Brussels sprouts are not your everyday vegetable crop. They take some planning, a long growing season, and a little extra care to grow successfully. That’s why many people don’t feel comfortable growing Brussels sprouts, or have tried but failed to grow them in the past. By learning what Brussels sprouts need and having a little…
Pepino melons are native to South America, but not particularly well-known outside of the area. Sweet and mild, the fruits are typically avocado size or larger and have a refreshing cucumber-like texture. They’re difficult to find in stores, so if you want to taste one you’ll probably need to grow it, yourself. More gardeners are…
Fennel is a wonderfully aromatic herb with a distinct anise scent and flavor. Depending on which type you grow, it can also be harvested as a vegetable that is delicious roasted, cooked in soup, or added to raw dishes. Fennel is easy to grow and prefers cool weather. It will draw in beneficial pollinators, including…
Borage is a versatile and easy to grow herb, even if you don’t think you have a green thumb. This edible herb doubles as a beautiful flower and is one of the most low maintenance plants you will find. Of course, getting the planting conditions right and doing a few simple care tasks is important…
Tomatoes are one of the most loved vegetables (or, botanically speaking, fruits) in the summer garden. They aren’t hard to grow, but if you are dreaming of getting a bumper crop of beautifully ripe tomatoes, you’ll need to make sure your plants are healthy and happy. Spacing may seem like a minor issue, but it’s…
Turmeric has become a well-known superfood in recent years. Most often used as a yellow-orange powder, the fresh rhizome can also be used and chopped or grated much like ginger root. Of course, this leads to both gardeners and wellness enthusiasts wondering whether turmeric can be grown at home. The short answer is: Yes! Turmeric…
Jalapeños are by far the most popular hot pepper in North America. They are a New World plant that’s native Mexico. Like its tomato relatives, jalapeños are a summer garden classic. The medium heat of jalapeños (2500-8000 units on the Scoville scale) gives them just enough heat to spice up a meal without making them…
If you’re looking for a novelty vegetable that’s attractive, easy to grow, and nutritious, you need Okinawa spinach in your garden. A perennial “spinach”, this leafy green grows with little to no maintenance in the right climates. It’s the perfect addition to your perennial garden or permaculture food forest. Okinawa spinach is a great way…
Tomatillos are a unique vegetable (or fruit, if you prefer) to grow. They have a tangy, citrusy flavor that stars in salsa verde and lightens up both cooked and raw dishes. Literally meaning ‘little tomato’ in Spanish, tomatillos do grow in a similar way to tomatoes, but have a very different appearance when ripe and…
Fava beans, also called broad beans, are somewhat of a novelty crop in the U.S. but have been grown and enjoyed in many other countries for thousands of years. They’re one of the world’s oldest domesticated crops! These large, almost meaty beans have a delicious nutty flavor with a slight sweetness and hint of bitterness….