Origanum – commonly called Marjoram or Oregano–is a rhizome-spreading perennial with small, simple, aromatic gray-green leaves. The leaves are topped by spiked whorls of small, tubular white or pink to purplish flowers in summer. The flowers resemble miniature pinecones. Origanum is a genus of 20 species of perennials and small subshrubs. Many are grown as annuals or biennials. […] More
Oregano is a strong-flavored herb sometimes called wild marjoram (it is closely related to sweet marjoram). Oregano leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor many cooked foods including tomatoes, sauces, salad dressings, and marinades for grilled meats. The flavor of oregano is pungent, spicy, and sometimes bitter. Oregano is often used in Spanish and […] 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
Growing an indoor herb garden is an excellent way to have fresh herbs readily available all year round. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a small indoor space with artificial light, you can cultivate various herbs indoors by following the right techniques and choosing suitable herbs. Here’s how to start an indoor herb garden, […] More
Adding edible perennials to your garden will give you many years of harvest pleasure. Asparagus, artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, rhubarb, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and perennial herbs are easy-to-grow perennial edibles. Planning to plant perennial crops Perennials live in one place for several years and have different management needs than annuals. Dedicate specific growing spaces to each […] More
Dried beans are cooked and served in many ways–in salads, soups, casseroles, stews, and chilis. Dried beans can be served alone or as a side dish with meat or pasta or rice. Dried beans are commonly boiled and then sometimes baked or refried. Dried beans are beans whose seeds are dried and shelled after reaching […] More
Herbs are not difficult to grow. Most herbs belong to the parsley, the mint, or the daisy families. Most plants in these families germinate readily and can be raised without any special horticultural skill. Most herbs thrive in well-drained, sunny, loose soil that is not too rich. The planting bed for herbs should be prepared […] More
Marjoram and oregano and oregano and marjoram. Have you noticed that these two spicy herbs are inseparable when you go to cooks’ reference books? The reason is that marjoram and oregano are generic names for two frequently interchanged (but different) herbs. Both are small aromatic shrubs that grow to approximately 2 feet (.6 m). Both […] More
Vegetables grown for their leaves and roots are the best choices for shady gardens. Salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and celery can be grown in shaded gardens. Roots crops such as beets, leeks, potatoes, and turnips can be grown in shady gardens. A garden site that receives as few as two hours of […] More
Pot up herbs for fragrant, fresh green leaves indoors in winter. Herbs set on a sunny window sill through the winter can be used at any time. While herbs are at their best in a sunny garden, many will grow quite well in containers indoors. When winter comes there is often no choice but to […] More
Planting a container vegetable garden is not much different than planting your in-ground vegetable or kitchen garden. The same seasonal requirements apply–plant cool-season crops in early spring or late summer; plant warm-season crops in spring and summer. Because your container garden space is limited in size–including the depth of the soil for root growth–first, select […] More
Chives are a hardy cool-weather perennial plant, a relative of the onion. The tips of chive leaves have a mild onion flavor. Adds chives to salads and as a garnish for many cooked dishes. Chives have slender, round, hollow grass-like leaves 6 to 10 inches long. Globe-like pinkish-purple flowers shoot up in spring on stalks […] More
Stephen Albert