Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad
When I was asked to write a recipe for this issue of What’s Up Yukon, I decided to call in a real expert and asked local dietician…
Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad Read More »
When I was asked to write a recipe for this issue of What’s Up Yukon, I decided to call in a real expert and asked local dietician…
Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad Read More »
Fall is the time when seeds are able to be gathered and stored. And a seed exchange is the perfect place to share some of those seeds.
Old Gardeners Never Die, They Just Go to Seed Read More »
It’s official. Apart from a few hardy species that relish cold weather for some absurd reason, backyard garden 2018 has now been decommissioned. Several less-hardy
It’s time for Mr. Green Jeans to hang it all up Read More »
I’ve always loved the smell of woodsmoke. I know this is not the case for everyone and that too many wood stoves in a small
I feel tumbled up against the advance of winter. All summer, the sun pulled me on with the force of a tearaway sled dog and…
Batten down the hatches Read More »
Hello Everybody, We invite you to share your photos of Yukon wildlife. Email your high-resolution images with a description of what’s going on and what
Living With Wildlife: Doug Spencer Read More »
As I was strolling by one of our apple shelters. They’re coming, my nose told me as the fragrance of ripe fruit wafted out of the open door
Let the apple harvest begin Read More »
One of the more interesting jobs I’ve ever held was hosting an open-line show (we secretly called it “open-mouth”) on a private radio station in
Advice to the unwise: I have the questions, if you have the answers Read More »
Mysterious are the ways of plants, and when it comes to trees, we wait until they are well and truly dead before we cut them down.
Playing possum … when trees play tricks on us Read More »
So, is this a boy bush or a girl bush?
Beautiful bushes with nary a berry Read More »
One thing that thrives up here is the humble spruce tree. Now before you shake your heads, let me clarify: I’m not talking about just any ol’ spruce tree.
The Yukon landscape Read More »
Yes, I have a toilet! It’s beside the outhouse, but we call it a flower pot!
Yukon See It Here: Jeszika Milton Read More »
Yukon fruit growers have work to do in all seasons to ensure a successful harvest come fall. In the spring this involves two main strategies: avoid early bloom and watch that weather.
Those Bloomin’ Apples Read More »
On a hot day in Dawson City this August, I had the opportunity to speak with the four artists of Weaving Voices: Bo Yeung, Chris
Weaving Willow, Weaving Voices Read More »
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in With Allan Benjamin from Old Crow Gwich’in Expressions: Gwich’in Ginjik Native Language Dinjii zhuh ginjik jihtth’ak I understand Native language Lée
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in Read More »
Cohousing is a concept that has been around for a long time, but in the Yukon it’s starting to gain interest as an alternative living
Cohousing Communities Read More »
Carrie Boles’ green thumb sprouted back in her hometown, the grassland ecosystem of Winnipeg , Manitoba. While working on a degree in cultural anthropology at
Carrie Boles – Green Thumbs Read More »
The benefits of eating local are well known and documented; it’s better for the environment, it’s better for your health, and it’s better for the
What Do You Have to Do to Eat Local? Read More »
The calypso orchid, sometimes called the fairy or venus slipper, was already blooming by the end of May and the rest will follow soon. I
Orchids In and Around Whitehorse Read More »
The light returns to the Yukon long before the heat and we’re still in the prime season of huge oscillations in temperature between day and
Sowing the Seeds of Spring Read More »
Somebody once said a gardener is just a philosopher with dirty hands and an aching back. Well, maybe nobody actually said that until I just did,
Just Planting a Seed Here, Folks Read More »
This past fall they also did the Government of Yukon Agricultural Branch’s North of 60 Conference banquet and sourced almost 90 per cent of the
Great Food from the College Kitchen Read More »
Teresa Kozakewick grew up in Alberta. Raised by a father who had a passion for food, she had always been drawn to cooking. She enjoyed
Cooking Up a Career Read More »
Potatoes, kale and cabbage is a pretty common answer to the question, “What can you grow up there, anyways?” For those of us who get
Bingeing on Brassicas Read More »
My dinner dishes don’t always get done after dinner. There is a chair in my living room that has a continuous pile of laundry to
