Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms

You hear the words in the media, you see the products in the stores and you may even know a neighbor who practices it.

But what exactly is organic gardening?

Simply put, it means using only fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable, and not synthetic or chemical, origin.

And, although the term organic gardening has recently become a trendy buzzword, in fact, it is a concept and practice that has been in use since cultivation of land first began thousands of years ago. It is, essentially, the way it has always been done. [Read more...]

Enter the kitchen garden:

A garden is as distinct and individual as your tastes will allow.  Whether you like it hot and spicy-with herbs and peppers that sing with flavor-or subtle blends of flavorful veggies and culinary herbs, it is easier than you think to have success in the garden and in the kitchen.

Today’s kitchen gourmet is more likely to trek to the backyard garden than to the local market for fresh rosemary, peppers or cilantro.  Where else can you be assured of a variety of fresh produce that is designed around your palette? [Read more...]

Plant placement is particularly important for clematis.  They prefer soil that is slightly on the sweet side.  For our naturally acidic soil that might mean adding a few handfuls of ground limestone when planting.  They like soil rich in organic matter.  Mulch in well. [Read more...]