First cultivated in the Mediterranean region, saffron is, by weight, the most expensive spice in the world, and learning how to grow saffron at home means you’ll have plenty of this flavorful spice to use in your cooking. It comes from the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus. Considering the high price this spice fetches at market, you might be surprised to discover how easy it is to grow. In this article, I’ll provide a quick-and-simple low-down on how to grow saffron.
How to grow catnip in the garden and indoors
My cat has a felt taco cat toy that was scented with catnip a few years ago and she still goes squirrelly whenver I pull it out to give to her. If you have a cat that responds favorably to catnip (apparently not all do), it’s worthwhile to learn how to grow catnip. This perennial herb is incredibly easy to grow from seed and from cuttings. It’s also drought tolerant and not too fussy when it comes to nutrients. Even if you don’t have a cat, catnip is an attractive plant that can be used for its foliage and flowers in cut flower arrangements.
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Planting onions in the fall from seeds or sets
Considering onions are a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world, I’m surprised that more of us aren’t planting onions in the fall. Onions are most often planted in spring, but planting onions in the fall gives you a jump on an onion harvest and keeps your garden productive throughout the year. Planting onions in the fall is easier in some regions than others, of course, but you can make a plan to put your seeds or sets in the ground as the weather cools, even as far north as New Hampshire and many parts of Canada. In this article, I’ll cover the details of fall-planting these alliums, from the basics of onion growth to the best types of onions, garden preparation, and what to expect come springtime.
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A winter greenhouse: A productive way to harvest vegetables all winter
In my vegetable garden, a winter greenhouse has become the heart of my cold season garden, providing me with homegrown vegetables and herbs from December through March. This unheated structure, which is also featured in my book, Growing Under Cover: Techniques for a More Productive, Weather-Resistant, Pest-Free Vegetable Garden, captures solar energy and shelters a wide variety of cold tolerant crops like kale, carrots, leeks, scallions, carrots, and spinach. In this article you’ll learn about the types of winter greenhouses, get my tips selecting which one is best for you, and discover my top crops to harvest in winter.
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Planting milkweed seeds: 4 easy techniques for success
Planting milkweed seeds is a great way to get a lot of milkweed plants for your garden. Milkweed isn’t difficult to grow from seed and the plants are beautiful, long blooming, and support many species of pollinators, including monarch butterflies. In this article you’ll learn four easy techniques for planting milkweed seeds and get tips on caring for the seedlings.
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Venus fly trap care: How to water, tend, and feed this carnivorous plant
Venus fly traps (also called Venus flytraps or just a flytrap) are among the coolest plants you can grow. In their native habitat, Venus fly traps live for years. Unfortunately, they are often short-lived plants in cultivation, but this is only because most people don’t care for them properly. In this article, you’ll learn all the essential basics of Venus fly trap care.
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