Tomatoes are the most popular home-grown crop in the world. However, they are only able to grow in a narrow temperature range. Growing tomatoes indoors solves that problem. Why Use A Grow Light For Tomatoes? Light from windows is seldom sufficient to grow good tomatoes, whether you are starting seeds or growing the whole plant … Read more
Tomatoes grow great in containers if they have the proper soil to grow in. What do you use? Here are my thoughts on potting soil for tomatoes in containers. Why Use Potting Soil For Tomatoes In Containers? The temptation is to just scoop some topsoil into a pot and plant your tomato in that. However, … Read more
Tomatoes are grown in more home gardens than any other plant. What if you don’t have room to grow tomatoes? Consider using grow bags. Are Grow Bags A Good Way To Grow Tomato Plants? Grow bags are a great way to grow tomato plants if the grow bag is large enough. Tomato plants have extensive … Read more
Bok choy is a popular type of Chinese cabbage. It is a member of the Brassica family, along with cabbage, broccoli, and others. Why Does Bok Choy Need Companion Plants? The idea of companion plants is that certain plants help or harm other plants. Helpful ones should be planted together, while harmful ones should be … Read more
Growing your own cucumbers is very satisfying. Unfortunately, I get lots of cucumbers and can’t eat them all fresh. Canning the cucumbers into pickles is a good way to preserve them for later use. Here is a guide to the best cucumber varieties to grow for making pickles. Some of them also make good eating when … Read more
When it comes time to select cucumbers for your garden, you’ll have hundreds of varieties to choose from. Where do you start? How do you pick? One way to narrow your options is by deciding what type of cucumber you’d like to grow. Do you want a short and squat pickler, a thin-skinned English type, … Read more
Cucumber vines can be trained to grow up trellises, down from balconies, and in hanging baskets to save space and keep the fruit clean. They can also be allowed to sprawl on the ground if you have lots of room. In any case, you may wonder what the best vining cucumbers are to grow. Vine … Read more
Cucumbers are a popular fruit to grow in the home garden. However, they take up a lot of space in the garden or have to be trellised to keep them healthy. If you do not have a lot of space or don’t want to mess with a trellis, a bush cucumber might be for you. … Read more
There seem to be two types of people: those who think cucumbers just taste like crunchy water and those who know these vegetables can be packed with flavor. No matter what camp you fall into, finding the best tasting cucumbers can change your opinion of these summertime treats. We’re pushing aside the bland, watery, and … Read more
Cucumbers are grown by a lot of people. Unfortunately, cucumbers are plagued with a variety of problems. This guide will give you the most common reasons for your plants to wilt and die. When Will Wilting and Dying Happen? Cucumbers are most vulnerable to wilting and dying when they are seedlings. They do not have … Read more
Cucumbers can cause people to burp, which is embarrassing. However, breeders have created cucumbers that cause fewer burps, called burpless cucumbers. Here is everything you need to know to grow burpless cucumbers. Quick Growing Guide for the Burpless Cucumber Plant Type Annual Resistant to Varies by variety USDA Hardiness Zone 2a-11b Maintenance Moderate Season Late … Read more
Next to tomatoes, cucumbers are the most common vegetable grown in home gardens. There are many varieties of cucumbers. ‘Kirby cucumber’ is a general term for pickling cucumbers. Quick Growing Guide for the Kirby Cucumber Plant Type Annual Resistant to Varies by variety USDA Hardiness Zone 2a-11b Maintenance Moderate Season Late spring through frost Soil … Read more
Cucumbers are one of the most popular things to grow in the home garden. They are very good for you when harvested and stored properly. Why Should We Harvest Cucumbers Properly? Cucumbers are harvested when immature. It can be a bit tricky to determine when to harvest them. However, you need to learn for three … Read more
Many gardeners consider tomatoes must-have plants. I mean, who doesn’t picture that juicy BLT or a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce when they think of summer? But here’s the scoop: getting those tomatoes to thrive isn’t as simple as sticking them in the ground and crossing your fingers. These plants are a bit high-maintenance. If … Read more
Most people grow pumpkins to eat and enjoy. Unfortunately, while not all ants are bad, some sting like fire ants. So you may be wondering, “How do I keep ants off my pumpkin plants?” Fire ants hurt when they sting you as you work in your pumpkin patch. Other ants may protect pests that damage … Read more
Whether you want to try your hand at making pickles or are looking for a refreshing snack to help you beat summer’s heat, cucumbers are the answer. And it’s hard to beat a homegrown cucumber. One way to grow healthy cucumber plants at home is by practicing companion planting. This involves designing your garden in … Read more
When you think of home-grown veggies, tomatoes are likely the first thing to come to mind. And for good reason! Eating a juicy tomato fresh from the garden is nothing like biting into the sad excuse of a tomato you often find in the store. And this flavor difference is just one reason why tomatoes … Read more
