Basil is an essential part of my summer vegetable garden. I grow it in pots and in my raised beds so I have lots to harvest. Saving basil seeds at the end of the growing season is rewarding. Not only does it save you money, the seed you save can produce plants that are extra resilient in the face of your specific growing conditions.
How to save bell pepper seeds
Like many gardeners, I grow bell peppers because I love eating stuffed peppers, fajitas, and kabobs, but also because I enjoy growing interesting plants that produce colorful fruits. Whatever you’re reason for growing bell pepers, learning how to save bell pepper seeds can take your pepper growing to the next level. In this article, I’ll cover why you should consider learning how to save bell pepper seeds, the step-by-step process for seed saving, and how to test for germination before the next garden season rolls around. You’ll also read a little about the anatomy of a pepper flower and why that makes a difference in the process of saving bell pepper seeds.
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When to transplant peonies: The best timing and techniques
The exact timing for when to transplant peonies depends on your climate. For some of us, this means we need to plan ahead. You may need to move a peony when you find a plant is suddenly in partial shade, which happens when larger plants fill in around them. I have transplanted peonies to move them into a better spot in a garden. When peonies are thriving, a gardener may want to dig up and divide a plant to share or to spread to other areas of the garden. Whatever the reason, it’s important to learn the timing of when to transplant peonies.
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Buttercrunch lettuce: How to grow, care for, and harvest it
Want gourmet lettuce straight from your garden? Plant Buttercrunch, a high-quality butterhead variety with crisp, sweet leaves and buttery heads. It’s easy to grow, quick to mature, and the flavor and texture can’t be beat! In this article you’ll learn all about how to plant, grow, and harvest Buttercrunch lettuce in garden beds as well as containers. And I’ve even included tips on when and how to save lettuce seeds.
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How to freeze bell peppers from the garden
When fall’s first frost is on the horizon—or the garden simply gives you more bell peppers than you can use at the moment—freezing them is one of the easiest ways to save bell peppers for later use. Frozen peppers are convenient, colorful, and ready for soups, stir-fries, casseroles, fajitas, sauces, omelets, and skillet meals. The process is simple: wash, seed, cut, freeze, and store. With a little preparation, your homegrown peppers can stay useful long after the plants stop producing. In this article, you’ll learn how to freeze bell peppers from the garden and get plenty of tips for success.
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How to freeze butternut squash—An easy step by step guide
I will admit, I was skeptical about learning how to freeze butternut squash. As a winter squash, butternut is a good storage vegetable. When harvested, cured, and stored properly, it will keep in a pantry or dry area for months. So why should I bother to learn how to freeze butternut squash if it stores on the shelf for so long? Well, since I’ve started preserving this vegetable in this way, I’m a frozen-squash convert. In this article, I’ll explain why you too might want to freeze your butternut squash and how to harvest and prepare the squash, and I’ll offer a step-by-step guide to freezing squash cubes. If you’re interested in freezing mashed squash, I’ll cover that, too, along with a few other tips to help you learn how to freeze butternut squash with success.
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