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By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: My husband and I are “discussing” when we should rake up the leaves in our yard — after they are all down (him) or as soon as the lawn is covered (me). Help! Any thoughts on a solution? —C.J., NorthamptonA: We New Englanders love our vibrant red,...

By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: I want to get started this spring growing vegetables and lettuces in containers on my back patio. The problem is, if I’m going to start from seed, how do I keep the seedlings from being devoured by my two 20-lb indoor cats who are bound and...

By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: I’m starting to get a greyish white powder on my lilac bush’s leaves. Any idea what it might be and what to do about it?  —J.R. Easthampton A: When there is lots of rain, the good news is plants grow like crazy and the bad news is plant diseases...

By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: How do I keep rabbits from eating my plants? They really did a job on my Bachelor’s Button last year. —L. T. Granby A: Those rabbits are cute, but they sure can wreak havoc on a garden, especially the tender young leaves of newly sprouted,...

By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: I am new to dahlias and see their bulbs for sale in the nurseries now. What do I do to successfully plant them? —H. R. Westhampton A: Perfect timing for this question, H.R. Often in April, we hyperfocus on the nagging mess that reveals itself in...

By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: I have a house on a wooded lot and was wondering what enabled the trees to bend and sway in the wind without breaking in last week’s wind storm?  —D.T. Florence A: Watching the towering pines sway mightily outside my office window last week, I,...

By PRISCILLA TOUHEY

Q: Eeek! I waited too long to plant a cover crop in my vegetable garden. What can I use now to protect the soil over winter? —A.T. Northampton A:  Take comfort in knowing you are not alone in this dilemma, A.T.! You are correct in knowing it is...