When we think of a healthy yard, we usually look up at the green leaves and colorful blooms. But the real magic of a connected ecosystem happens underground. Beneath the surface of every thriving native yard or landscape is a complex, microscopic web known as mycorrhizal fungal networks.

In Central New Jersey (and many other places, unfortunately), our suburban soils are often compacted, stripped of nutrients, or “sterilized” by years of chemical fertilizers. Our whole goal at Gardening Scout is to help homeowners and property owners “re-wild” their soil by inviting the fungi back home. We aim to provide the info and even deals on supplies, plants, seeds and other items to help them do it.

What is the “Wood Wide Web”?

Most native plants don’t grow in isolation; they form a symbiotic relationship with beneficial fungi.

• The Deal: The plants provide the fungi with sugars (made via photosynthesis).

• The Return: In exchange, the fungi extend their reach to bring the plants water, phosphorus, and nitrogen that the roots couldn’t reach on their own.

When you have a robust fungal network, your plants become more drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and better connected to the trees around them.

3 Ways to Inoculate and Protect Your Soil This Spring

If you want to move toward a more resilient, connected approach, you have to stop treating your soil like dirt and start treating it like a lung. Here is what you can do right now:

1. Ditch the “Double-Bagged” Mulch

Those bags of dyed red or black mulch from the big-box store are often treated to resist decay. In an ecosystem, decay is the goal.

• The Action: Look for “arborist wood chips.” These are the raw, shredded remains of local trees. Because they contain a mix of wood, bark, and leaves, they are the perfect “starter fuel” for native fungi.

• The Result: As these chips break down, they invite local mycelium to rise to the surface, creating a sponge-like layer that holds moisture during those humid NJ Augusts.

2. Stop the “N-P-K” Addiction

Synthetic fertilizers are like “fast food” for plants. They provide a quick hit of nitrogen, but they actually signal the plant to stop “trading” with fungi. Over time, the fungal networks wither away because the plant doesn’t need them anymore.

• The Action: This spring, skip the chemical pellets. Instead, top-dress your garden beds with an inch of high-quality organic compost or leaf mold.

• The Result: You aren’t just feeding the plant; you are providing the biological building blocks for the fungi to expand.

3. Practice “No-Till” Planting

Every time we rototill a garden bed or aggressively shovel-turn the soil, we are essentially “shredding” the underground highway that the fungi have spent years building.

• The Action: When adding new native perennials this spring, use the “surgical strike” method. Dig a hole just big enough for the root ball, tuck it in, and leave the surrounding soil structure intact.

• The Result: By leaving the soil undisturbed, you preserve the existing fungal threads (hyphae) so they can immediately plug into your new plant’s roots.

The Goal: A Yard That Breathes

By focusing on fungal networks, you’re doing more than just growing flowers; you’re building a resilient, self-sustaining system. A “fungal-forward” yard requires less water, survives the winter better, and becomes a vital node in the larger New Jersey ecological corridor.

Next time you’re out in the yard, take a look under a handful of old leaves. If you see those tiny white, thread-like structures, congratulations—your ecosystem is officially coming online.

Don’t Miss These Deals

Ceramic Toad House - $17.87 at Walmart (typically ~$20)

Your garden’s night shift pest control is looking for housing. A single toad devours 100+ slugs, beetles, and grubs per night-no chemicals needed. Tuck it in a shady, moist corner near your hostas or lettuce beds and let nature’s pest control move in rent-free.

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Olla Watering Pot - $9.97 at Walmart (typically $25)

Ancient irrigation meets modern convenience. Ollas save up to 70% of your watering while keeping plants perfectly hydrated. Bury it next to your tomatoes or peppers, fill weekly, and watch your plants thrive with zero daily watering. The 100% terracotta slowly seeps water directly to roots-drought-proof gardening made simple.

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Winter Rye Clover Cover Crop Seed Mix - 5lbs for $12.39 at True Leaf Market (typically closer to $25)

Cover crops fix nitrogen from the air, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds naturally. Get seeds in the ground so spring rains do the watering for you.

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Pawpaw Tree - $33.99 at TN Nursery (typically ~$40)

Grow America's largest native fruit in your backyard. Pawpaws taste like tropical fruit but survive rough winters. They blend banana, mango, and melon flavors while feeding zebra swallowtails.

