Planning A Summer Cocktail or Mocktail Garden

One of the joys of gardening is the after-the-gardening-day-is-over refreshment while sitting in or admiring your garden. Whether you prefer a cocktail or a mocktail, part of your garden plan can include great garnishes. Herbs such as basil, lemongrass, mint and many others add something to your garden refreshment and can easily be grown in your garden. This fun article discusses appropriate herbs and how to grow them. And stick around for the recipes at the end!

Pruning Tomato Plants

For many of us, the thought of cutting off parts of a healthy plant is hard. Why would you want to do that? The answer is explained in this article about pruning tomato plants. Hint – pruning can protect your tomato plant from disease and produce more fruit – who doesn’t want more tomatoes? So, read on to learn more about why and how to prune your tomatoes for a successful crop.

Rosemary

Rosemary has been a prized herb with many uses for centuries. It has been associated with enhanced brain function, it has health benefits, it has a lovely scent and it adds flavor to your recipes. Read this article to learn more about this ancient herb and, if you don’t already grow this herb in your garden, why you should consider doing so next season.

So, You Want to Grow Your Own Apples!
Gardeners have an old saying – “Right plant, right place”!

It’s fun to imagine walking out into your yard and picking apples from your own apple trees. But, of course, there are a few things to know before going to your local nursery and picking up your trees. Read this article to learn more and start visualizing those delicious apples!

Spaghetti Squash (“Cucurbita pepo”)

Spaghetti Squash is something to consider introducing to your diet. It is relatively easy to find in the grocery stores in the winter as well as Farmer’s Markets in the late summer months. You can also grow it in your own garden! It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, low in calorie and carbohydrates, high in fiber, and easy to prepare. Spaghetti Squash is different than typical squash varietals in that it can be shredded into strands resembling “spaghetti” and can be used as a gluten-free replacement to pasta, helping you achieve your carb reduction or weight loss goals.

Square Foot Gardening

Do you want to grow vegetables in your garden but you don’t have a lot of space or you only have one sunny spot or your soil isn’t conducive to growing or you just want a few vegetables for your family? Square foot gardening may be your answer. This approach will save time, work, space, and water. And, you will produce some delicious vegetables for your family. Read this article for more information about why square foot gardening may be for you and how to get started.

Squash the Holiday Host Competition with a Winter Variety

We plant, grow, and nurture our vegetable gardens for the healthy fruits of our fall harvest and also as decorations for our Thanksgiving table and décor. As we look forward to preparing deeply satisfying hearty dishes from a bountiful Fall harvest, winter squash holds a special place at the table. Learn more about two special squash varieties – Sugar Pumpkins and Kabocha Squash in this article.

Storing Root Vegetables Over the Winter

Did you have a bumper crop of potatoes sweet potatoes, carrots, beets or turnips this year? You worked hard this year to produce that crop! Here are some helpful tips on how to store them to last for use all throughout winter and into spring.

Summer Sweetcorn: Midwest Magic

Sweetcorn in the summer, fresh from the field, hot out of the pot. That is a potent memory for any kid lucky enough to grow up in the Midwest. For those of you that are thinking about recapturing some of those childhood memories, there is great news. Modern sweetcorn hybrids are available that make it easier to bring quality corn to the table. To get that delicious ear of memory, however, there are a few things you must do to assure success. Read this article to successfully grow your sweetcorn memories.

Sunburned plants

This article provides advice about how to recognize sunburned plants (sunscald), how to prevent it and what to do if your plants suffer from it.

Sustainable Foraging for Wild Foods: Lessons from Indigenous Gardening Practices

Foraging for wild foods is an increasingly popular activity, and it’s not hard to see why: it’s fun, educational, and delicious! It’s also not surprising that there is considerable overlap among people who enjoy gardening at home and searching for edible plants in the woods and prairies. As more people seek out and harvest wild foods, however, it is critical to do so responsibly and sustainably for the protection of biodiversity and the wellbeing of future generations. This article discusses how we can look for inspiration and guidance from our region’s Indigenous peoples and provides resources to forage safely and responsibly.

Swiss Chard – It’s Like Spinach, But It’s Not

Swiss Chard (Chard) is a dark leafy green that can be used raw or cooked. It also freezes well for winter consumption. Chard can be planted any time during the growing season and re-blooms after harvesting. Not only is it nutritious but it looks beautiful in the garden, as well. Read this article to learn why and how to grow Swiss Chard in your garden.