Mint is one herb I won’t live without. I enjoy the occasional mojito, but my favorite way to enjoy mint is as an herbal tea. I use dried mint leaves to brew both hot and iced tea, and in the summer I make a weekly batch of sun tea with the fresh leaves. Since mint is notorious for its rampant growth (it can quickly take over the garden), I grow my mint in patio containers. I also grow mint year-round indoors. This means I have fresh mint leaves to harvest 12 months of the year. Today, I’d like to share information on how to grow mint indoors using three different techniques.
READ MORE » about How to grow mint indoors: 3 growing methods for year-round harvests
How to grow cabbage: From planting seeds to harvesting heads
Cabbage isn’t the most exciting or glamorous veggie (though as I kid, they were pretty cool because a cabbage patch produced adorable dolls). And the ornamental varieties are stunning in the fall garden. But this healthy veggie that is high in vitamin C and fibre, has a dependable spot in my fall recipe repertoire. I’ve also seen spectacular cabbages entered into competitions. Learning how to grow cabbage is pretty easy, and it’s very satisfying when you can pick your own to make cabbage rolls, cole slaw, sauerkraut, and other healthy and hearty meals.
READ MORE » about How to grow cabbage: From planting seeds to harvesting heads
Plants that grow in water: A no-fuss, mess-free technique for growing houseplants
I love my growing collection of indoor plants, but admit that I’m a semi-negligent plant parent. Because of this, I’ve learned to focus on plants that grow in water. There’s no soil to spill or worries about pets digging in my houseplants. Plus, there are fewer pests (no fungus gnats!) and I’ve discovered so many awesome houseplants that thrive when grown in a jar, glass, or vase filled with clean water. If you want to learn more about plants that grow in water, read on!
READ MORE » about Plants that grow in water: A no-fuss, mess-free technique for growing houseplants
Tomato companion plants: 22 science-backed plant partners for healthy tomato plants
Have you wondered if there are plants you can grow side by side with your tomatoes to maximize harvests and grow healthier plants? You’ve probably heard of companion planting before. Maybe you know gardeners who swear by it. Or maybe you’ve heard that it doesn’t actually work. Old-school companion planting was deeply rooted in folklore and conjecture with little to no science to back it up. As a horticulturist, I’ve always had a hard time believing in the merits of traditional companion planting. However, thanks to research for my newest book, I look at the practice a bit differently these days. Today, I’d like to open your eyes to a more modern, science-based approach to companion planting and then introduce 22 tomato companion plants that are proven to help grow healthier, more productive tomatoes.
READ MORE » about Tomato companion plants: 22 science-backed plant partners for healthy tomato plants
Set up a self watering raised bed: Pre-made and DIY options
The benefits of a self watering raised bed have become clear after a summer of constant daily watering due to drought. Building one now ranks high on my project list. I’d seen manufactured self watering pots with their water reservoirs on a much smaller scale. But it was my research for Raised Bed Revolution that introduced me to a gardener who had an entire rooftop garden filled with what she referred to as SIPs—sub-irrigated planters.
READ MORE » about Set up a self watering raised bed: Pre-made and DIY options
Pea sprouts and shoots: A step-by-step growing guide
There’s no need to wait months to enjoy the delicious flavor of homegrown peas. You can grow pea sprouts and shoots year-round inside your home. And while you can buy sprouts and shoots from the supermarket or farmers’ market, these nutrient dense foods are quick and easy to grow indoors. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment to produce a bumper crop of sweet, tender pea sprouts and shoots. In this article you’ll learn all you need to know to grow your own non-stop crop of pea sprouts and shoots.
READ MORE » about Pea sprouts and shoots: A step-by-step growing guide