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Winterberry Holly - $18.50 at Kollar Nursery (typically ~$30)

Plant a winterberry holly and you’re creating a bird diner that stays open all winter. When everything else is bare and brown, winterberry blazes with brilliant red berries that feed 48 bird species through the coldest months. These native beauties need wet soil, so perfect for that soggy corner where nothing else thrives.

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Stirrup Hoe - $15.99 at Walmart (typically ~$35)

Cut weeds without disturbing your soil’s living ecosystem. The stirrup hoe’s oscillating blade slices weeds just below the surface on both push and pull strokes-no deep digging, no chopping up earthworms, no destroying soil structure. Spring prep time is here-get your weeds under control before they get ahead of you.

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Shiitake Mushroom Plugs - $50 at Field & Forest Products (pricey, but these aren’t often in stock)

Turn dead logs into gourmet mushroom factories that feed you for years. Shiitake plugs inoculate fallen branches with medicinal mushrooms, nature’s ultimate recycling program. Though over our target pricing, spring is perfect timing to inoculate fresh-cut logs before the bark tightens. One successful log produces pounds of $12/lb shiitakes for 3-5 years. Installation now = harvest by fall.

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Resource of the Week

Maybe this is less of a resource and more of just a really cool project - The New York City Tree Map!

I have lived in the NYC metro area for 15 years and worked in the city for almost 13 of those years. I even had a few jobs that connected me with the NYC Parks department regularly. But I never new the tree map was a thing until I made a recent video about the unique qualities of urban trees.

The tree map has marked 888,020 trees throughout the five boroughs. That’s 540 separate tree species (did you know the London planetree is the most popular species in NYC?). It even tracks various maintenance activities happening for each tree.

Kudos to NYC Parks for such an incredible tool. I suggest checking it out and identifying the trees that you may not have seen the last time popped out of the office for lunch or visited your favorite NYC landmark.

NYC Tree Map

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Snow is still on the ground in The Gardening Scout’s New Jersey home town, but we are still thinking about our plans for spring. As always, our goal for our own properties and those of our community members is to make landscaping choices that don’t just look good, but that actively support our local ecosystem, conserve water, and save us time and money in the long run.

Therefore, we focus on native plants.

Choosing native plants a vital step towards creating a healthier, more sustainable environment. Here’s why it matters:

• Support Local Wildlife: Our native insects, birds, and other animals have co-evolved with native plants. These plants provide the specific food sources (nectar, pollen, seeds, leaves) and shelter that local wildlife needs to survive and thrive. Think of monarch butterflies and milkweed – an iconic native pairing!

  • In fact, in the Deals section below, you’ll see that the Live Monarch Foundation is giving away milkweed seeds since they’re so vital to butterfly survival.

• Water Conservation: Native plants are perfectly adapted to our local climate and soil conditions. This means once established, they require significantly less supplemental watering than non-native species, especially during dry spells. Less watering equals lower water bills and a reduced environmental footprint.

• Low Maintenance, High Impact: Because they’re at home here, native plants are generally more resistant to local pests and diseases, and they don’t need excessive fertilizers or pesticides. This translates to less work for you, fewer chemicals in our waterways, and a healthier environment for everyone.

• Protect Our Watersheds: Central New Jersey, like so many other places, is home to crucial waterways. Native plants, with their deep root systems, help prevent soil erosion and filter stormwater runoff, keeping pollutants out of our rivers and streams.

A check list to get started.

Ready to make a difference this spring? Below are some actionable steps for homeowners and business owners to begin their native plant journey.

However, this is a bit customized to USDA Zone 7, an area of the country that gets 45-50 inches of rain on average annually and experiences cold winters. New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware are among the states that mostly fall within Zone 7. Farther down this section, I have included some tips on how to adapt this check list for your particular region and climate.

1. Observe and Plan: Before you dig, take some time to observe your property.

• Sunlight: Map out how much sun different areas receive throughout the day (full sun, partial sun, shade).

• Soil: Get a basic understanding of your soil type (sandy, clay, loamy) and drainage.

• Existing Plants: Identify what you already have. Are there any invasive species you should consider removing? (Common culprits in NJ include English ivy, Japanese barberry, and burning bush.)

