Figs are one of the sweetest fruits. Figs can be purple, green, yellow, or white-skinned depending on the variety. The flesh can range from gold to deep red. When ripe the moist flesh is intensely sweet and the skin is edible. Figs are easy to grow and mostly trouble-free. They grow best where winters are […] More
Pumpkins are a warm-season annual that requires from 90 to 120 frost-free days to reach harvest. Grow pumpkins in the warmest, frost-free part of the year. Sow pumpkin seed or set out transplants about 2 weeks after the last expected frost in spring. Sow or plant a successive crop 4 weeks later. Sow pumpkin seeds […] More
Broad beans, also called fava beans, are a cool-season crop. The broad bean is a bushy, hardy annual that can grow from 3 to 4½ feet (.9-1.3m) tall. The broad bean has square stems with leaves divided into leaflets. Plant broad beans, also called fava beans, directly in the garden 4 to 7 weeks before […] More
All parts of Florence fennel can be eaten. The bulb can be prepared like celery; it can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and tenderest branches can be used in soups and salads. The seeds can be used as a flavoring in baked goods. Florence fennel requires a long, cool growing season, about 100 […] More
Sorrel is a cool-season perennial often grown as an annual. Sorrel is often grown from root divisions. Sorrel can be grown from seed sown in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. Sorrel will be ready for harvest 60 days after sowing. Plant sorrel seeds […] More
Caraway is often grown for its thin, crescent-shaped seeds but all parts of the caraway plant are edible—leaves, stems, seeds, and roots. Caraway is a biennial that produces carrot-like leaves the first year and flower heads and seeds the second year. The flavor of caraway leaves and seeds is earthy, with a hint of citrus […] More
There are two types of savory: summer savory and winter savory. Summer savory is a bushy annual that grows 12 to 18 inches high. Winter savory is a spreading perennial that grows 6 to 12 inches high. Summer and winter savory share a peppery flavor, but summer savory is milder. Use the leaves of either […] More
Anise is a small herb with lacy leaves. It’s a member of the parsley family. Its leaves and seed have a sweet, licorice-like flavor. Both leaves and seeds can be used to flavor soups, salads, and sausage. They are used in bread, cookies, and candy. Here is your complete guide to growing anise. Where to […] More
You can learn how to grow lemon balm in a few minutes. Lemon balm is a perennial herb that grows best in cool weather. It has lemon-scented, mint-like leaves that are often used to make refreshing, lemony hot and cold drinks. The leaves also add a tart-lemony flavor to green and fruit salads as well […] More
The herb leaf called cilantro and the herb seed called coriander grow on the same plant. Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley. Both cilantro and coriander come from the plant Coriandrum sativum. In the United States, cilantro is the name for the plant’s leaves and stem; coriander is the name for its dried seeds. […] More
You can learn how to grow marjoram in minutes. Marjoram, also called sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram, is a tender perennial grown as an annual. The flower buds look like little knots and so the name knotted marjoram. Marjoram has a savory, sweet, pungent aroma. It is a primary herb used in the preparation of […] More
You can learn to grow thyme in a matter of minutes. Thyme is one of the most commonly used culinary herbs. Its subtle aroma and flavor add complexity to many dishes. Thyme is used in cooking to add flavor to vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish dishes, soups, and cream sauces. Thyme is often used with […] More
Stephen Albert