One of the greatest barriers preventing consumers from purchasing local food at farmers’ markets is the perception that farmers’ markets are too expensive. Many consumers report that they avoid purchasing local food at direct marketing outlets, such as farmers’ markets, for fear of high costs. Last year, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets…

By Dr. Leonard Perry Carrots are loved by many, useful in many recipes, nutritious, and they store well. They’re also one of the top 10 most economically important vegetable crops in the world. Follow a few tips, and carrots are easy to grow in home gardens. For the best results, pay particular attention to good…

By Dr. Leonard Perry As every gardener would agree, flowers provide color in the landscape. But it is an understanding of color and its uses that allows gardeners to make the most of their flowerbeds and to achieve pleasing results. Looking at plants as a painter (as the famous Monet did) isn’t that complex, and…

Submitted Fairy garden creation is a great way to get kids interested in gardening, while teaching them a useful skill such as how to grow and take care of plants. Gardening can be an enjoyable activity for adults and children alike. Gardening encourages creative thinking and can make for an eco-friendly activity as well. Adding…

Courtesy of Rutland Garden Club A variety of plants are potted and perused by vendors at a previous plant sale. The Rutland Garden Club’s annual plant sale will take place Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. until all plants are sold. It will be located at the corner of Center Street and Main Street, Rutland,…

Submitted Many bees need protection from pesticides and other threats. Honeybees flitting from flower to flower is one of the first signs that warm weather has arrived. Honeybees are a welcome presence in the garden, pollinating plants and contributing to local honey supplies. Despite their importance in the ecosystem, honeybees are in grave danger. In…

(MS) According to Scotts®, a premier lawn seed and care company, grass clippings contain the same beneficial nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, as fertilizer. Grass clippings can provide as much as one-third of the annual feeding requirement of your lawn. Homeowners who mow their own lawns can save themselves the trouble of bagging and…

Saturday, May 7 at 8 a.m. — TINMOUTH — The 32nd annual Tinmouth plant sale will take place on Saturday, May 7 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Old Firehouse. Viewing will be from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. No sales will be made before 8 a.m. Come early for the best selection. There is a big rush when organizers say “go”…

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Submitted Mopping after vacuuming can remove any lingering allergens and improve indoor air quality. (MS) As winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution…

Submitted Trends suggest that homeowners are again investing in home improvement projects. The home improvement market, which includes both improvements and maintenance, has rebounded considerably from its most recent low point in 2011. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University indicated in early 2015 that the upcoming year would surpass the $324…

Submitted Many little improvements can provide savings for you, while protecting our environment for future generations. (MS) Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills: Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the…

Submitted Hanging laundry out on a clothes line is an easy way to save on energy costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. The fresh smell that accompanies is an added bonus. The arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people. Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or…

Submitted Unlike wood, which will absorb moisture and can warp, bamboo (actully a grass) repels water and can be used for flooring in areas where one wouldn’t think to put wood, such as in bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. (MS) Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects tend to make great investments, earning homeowners significant returns when they…

Submitted Homeowners should consider as many variables as possible, including foot traffic in a given room, before installing carpeting in their homes as many factors can influence the longevity of a given style or weave. (MS) Carpets provide both practical and aesthetic appeal inside a home. In winter, carpets help keep homes warm, and the…