GardenDC Podcast Episode 191: Plastics in Gardening

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Marie Chieppo, an ecological landscape designer, about the ubiquitous use of plastic in gardening. The plant profile is on Native Azaleas and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events and this week's garden tasks in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on Herb Garden Labels from Christy Page of Green Prints.

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 101: Sustainable Lawn Care 

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-101.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 147: Sustainable Gardening Practices

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-147.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 117: Environmentally Friendly Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-117.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 189: Organic Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-189-organic.html

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SHOW NOTES will be posted after 4-23-2024.

Read more about the Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet initiative the April 2021 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine: https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/04/april-2021-issue-of-washington-gardener.html

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Episode Credits:

Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Interview Edit and Show Notes: Hannah Zozobrado

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DIY: Herb Drying Rack

Drying chamomile and lavender
(garlic bulbs are in the onion bag).

Don't throw out those old garden tools! They can always have a new use. For instance, the heads of old garden rakes, forks, and spades make great hanging hooks for other things. I use one of my old rake-heads as an herb rack.

Just saw off what is left of the end of the handle (the wood on mine had rotted and shattered). Then hang the rake-head up and bundle and dry your herbs.

If you don't happen have an old rake-head, there are lots of other herb rack projects. You can take an old board or branch then tack in a row of nails for the hangers. If you want to get fancy, replace the nails with drawer pulls or cabinet knobs. 

I also use old brass curtain rings - the kind with a clip on one end - threaded on a string and then you clip on the herb bundles.

Old chandeliers and pot racks are also great for herb drying. You can buy S-hooks at the hardware store or create your own from wire hangers.

Laundry drying racks are a natural for this use as well. I like to lay an old window screen across the  rack levels to place beans, okra, cotton, and other things small I'm drying for seed.

Finally, any unused coat hook or coat rack can be re-purposed for herb drying duty. It can be just that simple! Once you start looking for herb hanging ideas, the possibilities are endless!

Make sure your herb drying rack is in a well-ventilated area away from small children and pets (who cannot resist playing with the crinkly, rustling dried leaves) and you'll soon be harvesting dried herbs to use all year-round.

This is a monthly blog series on DIY projects for the beginning home gardener. Look for the other installments in this DIY blog series by putting "DIY" in the search box here at washingtongardener.blogspot.com. 

10 Things To Do With a Pumpkin After Halloween

10 Things To Do With a Pumpkin After Halloween

After Halloween, what do you do with that big, orange squash sitting on your porch? Here are 10 ideas.

1. Compost it.
2. Cook and puree it.
3. Make it into a birdfeeder.
4. Turn it into a planter.
5. Use it as a serving bowl for soup.
6. Pickle the peel.
7. Apply it as a face mask.
8. Make doggie treats.
9. Wash and roast the seeds. 

10. Save a few seeds* to grow another pumpkin next year!

And one bonus idea:

Donate your pumpkins to an animal farm or animal rescue/sanctuary! See: https://pumpkinsforpigs.org/

*Note your pumpkin may be a hybrid and/or sterile, but most will grow some kind of squash when you plant them.

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