9 September 2011, written by Benedict Vanheems Of all the vegetables our green fingers tend it is the onion that boasts the oldest pedigree. Seeds of this flavorsome favorite have been found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians. Since they are about 5,000 years old, onions are strong proof that they have been around for … Read more
As a potato grower, few things are more concerning than walking out to your lush green potato patch and discovering black dots littering the leaves. While alarming, don’t despair. Learning to properly identify and manage common fungal and bacterial diseases behind these dark leaf spots can help safeguard your crop. Key Causes of Black Spots … Read more
Potatoes are a delicious part of most gardeners’ diets. Eat them baked, fried, mashed, stuffed, or with or without a big pat of butter. They taste good any way. There are also easy ways to grow them in your own garden if you know how to take care of them properly. Once they plant potatoes, … Read more
The all-important signs your banana peppers are ready to be harvested to get the best flavor Banana peppers are the mild, tangy, medium sized peppers which can be grown in your backyard. To make the most of their flavor, you need to know when to harvest them. Banana peppers are a type of chili pepper … Read more
As a cool weather loving crop, strawberries thrive in chillier temperatures However, frigid spring frosts can spell disaster for emerging strawberry blossoms and developing fruit Knowing the temperature thresholds and methods for protecting your plants is key to mitigating frost damage. With proper care, strawberry plants can absolutely survive light frosts. But just how cold … Read more
Learn when and how to harvest spaghetti squash for the best flavor and texture. Discover the signs of readiness, essential tools, and storage tips in this comprehensive guide. Spaghetti squash is a unique winter squash with sweet, nutty flesh that separates into noodle-like strands when cooked. Leaving a portion of the stem attached when harvesting … Read more
Turnip greens are a cool weather crop that can be planted in both spring and fall. Knowing the optimal planting time for your region is key to getting a bountiful harvest. As an experienced gardener and turnip green enthusiast I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to turnips. In this article I’ll share … Read more
54 days. This is the “little sister” of the well-known Early Girl hybrid tomato. It grows bigger tomatoes than the original. Deciduous dwarf plants don’t get much taller than 3 feet, so they’re great for patio pots or growing in small areas. Fruit are 6 oz, high yields, and heat tolerant. If you want good … Read more
Enjoy the old-fashioned look of a cottage garden with Hollyhocks! They are related to Hibiscus and have the same flower shape, with big petals that overlap. Hollyhocks (Alcea) come in white, yellow, pink, red, peach, and multicolored blooms that can be single or double. To find your hardiness zone and see what trees and plants … Read more
If you want to grow your own lupine plants, it’s easy to enjoy them at home. This article will talk about the best ways to start lupine seeds outside and inside. We will also talk about the best time to plant lupin seeds and how to start them in the winter for a good harvest. … Read more