The month of December started with a few inches of snow and frigid temperatures, yes, winter has arrived early weeks before its scheduled start.
Following Thanksgiving in November, the busy atmosphere of the holiday season officially begins in Northern New Jersey, with the arrival of winter and the winter solstice. With the festive season in full swing, many residents of northern New Jersey will be actively engaged in holiday preparations, including gift shopping for both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, as well as planning and preparing holiday feasts and exciting parties to joyfully welcome the arrival of the New Year.
The arrival of December was marked by a week characterized by unseasonably cold, freezing daytime temperatures, accompanied by a light but noticeable snowfall. Prompted by these early winter conditions, we retrieved our snow shovels and ice melter from their storage place, preparing for the challenge ahead. Specifically, I utilize a mixture composed of equal parts sand and calcium chloride for application on our sidewalks and driveway. The key advantage of calcium chloride, in my experience, is its significantly reduced destructive impact on both the cement surfaces and the bordering grass when compared to the more common sodium chloride, or regular table salt. To further enhance safety and effectiveness, I ensure the mixture includes sand. This is especially important because the sand provides much-needed traction, particularly critical during these colder months when low temperatures can quickly cause any melted ice to refreeze. The combination of the calcium chloride to melt the snow and the sand to prevent slips and falls is a reliable method.
Snowy mountainside near Clinton Road in Newfoundland, New Jersey
Holiday Shopping
“During the holiday season, our family makes a conscious effort to support our community of local small businesses that dot our town.”
We believe that with a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning, we can successfully complete the majority of our holiday shopping right here, within our own neighborhood, which not only helps these businesses thrive but also strengthens the bonds within our community. For example, we always make a point to visit our local natural foods store, where we can find a delightful assortment of handcrafted items, including wonderfully scented soaps, beautifully crafted candles that fill our home with warmth, and a rich selection of organic teas and herbs perfect for cozy winter evenings.
Winter Gardening
With the arrival of snowfall and dramatically cold temperatures, our outdoor lettuce crops have unfortunately come to an end, but the silver lining is that we have been enjoying a bountiful harvest of our indoor-grown herbs, which have been providing us with wonderful flavors to enhance our daily meals.
We recently upgraded our indoor growing operation by replacing the old fluorescent tube lights with energy-efficient LED lighting. The previous fluorescent setup consumed a significant amount of power, drawing nearly 250 watts, whereas the new LED tubes operate at a mere 45 watts. Given that our grow lights are typically on for approximately 10 hours daily, we are anticipating a substantial reduction in our monthly electricity expenses as a direct result of this eco-friendly and cost-effective improvement.
Veterans Day, Noivember 11, 2025, first snow falls in northern New Jersey
The crisp air of autumn signals the arrival of November. The shorter days and cooler nights characterize this month. The recent shift from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time brings about a noticeable change in our daily rhythm, with the sun now setting earlier in the evening, balanced by its slightly earlier sunrise in the mornings. The overall effect is a noticeable decrease of daylight hours, with each day soon measuring in at less than eight hours of sunshine.
“As we await the arrival of winter’s snow and frigid temperatures, we have been working to winterize our home, preparing for the challenges ahead.”
rt23 staff
Our efforts have encompassed several key areas. First, we focused on insulating our crawl spaces, a critical step in maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. We’ve installed R-30 insulation within the floor joists to create a barrier against cold air infiltration. Furthermore, we closed the basement vents, sealing them using precisely cut R-5 foam insulation boards, preventing any drafts from entering the home. To further enhance the protection of our crawl space, we’ve added foam board to the crawl space door, creating an extra layer of insulation. Finally, we took measures to safeguard our plumbing by closing and draining all outside faucets, a necessary precaution to prevent pipes from freezing and causing costly damage during the winter months.
“It’s not all gloom and doom, as this period marks the exciting start of the winter holiday season”
rt23 staff
While the month of November in northern New Jersey may bring about cooler temperatures and shorter days, it’s certainly not all gloom and doom, as this period marks the exciting commencement of the winter holiday season, starting with the joyous Thanksgiving Day celebrations and the anticipation of everything that follows.
Winter Garden
Simpson Black-seeded lettuce dusted with snow and ready to be picked
Although our summer crops are finished and the garden has died back considerably, we are still harvesting fresh lettuce that we planted in September
Expanding on our home gardening efforts, beyond the already established lettuce crop, we are now cultivating a thriving indoor herb garden. This garden features a selection of aromatic and flavorful herbs, including fresh basil, parsley, and dill, all nurtured under the glow of grow lights, ensuring optimal growth conditions even during the shorter days of the year.
In the coming days, we will be starting our microgreens cultivation , usingartificial lighting to optimize their growth and development.
Entrance to the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens
Following the brief respite of our September “Indian Summer,” a noticeable shift occurs in northern New Jersey as the days shorten and temperatures cool, signaling the impending arrival of winter. The vibrant autumn colors typically reaches its peak during the early part of October, but this fleeting beauty is often short-lived. The colorful foliage, which once adorned the landscape, can be quickly ruined by persistent rain showers or strong, gusty winds. We are left with only a limited window of opportunity to fully appreciate the stunning array of fall hues before the trees are stripped bare by the winter winds.
