sat, Jun 20 | 73° | 55° | — | Overcast |
| Sun, Jun 21 | 70° | 54° | 0.41 in (73%) | Moderate rain |
| Mon, Jun 22 | 69° | 56° | 0.43 in (92%) | Moderate rain |
Gardeners are always on the lookout for effective ways to protect their hard-earned harvests, and this week brings some keen insights into tackling common pests. Leading the charge is an organic "magic spray" concoction, heralded by The Millennial Gardener as a game-changer for fending off notorious destroyers like cucumber beetles and squash bugs, which are capable of wiping out entire plants [1].
The secret weapon? A powerful duo of Spinosad and Surround WP. Spinosad is a broad-spectrum organic insecticide derived from natural bacteria. When pests like beetles, caterpillars, and borers munch on leaves treated with Spinosad, they ingest the bacteria, leading to their demise within about 24 hours. It's not a contact killer, so seeing pests on your plants the day after spraying means it's working as intended [1].
Its partner, Surround WP, isn't an insecticide at all, but a "crop protectant" made from micronized kaolin clay. When sprayed, it coats plants with a fine, chalky film, making them much less appealing for insects to chew on. As a bonus, it also provides UV protection, shielding fruits and leaves from sun scald [1].
The "magic" truly happens when these two are combined. Surround WP acts as both an emulsifier and a surfactant, ensuring the Spinosad mixture applies evenly and sticks better to plants. This enhanced "staying power" is crucial for organic sprays, as the clay forms a barrier that holds the Spinosad bacteria in place, extending its effectiveness. Plus, the clay itself deters pests, meaning those that *do* decide to chew will ingest the Spinosad for enhanced potency. Regular, perhaps weekly, application is key, especially after heavy rain [1].
Meanwhile, Ohio State University's BYGL reminds us to keep an eye out for other emerging pests, highlighting the Hickory Tussock (Tiger) Moth, a common sight as summer progresses [2]. With these tips, hopefully, your garden can thrive and resist the many challenges nature throws its way!
Source Footnote List: [1] The Millennial Gardener — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU-KQ0PKnDw [2] OSU BYGL (Buckeye Yard & Garden Line) — https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2656
If you've ever felt a pang of guilt looking at a droopy, forlorn African violet, help is at hand! Over at Garden Fundamentals, they've shared a truly effective method for bringing these beloved houseplants back from the brink [1]. The key, as they explain, often lies in addressing common but easily overlooked issues.
Their rescue mission begins with a thorough assessment. Many neglected violets suffer from improper potting – think decorative pots without drainage holes, or "soil" that's completely dried out, sometimes even topped with bark or filled with useless stones for drainage [1]. The first step is to gently remove any dead or severely drooping outer leaves and carefully extract the plant from its current pot, shaking off the old, bone-dry potting mix. Next, the root ball is trimmed to a size appropriate for the plant's remaining foliage, preparing it for rehydration.
The real "trick" involves a good soak and a humidity dome. After rehydrating the plant's root ball for about 20 minutes and repotting it in fresh, appropriate soil, the entire potted plant is placed inside a clear plastic bag, sealed to create a 100% humidity environment. This crucial step prevents further dehydration and encourages new root growth, especially vital for severely stressed plants. After about ten days in its humid haven, the plant is slowly acclimatized to normal household conditions by gradually opening and rolling down the bag over about a week. With a little more light, these once-sad violets can spring back to life, often flowering beautifully as a testament to their resilience and your newfound care [1].
Ever wonder if those widely shared gardening "hacks" truly hold up to scientific scrutiny? A recent dive into gardening science by *Gardening In Canada* encourages us to question common wisdom and become our own garden scientists [1].
One popular belief is that removing flower clusters from young plants during transplanting helps them recover from shock, allowing them to focus energy on root development. While this sounds logical, research suggests that flower removal makes little to no difference in recovery, as flowers don't consume significant energy compared to other plant functions. In fact, removing them, especially in colder climates, can actually delay your harvest as the plant needs to form new flowers before producing fruit [1].
Another long-standing debate centers on whether to avoid getting leaves wet when watering to prevent disease. The scientific truth is that water doesn't *create* disease; pathogens do. However, water can facilitate the spread of spores and help pathogens survive, particularly through soil splash-back. Overhead watering is generally fine if you ensure good airflow, plenty of sunshine, avoid watering at night, and are confident there are no overwintering disease issues in your soil. Proper spacing, pruning, and mulching can further mitigate risks by preventing soil-borne pathogens from reaching leaves [1].
Finally, the idea of waiting for full ripeness on the plant for optimal flavor and nutrition also has its nuances. For tomatoes, harvesting at the "breaker stage" (when they just begin to change color) allows them to ripen perfectly off the vine, often with the same flavor and nutritional value, while avoiding common issues like cracking and pest predation. Peppers, however, do see an increase in Vitamin C and antioxidants as they fully ripen on the plant, though waiting can make them spicier and reduce the plant's overall yield by preventing further flowering. For plants like peas and beans, harvesting them younger can even lead to multiple successive harvests from the same plant [1].