• Your Goals: Do you want to attract birds? Create a rain garden? Replace a portion of your lawn?

2. Start Small (or Go Big!): You don’t have to overhaul your entire property at once.

• Focus on one area: Choose a small garden bed, a border along your house, or even a single container.

• Create a Pollinator Patch: Dedicate a sunny spot to nectar-rich native flowers that will attract bees and butterflies.

3. Choose the Right Native Plants for Central NJ: Here are some fantastic, readily available native plants that thrive in our region:

• For Sunny Spots:

  • Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies.

  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Cheerful, drought-tolerant, and great for pollinators.

  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A classic, long-blooming favorite.

  • Wild Bergamot/Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa): Attracts hummingbirds and bees.

  • Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A beautiful native grass that provides winter interest.

• For Shady to Part-Shade Areas:

  • Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Delicate white blooms, great groundcover.

  • Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Unique foliage and subtle flowers.

  • Ferns (various native species): Ostrich fern, Christmas fern, Sensitive fern – great for texture.

• Shrubs & Trees:

  • Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis): Early spring blooms, edible berries for birds and people.

  • Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Stunning pink flowers in early spring.

  • Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra): Evergreen shrub, great for winter interest and bird food.

4. Where to Find Native Plants: Look for reputable nurseries that specialize in or carry a good selection of native plants. Ask if they use neonicotinoid pesticides, which can harm pollinators – ideally, you want plants grown without these chemicals. Local native plant sales (often hosted by environmental groups) are also excellent resources. In addition, local public libraries sometimes have seed libraries where you can pick up native plant seeds free of charge.

5. Prep Your Beds & Plant:

• Remove Weeds: Clear the area of existing weeds and turfgrass.

• Improve Soil (if needed): While native plants are adaptable, incorporating some compost can always help improve soil structure and fertility.

• Planting: Follow standard planting guidelines – dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensure the plant is at the correct depth, and water thoroughly after planting.

6. Water and Mulch (Initially): Even native plants need regular watering during their first year to establish strong root systems. Apply a layer of natural mulch (like shredded leaves or wood chips) to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

How to adapt this for other areas.

• Step 1: Find your Ecoregion. Don’t just look at the state level; look at the environment (e.g., “Coastal Plain” vs. “Piedmont”).

• Step 2: Use a Local Database. The National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder allows you to enter any zip code to get a list of the best plants for that specific spot.

• Step 3: Visit a Local “Chapter.” Most states have a Native Plant Society (like the Native Plant Society of New Jersey or the California Native Plant Society) that provides hyper-local lists.

This spring, if you follow this basic check list, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable yard.

Don’t Miss These Deals

American Hazelnut Tree - $24.95 at Northern Ridge Nursery (typically $35)

Plant a hazelnut tree and you’re feeding wildlife for decades while growing your own nuts. Squirrels and deer love hazelnuts, but so do you - fresh hazelnuts taste nothing like store-bought. Northern Ridge has American Hazelnut trees (2-3ft bare root) in stock and that will ship now through early March. These produce nuts in 3-4 years and feed wildlife year-round.

Buy Now

Cedar Bat House Kit - $40 at Nelson Nature Shop on Etsy

A single bat devours up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour - your personal aerial pest control squad working the night shift. This Nelson Nature Shop cedar bat house kit’s DIY assembly means you get quality cedar construction without the markup. Install it 12+ feet high facing southeast, and by summer you’ll have dozens of winged mosquito assassins calling your yard home.

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Dual-Chamber Compost Tumbler - $71.99 on Amazon (typically ~$80)

Turn kitchen scraps into garden gold without the mess or smell. This VIVOSUN dual-chamber composter lets one side finish cooking while you add fresh scraps to the other for continuous compost production. Dual chambers mean finished compost in 6-8 weeks while you keep feeding the cycle.

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White Dutch Clover Seed - $14.95 on eBay (typically ~$20)

Clover is the lazy gardener’s secret weapon. It gathers nitrogen from the air so you can ditch the synthetic fertilizers forever. Your lawn literally feeds itself while providing critical early-spring nectar for emerging bees. SeedRanch has 1 lb of nitro-coated inoculated white dutch clover for $14.95 with free shipping. Late February is prime time to overseed - get it down before the spring rains do the watering for you.

