Stephen Albert
Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.
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Garden Grow Bag Sizes
Grow bags used for growing vegetables and other plants are commonly sold by the volume of soil they will hold. Bag dimensions will allow you to plan where the grow bags will fit in your space—balcony, deck, patio, or garden. Choose a grow bag that is the right size for the vegetables, berries, fruit trees, […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Rhubarb
Rhubarb is grown for its leaf stems (called petioles) which are thick and fleshy. The stems are colorful—cherry-red to deep red and sometimes green–and tart. They are used in jams and pies—with plenty of sugar added—and are often matched with the sweetness of strawberries. Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that requires a dedicated growing spot […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbage is a large group of cabbages that can be divided into two categories–heading and non-heading leafy greens. The heading types include Napa cabbage–also called Hakusai, Michili, celery cabbage, and Pe Tsai. The non-heading types include Bok Choy (also called Pac Choi or Pak Choi) and Mei Qing Choi (sometimes called Baby Bok Choy). […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Beets
Beets are a cool-weather crop. Beets can again be planted 2 to 3 weeks before the last average frost date in spring or in late summer or early autumn 6 to 8 weeks before the first average frost in autumn. Beets can be grown as a winter crop in mild-winter regions. Beets are biennial plants […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Cauliflower
Cauliflower is grown for its edible flower buds that form a solid head atop single stalks. The heads are edible raw or cooked. While cauliflower is perhaps the most delicious member of the cabbage family, it is also the most finicky to grow in the home garden. When the conditions are right, even the novice […] More
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in How to Grow, Legumes, Plant
How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peas
Peas are easy to grow. And, there are many kinds of peas to choose from. Garden peas–or English peas as they are sometimes called–are available in both bush and climbing varieties. They are eaten after being shelled. Snap and snow peas have edible pods. Snap peas are full, sweet, and crunchy–and can be eaten pod […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Lettuce
Crisp, tender lettuce is perhaps the most desirable of all salad plants. For the best flavor and texture, it is best grown with close attention to moisture, soil, and climatic requirements. Lettuce was originally a Eurasian annual; it has been developed into many varieties and cultivars with dozens of forms. For the home gardener lettuce […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Onions
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. Today there are two main types of onions that are grown in the home garden: the young, green or white, bunching sorts eaten fresh and before the mature […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Carrots
Carrots are among the easiest garden vegetables to grow—and the most bountiful–given the right conditions. Carrot culture is very simple. Sow the seeds rather thickly and thin the plants to 3 to 4 inches apart. If the soil is nutrient-rich and loose, there will be no trouble with root development. Remember, young, tender, quick-growing carrots […] More
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How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts–called sprouts by some and thousand-headed cabbage by others–is a peculiar member of the cabbage family. It is an erect, thick single-stalked plant with a leafy top and at the base of the lower leafstalks appear “buttons” or buds that are small, miniature cabbage head-like balls. The sprouts are eaten cooked as a side […] More
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Okra Seed Starting Tips
Okra is easily grown from seed. Okra is a tender, warm-weather annual that requires midsummer warmth and almost tropical heat for the best growth. Okra is native to northern Africa and is a favorite among southern gardeners in the United States. Plant okra directly in the garden a few weeks after all danger of frost […] More
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in How to Grow, Legumes, Plant
How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peanuts
Peanuts are easy to grow if you live where there are long, hot summers of at least 4 months (5 is better). The peanut is a warm-weather perennial that is usually grown as an annual. It requires 120 to 130 frost-free days to reach harvest. The peanut is an odd and interesting plant. It grows […] More