Keeping fallen leaves in your yard can bolster the number and variety of species and the perks go beyond just avoiding the unpleasant chore of raking. Fallen leaves provide overwintering habitat for many ecologically critical organisms, pollinators such as butterflies and bees. But that’s not all! This hands-off approach supports plants and soil. I have been using dead leaves to cover my vegetable garden in the winter and relocating the rest into an undeveloped portion of my property. Fallen leaves add carbon and other nutrients to the soil while supporting decomposers (mushrooms!) and detritivores, earthworms and millipedes, and also, tiny, insectlike soil animals called springtails. Springtails feed on organic matter and release nutrients into the soil to help maintain plant health.
The cooler temperatures and changes in the foliage serves as a clear signal for migratory creatures, such as birds and butterflies It’s time to embark on their southward journeys in search of warmer climates. I, for one, eagerly await the time when they return bringing the warmth of spring.
Home Preparations
As the crisp air of October settles in, signaling the imminent arrival of winter in Northern New Jersey, it becomes clear that preparations must be undertaken to fortify our homes and ensure our comfort and safety against the cold and often inclement weather. A crucial first step involves a thorough inspection of our windows and doors, searching for any telltale signs of drafts that could compromise our energy efficiency and invite unwelcome chills into our living rooms. Once potential draft areas are identified, we must address them either by repairing existing seals or, where necessary, replacing worn-out weather stripping with fresh, durable material. This simple yet effective measure forms a vital barrier, effectively sealing off those pathways through which cold air can enter, helping to maintain a warm and cozy atmosphere within our homes throughout the colder months.
Doors and windows can be significant sources of drafts and heat loss
rt23.com
Doors can be a source of cold drafts in the winter especially between the door bottom and floor. An easy remedy is to install a draft stopper, these are easily installed and can make a big difference.
Winter Vehicle Prep
We are preparing our vehicles for the challenging conditions of winter roads, a crucial aspect involves a thorough inspection and maintenance of fluid levels. This includes checking the oil to ensure optimal engine lubrication, verifying the coolant levels to prevent engine overheating in the cold, and most importantly, ensuring that the windshield wiper fluid reservoir is adequately filled.
Top off your windshield wiper fluid, it’s gonna get messy out there!
rt23.com staff
Given the common practice of salting roadways during winter months to combat ice and snow, windshields are particularly susceptible to becoming coated with a mixture of salt and road debris. This buildup can significantly impair visibility for drivers, making it essential to maintain clear windshields for safe operation of our vehicles during inclement weather. Necessary auto tools include snow brushes and ice scrappers. Other items may include blanket, road flares, jumper cables, and a small snow shovel.
Common Sense Auto Winter Prep
here are some of the things I have done:
cleaned the inside of my windows ( do this before the cold weather!)
topped off my winshield wiper reservoir.
checked that my ice scrapper and snow brush are in the car.
We are diligently preparing our outdoor spaces for the upcoming winter season by carefully storing our outdoor furniture to protect it from the harsh elements, such as snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations. Simultaneously, we are taking a proactive step to support our local bird population by transitioning from hummingbird feeders to seed feeders. This change in our feeding practices ensures that a variety of bird species have access to essential sustenance during the winter when natural food sources become scarce.
October in Our Garden
“we are now bringing our houseplants back inside, ending their summer “vacation” on our deck.”
rt23.com
With the arrival of October and the gradual transition into cooler weather, we are now bringing our houseplants back inside, ending their summer “vacation” on our deck. Among our indoor plant family, we have amaryllis, hibiscus and Elephant Ear plant, all of which have thrived under the summer sun and will now brighten our home’s interior during the upcoming colder months.
all grown from “saved” 2024 marigold seeds
As we transition into October, we are actively engaged in harvesting the final fruits from our summer garden, carefully collecting ripe produce to enjoy throughout the coming months. Simultaneously, we are collecting marigold seeds to sow in spring 2026.
Simpson Black Seed Lettuce nearing harvest
Our autumn garden, where we’ve planted Simpson’s Black Seed Lettuce, is flourishing, and the anticipation of savoring fresh, crisp salads in the coming weeks is truly exciting, a delightful reminder of the abundance that nature provides during this transitional season.
Continuing the harvest with pole beans, tomatoes and pickling cucumbers
September is here and we are starting to say goodbye to our summer vegetable garden. As every year, I wish that I harvested more produce. But I am satisfied with the amount of delicious strawberries, tomatoes, garden beans, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini and summer squash produced in our gardens.
Tomato Alley in shambles
At this point in September, my garden is in shambles. I have to confess that I am a lazy gardener and the garden daemon takes over and sows what it wants. But the garden served it’s purpose and it’s now time for new challenges.
Eggplants flowering in foreground, with late-season Simpson Black Seed Lettuce growing in rows
That said, I’m not ready to give up on the garden just yet, and the Simpson Black Seed Lettuce planted in late August is thriving. It’s been dry in Northern New Jersey for the last few weeks, so I’ve been watering the garden by hand.
There are still tomatoes ripening and a few eggplants growing in the “weather garden”. The eggplants are producing flowers, attracting the attention of bees. I am hopeful I will be able to harvest some fresh eggplant before the weather becomes too cool for the plants to survive.
