Edible Plants
Edible Plants
Gai Lan: The Versatile Chinese Broccoli
Expand your vegetable choices with Gai lan. Also known as Chinese broccoli, Gai lan is a leafy green vegetable that is a staple in Chinese and Asian cuisine. It is a close relative to broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Its harvest time and preference for cooler growing conditions makes it a great vegetable option for spring and fall in Minnesota gardens. Gai lan has its own unique flavor profile and texture compared to American broccoli. Read this article to learn more about this healthy and flavorful vegetable.
Green Beans for the Holidays – Should You Plant Pole or Bush Green Beans Next Year?
Are you one of the 20 million people who enjoyed green bean casserole for Thanksgiving dinner? If you plant green beans in your garden this summer, you can preserve and use your home-grown green beans in your next Thanksgiving meal. In this article, you will learn more about your green bean planting options and how to choose which beans to grow and enjoy.
Groundnut (Apios americana): A Nutty Sweet Treat
This month, Master Gardener Jim Lakin continues his series on native vines by profiling the American Groundnut. This vine not only produces interesting flowers but also both edible seeds and tubers. Historically, the groundnut has been a significant part of the Native American and European pioneer diet. Read this article to learn more about how you can grow this interesting vine and enjoy its seeds and tubers.
Growing Healthy Tomatoes in Minnesota
Tomatoes are a beloved staple of Minnesota summer gardens and there is nothing like biting into a juicy, fresh-picked tomato. As popular as they are, unfortunately, tomato plants are susceptible to diseases, disorders, and other issues. Here are some practices you can do to set your tomato plants up for success by reducing problems before they may begin and how to manage through the growing season.
Growing Sweet Potatoes in Minnesota
Growing potatoes in Minnesota is easy, and you can grow many varieties, sizes, and colors. Sweet potatoes are a whole other story. They aren’t even in the same family as potatoes, who belong to the nightshade family. Sweet potatoes typically need a long, hot growing season – which can be a challenge in Minnesota. Read this article to learn the secrets to growing sweet potatoes in your back yard.
Herbs For A Winter Lift
Does the cilantro go limp before you use it? Is the basil brown when you remember to reach for it? Does your store tend to not have chives when you need them? Remedy these issues AND cheer up your indoor space by growing a few pots of herbs in a sunny window. Read this article to learn more about which herbs will grow best inside your house this winter.
History of Minnesota’s Successful Apple Research Breeding Program
Apples - one of the joys of autumn! Wandering through apple orchards is a favorite activity for Minnesotans. And at the end of the day, there is the pleasure of eating the apples we have collected in so many different ways. But did you know that the University of Minnesota is one of the leading apple research and breeding programs in the U.S.? Without the intense desire of early Minnesotans to have access to apples and the commitment of early apple breeders, we would not be enjoying Honeycrisp, Zestar®, SweeTango®, and First Kiss® as well as the many older varieties still available.
How to Care for Blueberry Bushes This Spring
Do you love to eat blueberries? No blueberries are better than the ones you grow in your yard. If you are growing blueberry bushes in your yard or want to do so, read this article for some tips on what you can do this spring to help your blueberry bushes flourish.
How to Choose a Tomato Plant for Your Garden
The long, hot, sunny days of Minnesota summers are great for growing tomatoes and Minnesotans love to grow their own fresh tomatoes. This is the first in a series the Garden Buzz will be featuring on all things tomato. Our topic this month is choosing the right tomatoes for your needs. Choosing a tomato plant can be confusing and involve time consuming searches through hundreds of varieties looking for the right one for you. Hopefully, this article will help you wade through your options.