Chemical-Free Ant Control
Chemical-Free Ant Control by Rob Sproule Before we talk about killing our ants, lets take a moment to be thankful for living in one of the least ant-infested countries in the world. I’ve seen
Growing 101
Chemical-Free Ant Control by Rob Sproule Before we talk about killing our ants, lets take a moment to be thankful for living in one of the least ant-infested countries in the world. I’ve seen
Creeping Bellflower: The Zombie Weed by Rob Sproule I recently read Max Brooks’ page-turning unread romp, “World War Z.” The book is a mediation of what a global zombie plague, and our subsequent
Late Summer Garden Care by Rob Sproule Replace Tired Plants Give Existing Annuals some Maintenance Plant Fresh Vegetables It’s a sobering fact that, with our short seasons, Alberta gardens tend to peak at the end
Sour Cherries: The Unknown Superfruit by Rob Sproule, July 30, 2013 This topic is as close to my heart as it is to my stomach. With a dozen sour cherry trees in my yard,
Hollyhock Rust by Brett Kerley Hollyhock rust is a common fungal disease, caused by the fungus Puccinia Malvacearum. Identification Signs of this fungus include orang coloured rust pustules on the undersides of
Under the Spruce Tree by Rob Sproule In the gardening world some questions are as variable as the current trends but others, like “what can I grow under my spruce tree”, are a constant.
Native Plants in Alberta by Rob Sproule Gardening is as much work as you want to put into it. Savvy gardeners know that the secret to having a stunning yard without spending
Fairy Rings & Other Mushrooms by Rob Sproule, During wet summers people come into the greenhouse everyday asking what they can use to get rid of the mushrooms sprouting in their lawn. The good
Leaf Miners by Rob Sproule Have you noticed squiggly brown lines appearing on your birch, lilac, and vegetable leaves? If so, you’re not alone. Leaf miners are out in force and are leaving
Ladybugs 101 by Rob Sproule The past few years have seen a lot of buzz for a pretty predator called Ladybugs. We’ve all heard that they’re one of the best bugs to have in
Roses: Tougher than the Tea by Rob Sproule What’s the first thing that pops into your head when I say “rose”? I’m guessing it had something to do with red roses on Valentines’ Day
Growing Lilies by Rob Sproule Few flowers are as universally adored as the lily. It appears as a sacred symbol throughout the Bible, was revered by ancient Greek, Roman, and Minoan cultures, and the
Aphids 101 By: Rob Sproule Aphid Lifecycle Recognizing Aphids Aphid Damage Killing Them Here in Alberta we’re pretty lucky when it comes to insects. We don’t have termites that eat houses or army ants
Powdery Mildew by Rob Sproule The kind of problems a garden has depends on the weather. A hot, dry summer will lead to a set of problems that is totally different from a cool,
Natural Mosquito Control by Rob Sproule They are the bain of barbeques everywhere and something that we’ve had to learn to live with! Mosquitoes are as Albertan as beef and oil but just
Dealing With Late Blight On Potatoes From 1740 to 1741 in Ireland approximately 1 million people starved to death as the potatoes they relied on rotted in the fields. Like many tragedies throughout history, the
Quack Grass by Rob Sproule, May 31, 2013 Normally these articles afford me the happy task of reassuring people that intimidating gardening tasks are easier than they think. Today, unfortunately, it’s my job to
Yellow Yellow Everywhere: Dandelions By: Rob Sproule The Basics Prevention Getting Rid of Them Dandelions and Kids Getting Creative Do you love butter? As adults, we indoctrinate ourselves to think of dandelions as the
What’s Eating my Spruce Tree: Budworm and Sawfly by Rob Sproule If the tops of your spruce trees are brown and bare, chances are a hungry critter is munching on the succulent new growth.
The Prairie Orchard by Rob Sproule I remember our family trips to Kelowna when I was a boy. To my young Albertan ears, “Okanagan” was a synonym for “delicious fruit that I can’t get
Way Early Spring in the Garden by Rob Sproule, May 5, 2013 With only a few precious months to spend in the garden, we Albertans are an eager bunch! Every early May we
What Winter Leaves Behind: Snow Mould by Rob Sproule Wouldn’t it be nice if we were greeted by green, fresh grass when the snow finally melted? Unfortunately, the thaw often leaves behind yet another yucky
Planning your Veggie Garden by Rob Sproule Few things are more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a cherry tomato, snap pea, or crunchy carrot from your own garden. I can’t think of any
Growing Dahlias There are few things more captivating than the full- throated, operatic colour of a dinner plate dahlia in radiant bloom. Once a treasured flower in Empress Josephine’s garden, dahlias now bring a burst
Read through our Growing Guides for tips to enrich your garden!