With the outdoor garden starting to wind down, I’m now turning my attention to creating an indoor gardening space. My initial plans involve cultivating microgreens, which offer a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, nutritious produce throughout the year. I am also exploring the possibility of growing lion’s mane mushrooms in my basement, utilizing artificial lighting to simulate the conditions they need to thrive, expanding my culinary options and personal gardening projects.
September 2025 will mark a transition in our garden as the warm summer months give way to the cooler days of autumn. This year, we’ve enjoyed an abundance of fresh produce and vibrant blooms, and as the season changes, we’ll focus on preparing our garden for the winter ahead and gathering the final harvests.
Black Seed Lettuce: Embracing the Late Season Garden
Clearing away/harvesting Garden Bean Plants to create a space for new lettuceplants
Add a few bags of top soil
raked topsoil; for new garden bed
Each year, I make an effort to grow a late-season garden, typically starting in late August or early in September. This timing is chosen, as it follows the natural end of my garden bean plants’ productive cycle. In selecting crops for this late-season garden, I choose crops that mature quickly like radishes or leafy green vegetables. A key consideration in my selection process is to choose plants that do not rely on pollinators, ensuring a successful harvest even as the weather changes and cools.
This year I have chosen to plant Black Seeded Simpson Leaf Lettuce. I had a successful crop in the spring and Simpson lettuce grows quickly maturing in 45 days. I cleared the portion of the garden where garden beans grew and raked in some top soil. I heavily seeded four rows and happlily can report rows of seedlings after one week.
Black seed lettuce in rows behind the Eggplants in the foreground
Asparagus
Red seed pods have appeared on our Asparagus
Our Asparagus garden has become overgrown with weeds and our asparagus plants have matured into feathery fronds. Red “berries” have also formed on the asparagus fronds, which turn out to be seed pods which are not edible. When the pods soften a bit, I will squeeze the seeds out onto a paper towel to dry. I will try starting asparagus plants inside during the winter. Stay tuned!
I need to clean this area to plant new asparagus crowns. This year I am going to soak the crowns overnight before planting. I will also mark spots where I see fronds to check for spears next spring.
Back to Nature
As our garden embraces a state of increasing natural disarray, a spontaneity of events unfolds. The deceased plants, in their final act, generously return their accumulated nourishment back to the soil, enriching it for future growth. “Nature abhors a vacuum” and resilient native plants emerge, filling the newly created spaces and continuing the cycle of life and renewal within our garden ecosystem.
White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)
As our garden transitions into its autumnal resting phase, the native autumn flowers emerge. While often dismissed as mere “weeds,” these plants play a vital and often overlooked role within our ecosystem. Historically, these very plants were valued and used by Native American cultures for their medicinal properties, showcasing their enduring significance far beyond a simple aesthetic.
Bee feeds on aWhite Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)
Native Autumn plants become an invaluable and vital food source, supporting the local pollinator populations and contributing significantly to the overall health and biodiversity of our local ecosystem.
Robin’s Plantain (Erigeron pulchellus)commonly known as fleabane
Little Evening Primrose (Oenothera perennis).
Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis).
“We Can Pickle That”
Pickling Pole Beans (garden beans) and whole Pickling Cucumbers
As we have been harvesting the bounty from our garden, we’ve also been preserving our fresh produce to ensure we can enjoy these flavors throughout the extended winter months. Our preservation efforts have already yielded delicious results, as we’ve successfully canned ripe tomatoes and created tangy, flavorful pickled cucumbers. Currently, we are embarking on another preservation project: pickling green garden beans. The process begins with the creation of a flavorful brine, which we then use to carefully fill our canning jars. Finally, we ensure the safety and longevity of our pickled garden beans by processing the sealed jars in a hot water bath.
Brine for pickling: 2 -1/2 cups water 2 cups vinegar 5% acid 1/4 cup sea salt (non-iodized) 1/4 cup sugar Using a stainless steel pot, combine ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer until filling of canning jars.
Prepare quart canning jars with 2 tsp. mustard seeds, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tsp. peppercorns, 1/4 tsp. food-grade calcium chloride. Add garden beans to jars and fill with brine to approx. 1/2 inch from the top. then process sealed jars in a hot water bath for 15 minutes. Store jars in cool dry place.
As our garden continues to change and mature, we are rewarded with a small but steady harvest of strawberries each week. Our garden beans, displaying their vibrant energy, are currently in full bloom and are producing a bountiful second crop. To maintain the health and productivity of our garden, we’ve been weeding activities, and we’ve been supplementing the sporadic rainfall with the use of our sprinklers to ensure optimal moisture levels for our plants.
Stacked herb garden
Our herb garden truly flourished this season, with an abundance of fresh herbs including basil, dill, and even some thyme. The fresh basil was the star ingredient in several delicious pasta dinners, transformed into vibrant pesto to perfectly complement the dishes. The dill and thyme, on the other hand, were incorporated into our meals, providing delightful aromatic notes to both our chicken and fish preparations. To ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs, we emptied and thoroughly cleaned our stackable herb garden, preparing it for a second planting. For this new planting, we are continuing with our favorites, basil and dill, but we also decided to expand our culinary options by adding in fresh chives and fragrant oregano.