More and more people are growing their own vegetables. However, vegetables need to be fertilized, and the many fertilizers available can be confusing. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about fertilizing your vegetable garden. Why Fertilize Vegetable Gardens? Vegetables are heavy feeders because it takes a lot to make the vegetables … Read more
You can grow cucumbers even if you do not have a lot of land. Cucumbers can be grown in containers with a little care. This guide tells you how to do that. Types of Cucumbers to Grow in a Pot Cucumbers can be either pickling cucumbers or slicing cucumbers. Pickling cucumbers have bumpy skin. They produce … Read more
Whether you enjoy a fresh salad or crisp greens on top of a sandwich, there’s nothing quite like growing your own lettuce. While most people think of planting lettuce in an outdoor garden, you can also grow lettuce indoors! Growing indoors allows you to enjoy homegrown salads, even if you don’t have access to an … Read more
There are few vegetables as widely loved and easy to use as lettuce. However, growing lettuce isn’t always as easy as eating it. Hot and cold temperatures, heavy rains, and poor soil have led some people to explore growing lettuce hydroponically. This method involves growing lettuce in a nutrient solution rather than in the ground. … Read more
Lettuce’s simple growth form and flexibility in the kitchen makes it a must-have garden crop. Another thing that’s great about lettuce is that it plays nicely with lots of other crops. By interplanting lettuce with other types of plants, you can increase soil diversity, attract beneficial insects, and help prevent disease. Read on to learn … Read more
Not only are tomatoes the most widely consumed vegetable in the world, they are the “quintessential” crop for backyard gardeners. However, many pests find tomato fruits and plants as delectable as we do. Many different pests attack tomato plants from the time they first emerge from the soil to the time that your tomatoes are … Read more
Cucumbers have been grown as food for millennia – more than 3,000 years according to cave excavations. They have persisted as popular vegetables and are a favorite of backyard gardeners. Cucumbers were one of the top five garden vegetables in the US as of 2014 according to David Trinklein of the University of Missouri. Unfortunately, … Read more
Romaine lettuce, also known as cos lettuce, is known for its crunchy midrib and upright growth habit. It’s frequently used in Caesar and tossed salads but can also be thrown on the grill! Along with being a delicious addition to the kitchen, it’s also a popular lettuce to grow at home. In my experience, romaine … Read more
Corn is grown by a lot of home gardeners. There are many pests and diseases that attack corn. Planting corn with good companion plants can improve yields and reduce problems. The famous three sisters (corn, beans, and squash) have been planted together for hundreds of years. Here are the best companion plants for corn and … Read more
If you’ve ever compared a tomato purchased from the grocery store in the winter with a tomato picked off the vine in the summer, you likely know there’s a wide variation in tomato flavors. And that’s why it helps to learn about the best tasting tomatoes! Tomato variety plays a big role in what a … Read more
While there are some great jarred and canned tomato sauces available, there’s nothing quite like cooking down fresh tomatoes to make your own sauce. Not only does homemade sauce taste delicious, but it allows you to control the ingredients and feels your kitchen with an alluring fragrance. Some people say that making sauce is a … Read more
Turnips are grown both for their green leaves and for the starchy swelling above the roots. Both the greens and roots are vulnerable to pests. Here are some good companion plants that turnips will grow well with, and some that you should not plant them nearby. Why Do Turnips Need Companion Plants? Here are some … Read more
Leeks are an allium, in the same family as onions and garlic. Like other alliums, leeks have a strong odor. Many plants benefit from being planted near leeks. Other plants benefit from leeks when planted near them. Here are the best companion plants for leeks and the ones not to plant near leeks. Why Do … Read more
Radishes are one of my favorite crops to grow in the garden. They’re quick to mature, come in various colors, and are easy to tuck into empty spaces. Plus, many people love them! Whether you pickle them for tacos, cut them in half and dip into ranch dressing, or put a few thin slices on … Read more
If you’ve never had garden-grown celery, watch out! While celery sometimes gets a reputation for being flavorless and watery, fresh celery is packed with flavor, crunch, and nutrients! This crop can be a bit challenging to grow due to its long time to maturity, need for lots of water, and susceptibility to pests. However, with … Read more
Artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus) are a long-lived perennials. Since artichokes live so long, you should make certain that you only plant things near them that are good companions. This guide discusses what you should plant around your artichoke to help it grow and what plants to avoid. Note: This article deals with artichokes. Jerusalem … Read more
Rhubarb is grown for its fleshy stalk. The leaves are poisonous and should be removed when the stalk is harvested. This cool season crop has both pest and disease problems. Consider companion planting to prevent problems and make the rhubarb grow better. Here are the best plants to use and the few you should not … Read more