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Creeping Thyme Seeds - $3.48 at Walmart (typically ~$15)

Replace that thirsty grass with a fragrant carpet that feeds pollinators and survives on neglect. Creeping thyme blooms pink in summer, attracts bees and butterflies, handles foot traffic, and needs zero mowing. Everwilde Farms has 2,000 seeds for just $3.48 at Walmart. Plant now for established ground cover by summer.

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Native Milkweed Asclepias - FREE! (typically ~$12…but they’d love a donation)

Monarch butterflies literally cannot survive without milkweed. It’s the only plant their caterpillars can eat. Plant native milkweed and you’re creating a nursery for one of nature’s greatest migrations. Live Monarch Foundation sends 15+ free milkweed seeds (plus growing instructions) to kids, educators, and folks who need them. Just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to help save the monarchs. These aren’t just flowers - they’re flight fuel for 2,000-mile journeys.

Get Now

Bokaski Bin Kit - $45 at TeraGanix (we were looking for these at $40, but we’re highlighting now because these are hard to find right now and this feels like a deal)

Turn every food scrap - even meat and dairy - into soil gold with Japanese fermentation magic. Bokashi lets you compost what regular composters can’t handle, with zero smell and no mess. This TeraGanix Essential Kit includes everything: 4.4-gallon bucket, bokashi bran, and full instructions for $45 (was $59). Made from 75% recycled materials, it transforms your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich pre-compost in just 2 weeks.

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Serviceberry Tree (Amelanchier) - $35 at Elmore Roots (this is for folks in Vermont only since they don’t ship; you gotta pick it up at the store)

Meet the ultimate spring awakener: A serviceberry blooms with clouds of white flowers while everything else is still sleeping, then feeds you AND the birds with sweet berries by June. One tree supports 40+ moth and butterfly species, which means food for baby birds all season. Elmore Roots has native Amelanchier canadensis (1-2 ft) in stock now. Plant it this month and you’ll have America’s first spring dessert in 2-3 years.

Buy Now

Red Currant Bush - $10.95 at Northern Ridge Nursery (typically ~$20)

Grow your own vitamin C bombs in the shadiest corner of your yard. Currants are one of the few fruits that actually thrive in partial shade - and birds AND humans go wild for the tart red berries. Northern Ridge has 1-2 ft bare root Red Currant bushes on sale for $10.95. Self-pollinating, so one bush produces fruit. Ships now through early spring - perfect timing to get roots established before summer heat.

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Resource of the Week

Rutgers University has a Soil Testing Laboratory, where basically anyone can send in soil samples for a variety of tests for a small fee.

The benefits of soil testing from Rutgers’ site…

Soil testing is economically prudent. The appropriate application of nutrients and/or lime can save money. Don’t buy nutrients that your soil doesn’t need; instead, invest in those nutrients that will bring about healthy growth and yields.

To apply optimal levels of nutrients or lime to your soil, it is necessary to know the existing pH and the availability of essential plant nutrients in the soil. Having too much or too little of these nutrients or limestone can be harmful to plant growth.

Soil testing is an environmentally responsible practice. Applying fertilizer or other nutrient sources incorrectly can lead to nitrate or phosphorus contamination of our water resources. By applying fertilizer appropriately, you can ensure that you are “feeding” your plants in an environmentally friendly and “green” way.

Check out the Rutgers Soil Testing Lab page for residential properties here.

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Hi! I’m Steve and this is Gardening Scout, your one-stop shop for every tip, deal, resource or opportunity for transforming your property into a sustainable, resilient and connected ecosystem that looks great, supports the local environment and wildlife, and saves you time and money.

Every week, you’ll get a list of deals and tips in your inbox, but if you don’t want to wait and want to monitor each new opportunity as we find it, then follow us on BlueSky here. We post deals, tips and opportunities every day. We’re based in New Jersey, but we hope that what we share can be used by any community- and environmentally-minded property owner across our beautiful planet.

We’d love to hear from you, too. We’d love feedback, any new ideas, any better deals, or anything at all really when it comes to creating and caring for a sustainable and connected yard, garden, or property. Comment at the end of this newsletter, reply to this email, or email us directly at gardeningscout@gmail.com.

On to what you really want to know!

