Botanist, Visionary, American Hero

Botanist, Visionary, American Hero

To say Dr. Carver invented peanut products is like saying Thomas Edison invented the vitascope, or Abraham Lincoln developed a patent to lift boats over river shoals, or Peter Parker is a biophysics student at Empire State University. All true but not the main story.

Don’t bury the lead! Dr. Carver changed American agronomy through ideas and inventions that laid the groundwork for the Green Revolution. His studies of soil science led to His studies of soil science led to the practice of crop rotation.

Indoor Gardening Series: Winter

Indoor Gardening Series: Winter

Gardening is a 4 season sport, even in Chicago. While it’s negatively cold outdoors, we can grow flowers and veggies that beautify our homes, purify our air, and brighten our spirits.

Plants make us feel more relaxed and comfortable. Greenery attracts and calms us. Besides the psychological perks, there are also physiological benefits. All plants filter pollution from the air and pump out fresh oxygen. Some are superstars at removing toxins found in paints, carpets, printers, and cleaners from inside air. In wintertime when we rarely open our windows, these plants are the perfect companions for a healthy mind and body.

Putting The Garden To Bed

Putting The Garden To Bed

In most parts of the country the gardening season is winding down and preparations are under way to put the garden to bed. That's a somewhat misleading phrase because, for instance, in my Chicago garden many plants (the witch hazels, creeping sedums, aster rosettes, and a few precocious snowdrops) are active in winter. Also, it is not yet time to pull the blanket of mulch over the garden. That comes next month when the ground begins to freeze. Much like with a toddler resisting bedtime, putting the garden to bed does not mean it's going to go to sleep. But the steps we take now will prepare it for the cold to come.

Get The Scoop on Soil - Soil Testing

Get The Scoop on Soil - Soil Testing

Why won't my orange tree produce fruit? Why won't my hydrangea flower? Why do my tomatoes develop blossom end rot? Why is my corn weak and spindly? Why are the leaves on my witch hazel yellowing in midsummer? Why do the leaves on my apple tree look scorched? Is it safe to grow veggies in my city lot? The answers to these and many other gardening dilemmas are rooted in the soil.