English daisy — Bellis perennis—is an easy-to-grow, short-lived perennial commonly grown as a biennial or annual. It bears colorful small daisylike flowers atop rosettes of bright green leaves. English daisies are members of the Asteraceae family. Plants grow in tufts or with branching stems. The solitary daisy-like heads have yellow disks and white, pink, or […] More
Love-lies-bleeding, Amaranthus, is a heavy-looking plant with brilliant cascading flowers. The ropey, tassel-like flowers fall from the top of the plant. Blossoms last as long as 8 weeks. Love-lies-bleeding is easy to grow. The poorer the soil the more brilliant the foliage of amaranthus; soil too fertile will result in disappointing foliage. Amaranthus grows readily […] More
Peas are a cool-weather crop; they must mature in cool weather. Grow peas in spring and sometimes autumn in cold-winter regions. Grow peas during the winter and early spring in mild-winter regions. Peas mature in about 60 days. Time your pea planting so your pea harvest comes during cool weather. That means planting peas in […] More
Sweet corn is a warm-season annual. It is one of the most popular home garden crops and one of the most widely planted commercial crops. Sweet corn is grown for its juicy, plump, sweet-flavored kernels. Corn can be eaten steamed, boiled, or roasted. Grow corn in the warm time of the year. Direct sow corn […] More
Cucumbers–natives of India–love warm weather. Wait until soil and air temperatures average 70°F each day before sowing or transplanting cumbers to the garden. While warm temperatures are required for growing, cucumbers require a relatively short season–55 to 60 days from sowing to harvest. In long-season regions, you can plant successive crops. In cool or short-season […] More
Asparagus is a long-lived perennial vegetable that requires three to four years to become established and productive. Once established, an asparagus plant can produce spears for 15 to 20 years or more. It is best to grow asparagus in dedicated planting beds–often referred to as the “asparagus patch”. Asparagus grows from fleshy roots called crowns. […] More
Potatoes require a cool but frost-free growing season. Grow potatoes through the summer in cool northern regions. Grow potatoes in fall, winter, and spring in hot summer southern regions. Here is your complete guide to growing potatoes. Quick potato growing tips Related articles: Where to plant potatoes When to plant potatoes: early, midseason, and late […] More
Organic potatoes are a great addition to any home garden. Not only are they packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they also provide a unique and flavorful cooking experience. Growing organic potatoes in your home garden is both rewarding and easy as long as you are well-versed in how to grow potatoes. Here are […] More
Polyanthus primrose is a tender semi-evergreen hybrid perennial that produces single blossoms or umbels of up to 20 flowers in spring. Polyanthus primroses are often called English primroses. Polyantha or English primroses are widely hybridized and cultivated. There are many cultivars and strains widely available at garden centers and nurseries. Polyantha primroses are often listed […] More
Pelargonium is a genus of tender perennials that includes the popular garden plant widely known as geranium. The best-known Pelargoniums go by the common names zonal geraniums, ivy-leaved geraniums, and regal or Martha Washington geraniums. Pelargoniums also include scented-leaved geraniums. Pelargoniums are often grown as annuals. They are native to South Africa and cannot tolerate […] More
Consolida–commonly called larkspur looks very much like delphinium; they are members of the same genus. Larkspur has spurred, delphinium-like flower stalks in pink, blue, or white rising above feathery, softly downy, mid-to-dark green leaves. Larkspur is a favorite choice for cottage gardens and annual borders. Larkspur is the name commonly applied to the annual species […] More
Lobularia–commonly called sweet alyssum–has fragrant white blooms from late spring to early fall. Sweet alyssum is a ground-hugging perennial, grown as an annual. It has narrow mid-green leaves and is considered invasive in some areas. Lobularia maritima is a perennial but is generally grown as an annual. The plants grow 4 to 10 inches tall. […] More
Stephen Albert