Life is Tough with The Little Nag Read More »
The great American lyricist Maxwell Anderson summed up the imperatives of this time of year better than anyone else: “Oh, it’s a long, long while
Like the Man Said, Those Precious Days are Dwindling Down Read More »
At the downtown community garden in Whitehorse, a beekeeper tends to the newly built beehive in the fading evening light. Nearby, a gardener waters his
Whitehorse: The Edible City Read More »
‘Tis the season where giant vegetables are being harvested from gardens and potentially prize-winning jams are being churned out for display in the hopes of
Whether you have a green thumb or not, you’re invited to the Horticultural Exhibition in Dawson City on Aug. 13. Tarie Castellarin and Helen Dewell
Be Amazed at What We Can Grow Up Here Read More »
There are two kinds of gardeners in the Yukon: those who can grow tomatoes and those who can’t. With Yukoner Bob Sharp’s Solar Growing Greenhouse Kit
He built a better greenhouse Read More »
We saw the queen recently. She wasn’t wearing a crown. She was sporting a big blue dot on her thorax though. The Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association,
Here’s Your New Home, Bees Read More »
The first thing that people know about me is that I am a city girl. It’s not that I do not have an appreciation for
Diggin’ It Old School Read More »
“‘…but gracious me! It’s getting light! Good night, old Turnip-top, good-night!’ A nod, and he was gone.” So ends the sixth canto of
Don’t Turnip Your Nose Read More »
Ah, arnica. Renowned for its power to soothe sore muscles, sprains and bruises, and a common gateway drug into the wonderful world of the do-it-yourself
September always makes me think of apple picking, hay barrels, corn, and sunflowers. This summer I decided to try and grow sunflowers and even though
Planning ahead for a bounty of sunflowers Read More »
Recently we went down south for a family visit. At the time it was still very much winter here in the Yukon. Down there the snow
Training For the Yukon Read More »
Spring is approaching — it’s time for all those with a green thumb to enjoy the warm weather. The garden season in the Yukon poses
What’s In This Library Read More »
Formerly the Ramada, now the Days Inn, sits at the edge of the Whitehorse industrial area. It’s parking lot and big-box-store land, the concrete jungle
Potatoes Grow Anywhere Read More »
Anything can happen in February, weather-wise. It can be -30°C one day and 5°C a few days later. The sun can be very warm and
February Seedlings Read More »
Right on schedule, my sprout craving has arisen from where it lay quietly dormant since the fall, nestled snug beneath the desire for stews and
“There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter. One is the January thaw. The other is the seed catalogues” – Hal
Seed Catalogues Launch Dreams Read More »
Ah the glory days of a Northern summer!It’s the few short weeks when I take the covers off of the garden beds (always ready to
Home writ large and small Read More »
In spring, while we wait for the snow to melt, we check on the chives to see if there will be enough for a taste.
I was in the grocery store the other day with a friend. Picking up a bag of winter produce she said, “I wonder if they
It Looks Like a Tomato… Read More »
“Spring has sprung,” cries my body as it soaks up the sun streaming through my window at two o’clock on a glorious March afternoon. It
Winter can be frustrating for gardeners. There are days when it feels like spring won’t get here soon enough. Combine this with the knowledge that
Homemade Seed Tapes Read More »
Nothing tastes quite as good as a garden fresh tomato. Here in the North these are rare enough to find, but this past summer we
The Joy of Homegrown Tomatoes Read More »
Whether you’re in the Yukon, Alaska, or Arizona, your ground is the foundation of gardening, and that is the focus of the keynote event at
Skagway Club Shares Gardening Tips Read More »
The “art of good timing” is the age-old belief in lunar rhythms. In the old days, people would plan their daily life, from health and
The Art of Timing: Planting by the Moon Read More »
When you are looking for a tough indoor plant, sanseveria trifasciata (or more commonly called snake plant) is a hardy choice. These sturdy plants are
Hardy Choice for Low-Maintenance Indoor Gardens Read More »
Light is the main requirement for your seedlings once they have emerged from the soil whether they are flowers, vegetables or herbs. Having a sunny
Help Your Plants Find the Light Read More »
It is a good idea to find out a bit about your garden before planting anything in it. What will grow in a plot of