Pole Beans growing on our “bird shrine”(wind chime trellis)
Our herb garden truly flourished this season, with an abundance of fresh herbs including basil, dill, and even some thyme. The fresh basil was the star ingredient in several delicious pasta dinners, transformed into vibrant pesto to perfectly complement the dishes. The dill and thyme, on the other hand, were incorporated into our meals, providing delightful aromatic notes to both our chicken and fish preparations. To ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs, we emptied and thoroughly cleaned our stackable herb garden, preparing it for a second planting. For this new planting, we are continuing with our favorites, basil and dill, but we also decided to expand our culinary options by adding in fresh chives and fragrant oregano.
Our pole beans are doing well. The plants have overrun our bird shrine and our weather garden fence. On the garden fence I am trying to train the bean stalk onto a wood pole off from the rose bush on the other side of the fence. I am now getting flowers on the pole beans and hope to be harvesting soon.
Tomato Alley – August 5, 2025
Tomato Alley is flowering and has many tomatoes nearly ready to pick.. We harvested a small tomato and made a BLT sandwich. We have also been harvesting cherry tomatoes and adding them to our salads and sauteed zucchini recipe.
Jersey Tomato Sandwich (official)
Our favorite tomato sandwich:
toasted fresh seeded rye bread
1 tbsp mayonnaise
thin sliced garden tomato
jersey tomatoes on the vine
Vineland, our cucumber garden is fully flowering and climbing a nearby fence. We were able to harvest enough pickling cucumbers to make our half-sour summer pickles!
Weather Garden flowers, carrots, eggplant, simpson black seed lettuce, and garden beans
With the turn of July, summer is officially in full swing. The garden is thriving and I am beginning to reap the rewards of all of my hard work with the very first harvest. This includes checking on the progress of our tomatoes and cucumbers. To make sure that the yield is as large as possible, I am actively weeding and watering, but I am also carefully monitoring any changes in the garden. I will need to address any problems as quickly as possible to prevent any negative impact on the garden.
After a rainy June, July has changed to the more seasonal hot and humid weather we expect, and the kind that’s perfect for tomatoes and eggplant. Our new tasks include weeding and watering. But we were able to pick a few crops of simpson black seed lettuce and we harvested a few radishes.
“Water your garden in the morning or early evening. Hot sunny weather dries out the soil quickly”
rt23 staff
We planted the garden beans back in April. The plants are growing well and we have been harvesting them every couple of days. They seem to be producing very well, so it looks like we’re going to have a bounty of garden beans this year. We plan to have them as a side dish by grilling them, sautéing them, or steaming them. Also, some of our surplus garden beans will be blanched and frozen to use in soups and stews next winter. We will be picking the garden beans when they are tender before the seeds form in the pods. It will be great to have a surplus of garden beans to eat and freeze for the winter.
Our tomatoes and cucumbers are flowering as well asour summer squash, zucchini and pumpkins, so we expect produce soon..
Not perfect, but weeding has freed eggplant and garden beans from being choked by weeds
With the June rains, we’re mainly concerned with the amount of weeds that have sprouted up around our plants. So far, we have been removing the weeds from the areas around our plants. The ground cloth has limited the weeds growing in those areas. However, the area between our rows of vegetables doesn’t have the ground cloth. There we need to use a rake and hoe to clear the area of weeds. It is a lot of work. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be effective.
Stacked vertical containers with thyme, cilantro, dill and basil
Our herb garden is producing a lot of basil, dill, and cilantro, making us pretty excited about all the cooking we can do. The fresh herbs have been a real treat to use in our kitchen, and we’ve been making some really delicious meals with them. We started stacked vertical containers indoors in March and transferred them outside in June. We’ve been using the fresh herbs, and we’ve also been freezing the surplus for future use, because who doesn’t love a good stockpile? We’ll be using the dill to make pickles with our cucumbers.
Tomato: Tomato Alley
Our tomato garden, affectionately known as “Tomato Alley,” unfortunately suffered the loss of three to four plants during the unusually cool and rainy conditions we experienced in June. To address this setback, I replenished the missing plants by acquiring replacements from both Walmart and a local nursery. Recognizing that the tomato seedlings I had painstakingly nurtured indoors from seeds were exhibiting signs of stress and were somewhat undersized, I decided to intervene with a dose of Miracle-Gro. This decision appears to have been a successful one, as the fertilizer proved effective in revitalizing the plants. They have responded remarkably well, and now present a much healthier appearance. It’s gratifying to observe that all the tomato plants are actively flowering and thriving. Furthermore, the purchased plants are already bearing a promising quantity of tomatoes, and I am optimistic about the prospect of being able to resume my tomato canning tradition this year, preserving the bounty of the season for future enjoyment.
Garden Issues and Concerns
As anyone who has ever tried to cultivate their own little piece of the earth knows, maintaining a garden is an incredibly fulfilling, yet often unpredictable, endeavor. While the rewards of harvesting fresh produce and enjoying the beauty of nature are immeasurable, the journey is not always a smooth one. From the constant vigilance against pests and diseases to the ever-changing whims of the weather, gardeners are constantly faced with obstacles that can test their patience and determination. As we stand at the halfway point of the growing season, it’s time to acknowledge and address some of the specific challenges we’ve encountered, providing insights into the ongoing process of learning and adapting to the ever-evolving world of our garden.
I’ve been spared major damage to my garden. I did lose a few strawberries to chipmunks, but that’s about all. I haven’t seen much of my resident groundhog, but I did see two fox kits in my yard one morning. My guess is their den isn’t far off. I’m thinking that’s the reason the groundhog isn’t foraging in my garden. Of course, it could be the foxes’ dinner, too. But I’m not too sorry about that.
