Vegetable Planting

A great video with the editor of Organic Gardening magazine discussing what organic vegetable gardening is all about and how to get started.  A great beginner video!

The benefits of growing cabbage have been well documented throughout history. The Romans championed its medicinal qualities, while the Greeks believed that it cured the effects of too much alcohol on the body.

A number of varieties of cabbage are available, and if you plant a range of them you can enjoy the vegetable from your own garden throughout the year.

Growing cabbage in an area that has previously been used for peas and beans is ideal, as those plants lock nitrogen in to the soil, which can be slowly enjoyed by the next occupant of the vegetable bed. Read the rest of this entry »

Fall is a bounteous time for harvesting vegetables. But what fall vegetables are the top 10 from the viewpoint of the home gardener?

1. Pumpkins

These are the most impressive. Not only are pumpkins relatively easy to grow (as long as they receive enough water) but the large varieties like “Hundredweight” are great for carving Haloween lanterns. The fruits themselves keep for weeks if stored in a cool, dry place, and could encourage small children to each healthily. Read the rest of this entry »

Growing radishes is ideal way to introduce new or impatient gardeners to the hobby. Some radishes are ready within six weeks of planting – possibly sooner if you have good weather.

Apart from taking such a short amount of time to grow, the other great thing about radishes is that they are not too fussy about where you put them in your garden. The ideal spot is somewhere that receives partial sun. If you give them too much light they will go to seed quickly. Too much shade, and they will not flourish.

If your soil is not enriched with composted organic matter do not worry Read the rest of this entry »

Many people that try growing tomato plants within their vegetable garden make the mistake of sowing the seeds far too early. The optimum time for sowing tomato seeds is between seven and ten weeks before your local last frost.

So now you know when to plant your tomato seeds, you need to know how. First I would suggest you get a fairly large container and put some holes into the bottom for drainage. Then you need to fill this with soil, well it’s not really soil, but a special seed starting mixture like Pro Mix or Jiffy Mix which you should be able to find in your local Walmarts. This type of ‘soil’ is far better for seeds as it will be totally free of harmful bacteria and will provide the necessary nutrients to your new seedlings. You will need to make sure that the soil mixture is wet before you sow your seeds. Read the rest of this entry »