Growing rhubarb, when done properly, will ensure production for up to 15 years. It is a perennial, cool season plant that belongs to the vegetable family. It is quite winter hardy and is resistant to pest, disease, and drought. Rhubarb is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Do not eat the roots and leaves of the…
In growing asparagus, remember that it is a hardy perennial plant. It does not need to be replanted, and will return year after year. Given proper care, it will produce for you for about 15 to 20 years. Do the required preparations for proper asparagus plant care, and your efforts will be well rewarded. Selecting…
Growing basil is not difficult, but it does need a suitable environment for nurturing. It likes well-drained soil (pH of 6.0 to 7.5). It also prefers six to eight hours of sunshine but can tolerate light shade. Basil can be grown either in the ground or in pots. To preserve the flavor and have better leaf growth, pinch off all the…
If your purpose is to can low-acid foods, think pressure canning. Remember, a canning pressure cooker is not the same as a pressure cooker. Regular pressure cookers are not recommended for canning pressure cooking. Weighted Gauge vs. Counterweight The canning pressure cooker you purchase has a weighted gauge to indicate and regulate the pressure. Read…
Jack-in-the-Pulpit, also known as Indian turnip, or bog onion, grows from a corm, which is an underground plant stem. It grows up to about two feet, and has hooded flowers. The Jack refers to the spike that carries male and female flowers. Jack-in-the-Pulpit is sometimes mistaken for poison ivy prior to its flowers appearing, which…
The agapanthus bulbs, also known as the Lily of the Nile or African lilies, are herbaceous perennials. Butterflies, birds, and bees like them. Locate the agapanthus plants around pools, decks, and patio edges. The different varieties have varied shades of blue blooms. They make good flower arrangements. Hardiness Grow the agapanthus in containers if you live in zones 1-8,…
The information below on winter storm preparation is through the courtesy of the Hyrum 9th Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Hyrum, Utah. A winter storm can be a real threat. Be prepared, be careful, and be safe! Familiarize yourself with these terms: Freezing rain – freezes when it hits the ground,…
The modern homemade lye soap is not the dated Grandma’s lye soap that was heavy and harsh. What more, you need not use lard as the key ingredient for homemade lye soap. You can use sunflower or canola, or other oils. Using oil will make your soap greasier than if you use lard, but it…
Cold frame gardening allows you to have homegrown fresh green salads even during the winter months. You can easily create a structure even without experience. Structure and Cold Frame Gardening When cold frame gardening, you can build your structure as inexpensively as possible. If you have an old glass door frame or a window sash,…
Although herb gardening is quite feasible even for beginning gardeners, you will need to know something about herbs. So, do a little investigating. Are they biennials (two-year life cycle) or annuals? Will they transplant well? Which of them can tolerate shade? If you are not growing them yourself, do you buy seeds, seedlings or plants?…