Leyland Cypress: An Origin Story

If you live in the northeastern United States, especially if you live in a more dense residential area, you’ve probably encountered the Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii). Homeowners love this fascinating tree because it grows quickly (3-4 feet per year) and can serve as a natural privacy fence.

When I first saw a Leyland Cypress, I wondered if it was native to New Jersey (or somewhere in USDA Zones 6 or 7), but it turns out it isn’t “native” to anywhere! It is a sterile hybrid that came into existence effectively by accident.

The Leyland Cypress is a botanical fluke. It is a cross between the Monterey Cypress (from California) and the Nootka Cypress (from Alaska). In the late 1800s, a wealthy landowner in Wales collected trees from all over the world for his arboretum. The California and Alaska trees were planted near each other—something that would never happen in the wild because their native ranges are thousands of miles apart.

These trees cross-pollinated, and the resulting seedlings were the fast-growing “super-hybrid” we now know as the Leyland Cypress. Because it is a hybrid, it is sterile; it doesn’t reproduce by seeds, only by cuttings.

Caring for a Leyland Cypress

If you plant one (or a row of them), they are relatively low-maintenance, but they have specific needs to prevent them from becoming a problem later.

• Sun: They need full sun (at least 6 hours a day). If planted in shade, they will become thin and scraggly.

• Soil: They prefer well-drained soil. If your yard has heavy clay that stays wet (common in parts of NJ), they may develop root rot (Phytophthora), which is a common killer of these trees.

• Spacing (Crucial): This is the #1 mistake people make. They plant them 3 feet apart to get privacy now.

  • Do not do this. These trees can get massive. Plant them at least 8–10 feet apart. If you plant them too close, they will choke each other out and the inner branches will die, leaving you with a brown, dead wall.

• Pruning: You must commit to pruning since they grow so quickly. If you don’t top them or trim the sides, they can easily reach 60+ feet tall, which can overwhelm a small backyard.

Don’t Miss These Deals

Native Wildflower Mix Northeast - $11.21 at American Meadows

Start building your pollinator paradise that works around the clock. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds need nectar from spring to frost and this Northeast mix delivers with 19 native species blooming in waves. American Meadows just dropped their 1/4-lb size to $11.21 (was $14.95). Perfect timing for February seed starting. Get those perennials established now for years of wildlife habitat.

Buy Now

Bird Wish with Auto-Thermostat - $28 on Amazon

For those in the northern hemisphere still experiencing frigid weather, birds need unfrozen water as badly as I need my morning coffee. This heated bird bath keeps water open even with it’s 10 degrees out, which is critical for winter survival. The Bird Wish just dropped to $28 (usually it’s $60+). The auto-thermostat means it only heats when needed. Your cardinals will thank you.

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Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Collapsible - $36.27 at Walmart

Water falls from the sky for free! This 50-gallon collapsible rain barrel just hit $36 at Walmart (usually $90+). Captures roof runoff so you have a chlorine-free reservoir for your garden—and it folds flat for winter storage. Spring rains are coming.

Buy Now

Elderberry Bushes - $11.95 at Northern Ridge Nursery

Plant an elderberry and you’re planting a pharmacy AND a bird buffet. The berries are immune-boosting for you, and songbirds go absolutely feral for them in late summer. Northern Ridge has 2-3ft bare root plants for $11.95 (40% under typical retail price). Ships now through mid-February—get it in the ground before spring.

Buy Now

Other Items We’re Monitoring

Soil Health

• Bokashi Bin Kits: Right now, these premium start kits with bran included are $65.65 on Amazon, which feels pricey. But these are selling fast right now.

Wildlife Infrastructure

• Bat Houses (Cedar): Multiple certified options on Amazon - Kenley, Whitehorse, INCLY. The price ranges swing wildly here, though, from $24 to $120.

Water Management

• Olla Watering Pots: Michael’s has 2.9-gallon pots for $87.98, which feels really high.

Living Lawn

• White Dutch Clover Seed: OutsidePride has inoculated varieties on Amazon for $17.99, which could be worth it.

Resource of the Week

This is a bit of a New Jersey-centric resource, but I think it can help most northern hemisphere folks with planning. Check out the Interactive Yard, a tool to help learn about the basic concepts behind transforming your yard into a environmentally-friendly ecosystem.

Check It Out

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