Corn earworms are a bane to both home gardeners and commercial farmers alike. In fact, they cause more damage to corn crops than any other insect and are found throughout the continental U.S. In addition to corn, corn earworms eat at least 16 other cultivated crops and over 100 … [Read more...]
Corn Diseases: How to Identify and Control
Fresh-picked corn is one of the true pleasures of summer, but for many gardeners, bringing a crop of corn to harvest is a challenge. Corn takes up a lot of space in the garden and must be planted in a block so wind can pollinate it. It is a heavy feeder, requiring frequent … [Read more...]
How To Guide for Starting Tomato Seeds
Tomatoes are by far the most popular edible garden plant grown in the United States. They are grown indoors and out, starting from seed or transplants. If you're interested in starting your plants from seeds, then this information may help. Starting Seeds Early Indoors For … [Read more...]
Pepper Problems
Pepper Pests Most pests that afflict pepper plants are regional, so some may be present in your area and some may not. Most are external feeders, meaning they are visible outside of the plant (or at least their effects are). A few leaf miners or borers are also around, of … [Read more...]
Top 10 Heirloom Tomatoes for the Garden
Intro on Heirloom Tomatoes Heirlooms are any plant that has been grown for at least 50 years commercially or that has been passed down through a family for at least two generations. Heirlooms have many advantages, especially in a given area or region. They are usually very well … [Read more...]
Preserving Tomatoes
Once your tomatoes are grown and you begin to harvest them, you'll no doubt wonder how you can keep those tomatoes for the winter. Food preservation is a skill that has become rare in our grocery store society with 24/7 access to fresh fruits and vegetables no matter the time of … [Read more...]
How to Pickle Cucumbers
There is no better way to enjoy a harvest of cucumbers all year around than to pickle them. Surprisingly, many gardeners believe that pickling is a difficult, laborious process that requires a lot of canning equipment. In reality, there are a lot of ways to pickle cucumbers and … [Read more...]
Planting Tomatoes in Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets aren't just for flowers. Many gardeners, especially those living in urban areas, use hanging baskets to grow all kinds of vegetables and foods. Tomatoes are, of course, a prime pick and with the right variety and care, they can be extremely productive! Benefits … [Read more...]
How To Save Tomato Seeds
Most gardeners are content to purchase seeds or plants, grow them, and then reap the harvest. An intrepid few prefer to keep the full cycle of nature going and will also save seeds from their plants in order to keep the line going the next year. Tomato gardeners are the most … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are a popular garden vegetable for two reasons - they are fairly easy to grow and just about the whole plant can be consumed. Actually, the leaves, whether served tender and young in salads or cooked after they mature, are more nutritious than the beet root. Most people … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Green Beans
Many people consider green beans a vegetable more than a protein. Actually, they are both. Green beans, like all legumes are high in protein and fiber and low in fat. The most common type of green bean is called the "string bean" because of its fibrous contents. Snap beans and … [Read more...]
The Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Known scientifically as Cucumis sativus, cucumbers are related to watermelons, zucchini and pumpkins. Cucumbers grow on vines that sprawl along the ground. They usually grow to around 9 to 12 inches long and are cylindrical in shape. Hothouse grown cucumbers come in a seedless … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Artichoke
Artichokes are part of the thistle family of plants. Artichokes can be successfully grown in a wide array of climates; however, it is important to grow the proper variety for your climate in order to be successful. Growing Artichokes There are many varieties of artichokes … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Since they are a nonanimal food source, they are low in cholesterol. For that reason, more and more people are incorporating beans in their diets. Growing Beans Beans are a warm weather vegetable and grow best in fertile soil under … [Read more...]
The Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
The name "Brussels sprouts" conjures up two emotions. You either love them or hate them. These mini cabbage-like vegetables do have a distinct flavor and aroma. But, once you discover how beneficial they are to your overall health, you may want to reserve room in your fall garden … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Corn
Is corn a starch or a vegetable? Is it good for you or fattening? Many people are confused about corn's benefits. Corn is actually considered a grain, like wheat and rice and for vegetarians is added to a meal of tofu or legumes to make a complete protein of amino acids. But … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is often associated with corned beef or as the main ingredient in sauerkraut. Originally from China, it was brought back to Europe by Celtic ancestors and soon became a staple in northern European diets. Cabbages are hardy plants and come in a variety of colors from the … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous family that loves cool weather. Cauliflower is harder to grow than other members of the cabbage family. There are several varieties of cauliflower. The open pollinated and the hybrid are the white varieties. Some varieties might even … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Celery
Celery is part of the Umbelliferae family which is the same family as carrots, parsley and fennel. An interesting fact concerning celery is that in ancient Roman times celery was considered an aphrodisiac. Recent research has shown that celery contains androsterone which is a … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are also known by the scientific name Agraricus campestris and are actually fungi. There are a plethora of varieties of mushrooms many of which are poisonous. However, there still are a wide variety of mushrooms which may be eaten. Mushrooms may be harvested from the … [Read more...]