Animals
While we appreciate observing the native animals of New Jersey, certain species, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, can unfortunately cause significant damage to both our vegetable and flower gardens. To address this challenge, I’ve adopted a strategy that involves creating a protective perimeter using cayenne pepper. Specifically, as soon as I’ve tilled the garden to prepare it for planting, I begin sprinkling cayenne pepper around the entire perimeter. The reasoning behind this approach is simple: by creating an immediate deterrent at the edge of the garden, we aim to prevent animals from even attempting to enter. There’s no incentive for them to cross this initial barrier. After seedlings and plants start growing, it becomes much more difficult to alter their foraging habits. So far, this method has proven quite effective in keeping unwanted visitors out of our garden space. I buy the cayenne pepper in bulk five pound bottles so it is cheap and effective.
Deer: The cayenne pepper seems to discourage deer als0. A fence is a good first line of defense, but deer are very good jumpers. Positioning a fence at a 45 degree angle to the ground may confuse deer because they have poor depth perception.
Another effective strategy to deter deer involves stringing fishing line between the existing fence posts to create a sort of overhead net covering the garden area. This method is completely non-harmful to the deer; however, it does create an element of discomfort for them. When they land on the seemingly invisible fishing line, it provides an unpleasant sensation, and because the line is difficult for them to see, it serves as an effective visual and tactile deterrent, discouraging them from entering the garden.
Another effective approach to deter deer involves utilizing deer-resistant plants as part of the garden’s landscaping. Through careful observation and experimentation, I’ve discovered that while deer seem to be quite fond of tulips, they tend to avoid daffodils. Consequently, each spring, I make a point of planting a generous quantity of daffodil bulbs, aiming to cultivate a vibrant and expansive display of these resilient flowers. This strategy not only provides a beautiful aesthetic but also serves as a natural deterrent, helping to keep the deer away from the more delicate parts of the garden. If you’re looking to discover more options for deer-resistant landscaping plants, I would recommend using this link.
July 21 Lots of Flowers, No Joy
We’ve been picking garden beans and Simpson lettuce, but last year, we were already harvesting cucumbers, tomatoes, and summer squash by this point in July. I’m convinced the unseasonal cold and rainy weather in June is the reason. That weather stunted the tomato plants and cucumber growth.
Cucumbers with many unproductive flowersSummer squash blooming, no fruit as of yet
Luckily, the tomato plants rallied in July, but I had to give them a dose of Miracle-Gro. I don’t normally fertilize my plants heavily, but I was desperate given their condition.
Harvest – July 26
So far, we have been harvesting Simpson lettuce, garden beans, and strawberries! We have now harvested our first zucchini and cucamelon.
Cucamelon (Mexican sour Gherkin)
Cucamerons grow on our chicken wire garden fence in vines three feet or longer. Small yellow flowers produce small fruits resembling tiny watermelons. With just a few plants, we have an abundance of these grape-sized melons, which are great for a “pick and eat” treat. Cucamelons or Mexican Sour Gherkins taste like cucumbers with a slight citrus flavor. I usually start seeds indoors during March or April and transplant in May. Once planted outdoors, they grow fast with watering, hot weather and plenty of sun.
Simple Zucchini Recipe
This is my first year growing zucchini. A friend who lived nearby always grew them because, as he said, “deer don’t bother with them.” Last year, I had good luck growing summer squash, so this year, I added zucchini to my garden. The plants grew well, have many flowers, and I harvested my first zucchini!
my first zucchini
zucchini sliced into ~1/2 inch sections
sauteed in olive oil, rosemary and garlic
I prepared the zucchini using the exact same cooking method that I used for the summer squash I harvested last year.
I call it a bird shrine but it is basically a frame for hanging wind chimes and hummingbird feeders. This year the posts rotted so I will be making a new frame to replace the old. These frames last about 8 years of being outdoors.
my old, broken bird shrine
Using seven pieces of inexpensive 1x2x96-inch furring strips, I made two bundles, four pieces for the uprights and three pieces for the cross members. I then cut three notches into the uprights and four notches into the cross pieces. I use a table saw to cut all the pieces at once. I assemble the uprights and cross pieces using the notches. I drill through the center and glue a dowel to peg the pieces together
It is February and in northern New Jersey, our gardens slumber underneath snow and ice. But this is the time to get an early start on our flowers and vegetables! Follow along with us as we prepare our 2025 gardens!
Organization
Checking my gardening equipment and supplies
Time to dig up (sorry!) all my gardening equipment and supplies. From my garden shed, I gathered my small pots and some “winter sown” bottles that I saved from last year. I also took my saved seed packets from the refrigerator. I created a small work area using some lawn furniture stored in the basement and cleaned my grow light shelving to prepare for my seedlings. Now that all my materials are in one place, I am ready to sow seeds.
Lets Start Some Herbs and Flowers!
It’s a little early (February 11) to start vegetables indoors, but it’s a good time to replenish my fresh dill and basil. I froze my basil and dill from last year, and my supply is getting short.
