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Vegetables

Flowers that Attract Bees and other Pollinators

January 8, 2024

Flowers that Attract Bees and other Pollinators

There are many flowers that attract bees and other pollinators and other beneficial Insects. I prefer using native and popular perennials, as they don’t need to be replanted every year. They are likely to thrive for some years with proper care, such as adding compost annually and periodic division when they become oversized or overcrowded. The chart below is meant as a guide to help in your selection of the colors you want to incorporate into the garden, depending on the perennial and specific variety that you choose.
The blog provides insights into attracting bees and other pollinators to gardens, emphasizing the use of native and popular perennials that don’t require annual replanting. It also highlights the importance of flower diversity and timing to ensure continuous blooming throughout the year. Additionally, it discusses the significance of leaving certain vegetables behind to attract bees and the impact of pesticides on bee populations. The article aims to encourage readers to contribute to the preservation of pollinators by creating bee-friendly environments.

Maintenance, Organic gardening, Special techniques, Vegetables

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Garden the Organic Way Book!

November 28, 2023

Garden the Organic Way Book!

The book “Garden the Organic Way” is now available in softcover and would make a perfect holiday gift or reading material during the offseason gardening months. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to organic gardening, covering all stages from being an absolute beginner to harvesting delicious fruits and vegetables. It also emphasizes soil restoration and sustainable practices. It can help plan upcoming gardens, increase crop production, and enhance overall garden productivity. It’s available on Etsy via the link provided on the website.

Biological controls, Composting, Cool Weather Crops, Crop Rotation & Planting, Food For Thought, Garden planning, Insects and Diseases, Liquid Fertilizers, Maintenance, Making Compost Teas, Organic gardening, Planning the Garden, Raised Bed and Container Gardening, Soil Improvement, Special techniques, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Right time to Harvest

Right time to Harvest

Harvesting vegetables at their peak maturity is crucial for optimal taste, texture, and disease or insect resistance. Certain vegetables, like lettuce and mustard greens, become unpalatable if they are left to bolt or overheat. The author also warns about losing crops due to procrastination, as waiting too long can leave plants susceptible to pest infestations. Quick harvesting upon detecting such issues is necessary to prevent total crop loss.

Insects and Diseases, Maintenance, Organic gardening, Vegetables

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Straw Mulch versus Plastic or other Mulches

February 27, 2020

Straw Mulch versus Plastic or other Mulches

The author discusses the benefits and disadvantages of using different mulching materials in organic gardening, with a focus on straw and plastic. Straw is highlighted as an eco-friendly, affordable and effective mulch that protects plants while regulating soil temperature. It’s also useful for planning ahead for the spring planting season. However, small creatures like voles find it attractive. While plastic can heat beds quickly and prevent weeds, it raises soil temperatures, does not allow sufficient rainwater penetration, and can harbor rodents. It’s also non-recyclable and contributes to waste. The author encourages the use of other decomposable materials like compost, coconut husks, dried leaves and grass for mulching.

Biological controls, Maintenance, Soil Improvement, Special techniques

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Ordering Seeds

January 7, 2016

Ordering Seeds

Planning and ordering seeds in winter involves deciding on the crop variety, checking which ones performed well in past seasons, and choosing a reliable supplier, preferably offering organic seeds. Potentially damaging factors like dealing with disease-prone varieties it’s best to use F1 varieties and staying away from today’s controversial genetically modified (GMO). Some companies sell seeds with fungicides that destroy soil microorganisms, shifting you away from organic growing. The advice emphasizes awareness of seed viability and endorsements against using harmful GMO seeds.

Crop Rotation & Planting, Garden planning, Planning the Garden, Vegetables

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Factors that Influence Watering

January 3, 2016

Factors that Influence Watering

The amount of water necessary for a garden depends on factors such as the type of soil, weather, vegetables being grown, mulch used, and watering mechanism. Sandy soil drains quickly and needs more water, while clay soil retains water longer. Mulching can help conserve water, especially in hot summer months. Certain vegetables require more water during key growth periods, while others tolerate dryness. The application of organic matter can facilitate better soil percolation and moisture retention, while breed selection can match watering needs to the garden’s conditions.

Maintenance, Soil Improvement, Special techniques, Vegetables

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Carrots are Not Germinating?

November 9, 2015

Carrots are Not Germinating?

