Garden
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Propagate Elderberry from Cuttings
Elderberry bushes grow tiny bunches of elderberries that are a great antioxidant and boost the immune system. Elderberries are harvested in the late summer to fall. Elderberry plants can get expensive if buying more than one. I will show you how to propagate elderberry from cutting with just a few steps. They are surprisingly easy to grow and no special hormone powders to purchase. The elderberry plants get 7-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. It grows best in full sun to part shade, at least 6 hours of sun. Elderberries like moist but not soggy soil, although they can tolerate drought. The elderberry is a self fertile plant, meaning…
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Growing Tomatoes
Tomatoes are such a versatile crop to grow with thousands of varieties, shapes, flavors and textures. I use tomatoes in many meals throughout a week. Plus, tomatoes are one of first things I learned how to can. Growing tomatoes can be a beginner garden crop. They grow almost everywhere and can supply you with mountains of fresh produce during the summer and fall. Learn how I start tomatoes from seed and how I manage the growing season to harvest. There are many types of tomatoes but I like to break it down to 3 main groups. First group are small, cherry like tomatoes. They are also called grape tomatoes. Most…
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Growing Garlic
Garlic is a bulb plant within the onion family. It grows by reproducing new bulbs each year. Planting garlic is simple. Growing garlic is great not only to use in cooking but it often repels pests trying to invade the garden. Grow garlic with tomatoes and onions for a salsa garden or plant in between carrots to confuse the carrot rust fly. Anywhere with plenty of sun is a great place for garlic. There are two main types of garlic. Soft neck and hard neck. Soft neck garlic is usually grown in warmer climates. It has a mild flavor with strong flexible leaves to braid during storage. They last between…
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Growing Lettuce
Growing lettuce is an easy vegetable to start. I love growing fresh lettuce all year. A lot of varieties grow in medium containers and do not get too big for indoor use. While, in the summer, I grow bigger varieties like head lettuces that harvest 12 plus inches across. Learn how I start lettuce from seed and save you money by growing your own lettuce. Lettuce is a cool season crop. It does best in the spring or fall. However, some lettuce will grow in the summer. Look for heat tolerant varieties such as Bibb and Butterhead. Start seeds about 4 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Lettuce like full sun or…
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Growing Onions
Growing onions is a long process from seed but may be worth every effort. Onions are an easy beginner plant to try. I have tried growing onions from seeds, sets, and starts. Starts are the easiest but probably the most expensive. Sets are not too expensive but never worth the end result. Seeds are the most cost effective and can have amazing results. Onions can be directly planted into warm soil in the spring but are best started under a grow light for big bulbs in growing zone 5. Onions need to be started in January if possible and as late as February 15th in zone 5 for best results.…
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Best Companion Herbs for the Garden
Growing herbs in the garden are just as important as growing vegetables. Many herbs not only taste good but have strong smells that repel pests. Herbs can also attract beneficial bugs. Having many different plants in the garden creates bio-diversity. Bio-diversity is when many plants and creatures live together to create harmony and nutrient rich soil. Let's look at the best companion herbs for the garden and how to fit them in. Basil Basil is a strong smelling herb that repels many pests such as aphids, asparagus beetles, mites, mosquitos, and tomato hornworms. I plant mine next to asparagus, peppers and tomatoes. However, they are also great next to eggplant,…
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Best Companion Garden Flowers
It may sound odd to plants flowers with your herbs and vegetables but they are a must in my garden. Having many different plants in the garden creates bio-diversity. Bio-diversity is necessary for a healthy garden. Flowers can deter pests and shelter beneficial bugs. Strong smelling flowers can also confuse pests that are looking for a particular plant to feed on. Flowers are also so beautiful and pollinators love when I can fit them in. Now lets see what are the best companion garden flowers are my favorite. Bachelors Buttons Bachelor Buttons are great early flowers for pollinators. They are small flowers that come in many colors. Cut fresh flowers…
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Seed Starting Guide
Seed starting can feel like a daunting task. I used to just buy plants from a nursery and transplant them into the garden. However, I wanted a bigger garden every year and buying all those transplants cost a lot of money. Plus, some of the plants I was interested in, simply could not be transplanted. I found out quickly that I needed a seed starting guide to help me save money and start planning. When picking seeds to grow, I would love to do it all. I love everything from the smallest pea to the largest pumpkin. Finding out what plants like to grow in your area and what they…
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Ten Beginner Garden Plants
Starting a garden might seem intimidating or hard to do but it doesn't have to be. The goal might be to have a huge beautiful garden and with time and effort, that may happen. The plan is to start small and work your way up. If starting with tomatoes and peppers is where you are comfortable, then do it. Something growing is better than nothing at all. These are ten beginner garden plants that can be grown for beginner gardeners. These two grow nicely together. Potatoes like well drained loose soil. Dig a trench and burry potato slips into the ground or put them in a raised garden bed that…
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Gardening in May (Zone 5)
Compared to gardening in April, May is a busy month here in the Midwest. Gardening in May is mostly direct sowing melon, cucumbers, and squashes and getting many transplants into the ground. My last frost date is around May 15th but with a little protection, almost all warm season crops can be started right away. I try to do bare minimum by just waiting the extra week and plant seeds after the frost date has passed and the overnight temp is around 50 degrees or more. Gardening in May is either fairly easy with minimal plants or the longest month yet, with many different varieties of produce. I started small…