I started mammoth sunflower seeds outside in bottles. The bottles have small holes poked in them. They are from the winter sowing method. I started them early outside, in this case outside in the snow and cold of winter. Winter sowing, or overwintering outdoors, starts the season early and allows the seeds to germinate as soon as the weather improves.
Winter-sown sunflowers outside
Winter sowing involves planting seeds in containers and leaving them outdoors to germinate as the temperatures increase over the winter. This process encourages the seeds to germinate naturally, which leads to stronger, healthier, more resilient plants. The plants then adapt to the local climate throughout the winter, as well as to any fluctuations in temperature, resulting in hardy plants and flowers. This method is also very simple to execute, which is also a big plus for your garden. You can just set your containers outdoors to do their thing and the nature will take care of the rest.
March 2025 Garden Activities
We had over an inch of rain last night and our daffodils and flower bulbs are starting to peek out in the garden. We will be monitoring our asparagus garden for sprouts. Hopefully the weather will hold out so we can start raking thatch from our lawn and weed the strawberry patch.
I have been adding to my winter-sown garden as I get new bottles form the recycling bin I have plenty of sunflower seeds to sow. Sunflowers attract pollinators, look great and the seeds are delicious!
Winter-sown Sunflowers
trays with potting soil
I like to start my garden seeds indoors and then move them outside once the weather warms up. I save my nursery and seed starter trays from the previous year. Then I put them together to create grow trays to get my seedlings started.
I am planning to start marigold seeds harvested from last year’s flowers in these trays.
Pruning Shears – needed for roses and other woody plants (azaleas etc.)
Garden Tool Set – small hand trowel, hand rake, etc. for detail work, seeding and planting
Breaking large gardening tasks into smaller steps is the key to success!
rt23.com
Our first goal is to rake out our asparagus garden in anticipation of fresh asparagus spears. This garden is full of leaves and dead weeds and a good cleaning to remove debris with a metal rake as well as a plastic leaf rake will set the stage for the appearance of our asparagus!
Next, I am cleaning up my “early garden” where I will plant radishes, carrots and lettuce, cold weather plants and long season carrots.
March 18, 2025
Carrot Seeds
radish seeds
lettuce seeds
spinach seeds
After tilling my early garden, I raked in some manure, gave it another quick till and started planting my cold weather crops. I planted a row each of carrots, radishes, lettuce and spinach.
early garden seeding
Pest Control Starts Early
Cayenne Pepper for pest control
Rabbits and groundhogs in the neighborhood are especially fond of the gardens in northern NJ. The lush crops, vibrant flowers, and juicy produce may look delicious to them, but they can wreak havoc on your garden. The best way to handle this problem is to start conditioning the behavior of the animals. Sprinkling cayenne pepper around the edges of your garden will repel them, but it will take time and effort. Continue this treatment throughout the season particularly after rain washs the pepper away.
Spring Lawn Care
raking thatch
With the ground clear of snow, I’m doing some early spring lawn maintenance.
It will be much better to have a thick, healthy lawn as soon as possible in case we have a dry spell or other poor growing conditions.
If you want to have a good-looking lawn, it requires some work.
My first task is to rake the brown thatch patches. This will remove them and allow healthy new grass to thrive.
Next, I’ll spread the pelletized lime. I could use pulverized lime, but it is too messy with white powder going everywhere, especially on a windy March day.
I’ll wait a day or two until rain is forecast, then I’ll add the lime so that it dissolves into the soil.
April 10, 2025 –
Marigold, Cherry Tomato and Early Girl Tomato indoor trays
Our garden is moving forward with healthy looking tomato plants and marigolds from seeds saved form last years flowers.
Dill
The dill, cilantro, and basil are doing well under artificial lights in my basement. It looks like I will be able to harvest bits for cooking now. This is great because I love using fresh herbs in my recipes. The best part about growing my own herbs is that I can add them to my food knowing that they are fresh and pesticide free. I love the way cilantro and garlic go together in recipes.
Cilantro
Basil
Robins clearing a lawn of beetles, grubs and caterpillars!
Are Lawn Pesticides/Herbicide Dangerous?
Using chemicals in the garden can be hazardous to the environment. Many chemicals found in herbicides and pesticides can be dangerous or even fatal to humans depending on the type of product, exposure and method of application. These products are manufactured to kill living organisms aka weeds, insects, and they can negatively affect humans as well. As a matter of policy, I do not use any chemicals on my lawn. I only apply lime (Calcium carbonate) to adjust the pH of the soil, and grass seed for reseeding as needed.
I believe that avoiding lawn products attracts more birds eating lawn pests like grubs instead of using chemicals to poison them.
Television. Hate it or love it, you probably can’t do without it. In the old days, all you needed was an antenna and you were able to tune in to five or ten local channels for free. It was a luxury at first to have a basic cable subscription for ten dollars a month. But as time went on, you wanted more paid subscription channels such as HBO and your bill probably doubled because of it. Today, a cable television subscription is easily more than $100. My cable bill was over $300 with “landline phone” (totally useless), premium package TV (watched maybe three channels) and internet access (fast but quirky). I was already using Netflix and most of my viewing was using that service.
Easy Steps to Freedom!
Now with the expansion of high-speed internet services, it is easier than ever to replace cable TV. There are more options than ever once you find an internet provider.
Find a high speed internet provider, in Northern New Jersey options include FIOS, Verizon, T-mobile or even a cable internet only package.
