Horseradish is grown for its pungent roots. Horseradish is a large-leaved perennial plant. The leaves are smooth with wavy edges. The roots grow long and narrow, sometimes to 2 feet (.6m) long. Horseradish is best grown as an annual. In the second year, horseradish’s large roots can become tough and fibrous. For the best flavor, […] More
Mustard is a cool-season crop. Mustard matures in 30 to 50 days so time the planting for harvest when the average temperature is around 60° to 65°F (16°-18°C). Mustard bolts easily so it is often grown for autumn harvest, but it can be grown as a spring crop where spring weather tends to stay cool. […] More
The sunchoke, also called Jerusalem artichoke, is a variety of perennial sunflowers grown for its edible low-starch tuber which looks much like a small potato but tastes like a water chestnut. The sunchoke is a hardy perennial that grows from 5 to 10 feet tall. The plant has rough-textured leaves 4 to 8 inches (10-20cm) […] More
Leeks are grown for their thick, juicy, long stalks. They are a mild-flavored alternative to the onion. Leeks require a long growing season—up to 170 days. They grow best in cool, mild weather. Leeks are nearly a year-round garden grower. Start leeks indoors in winter for planting out in very early spring for an early […] 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
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
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
Ornamental onions, Alliums, are perennial bulbs that bear gloves of small purple flowers held aloft on sturdy stems in early summer. Flowers are followed by decorative buff-colored seedheads. Strap-shaped leaves fade as the flowers appear—which may detract from the flowers. Allium is a genus of strong-smelling bulbous herbs of the Lily family (including onions, leeks, […] 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
Onions and their close relatives–chives, garlic, shallots, and leeks–are among the oldest home garden plants. Allium is the genus for these crops. All varieties of Allium require loose, well-drained soil rich in nitrogen.There are hundreds of varieties of onion family plants. All suffer from similar pests, diseases, and cultural problems Good Products for Pest and […] More
Celery requires plenty of moisture, fertile soil, and a long, cool growing season. You can start celery from seed, but germination is slow–about four weeks. Sow seeds indoors at least 10 weeks before seedlings are to be set out. A better plan might be to purchase celery starts when you are ready to plant. Even […] More
Most varieties of lettuce require cool weather or slight shading for best growth. Grow lettuce in the cool part of the year, when temperatures range in the 50s and 60sF. You can plant lettuce as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Grow leafy varieties where the weather is warmer. Lettuce grows well […] More
Stephen Albert