Category: Our Backyard
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Figs love to go dormant
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Fig trees enter dormancy after they finish producing their main crop. Dormancy is their built-in survival mechanism—a way to conserve energy and protect themselves through the cold months. This quiet period ends only when temperatures rise again in spring (Ref 1). As I write this on November 17th, 2025, here in the Mid-Hudson Valley of…
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The Making of my Figgy Farm
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In June of 2025, I decided to buy a structure that would better support my ongoing fig cultivation efforts. Choosing the right type of structure, however, was no easy task. At first, I considered a traditional greenhouse. But after some thought, I realized it wouldn’t be the best fit for my needs. Living in Zone…
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Fencing Your Garden, A Wise Move
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Your garden is a labor of love—whether it’s bursting with vegetables, blooming with flowers, or simply a peaceful retreat from daily life. But even the most beautiful garden can suffer without protection. That’s why installing a fence is more than just a good idea—it’s a wise move. Animals are one of the biggest threats to…
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Spread spent coffee grounds around your fig trees!
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I recently blogged about NPK (Ref 1, Ref 2), which stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), the three essential nutrients that are the backbone of any good fertilizer. In fact, these three numbers on a bag of fertilizer represent the percentage of each nutrient, in that exact order. For instance, a 5-5-5…
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Always Be Ready
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I was in New Paltz, New York, today for some business, and it was freezing cold. Naturally, I stopped at Starbucks and ordered a Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher! Yes, you read that right—it was freezing cold outside, and I ordered a frozen drink with, brace yourselves, extra ice. Why, you ask? Well, it’s a…
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The Gift of Twine
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Well, it’s Dec. 17 and most birds have already migrated to warmer places away from New York. Spring, though, is right around the corner (wishful thinking) and I am already thinking about the birds returning to our backyard. Still, the thought of spring brought a smile to my face. Spring is my favorite season, the…
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Think Spring
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Have you ever watched how birds build their nests? It’s a fascinating and meticulous process, as they gather twigs, grass, and other materials to create a safe haven for their eggs and young. Every spring, robins visit our property and carefully construct their nests in the trees and bushes. They seem to have an instinctive…