When it comes to organic gardening, many gardeners are not exactly sure of the definition. Beyond the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on their
Organic Gardens Live and Breathe Naturally Read More »
With the days getting longer and nights warmer, the plants in your greenhouse should be thriving. Your greenhouse plants, tomatoes, cucumbers or squash, may start
Pollination: Let the Bees Do It Read More »
With less and less time to maintain gardens, containers are becoming more and more popular as an alternative to mass gardening. Not everyone has time
Fresh Ideas for Container Gardens Read More »
When we first moved to the Yukon 16 years ago I told my family that if I would like to have a market garden. The
Dreams Achieved: The Fireweed Market is back Read More »
If you haven’t planted your garden, now is definitely the time to get growing. Remember to plant your seeds — such as carrots, beets and
Veggies Like a Warm Bed Read More »
With warmer weather, your greenhouse could be growing more than just your vegetable plants. Insects thrive in the warm humid environment and it usually takes
Rumble in the Greenhouse: Ladybug Vs. Aphid Read More »
At this point in the season, maintenance is the goal for keeping your greenhouse productive now and in the coming month. Despite the snow at
Getting Your Greenhouse In Order Read More »
With visions of Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Milkshakes — in fact, with strawberries of any shape and size — I got bamboozled into our strawberry escapade
Strawberry Fields Forthcoming Read More »
One of the more interesting characteristics of plants is that plants are affected chemically by the aroma from leaves, roots and by soil micro-organisms. Knowing
Plants Helping Plants Read More »
One sunny August afternoon, I walked into our “Tomato” greenhouse only to find my husband, Frank, yielding a machete (OK, a large knife) chopping off
Tomatoes: The Needs of the Many Outweigh the Needs of the Few Read More »
It’s been obvious to gardeners for some time that this summer has not been favourable for vegetable gardening. The lack of sunny days combined with
Salvaging a Short Growing Season Read More »
I got my seeds today! Seeds … tiny little pieces of life, stored until spring arrives to awaken them. It is this miraculous life that
Tiny Little Pieces of Life Read More »
When we moved to Whitehorse, from Saskatchewan, I had been led to believe that gardening here was next to impossible. Then I visited Yukon Gardens
Deep in Snow and Going to Seed Read More »
Edible-plant gardening is a doubly exciting venture. We all know that food tastes best when it can be consumed soon after harvest. By growing edible
Savoury Edible-Plant Gardening Read More »
They’re up … radishes and swiss chard that were planted only a week ago are now pushing up through the soil. The radishes looked like
What’s ‘Up’ in the Garden Read More »
With the snow finally gone, a gardener’s mind turns to working the soil. But, to work it too soon could leave it in unwieldy clumps,
Ploughing for Parsnips (and Other Root Crops) Read More »
With this wonderful summer heat we are having, your greenhouse plants should be growing by leaps and bounds. Once the mercury passes above 25, a
Keeping Things Green in the Greenhouse Read More »
Perennial gardening has long been a favoured pastime for Yukon gardeners. Now is the perfect time to take a good look at the perennials in
Successful Perennial Gardening, All-Summer-Long Read More »
One of the most-asked questions in regards to greenhouse coverings is: “What material should I use to cover my greenhouse.” The most important decision you
Not All Greenhouses Are Created Equal Read More »
Not everyone grows the standard tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the greenhouse … There are gardeners who love to grow exotic flowers, and orchids are
The Plant of the King’s Fragrance Read More »
One of the delights of owning a hobby greenhouse is that that there are many varieties of plants that can be grown in its warm,
They’re Not Just Pretty (They taste great, too!) Read More »
One of the delights of consulting and promoting gardening is that once in a while you stumble into on oasis that you did not know
The Young at Heart Are Growing! Read More »
If you have just one little empty spot in your greenhouse, I would consider planting just one or two peppermint plants. Peppermint does grow outdoors,
Pass the mint, please … Read More »
The Seniors Association, up on College Drive, not only has a fabulous greenhouse going, they have a complete gardening management system all set up and
Seniors Who Are Growing and Giving Read More »
Approaching the last six to eight weeks of our active growing season, it’s time to take a critical look at your greenhouse.
