Playing in the Dirt Archives

Playing in the Dirt: PlantFest 2024!

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | Aug 30, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

PlantFest – a plant sale and garden festival – will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1020 US Hwy 70 West, Hillsborough (across from the DMV office). If you like plants or want to learn more about gardening, we hope you’ll join us!

Playing in the Dirt: Do You Secateur?

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | Aug 2, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

For people who garden, probably our most go-to tool is our secateurs, commonly called one-handed pruning shears or just “hand pruners.”

Playing in the Dirt: Choose the Right Tool for the Job!

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | Jun 28, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

Two of the most common and useful gardening tools to own are shovels and hoes. But shop at any gardening or hardware store and you’ll find several types of each.

Playing in the Dirt: Spring Into Garden Ergonomics

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | May 24, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

Spring is a great time to get outside and combine the physical and mental benefits of gardening! Getting dirty is not all that bad. In fact, it’s very good for you.

Playing in the Dirt: Native Plants Are Essential!

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | May 3, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

Spring officially arrived in April, along with National Native Plant Month, Earth Day and the Town of Hillsborough’s first ever “Climate Challenge”! We hope you’ve been inspired to take steps right now to help promote ecological biodiversity and restore ecosystems

Playing in the Dirt: Container Gardening for Limited Spaces

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | Mar 1, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

Container gardening can provide many options for homeowners and renters who have outdoor space limitations. By planting in containers, you can enjoy a thriving garden on a deck, porch, patio or balcony even if you live in an apartment, condo or home on a very small lot.

Playing in the Dirt: Gardening Resolutions

Posted by Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers | Jan 26, 2024 | Columns, Playing in the Dirt, Town Square

Happy 2024! As the year starts, make some New Year’s resolutions for your garden. You probably have your own garden-related goals but here are some to think about.