Swiss chard is a member of the beet family grown for its rosette of large, crinkly green leaves on thick red, white, or rainbow stalks. Plants can grow to 16 inches tall and leaves and stalks can be harvested several times over the course of a season on a cut-and-come-again schedule. Swiss chard can be […] More
Growing vegetables in containers has become increasingly popular, especially for those who have limited space or want portability. Swiss chard, also known as silverbeet or spinach beet is a nutrient-packed leafy green that is easy to grow. Swiss chard is an ideal vegetable to grow in containers because it has a shallow root system and […] More
Beets grow best in cool weather. For best fresh eating, harvest beats when they are half grown–about six weeks after sowing. Beets will still be good eating when grown to full size. Thinning beets is important: thin first when roots begin to thicken–the tops will be young and tender and can be served fresh in […] More
Turnips are grown as a root vegetable or for their green leaves, Turnips are a cool-season crop; they grow and taste best when they come to harvest in cool weather. The turnip is a hardy, cool-weather biennial grown as an annual. The turnip has a rosette of bright green, wavy-edged leaves that grow to 12 […] More
Arugula–also known as rocket, garden rocket, and roquette–is a dense, low-growing plant with long, smooth, soft-lobed, bright green leaves. Arugula is a cool-weather leafy crop. Grow arugula in spring and autumn. Arugula leaves can be harvested about six weeks after sowing seeds. Arugula plants will continue to produce succulent leaves as long as the weather […] More
Onions can be grown for their green immature stems or they can be grown for their mature bulbs. These strong-smelling plants have been extremely popular for centuries. Two main types of onions are grown in the home garden: the young, green or white, bunching sorts eaten fresh and before the mature bulb has formed, and […] More
Radishes are one of the easiest crops to grow. The radish is a cool-weather crop. Harvest radishes in spring or fall for the best flavor and texture. Radish is ready to eat as few as three weeks after sowing seeds. It is easy to understand why radishes are a favorite of home gardeners. Spring radishes […] More
Growing a winter vegetable garden is a rewarding way to extend your harvest into the colder months. With the right techniques and plant selection, it’s possible to enjoy fresh vegetables all winter long. Winter gardening focuses on hardy crops, protective measures, and soil preparation to maintain productivity despite lower temperatures. Here’s how to get started, […] More
Plant spinach in cool weather. It is well suited for the spring and autumn gardens. Plant spinach before the weather warms in spring and again as the weather cools in early autumn. (When days lengthen in late spring and the weather becomes dry and hot, spinach bolts and stops making new leaves.) Spinach can be […] More
New Zealand spinach is a perennial grown as a warm-weather annual. Plant New Zealand spinach in the warm part of the year when regular spinach will not grow. The two plants are not related but can be used fresh or cooked in the same way. New Zealand spinach is a warm-season leafy green that should […] More
Malabar spinach is a warm-season leafy crop that can be used as a hot-weather substitute for spinach and lettuce. You can follow an early spring crop of spinach or lettuce with a planting of Malabar spinach. Malabar spinach is a vining plant with thick, succulent, edible leaves. It is often compared to spinach, but it […] More
Broccoli is an edible flower. Broccoli is a cool-season crop. Grow broccoli so that it comes to harvest when temperatures average no more than 75°F (23°C) each day. Broccoli heads are clusters of tightly packed flower buds waiting to open. Broccoli is a hardy biennial, grown as an annual. It is a member of the cabbage […] More
Stephen Albert