0 items - $0.00 / Checkout

News

Viewing posts tagged soil.

Fungus gnats: Why they’re a problem and what you can do

What are fungus gnats?

Fungus gnats are little flying insects that lay their eggs in soil. The adult bugs are a pain, and like any creepy-crawlies, a little gross, but not harmful. The problem is the larvae, which love to munch on young roots and tunnel into plants. “Seedlings, rooted cuttings and young plants can be severely damaged or killed by fungus gnat larvae.”

Fungus_Gnat_Larvae_Adult

Credit: http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/insectid/2014/05/21/fungus-gnat-larvae/; http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/fungus-gnat-control

Why do you get fungus gnats?

These insects love damp organic matter, which happens to be great for...

Read more

Gardening Basics: Plant Fertilizers for Late Season

August is an ideal time for gardeners to give their plants a boost into the later stages of growth.

Many people who are just learning how to garden at home overlook the benefits of fertilizing their plants. Even experienced gardeners don’t always use the best fertilizer for their particular plant type. Those who fall back on cheap fertilizers often end up with disappointing results and don’t get the most out of their gardens.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a quick guide for evaluating your late-season fertilizer needs.

Supporting growth and improving soil quality

Generally,...

Read more

Farm Visit: Resilient farming with Allan Gandelman at Main Street Farms in Cortland NY

Since 2012, Main Street Farms and GreenTree Garden Supply have been growing together. Allan and Bob Cat, the co-owners of Main Street Farms, were some of our first customers when we started making soil at GreenTree. They’ve been using our soil in their greenhouses since then: many of their vegetables start in GreenTree soil before transplanting into the field. We recently got the chance to spend an afternoon talking with...

Read more

What should my pH be?

We’ve received a few questions recently about expected pH levels when using GreenTree Premium Soils™. Our suggestions are outlined here. If you have further concerns, please reach out to our retail team at (607) 272-3666. Any member of our team can answer specific questions you may have!

Our premium soil blends are buffered with lime in order to have a stable pH over time. Due to the alkaline nature of both the lime and azomite in our soil, the pH of outputs may be higher than the pH of inputs. Early pH readings may be high...

Read more

Gardening in a small space? We can help!

Small-space gardening is a great option for urbanites, apartment-dwellers, college students and those of us who just don’t have the time and energy for a huge backyard garden. Lots of people are jumping on the itty-bitty garden train, and we are here to help! Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can assist you with design, soil, nutrients and everything in between.

First, decide where your greenery will be located, whether it be the kitchen windowsill, a balcony or deck, the front walk or a small raised bed outside. Window boxes are also a easy, fun option. Pick a creative...

Read more

GreenTree Farmer Profile: Der Rosenmeister Nursery

GreenTree's farm customers are one-of-a-kind in many ways, growing different plant varieties, using varying growing practices and dealing with a range of topography. We work to support all of our agricultural customers, catering to their needs and eliminating the time consuming process of making soil themselves. Visiting with GreenTree’s farmers this season helped us learn how we can continue to be a great partner, while also hearing the unique stories that accompany every farm.

Leon Ginenthal has been growing roses for 30 years, and 12 years ago he built Der Rosenmeister Nursery across what was...

Read more

GreenTree Farmer Profile: TC3 Farm

GreenTree's farm customers are one-of-a-kind in many ways, growing different plant varieties, using varying growing practices and dealing with a range of topography. We work to support all of our agricultural customers, catering to their needs and eliminating the time consuming process of making soil themselves. Visiting with GreenTree’s farmers this season helped us learn how we can continue to be a great partner, while also hearing the unique stories that accompany every farm.

The farm at Tompkins Cortland Community College is one half of TC3’s innovative Read more

GreenTree Farmer Profile: Nook & Cranny

GreenTree's farm customers are one-of-a-kind in many ways, growing different plant varieties, using varying growing practices and dealing with a range of topography. We work to support all of our agricultural customers, catering to their needs and eliminating the time consuming process of making soil themselves. Visiting with GreenTree’s farmers this season helped us learn how we can continue to be a great partner, while also hearing the unique stories that accompany every farm.

Bob Tuori, a chemistry teacher at Ithaca High School, spends his spare time planting in every nook and cranny of his 3-acre farm. Bob always wanted to be a...

Read more

Eat local with a farmer-run CSA

It’s June, and that means that school is almost out, Cayuga Lake is getting warmer and produce is starting to grow like crazy! Here in Ithaca, there are so many great ways to take advantage of the (finally) beautiful weather!

One way we’re welcoming summer is with Full Plate Farm Collective’s CSA, which began June 10th! You can still sign up for the 23-week long program of fresh veggies delivered to one of many convenient pickup locations, including GreenTree Garden Supply. Find more information and sign up with Full Plate here.

Read more