Author Pamela Ruch

Pamela is a horticulturist and garden writer living in Emmaus, PA. Formerly the test garden manager for Organic Gardening magazine, she tends vegetables and ornamentals for public and private gardens. Learn more about her here.


Bernzomatic Lawn and Garden Torch (JT850)/Flame Weeder: Product Review


The Bernzomatic Lawn and Garden Torch effectively kills stubborn weeds in sidewalk cracks and other hard-to-manage areas without bending, crouching or getting your hands dirty. Control is longer lasting than with weed whacking, far less effort than manual weed removal, and doesn’t use toxic chemical weedkillers. The torch is lightweight and easy to handle. The downside is that it relies on propane and flame, albeit in small amounts, which presents some risk. Continue Reading


Allsop WheelEasy™ Foldable Garden Cart: Product Review


The Allsop WheelEasy Folding Garden Cart is lightweight, maneuverable, durable, well constructed, and easy to store. It carries a lot of weight (350 lbs.) and is as easy to dump as a standard wheelbarrow (just a little different – it’s a side dump vs. an over the top dump). I like it so much that is has become a go to tool for raking up yard debris for Spring and Fall cleanups and moving compost Continue Reading


TreePans: Product Review


Overall, the TreePan worked as promised. It takes a little practice to put it together but once it’s in place it doesn’t require any work. It protected the tree I placed it around and the tree is now thriving. TreePans are made in the USA from recycled plastic that stands up well to the elements and requires no maintenance. Plus they’re reusable. However, some home gardeners may find that the appearance of the TreePan doesn’t Continue Reading


A.M. Leonard Classic Soil Knife: Product Review


The Classic Soil Knife from A.M. Leonard is a quality tool with some nice improvements over the traditional hori hori. The contoured handle is easy to grip and keeps your hand firmly in place while using the knife. Plus, the bright orange color makes it easily visible. However, I’d upgrade to the Deluxe Soil Knife to take advantage of the better serrated edge and depth markings (they come in handy for planting small bulbs and Continue Reading


Gronomics Vertical Garden Bed: Product Review


Why use a vertical garden? Because your gardening space is limited; because you live in an urban setting without access to uncompacted, uncontaminated soil; because you like the looks of a green wall. Whatever your reasons, options for vertical gardening are somewhat limited, and most fall into the DIY category. The Gronomics Vertical Garden Bed is a ready-to-use space-saver. And it comes pre-assembled! All you need is soil. Continue Reading