USDA Zone Changes – How Does this Affect NW Gardeners?

On November 15, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an update to its Hardiness Zone Map, moving the Shoreline/North Seattle area from Zone 8b to 9a. The map has long been a useful tool for gardeners to determine which perennial plants are likely to survive their region’s coldest temperatures. Zones are assigned…

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The Dance of the Veggies P2: Crop Rotation

Many gardeners have heard that crop rotation is a good idea, but there’s a lot of confusion out there over how to make it happen. Especially when you’re working with a city-sized space or a container garden, a lot of advice you’ll find out there can sound impossible to follow. But, once you understand the…

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The Dance of the Veggies P1: Succession Planting

What is Succession Planting? Simply put, succession planting means growing more than one crop, or growing several rounds of the same crop, in the same space within the same year. Does that sound a little intimidating? Don’t worry, it’s not as complex as you might think! If you want to make the most of your…

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Seeds at Sky: Local, Organic, Sustainable & Beyond

It’s time to think about seeds! Here in the Pacific Northwest, many vegetable and summer flower seeds can be sown indoors starting in February to get a jump start on the season. The hardiest spring veggies can even be sown right into the ground by early March. As you begin to consult seed planting charts…

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Pumpkin Passion: Delicious Recipes for Sky Squash

Every year in October, a good part of the Sky greenhouse becomes an all out festive fall pumpkin patch! We source organic and sustainably grown pumpkins, gourds, and squash from just a few special local growers in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re looking for the perfect jack-o-lantern to carve before all hallows eve, or a…

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Pest Damage ID Part 3: Who’s destroying my garden?

Creepy crawlies may come to mind first when we think about garden pests, but birds and mammals can sometimes cause us even more trouble. Damage from smaller critters might look like holes or discoloration. But when it comes to uprooted plants, heavily nibbled veggies or flowers, seeds snapped right up out of the ground, or…

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Pest Damage ID Part 2: Who’s Discoloring My Leaves?

Pest damage isn’t always as obvious as holes in your leaves. In our last pest damage ID post, we covered the most common insect pests that chew or rasp away at plant leaves. This time, we’re taking a look at some more subtle culprits: those that suck the juices right out of your plants like…

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Celebrate Summer: Inspiration for Garden Gatherings

A garden party of any size can be a wonderful way to celebrate the season of abundance. Many of us are yearning for a little jubilation now more than ever, and a garden is the perfect place to make those memories. At the same time, we may be keeping our gatherings smaller, and looking for…

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The Garden Walk: Daily Checklist for a Healthy Garden

Hi there, dear Sky Nursery readers. Toby Madrone here. I usually stick to a more informative tone, but I decided to change it up a bit today, and share from my personal gardening experience. I hope you enjoy this post in all of its honest plant-nerd glory. I take a walk through my garden every…

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Pest Damage ID Part 1: Who’s chewing holes in my leaves?

If you garden long enough, sooner or later some pest is going to break your heart. Maybe your freshly emerged seedlings will be mowed down to the ground, your favorite flowers will emerge twisted and discolored, or you’ll find an entire shrub defoliated in a matter of days. There are many wonderful and rewarding things…

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