‘Greening’ Your Greenhouse Garden Read More »
Every gardener loves the sight and scent of fresh flowers in their garden. It is equally exciting to grow varieties of cut flowers to display
How Does Your Cut-Flower Garden Grow? Read More »
I have a few heads of cabbage and broccoli amongst my flower beds, and I check their progress almost daily. One day, recently, I noticed
Time to Reap What You Sow Read More »
A few years ago I received a delightful gift consisting of an assortment of home-grown, home-dried tomato and pepper seeds. What a delightful gift, I
This year we have been having record temperatures. With the heat, some plants start start to bolt to seed. My spinach has done this and
Give Peas a Chance! Read More »
After a great deal of research, the University of Saskatchewan has developed cherry trees that are cold tolerant to -45. Ingrid Wilcox describes several of these varieties, the best known and most successful of which is the Evans Cherry Tree.
Growing Sweet Trees in the North Read More »
The growing season is winding down, but that does not mean that gardeners need to be deprived of the pleasure of gardening. Fall flower bulbs
Enjoying Flowers in and out of Season Read More »
With harvest in full swing, I am often asked for suggested uses of herbs other than drying or freezing. To enjoy your herbal harvest year-round,
Herbal Flavour Well-Preserved Read More »
With frost nipping at our gardens, if it hasn’t already nipped in your area, I’ve been asked numerous times on the proper way to overwinter
Geraniums to enjoy … and then keep Read More »
It’s fall. I know that no one wants it to be fall, but it is hard to deny. With every season, there are vegetables that
Unearthing Harvest Treasure Read More »
From all reports, this year has been one of the better growing seasons. However, if your green thumb is still itching to do some gardening,
A Good Summer, Starts in the Fall Read More »
Getting your greenhouse ready for winter may be a matter of just closing the door and walking away, to worry about next spring, but you
Tucking Your Greenhouse in for a Winter’s Sleep Read More »
Northern gardeners understanding the concept of winter hardiness. “Will my perennial plants or bushes survive the winter?” is no easy task.
Surviving and Thriving in Winter Read More »
One of my favourite traditions of the holiday season is planting containers of amaryllis bulbs. The amaryllis is a beautiful and fascinating bulb. Among the
Following a Festive Tradition Read More »
As we approach the festive holiday season, the Christmas cacti comes into full bloom, illuminating holiday dècor with its exotic and abundant blossoms. This full-spectrum
The revered holiday poinsettia is among the most-beautiful and significant flowering plants of the holiday season. Also known as the Christmas star or Christmas Flower,
The Sacred Flower of Christmas Read More »
The Norfolk Island pine is a popular and spirited plant that has adapted to many indoor living spaces. Enjoyed for its close similarity to an
The Indoor Living Christmas Tree Read More »
Most gardeners await the spring season with the greatest of anticipation. We watch patiently for those first bulbs and perennials to spring forth into our
Spring Forth Into Your Garden Read More »
With the snow so deep, it seems impossible that spring will ever arrive. Gardeners, however, take things into their own hands and start seedlings in
The ‘Love Apple’ Needs Love Read More »
With spring just around the corner, even some non-gardeners are planning on planting a garden. I am thinking specifically of my niece, Shauna, who for
A Good Garden Starts From the Ground Up Read More »
Did you know that banana peels and eggshells help to make your tomatoes grow? When buried in the bottom of a planter or spread around
Whenever the beginning of August rolls around, I think more of harvesting the fruits of my gardening than the actual gardening. And harvesting has been
A Pre-Harvest Harvest Read More »
Everyone loves the tranquil calming nature of an outdoor water feature. Whether it be the splash of a water fountain or the soothing serenity of
Outdoor Water Features For Your Garden Read More »
Last week, I spotted a ladybug while visiting a garden in Dawson City. It was rather exciting to see a ladybug that far North and,
Unleash the Ladybugs Read More »
Understanding good greenhouse techniques encourages healthy plant growth and, as the growing season is well on its way, it would be a good time to
Maintain Your Greenhouse Well Read More »
Now is the perfect time of year to finish up summer landscape projects, prepare garden beds for the winter as well as plan for next
Getting Ready for Fall Gardening Read More »
Hey, Yukon! It’s gardening time! Time to get that greenhouse ready! If your greenhouse has a supplementary heating system, chances are you’ve already begun planting,
Get Your Greenhouse Ready Read More »
