April Vegetable Garden
April is a time of transition in the vegetable garden. Weather extremes from snow flurries to hot weather can occur in the Northern Hemisphere. In cold-winter regions, spring weather may be weeks away. In warm-winter regions, the last frost may already have passed. Continue reading>>>>
Seed Starting In April
Getting seed started indoors is essentially the same as sowing seed directly in the garden, the main difference is that the germinating medium or seed-starting mix should be sterile and slightly damp, but not wet, when the seeds are sown. You can make your own seed-starting mix by combining sand and peat, half-and-half. Continue reading>>>>
Simple Seed Starting
Getting seeds started indoors can be as simple as re-purposing pressed-paper egg cartons. Egg carton cups are just the right size for starting seeds and growing seedlings on to size. Half egg shells and newspaper cones set in egg carton compartments will work just as well. Continue reading>>>>
Tomato Seed Starting
The optimal seed starting temperature for tomatoes is between 70°F to 80°F Seed will germinate best where the bottom temperature is about 85°F. Tomato seeds can be started in pots, peat pellets, or flats. Be sure there are holes in the bottom for drainage. Continue reading>>>>
10 Tomatoes for Small Spaces
Small tomato plants that deliver big flavor are just right for growing in small gardens and on decks, patios and balconies. Small tomato plants range in size from 18 inches tall or less to no more than 3 or 4 feet tall. Small tomato plants require no staking or caging—but you can. Continue reading>>>>
Spring Outdoor Seed Starting Schedule
Here’s a quick outdoor seed sowing schedule for spring. These suggestions are on the conservative side. Hardy vegetables can withstand frost and will grow best in cool weather, coming to maturity before the weather turns hot. Tender crops can not withstand frost. If you plant tender crops and frost threatens, use a cloche or row cover to keep them warm. Continue reading>>>>
Row Covers Protect Plants From Chill
Floating row covers and plant blankets are an easy way to protect crops from chilly nights and light frosts. Row covers and plant blankets are commonly made of lightweight spun-fabric cloth such as Reemay which lets water and light reach plants but keeps the chill off plants and warms the soil. You can use row covers to get an early start in spring and to extend the season in fall. Continue reading>>>>
Growing Vegetable and Herbs in Containers
You can grow a miniature vegetable garden. Growing vegetables in containers is an easy and pleasurable way to garden if you live in an apartment, town house, or condominium. A sunny balcony, patio, courtyard, porch, doorway, or windowsill is all you need to get your small garden growing. Most vegetables and herbs will succeed in containers. In fact, your ability to move a container from shade to sun and from a chilly location to a warm location almost assures success. Continue reading>>>>
How to Grow a Salad Garden in Ten Steps
Salad greens are easy and quick to grow and rich in vitamins and minerals. Plant salad greens—leaf lettuce, arugula, mesclun, and radicchio are a few—for harvest in cool weather—spring or fall. In warm-winter regions, grow salad greens through the winter in open planting beds. In cold-winter regions, grow salad greens under the protection of plastic tunnels. Continue reading>>>>
Best Herbs for Container Growing
Many useful culinary herbs grow well in containers. Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, common and Florence fennel, garlic, lemon balm, mint, oregano and marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, French tarragon, and thyme are excellent choices for container growing. Grow these culinary herbs in pots near the kitchen door or on a windowsill so they are readily at hand when preparing meals. Continue reading>>>>
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