The takeaway? Don't be afraid to experiment and observe in your own garden. Science often offers a more nuanced view than traditional advice, helping us garden smarter and more effectively [1].
Yesterday's rainfall: 0.26 in
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 17.3
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jun 18 | 73° | 62° | 0.46 in (73%) | Heavy rain |
| Fri, Jun 19 | 71° | 56° | 0.02 in (7%) | Light drizzle |
| Sat, Jun 20 | 72° | 51° | 0.09 in (34%) | Light drizzle |
| Sun, Jun 21 | 70° | 52° | 0.17 in (54%) | Dense drizzle |
If you find yourself constantly battling weeds, a soil scientist and experienced gardener has some potentially liberating news: the secret to a weed-free garden might not be constant pulling, but rather changing your approach entirely. This expert suggests that gardeners who weed *least* often have the cleanest gardens, thanks to a strategic, science-backed method [1].
The core idea revolves around understanding the "critical weed-free period." Research shows that the first three to six weeks after a plant is outdoors are the most crucial for its development and yield. Weeds compete aggressively for vital resources like light, water, nutrients, and root space during this time. For instance, if young plants don't get enough calcium early on due to weed competition, they can develop issues like blossom end rot later, even if nutrients are abundant in adulthood. The impact of weeds also depends on factors like their density, species, and the timing relative to your crop's growth stage [1].
So, what's the secret to weeding only once? The advice is to prioritize weeding areas with freshly transplanted or seeded crops. In the early season (like June), thoroughly hoe between your plants to remove all weeds. *After* this initial, comprehensive clean-up, apply a thick, healthy layer of mulch. This combination ensures your young plants get a strong, competition-free start, and the mulch then suppresses future weed growth, dramatically reducing the need for weeding for the rest of the season [1].
Yesterday's rainfall: None
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 16.7
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jun 17 | 77° | 57° | 0.22 in (74%) | Moderate rain |
| Thu, Jun 18 | 70° | 59° | 0.13 in (51%) | Moderate rain |
| Fri, Jun 19 | 70° | 51° | 0.01 in (7%) | Light drizzle |
| Sat, Jun 20 | 74° | 49° | 0.04 in (14%) | Moderate drizzle |
For those interested in the future of local agriculture and resilient food systems, a valuable "Farminar" is coming up. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Athens area farmer Lindsay Klaunig will host an event at Trouvaille Farm focusing on regionally adapted seed work [1]. This isn't just about planting seeds; it's about cultivating varieties that thrive in specific local conditions, a crucial step for sustainable farming, especially as climates shift.
Klaunig, who has conducted extensive research at Trouvaille Farm, will share her findings and facilitate a discussion. The "Farminar" is designed to be a collaborative space, inviting not only fellow farmers—from seasoned veterans to those just starting out—but also educators, academic researchers, and students. It's a fantastic opportunity to delve into the practicalities and science behind developing seeds that are perfectly suited to our region, fostering stronger, more robust local food economies. If you're passionate about where your food comes from and how we can make farming more sustainable, this sounds like a conversation worth joining.
Yesterday's rainfall: 0.22 in
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 15.0
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Jun 16 | 75° | 55° | — | Fog |
| Wed, Jun 17 | 74° | 55° | 0.09 in (94%) | Moderate drizzle |
| Thu, Jun 18 | 70° | 57° | 1.66 in (94%) | Heavy rain |
| Fri, Jun 19 | 70° | 52° | 0.03 in (12%) | Light drizzle |
Yesterday's rainfall: 0.47 in
Today's growing degree-days (base 50°F): 12.5
| Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Jun 15 | 68° | 57° | 0.22 in (26%) | Moderate rain |
| Tue, Jun 16 | 76° | 55° | — | Overcast |
| Wed, Jun 17 | 73° | 54° | 0.30 in (73%) | Moderate rain showers |
| Thu, Jun 18 | 73° | 57° | 1.22 in (88%) | Thunderstorm |
If you've ever found your garden thriving in late spring only to look "beat up and haggard" by mid-summer, you're not alone. The intense summer heat often leads to gardener burnout, resulting in inconsistent watering and fertilizing – a problem that causes plants to struggle and decline [1]. Fortunately, there's a clever way to ensure your garden gets the nutrients it needs, even when you're busy or simply want a break: garden automation.
The Millennial Gardener highlights "fertigation" – the process of fertilizing through irrigation – as a game-changer for creating a highly productive, low-maintenance vegetable garden. The core idea is to automate both watering and feeding using a simple fertilizer injector combined with a faucet timer [1]. This system ensures your plants receive a steady, consistent supply of nutrients, silently working for your garden even when you're not.
To set up this automated system, you'll need an existing irrigation setup (which the gardener assures is "really easy" to install), a fertilizer injector, and a pressure regulator valve if you're using drip irrigation. The system works best with water-soluble fertilizers, offering options for both organic gardeners (like fish fertilizer and Azamite for trace minerals) and those who prefer synthetic blends (such as Jacks 20-20-20 or Miracle Grow). By blending your chosen fertilizers, you can create a custom nutrient mix that is automatically delivered to every plant, promising more production with significantly less manual work [1].