Set up your TVs to be compatible with internet streaming. Most modern “Smart Tvs’ may be ready to use as streaming devices. Options for older TVs include Roku, FireTV or Chromecast streaming devices.
Test your internet TV setup.
Cancel your cable TV subscription and return all unnecessary equipment to your cable TV provider.
Enjoy your new TV system while enjoying cost savings.
My Journey
I couldn’t justify paying $300 per month for cable TV service to watch a few news programs and one or two entertainment channels. The high-speed internet service that came with it was unreliable, especially in bad weather. I decided to replace my cable service with a less expensive alternative.
T-mobile Internet box
WIFI to ethernet adapter
Amazon Firestick converting older HD TV to a streaming TV
My home network was set up with a direct connection to my cable modem, which was located in the basement near the cable line that came into my home. From the cable modem, the signal went to a wifi router, and from there it was distributed throughout the house by CAT 5 ethernet cable. I used network hubs and switches to connect the cable to my computers. The wifi also powered the Ring doorbells and Alexa devices in my home.
I chose T-Mobile as my internet provider because it became available in my area and offered a reasonable price. T-Mobile provided a 5G modem/hub with both Wi-Fi and wired connections. I first put the modem in the basement because that is where my primary network hub is located. However, the signal was weak, so I moved the modem to an upstairs bedroom. But I couldn’t connect the wire directly to my old network because it was too far away. I solved this problem by purchasing a Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter. This adapter saved me from having to reconfigure my existing devices.
I equipped all my TVs with Amazon Firesticks, with my Amazon Prime Membership I was provided with many streaming channels for free plus Prime Video content such as Movies and TV shows. I supplemented these offerings with Netflix, MAX and Paramount subscriptions. Total cost with the internet service, and subscriptions is around $100 per month, this is a savings of more than 50%!
Conclusion
At first I was very apprehensive about ditching the cable TV service. I was familiar with the channel selection and had my favorites. In addition to the large volume of channels that I already watched, there are so many more to explore. I can’t imagine going back to cable TV again. I’m able to watch movies, TV shows and live TV on many platforms and services. The streaming options are extensive and the quality is better than cable TV. Streaming is an inexpensive and reliable alternative to cable. It was easy to get started. There is an option to add channels if you miss some of your favorites. I’ve had minimal issues with streaming and can access my accounts from anywhere in the world. I’m very happy with the decision to cut the cord and have access to nearly endless entertainment options.
I like to feed birds during the winter but I wait until the weather changes from warm “Indian Summer” days and nights to cool autumn weather. That’s because bird feeders can attract bears and other animals, and I don’t want to attract them to my property. When the weather turns cold, bears become less active, and it’s safer to start feeding the birds. I start with my window feeder, which is filled with premium bird seed that attracts a wide variety of birds. Next I will hang a feeder from a tree branch with seed I buy in bulk (40 lb. bag) and another with a suet cage. I enjoy watching the birds come and go, and I feel good knowing that I’m helping them to survive the winter.
Within minutes of setting out my feeder, a black-capped chickadee was feasting on the seeds and fruit. Chickadees are one of my favorite birds to watch. They are so curious and enjoy eating the seeds from the feeder. I am so happy to provide food for them and other birds in the neighborhood.
“Feeding birds in North Jersey is a fulfilling hobby, but it’s also a serious commitment. Birds attracted to your feeder become dependent on the food you provide”
rt23 staff
Black-capped chickadees at window feeder with tube bird feeder in background
I enjoy feeding the birds during the winter months because it is a welcome change from the clouds and chill of winter. I attach my bird feeder to my office window, and I love seeing the birds come and go. It is almost like having pets! I find the birds’ antics to be very entertaining, and I am amazed by the different sizes and colors of the birds that visit my feeder providing a delightful background to my workday.
I have two cats that love to watch the birds at the feeder. At first, my cats would try to pounce on the birds whenever they landed on the window feeder. The birds would take off in a flurry of feathers, and my cat would leap at the window feeder, trying to catch them but be repulsed by the glass, they would soon give up and retreat. After a while, the birds realized that my cat was no threat to them, and they would land on the feeder and eat their fill. My cat also realized that he could not catch the birds, and he would sit and watch them eat. The birds and the cats learned to ignore each other, and my cat now enjoys watching the birds at the feeder, I call this “cat tv”.
Feeding birds in North Jersey is a fulfilling hobby, but it’s a serious commitment. Birds that are attracted to your feeders become dependent on the food you provide during the winter. They may starve if the feeder is not regularly filled with fresh seed. You should also keep your feeders clean and free of mold, and be sure to clean up any spilled seed. It’s a good idea to place your feeders in an area where you can easily observe the birds, but not too close to your house or other structures where they could be a nuisance.
I start out using a window feeder. It’s a plastic dish that attaches to the window with soft rubber suction cups. The trick is to heat the rubber cups in hot water, dry them thoroughly, and rub them a bit with your thumb before attaching them to a clean glass window. A few days after the window feeder, I hang a tube feeder from a nearby tree branch. And finally, I hang the suet feeder from the tree branch when high daytime temperatures dip to about 30°F. These two feeders I keep filled until April. The window feeder needs refilling about two to three times a week,
I have three types of feeders to attract a variety of birds: window mount, tube feeder, and suet cage. I enjoy feeding the birds during the winter months. It is a welcome change from the clouds and chill of winter days. I attach my bird feeder to my office window, and I love seeing the birds come and go. It is almost like having pets! I find the birds’ antics to be very entertaining, and I am amazed by the different sizes and colors of the birds that visit my feeder. The birds provide a delightful background to my workday. I especially enjoy watching the cardinals and blue jays. The cardinals are so beautiful with their bright red plumage, and the blue jays are so vocal and active. I find it very relaxing to watch the birds and listen to their songs.
