From the Garden
-
How to Grow Shiso
Shiso–Perilla frutescens var. cripa–is a member of the mint family. It strongly resembles a large basil plant. Shiso leaves have the tangy flavor of cumin, mint, nutmeg, and anise combined. There are two main types: green and red. Green shiso can be added to salads and is used wrapped sushi or chopped into hot and […] More
-
How to Grow Cucumbers That Are Not Bitter Tasting
Cucumbers plants that are stressed during the growing season may produce fruit that is bitter flavored. Commonly a lack of water or temperatures too cold or too hot cause cucumbers to bear bitter tasting fruit. But some cucumbers may have a slightly bitter flavor by nature. Cucumbers contain organic compounds called cucurbitacins that can cause […] More
-
Planting Parsnips
Parsnip roots can be used in soups, stews, and side dishes. (Learn more about cooking and serving parsnips, click here.) The parsnip is a root crop that can be planted in spring and autumn in all regions and winter in mild-winter regions. Parsnips require 95 to 120 days to mature and reach harvest. The parsnip […] More
-
How to Grow Hot Peppers
Hot peppers are distinguished from sweet peppers simply by their pungency or hotness of flavor. There are thousands of hot pepper varieties in the world. (This is the case because peppers easily cross pollinate to produce new kinds.) The hotness of a pepper is determined by number of blisterlike sacs of capsaicinoids on the interior […] More
-
How to Grow Melons
The cantaloupe or muskmelon is a tender, warm-weather plant. Cantaloupes grow best in very warm to hot weather. Sow cantaloupe (muskmelon) seed in the garden or set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. Start cantaloupe seed indoors about 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden. Start […] More
-
How to Grow Radishes
The radish is a cool-weather crop. Grow radishes in spring or fall for the best flavor and texture. Sow radishes in the garden 2 to 3 weeks before the average date of the last frost in spring. Sow succession crops every 2 weeks in spring and in autumn. Radishes require 22 to 70 days to […] More