The Gardener's Speakeasy

06/23/2026

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05/31/2026

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05/26/2026

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05/09/2026

Wildlife in your garden is a good thing!

They are natural gardeners and habitat creators. But these creatures don't get much respect. It's time for that to change.

04/07/2026

What's better than your average garden hoe? A hori hori!

Pardon the rude joke, but it has to be said 😆

You will never go back to a traditional hand trowel once you discover the multifunctional hiring hori garden knife! So sharp on both sides you could use it in a kitchen! Cuts through roots and other things no problem!

02/22/2026

I'm not big on recording my own video content to document my gardening and horticulture adventures but there are those who have. Here is another video I think you may find helpful in determining which viral "new" method to try this growing season.

As an experienced soil-blocker, I can say that I agree with most of what she has concluded about both. However, soil blocking wins hands down every time for me. They have a bit of a learning curve and require a small investment (unless you share!) to get started but worth it long-term. After all, that's what conservation and sustainability are about, the long-term benefits such as: plant health, amount of waste, cost, time, labor, success and frustration, etc...

In addition, there are also benefits that aren't as easily measured such as the joy you get from it. Making soil blocks with your hands is fun! A bit like playing in the mud as a child. Getting your hands in the soil and learning the biology of the process is grounding and educational and stimulates critical thinking. It's also visually appealing and gives you a sense of encouragement, satisfaction and wonder on a level that a snail roll cannot match. With soil blocks you are not only aware of the top growth but the root growth and health as well. The ability to eliminate one time use products or unnecessary packaging materials (although they are being repurposed before their final demise) is also very pleasing to the soul and mind.

Which seed starting method worked better to start my vegetable seeds for the spring garden? After trialing both the soil block and the seed snail, I decided ...

02/21/2026

Prairie species for the win over turf species!

Prairie seeds, seedlings and mature plants will soon be available for purchase at the Speakeasy!
Education and guidance on starting your own micro prairie 🌾🌼 or converting your lawn is always FREE and provided with great enthusiasm 😉

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Do you know the Big 5 grasses?

Commonly referred as the "Big 5," these are some of our most common prairie grasses in Kansas: Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Switchgrass, and Sideoats Grama. They provide critical habitat and cover to our native wildlife and also help improve soil quality, increase moisture retention, and numerous other benefits!