Vegetables

How To – Seasons First Harvest Of Radishes

Well it is that time of year again and if you haven’t begun your garden there is no time like now to get started.

This year we were lucky to have a winter cover crop of Collards and Spinach that survived and is growing well but our first harvest of this season is our radishes.

Radishes are one of the easiest crops to grow and you can start them after there is no chance of frost …

How To – Growing Your Own Mushrooms – Shiitake Portabella Oyster

Kitchen & Housewares : Shiitake Mushroom Growing PlugsMushrooms are now playing a larger part in our diets but the cost of buying some of our favorite varieties means they are often served at special meals or not as often as we may want.

If you have parents old enough you may have heard stories about their going to the woods and gathering wild mushrooms but unless you have a decent amount of skill and training this …

How To – Inside Winter Vegetable Garden How About Sprouts

Many gardeners hate the end of the growing season because it means an end to a fresh supply of home grown vegetables.

To get around this you can setup some very nice indoor gardens if you are willing to set aside a portion of your home and provide extra light and heat for the plants in the very cool months of winter but is there an easier way to get some greens on your plate?

Bean …

How To – How Deep Should You Plant Tray Pack Vegetables?

When you are growing your garden one of the easiest ways to get a jump on spring is to grow your own seedlings or purchase them from the store.

Usually you can pick up a pack of 6 vegetables in a plastic divider tray and bring them home for quick planting. Plants of this type are available in a wide variety from Tomatoes and Peppers to squash, water melon and lettuces.

But what is the best …

How To – Grow Cucumbers

Cucumbers are one of the easiest crops for a home gardener to grow. With enough space, sunlight, water and food cucumbers will grow fast during the summer providing a variety of different uses.

From Pickling to slicing up for salads there are  a large variety of cucumbers that you can try in your garden. Although the selection may be wide the care of the plants is basically the same.

Cucumbers are actually a …

How To – Growing Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the most popular vegetables for home gardeners. Although many people attempt growing cauliflower from seed doing so will probably result in poor results for the beginner.

Belonging to the cole family along with broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, kale, kohlrabi and, of course, cabbage.

Start your plants early in spring or late summer. They like the bright cooler days  60F – 80F to promote good growth and will resist some colder days in fall.

Soil Quality
Soil should …

How To – Growing Beets

Beets are one of the easier nutritious plants to grow in your garden. Although most people stick to the beet root you can also eat the greens in salads or cook them like you would turnips.

Starting them in early spring they like the bright cooler days of 60F – 70F to promote good growth.

Soil Quality
Your soil should be well tilled to allow easy growth of the root bulb. If you have clay soil you …

How To – Soil Testing

Soil Testing is a great way to understand more about your lawn and garden. There are a variety of tests that can be performed by the home owner but a professional testing service can give you more accurate information about the chemical makeup of your soil. This is important for different types of plants vegetables and lawns.

Most plants will grow in a range of 6.1 to 6.9 ph level this means the soil …

Growing Plants from Seed

There are a variety of Annual plants that are easy to grow from seeds.

The two biggest advantages from growing your annuals from seed are enjoying the full life cycle of the plant and saving money.

If you are new to gardening you may want to start with seed packets. Most plant types available in seed are hybridized plants and will grow quickly and produce great flowers and large fruits. Once you aquire the basic …

Planting Peppers and Potted Plants

Planting Vegetables in your garden is really easy to do and will give you months of enjoyment and food. 

All vegetables are started by seed but as a home gardener you can take advantage of potted plants to reduce your germination and grow time.  Plants are available in early spring right after the last frost. Most Home Stores and Garden Centers carry a good selection but you can also purchase …