Did you know the asparagus is actually a part of the lily family? There are over 300 varieties, but only 20 are edible. Growing Asparagus Asparagus is a vegetable for the patient gardener. It is a long-surviving perennial that can last up to 15 years as long as it is in a soil … [Read more...]
Storing Garlic
Garlic not only enhances the flavor for many foods but it is a healthy addition to a well balanced diet. Doctors state that adding garlic to your diet can help decrease many medical issues. Whether that is true or not, the taste is great and it is almost always incorporated into … [Read more...]
How to Grow an Avocado Tree
Grown for their lush foliage and nutritious and delicious fruit, avocado trees are popular landscape plants in tropical and subtropical climates. How to Plant an Avocado Tree Avocado trees prefer a well-drained, slightly acid soil (pH 6-6.5); they do poorly in wet soils. They … [Read more...]
How to Avoid the Problem of Bitter Cucumbers
If you have ever bitten into a bitter cucumber, you know it’s not something you want to do again. If you grow your own cukes, a few simple techniques will help you avoid bitter fruit. Why Cucumbers Taste Bitter Cucumbers contain the natural compound cucurbitacin, which causes … [Read more...]
What to Do About Squash Vine Borers
Photo found on Flickr, courtesy of La Grande Farmer's Market. Have you ever had a healthy-looking squash plant suddenly wilt and die? If your answer is yes, you know the devastation of the squash vine borer. To check for squash vine borers, look near the base of the plants for … [Read more...]
Keeping Squash Bugs Out of the Garden
Photo found on Flickr, courtesy of ILoveButter. Squash bugs are destructive feeders that attack members of the cucurbit (gourd or squash) family, especially pumpkins and squash. The insects suck on the underside of the foliage, causing leaves to wilt and eventually appear … [Read more...]
Grow Your Own Cilantro
Either you love it or you hate it. Cilantro is called pungent and flavorful by some, but soapy and distasteful by others. The distinct flavor of cilantro enhances the spicy cuisines of Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and North Africa. It has a reputation as … [Read more...]
Growing Shiitake Mushrooms at Home
Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, smoky flavor that makes mushroom dishes more exciting. When you grow you own you get the freshest mushrooms possible, and with no pesticides. Since shiitakes are relatively easy to grow, they are a good choice for the beginning home mushroom … [Read more...]
How to Grow Beets
Beets are fairly easy, straightforward cool season vegetables to grow in the home garden. They are grown for both their edible roots and greens. Beets come in not only the well-known red color, but also white, pink and yellow. Beet roots are high in Folate, fiber and vitamin C. … [Read more...]
How to Grow Carrots in the Home Garden
Carrots are hardy, cool season vegetables that are biannual and, like radishes and beets, are root vegetables. Carrots are a garden favorite, easy to grow, and have great nutritional value such as large amounts of vitamin A (in the form of carotene) vitamin E, calcium, magnesium … [Read more...]
Growing Beans in the Home Garden
Beans, which belong to the legume family, are some of the most popular vegetables grown in the home garden. In fact, beans are right behind tomatoes in popularity. There are many varieties, so you can probably find one to suit your taste. Green beans (also called snap beans), … [Read more...]
Growing Lettuce in the Home Garden
Lettuce is a popular vegetable and used extensively in both the home kitchen and restaurants. Its popularity continues to grow as people become more health-conscious and look for healthy foods to eat. Lettuce can be either a side dish or the main course and doesn't need even need … [Read more...]
Growing Eggplants from Seedlings to Harvest
Like its relative the green pepper and the tomato, eggplant is a warm season crop. It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber and a very good source of vitamins B1, B6, and potassium. Eggplant is also a potent antioxidant. Besides, it tastes great. If you have plenty of sunshine … [Read more...]
Grow Great Beans (and Keep Diseases Away)
In home vegetable garden popularity contests, green beans rank second only to tomatoes. Green beans are easy to grow, but gardeners do have to take measure to prevent diseases from damaging or destroying their bean crops. Green Bean Varieties Pole beans need support, but they … [Read more...]
How to Grow Arugula
The fast-growing cool season green called arugula or rocquette is a favorite among gourmet chefs and home gardeners. It’s a popular addition to mesclun mixes; its musky, peppery taste adds interest to salads and soups. Arugula is rich in vitamin C and potassium. Arugula … [Read more...]
How to Grow Globe Artichokes
Globe artichokes are low in calories and sodium and high in vitamin C, folic acid, and magnesium. A good source of dietary fiber, artichokes are free of saturated fat and cholesterol. In other words, artichokes are healthy food. Globe artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes are … [Read more...]
Grow Cucumbers in Pots with these easy tips
No ground for growing? You can still pick fresh cucumbers for your salad. Cucumber vines may get tangled and unruly in containers, but other than that cukes are well suited to container growing. … [Read more...]
How to Grow Great Green Beans in Containers
Green Beans and Containers Pound for pound green beans are a nutritious, productive, and easy-to-grow crop. Beans adapt well to containers, so you can enjoy their crisp snap and tender taste even if you don’t have a plot of land. Types of Green Beans Both pole beans and bush … [Read more...]
How to Grow Broccoli
Broccoli is a perennial garden favorite, and no wonder: it’s fairly easy for the home gardener to grow, can be planted in either the spring or fall, has multiple harvesting times, a healthy dose of vitamin A and D, and is a versatile food for the home cook. With just a few tips … [Read more...]
Growing Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are hardy, cool season, slow growing vegetables that are a part of the cabbage family. Despite their reputation for being despised by children, many people consider Brussels sprouts to be a delicacy. When cooked properly, they are a tender, delicious vegetable. … [Read more...]