Although this year’s gardening season is winding down, next year’s season is just beginning. I heard quite a few years ago, that someone was experimenting
Next Year’s Garden Season Begins Now Read More »
Just like people, plants thrive when in the right company. Camaraderie in the garden is something one might not necessarily think of, however the benefits
Companion Planting in the Garden Read More »
One of the best types of vegetables to grow in the Yukon are root crops. Most root crops can take late frosts in the spring,
If you like peas, and many Yukon gardeners must for they can be found in most gardens, you’ve had lots of company throughout history. Dried
Taking Note of Good Peas Read More »
If you are like many people trying to grow tomatoes in pots on the patio, the windy conditions we’ve been having hasn’t helped the growth
Your Greenhouse is 2,000 Years Old Read More »
Getting your greenhouse ready for winter could be a matter of just closing the door and walking away, something to worry about next spring. But
Winterize Your Greenhouse Read More »
I have discovered that gardening is more than a past-time; it’s a way of life. For me, gardening is both therapeutic and inspirational. There is
The Joy of Gardening Read More »
Summer ended abruptly this year. When the first snowfall came, I was very thankful that all of our veggies had been harvested. Harvesting is backbreaking
A Time to Be Thankful Read More »
The sun is shining, the snow is melting off of the roof and it is starting to feel like spring. But we are still in
Reap What You Sow … Now! Read More »
The poinsettia, or Christmas Star as it is known throughout Europe, is one of the very few plants that bloom during winter and the holiday
Caring for That Christmas Poinsettia Read More »
Now that we are almost at the end of June, I find my plants are growing very fast. I’ve already harvested the first of my
Due to some travelling adventures in Latin and South America, I was introduced to chili peppers in the last 10 years or so. Approaching the
Hot Fun in the Summertime Read More »
When I think of cucumbers, I think of the idiom “cool as a cucumber” , which may be based on the fact that even in
Water and Warm Soil Keep Cukes Sweet and Refreshing for Summer Read More »
By becoming active in your garden, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while feeling good about yourself and your garden. Gardening
Get a Good Summer Workout in the Garden Read More »
With the hot weather this past Victoria Day weekend, I planted all my vegetable seeds. But my vegetable transplants are still getting the deluxe care
The Right Time, The Right Place Read More »
I decided to go with the larger package. It is a variety that has done very well in the past. It was almost funny, when
They’re getting down and dirty in Dawson City – dirty actions of the gardening kind, that is. Dawson City Community Gardens, now in its third
Down and dirty in Dawson Read More »
Wash your produce. We are taught this from a very young age, but it particularly holds true up here in the North. Some of the
Play Makers: Produce pains Read More »
Most people associate fresh vegetables with summer, especially in the Yukon. So when my cousin came for a visit near the end of October, she
One of the most beautiful seasons in the Yukon is autumn. But with that beauty comes the threat of frost. In fact, frost is probably
Facing the Frost Threat Read More »
There’s a saying Fay Branigan thinks everyone should know: “Feed your body, nourish your brain and soothe your soul through gardening.” For the past two
Like a Moving Meditation Read More »
January is seed ordering month for me. It usually involves sitting down with two or three of my favourite seed catalogues, my garden journal and
On July 30 and 31, Dawson City will be visited by two judges, scrutinizing the town in the Communities in Bloom (CiB) program, and ranking
I made my first real gardening faux pas this week. I cut down the rhubarb. All of it. Sawing through the base of the stalks
Hi! This is your micro-herd talking. You didn’t think you were keeping livestock, and we can understand that. We are really really small. But signs
Feeding Your Micro-herd Read More »
While the frost nips at our gardens, I’ve been asked numerous times on the proper way to overwinter geraniums. Of all the outdoor summer blooms,
Spend the Winter With Your Geraniums Read More »
Have you seen the flowerbeds outside the Subaru/Kia dealership? They are, in a word, immaculate. Nestled together in concrete planters, the Geraniums, Petunias and Marigolds
The Garden That Love Made Read More »
The gardening season is rapidly coming to an end, but if you still have an urge to plant something and the snow hasn’t reached your
Beautiful Reasons to Wait for Spring Read More »
Now is the time to start seeding your vegetable plants for the outdoor garden. Vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli benefit from early seeding
Get Those Seeds Planted Read More »