Carrots have a slow germination rate, taking up to 30 days to germinate. It is recommended to use a fast-germinating companion plant like radishes or mark the seeding spot. More insights can be obtained from the book ‘Garden the Organic Way’ or the respective YouTube gardening videos.

Cool Weather Crops, Garden planning, Organic gardening, Special techniques, Vegetables

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Growing Sorrel

November 5, 2015

Growing Sorrel

Sorrel, a perennial herbaceous plant, belongs to the buckwheat family with two common types being Garden and French sorrel. It is recognized for its citrus or sour flavor, and its leaves add a tangy taste to salads. Sorrel is hardy, adapted to various climates and its roots are invasive, thriving even in poor soil conditions. It grows best in moist, sandy soil, and its leaves should be harvested when young for a milder flavor. It’s recommended to eat in small quantities due to the high level of oxalic acid.

Cool Weather Crops, Vegetables

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Growing Broccoli

September 8, 2015

Growing Broccoli

Growing broccoli, a nutrient-rich superfood from the cabbage family, requires special care. It thrives in full sun, cooler weather, and well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Over-fertilizing or neglecting watering habits can hinder growth. Transplant indoors-grown broccoli outdoors once it has true leaves. Conversely, direct seed outdoors for fall harvest. Different varieties mature at different times, thus enabling a stretched harvest season. However, they face threats from pests like cabbageworms, flea beetles, and cutworms, so protective measures are necessary. Some recommend a three-year family rotation to prevent disease buildup.

Cool Weather Crops, Insects and Diseases, Organic gardening, Vegetables

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Growing Collard Greens

August 29, 2015

Growing Collard Greens

Growing Collard Greens is simple and rewarding due to their high nutritional value. These leafy vegetables prefer cool weather and are adaptable to a range of soil pH levels. They are susceptible to common cabbage family pests and diseases but can be protected with a floating row cover and crop rotation. For optimal taste, harvest them after the first frost.

Cool Weather Crops, Special techniques, Vegetables

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How To Grow Cauliflower

August 25, 2015

How To Grow Cauliflower

How To Grow Cauliflower Cauliflower is a member of the Brassica family (cabbage family) that grows in the cool season. It requires good timing in order to get the cauliflower to develop. If planted late in spring, it may get too warm, and then the …

Cool Weather Crops, Vegetables

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How To Grow Corn

August 13, 2015

How To Grow Corn

The article provides a comprehensive guide on growing corn, noting its origin, nutritional value, and various types. It emphasizes the role of appropriate space, fertility, and weather in corn cultivation. It also explains the prevention measures for cross-pollinating different corn varieties and GMO corn. The article offers tips on planting schedules for continuous harvests, fertilization, weeding, and harvesting techniques. It also mentions the traditional three sister planting method.

Insects and Diseases, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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How To Grow Sweet Potatoes

How To Grow Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, native to South America, are diverse; some resemble yams, and others, “Jerseys”, which cater to northern climates. They thrive in warm conditions, are drought-resistant and require well-drained soil. Plant slips derived from stored sweet potatoes in fertile soil and maintain adequate lighting and temperature for growth. These vegetables need periodic fertilization but refrain from pruning. During dry summers, water them thoroughly and reduce water prior to harvest to prevent rot. The whole plant is edible and can be harvested around 85 days post-planting. Ideally, sweet potatoes should be cured for 4-8 days before storage.

Organic gardening, Raised Bed and Container Gardening, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Growing peppers

Growing peppers

Peppers, originating from Latin America around 7500 BC, come in a wide variety of types and heat intensities, determined by the concentration of capsaicinoids. Growing peppers requires sunlight, well-drained soil, and ample space, and the plants may be susceptible to aphids and diseases like the cucumber mosaic virus. Harvest time varies from fifty to ninety days, usually depending on the pepper variety. Extreme heat peppers, reaching up to 2.2 million heat units, are even consumed by certain interest groups.

Organic gardening, Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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Growing Watermelon

Growing Watermelon

Growing watermelons during summer requires adequate sunlight, warmth, nutrition, and moisture. They should be planted with ample humus. Proper spacing depending on the variety is essential. Planting should take place once the soil warms up to 70° F. Use trellising to conserve space for smaller varieties. The fruits should be harvested when ripe, as they don’t post-harvest ripen. Challenges include controlling pests and diseases that can be mitigated through plant care and using resistant varieties.

Vegetables, Warm Weather Crops

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