Growing culinary herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley is essential if you’re a gardener who loves to cook. Most herbs are easy to grow in garden beds and containers and can be harvested throughout the summer months. Harvesting herbs isn’t difficult; it’s just a matter of knowing when to harvest to preserve maximum flavor and how to harvest to encourage fresh growth. Keep reading to find out more about how to harvest herbs.
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Grow a balcony garden full of veggies, herbs, and flowers
If you’re looking to transform your balcony into a lush garden—or even if you have a tiny patio space, Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening is a really helpful guide to figure out what you need with your space constraints and unique growing conditions. This excerpt from the book about growing a balcony garden was provided by Cool Springs Press/The Quarto Group.
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When to cut back irises for healthier, more attractive plants
Bearded irises (Iris germanica) are a star of the late spring garden. Their big floppy blooms come in a huge range of colors, capable of creating a rainbow of hues in the landscape. They are deer- and rabbit-resistant, and many varieties have a lovely but subtle fragrance. Though they are fairly easy to grow, it’s important to know when to cut back irises to maximize both the plant’s health and the appearance of your garden.
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How deep should a raised garden bed be?
As you research project plans for building a raised bed, or you’re considering kits to buy and put together, you may be asking yourself: How deep should a raised garden bed be? There isn’t really one universal measurement when it comes to designs. But I’m going to share some tips on how to figure out the right dimensions for your garden.
Plum tomatoes: How to grow plum tomatoes in gardens and containers
Plum tomatoes are the secret to an amazing homemade tomato sauce! The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet-acid flavor and meaty texture which cooks down into a thick, rich sauce. Plus the plants are easy to grow in garden beds and containers. When given sunshine, fertile soil, and consistent moisture you can expect a bumper crop of plum tomatoes for summer sauces. Read on to learn more about planting, growing, and harvesting plum tomatoes.
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When to plant pumpkins from seeds or transplants
Pumpkins are a fun backyard crop for home gardeners. Kids find great joy in watching the massive vines grow and then form orange orbs, ready for carving or pie baking. However, sometimes things don’t go quite right in the pumpkin patch. It’s disappointing when a pumpkin crop is ripe months before Halloween’s arrival. It’s also disappointing when homegrown pumpkins don’t ripen in time for the Thanksgiving feast. Knowing when to plant pumpkins so they’re ready to harvest at the perfect time is a major key to enjoying this vine crop. Let’s dive into all the factors that influence when to plant pumpkins. With this information, you’ll be able to determine the best pumpkin planting time for your region.
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