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Hi, I’m in 10a and dealing with a couple species of invasive grasses. Whenever I pull a bunch or rhizome I’ve been throwing it away, but recently started wondering if I can create weed tea out of it instead? For context I’m talking about cogan and torpedo grass. Is there a risk of those grasses / seeds surviving a weed tea bucket? If so, how long does it need to sit before it fully decomposes? The last thing I’d want to do is spread those invasives around my garden. Thanks!

Hello all! I just moved into a house that has English Ivy all over the front yard. It’s climbing on the fence and strangling the two rose bushes and small maple tree.

As of now, I am thinking I will want to completely remove the English Ivy and have a few questions that I am seeking advice on:

1) Any advice for English Ivy removal? Sounds like determination and the right digging/picking tools are the way to go…

2) I am looking to find a less aggressive vine to grow on the fence. I live in New York and the fence is chain-linked. Ideally it would be nice to find something that is evergreen for neighbor privacy. I love Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) and have also been exploring growing Clematis (Clematis virginiana)or Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica). My priority is something low maintenance and a vine that tends to stay on the fence rather than crawl onto other plants and the ground.

3) I am doing some Rose rehab! I am beginning by pruning the rose and cutting it back so it can get light, etc. Looking for additional Rose care specific resources.

Thanks for your time and grateful for any feedback or advice!

We’re just about to get some chickens, and I’m keen to give them rainwater rather than tap, but I’m a little concerned that something is up with my rainwater.

I have a pump that moves any rainwater on my roof to a 6000L holding barrel. This barrel is big and black. While it does sit in sunlight, I was told this was not a concern. I also have an air stone running 24/7 to ensure it doesn’t go stagnant.

Whenever I use the water, the first bit smells – not awful, but not super either – although the smell then dies down. The water itself tends to be a bit murky; however, when I emptied the tank this winter, there was a bit of mud and muck in the bottom, but really, very little.

The water doesn’t seem to be hugely contaminated, but it still has a distinct smell and colour. Can anyone suggest what else I might need to do in my system to ensure this water is OK for the chickens to drink?