When attached to a clean window, window feeders are strongly affixed to the surface, providing an up close and personal experience. I use a premium fruit and nut mix to attract more exotic birds. The feeder is easy to fill and clean, and the birds love it!
I use a few different types of feeders for my birds (“my birds” haha). I hang a Kingsyard Metal Bird Tube Bird Feeder from a tree branch near my window. Tuber feeders are very common with a wide variety and quality. The Kingsyard Metal Bird Tube Bird Feeder has metal caps and perches with a thick plastic tube. I have used this FOR a few years and am satisfied with the price/quality. For this feeder I buy a 40 pound bag of Royal Wing classic mix wild bird food from the local tractor supply. I look for a 40 pound bag with a good mix of oily seeds like sunflower seeds. A forty pound bag will last me four to five months.
“Multiple bird feeders can attract a variety of birds.”
Another type of feeder that I use is a suet cage. Some bird’s diets require more than just seed. Suet fills this need attracting insectivores including woodpeckers. Bears also love suet, so it is the last birdfeeder I set out. I wait until the nights are cold and the daytime temperatures are below 50° F. The suet feeder attracts insectivores such as woodpeckers and wrens. I fill this with suet once a week. I buy several suet cakes and store them in the freezer until I need them. They are easier to handle when frozen because they are made from animal fat and are very greasy when warm. I find that frozen suet cakes are easier to handle than warm ones because they are more solid and less likely to crumble.
I found these tips on feeding birds from the NJDEP a bit overcautious. Although they are sensible, I don’t follow all of them. Living in the forest in northern Passaic County, we have many bears. Over the years, I have developed my own routines and procedures. I don’t wait until December 1st to start feeding the birds; I start after the first few frosts. In the spring, I wind down after my suet feeder disappears, which indicates bear activity. I don’t bring my feeders inside at night, but its true that is when they are raided. I also don’t use spill trays; there are a lot of shells, but the spilled seed is eaten by foraging morning doves and turkeys.
“Avoid feeding birds if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Birds will survive without the supplemental seed that attracts bears.”
NJDEP
NJ Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife Guidelines
– Avoid feeding birds if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Birds will survive without the supplemental seed that attracts bears.
– If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only, between December 1 and April 1, when bears are least active.
– Use spill pans to prevent seeds from reaching the ground.
– Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
– Store birdfeed within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell it.
– Suspend feeder from a free-hanging wire, making sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk of a tree.
– Do not suspend feeders off of the house or deck.
– Keep in mind that black bears are excellent climbers!
– Bring bird feeders indoors at night.
– Suspend feeder from a free-hanging wire, making sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk of a tree.
After you install and fill your bird feeder with food, it may take a few days for birds to find it. Be patient; they will eventually show up. Birds are amazing creatures. They are able to find food sources that they will return to year after year. Once they find your bird feeder, they will undoubtedly attract more birds. The same birds seem to appear year after year, remembering the location of food.
“A birdfeeder in your yard or at your window can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.”
rt 23 staff
When you have bird feeders, you can expect a mess around them. This is because birds are messy eaters, and they tend to drop seeds and other food items on the ground. They also leave behind droppings, which are a natural part of the digestive process. It’s not the end of the world, but it is to be expected.
Birds are almost crepuscular in their reactions to the changing of light. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and are attracted to bird feeders at those times. In any case expect early visitors at your birdfeeder beginning at first light.
Birds are attracted to feeders and will quickly empty them, so feeders should be regularly refilled. Birds can almost act as weather forecasters, flocking to the feeders before bad weather. It is not uncommon to see birds at the feeders in the middle of a downpour. In the winter, birds are especially vulnerable to starvation, so it is important to keep the feeders full.
A birdfeeder in your yard or at your window can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. You can watch the birds flutter and squabble over the seeds. You can learn to identify the different species that visit your feeder. And you can enjoy the beauty of the birds as they flit about in the sunlight. At the very least, a birdfeeder can help to brighten up the cold and dark winter days.
Our tomato garden, affectionately known as “Tomato Alley,” unfortunately suffered the loss of three to four plants during the unusually cool and rainy conditions we experienced in June. To address this setback, I replenished the missing plants by acquiring replacements from both Walmart and a local nursery. Recognizing that the tomato seedlings I had painstakingly nurtured indoors from seeds were exhibiting signs of stress and were somewhat undersized, I decided to intervene with a dose of Miracle-Gro. This decision appears to have been a successful one, as the fertilizer proved effective in revitalizing the plants. They have responded remarkably well, and now present a much healthier appearance. It’s gratifying to observe that all the tomato plants are actively flowering and thriving. Furthermore, the purchased plants are already bearing a promising quantity of tomatoes, and I am optimistic about the prospect of being able to resume my tomato canning tradition this year, preserving the bounty of the season for future enjoyment.
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