Why onions care how long the day is

Why onions care how long the day is

An onion row in March does not look like much to brag about. The plants are thin, blue-green, and a little awkward, each one a narrow tuft set into cold soil. They do not sprawl like squash, gleam like peppers, or make the quick promises of radishes. A young onion looks almost underbuilt for the job ahead. Then summer arrives…

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The flowers that wait for longer nights

The flowers that wait for longer nights

In early September, the garden can seem to be making two decisions at once. Tomatoes are still softening on the vine, basil still wants one more pinch, and the soil still holds summer warmth. Yet at the edge of the border, the late flowers have begun to listen to a different instruction. Asters gather their purple buds. Garden mums tighten…

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