Brussel sprouts are a delicious and nutritious vegetable in the Cruciferae family. They are a cool-season crop that can be vulnerable to many insect pests. They also need a number of nutrients while growing. Using companion planting can help with some of these problems and needs. Why Do Brussel Sprouts Need Companion Plants? If you are new … Read more
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow. Nothing tastes better than a tomato fresh off the vine. Growing beefsteak tomatoes for fresh eating is not hard. Quick Growing Guide for the Beefsteak Tomato Plant Type Mostly indeterminate Resistant to varies USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9 Maintenance Moderate to High Season Summer, early … Read more
Tomatoes are delicious when they are homegrown. Roma-type tomatoes are ideal for canning and making sauce. If you want to grow your own cooking ingredients, this is a good tomato to grow. Quick Growing Guide for the Roma-Type Tomato Plant Type Mostly Determinate Resistant to varies USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9 Maintenance Moderate to High Season … Read more
San Marzano tomatoes are famous among cooks for their flavor. You may be interested in trying to grow them for yourself. This guide tells you how. Quick Growing Guide for the San Marzano Tomato Plant Type Indeterminate Resistant to Fusarium Wilt, Root Knot Nematode, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Verticillium Wilt USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9 Maintenance Moderate … Read more
While tomatoes are the long-awaited summer crop, peas are the sweetness of spring. Garden-grown snap peas, snow peas, and shelling peas all offer a flavor that is incomparable to that of their grocery-store cousins. Despite their delicious flavor, I find that gardeners often stray away from growing peas due to their long time to maturity … Read more
When you think of plants that go well with broccoli, your mind may jump straight to the kitchen. Maybe you think of combining pungent garlic and stir-fried broccoli to form a crunchy and bright dish. Or perhaps you imagine pairing broccoli florets with another classic cruciferous vegetable: cauliflower. But what about when it comes to … Read more
Beets are a great two-for-one crop. They provide you with sweet and earthy roots as well as nutritious greens that resemble Swiss chard. Since beets grow better in cool weather, they’re typically planted in the spring and fall. However, it is possible to grow them during the summer in some areas. If you’re interested in … Read more
The Paul Robeson tomato is an heirloom variety that is as unique as it is delicious. It has dark purple skin that is almost black and a rich taste and a finish that’s reminiscent of nights spent around a campfire. While it isn’t necessarily one of the most well-known heirloom tomatoes, I think it’s worth … Read more
While it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite tomato variety, Cherokee Purple consistently ranks on the top of my list. With a gorgeous deep color and taste that’s rich, sweet, acidic, and a little bit smoky, it’s easy to love. There may also be a bit of nostalgia when it comes to why I love … Read more
If you’re looking for a flavorful and versatile tomato that can withstand heat and drought, check out the Arkansas Traveler. This heirloom variety was bred to tolerate the often harsh conditions present in the South. Not only are these plants tough, but their bright pink fruits are a pleasing blend of acidic and sweet. Keep … Read more
Looking for a slicing tomato that sings with flavor and sends tomato juice dripping down your chin? Then look no further than the Brandywine tomato! This classic heirloom variety has been around for generations, yet it remains undeniably popular to this day. And all you have to do is take one bite to see why. … Read more
Tomatoes are a popular plant to grow and come in thousands of different varieties. If you are interested in growing Early Girl tomatoes, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. Quick Growing Guide for the Early Girl Tomato Plant Type: Indeterminate Resistant to: Fusarium Wilt 1, Fusarium Wilt 2, Root Knot Nematode, … Read more
Tomatoes are grown by more people worldwide than any other vegetable. For forty years, Celebrity tomatoes were the standard that all other tomato varieties were measured against. While some recent hybrids have surpassed it, this is still a great tomato to grow. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to decide if … Read more
I’ve noticed that if people have only one item growing in their gardens, it’s often a tomato plant. And for good reason! The flavor, color, and texture of a freshly-picked tomato pales in comparison to a mealy and dull tomato purchased from the grocery store. This is especially true when you’re talking about heirloom tomatoes! … Read more
If you’re looking for an heirloom tomato that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious, check out the Berkeley Tie Dye. This red and green striped tomato is one of my favorite varieties due to its bold yet balanced flavor and exquisite coloring. While there’s no denying this tomato is a winner, it’s often difficult … Read more
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are grown by more gardeners than any other fruit. Tomatoes are native to Central and South America. They were domesticated in Mexico and there are many wild varieties still in existence. I have grown tomatoes for many years and these are the things you need to know to get your own tasty tomatoes. … Read more
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