In Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less) I talk about using container gardens as a way to garden intensively in small-spaces. But not just any vegetable can be planted in a container and expected to thrive. “Check the mature size of the plant for an idea of whether you can expect it to […]
How to Grow Garlic Organically – Plus Giveaway!
Did you know fall is the season to plant garlic? It is an excellent time to plant other bulbs – daffodils, crocus bulbs, etc so it’s easy to remember, when you think about it that way, to plant your garlic as well. Planting Garlic When you plant garlic you aren’t planting the full bulb. Break […]
Learning the Ins and Outs of Organic Farming
I’ve seen that hard work goes a long way to producing healthy produce that works with nature, not against it. Organic farmers, you have my lifetime respect, and I will support you by eating anything your gardens produce.
How to Grill Zucchini (and Other Ideas for Using Zucchini)
Zucchini is in abundance at this time of year, especially in my parents’ garden. We don’t grow any since we have a small backyard garden, but we get plenty from them. My kids aren’t horribly crazy about eating it (unless it’s shredded and hidden in bread) but they do enjoy it grilled. And something about […]
How Do You Save Seeds from Beans for Planting or Eating?
When you are growing an heirloom variety of beans (cow peas, or snap beans it doesn’t matter) it is easy to save the seeds from year to year. These are purple-hulled peas which are called that because of the bright purple-colored hulls they produce. You can eat these fresh as “green beans” or let […]
Planting Peas in Your Home Garden
Peas are the cool ladies of the spring and fall garden. Like every other vegetable I can think of, they’re just so much better when they’re fresh from vine to plate — plus they’re easy to grow. Varieties generally fall into one of two categories: shelling peas, also called English of garden peas; snap peas, […]
How to Grow Tomatoes
I love speaking with new gardeners. Their first question tends to be “How hard is it to grow tomatoes?” For me personally, they are quite easy, but for a novice they can be intimidating. Planting is really the easy part. It is caring that takes a bit of time and a lot of patience. Getting […]
Growing Cucumbers in Your Vegetable Garden
Photo by mallydally Cucumbers (Cucumis sativis), affectionately known as “cukes”, come in many forms: bush variety, vines, lemon-shaped, yard-long types, and burpless. If you’ve thumbed through any seed catalogs, you’ll notice that they break them down into the groups such as slicing (for salads and sandwiches), for cooking recipes, and those that are perfect for […]
Pole Beans in the Garden
Pole beans are another type of beans, similar to bush beans in taste, but the growth habit sets them apart. Pole beans are climbing vines and need a support, trellis or fence on which to climb. Planting Pole Beans in the Garden Pole beans usually take longer to mature than bush beans, making them an […]
Garden Planning: How Much Do You Eat?
How much garden produce does your family eat? Plan the spring garden in a few easy steps.
Sweet Tomatoes: Provide Ideal Growing Conditions for Tomato Plants
Delicious tomatoes are a delight to grow. Support healthy tomato plants by providing good growing conditions.
Wild Wetland Produce for the Garden
Can you grow produce in a wetland? Of course! Grow blueberries, cranberries, watercress and even stinging nettles.
