Plants & Gardens Blog

Look for signs of microscopic life in the Garden and beyond. Read › Pondlife: How to Spot Microbes

Beware! Stinging nettle lives up to its name. This common weed's tiny, needlelike hairs contain irritating compounds. Woe to those who touch it. Read › Weed of the Month: Stinging Nettle

Spring came late to Brooklyn this year, and so did the cherry blossoms. Globally, though, April was the third warmest on record. Studying how plants and animals respond to climate variations may be help experts adapt and remain resilient. Read › Climate Change in Brooklyn: Spring

Lambsquarters is an amaranth family member. It may be a weed here, but it's an agricultural crop in some parts of the world. No wonder—it's quite tasty. Read › Weed of the Month: Lambsquarters

This noisy, colorful woodpecker was once a southern species, but now its thriving in Brooklyn. Read › Birds of Brooklyn: Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Whether born in Latin America or Bushwick, gardeners here build community and share knowledge. Read › Community Garden Cultivates Social Justice

Fallen leaves and other "browns" help create the right mix of carbon and nitrogen in your compost pile. Now is the time to gather them, but where? And what about coffee chaff and sawdust? Read › Gathering “Browns” for Your Compost Pile

When viewed under a microscope, algae are stunningly beautiful. They form repeating patterns and Read › Pondlife: Algae Up Close

These lovely speckled berries are all kinds of trouble. Birds love them, so much so that the vine has become invasive. Read › Weed of the Month: Porcelain Berry

Poisonous to people, this lovely weed provides nourishment to birds. Look for both its flowers and berries in September. Read › Weed of the Month: Bittersweet Nightshade