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Types of Squash: Summer and Winter
Is squash a vegetable? Well, that’s a good question as there are various opinions. Technically it is categorized as a fruit because it develops from a flower and it has seeds. Summer squash is a big production in large amounts. It is a summer staple for our family. Squash is divided into summer squash and winter squash. Summer Squash Summer squash includes zucchini and yellow squash. I grow both types. They are picked while they are still somewhat immature, small and tender. The outer skin is delicate and easy to eat. The plants need to be checked daily for new produce, and when removing the squash, cutting versus breaking…
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Growing Herbs
When I first started out gardening I wanted to begin small with something I could manage. I was not very knowledgeable or informed yet on all the ins and outs of gardening, nor did I have the space for a large garden. So, I started with herbs. Herbs are an easy place to start. They just need a little sunshine, soil with good drainage and some room to grow. Herbs can turn ordinary meals into something special with a pinch of this and a bit of that and meals can be transformed. I have planted herbs for a few years and they bring an interest to gardens which otherwise would…
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What Vegetables To Plant In Your Garden
Now that your space should be all ready to go , what to plant is the next step. The choice of what to plant can be overwhelming. My first few years I was so overwhelmed with planting that nothing did well. The choice of plants depends largely on the tastes of the family and the amount of growing space. If space is limited, you should consider planting crops that will be most productive. Which vegetables you decide on; however, is entirely up to you. It really depends on your personal taste. If you missed other installments of this series, check them out here: Selecting A Location Garden Soil Preparation Plotting…
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Pruning Fruit Trees
Training and pruning fruit trees is an essential step for growing fruit successfully. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and when you plant a fruit tree you should be dedicated to giving it the proper attention and care. Proper pruning gives you the best chance for good fruit. I have apricot, peach, and apple trees in my backyard. My apple tree and apricot tree are 18 years old. I have not always pruned them every year and I pay for it when I have a poor crop. My peach tree is not that old but needs pruning nevertheless. It is important to understand the principles of pruning and to…
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Easy Container Gardening
Almost any vegetable that will grow in a backyard garden will also do well as a container grown plant. There are several general advantages to have a container garden. They are less costly to install. They are less difficult and time consuming to maintain. They can be grown in a window sill, a patio, a balcony, or a doorstep. Pest management is easier. Poor soil conditions can be easily overcome. Soil for a containers typically is available in garden centers. Using soil from your backyard garden is not recommended as you can transfer any diseases, pests, and weed seeds. The soil needs to hold moisture and nutrients but drain well.…
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Plotting Your Garden
This article is part 3 of a series for beginner gardeners planning their first garden. Here are links to the 2 other parts to the series in case you missed them: Part 1: Selecting A Location Part 2: Garden Soil Preparation There are many folks who have never picked up a garden hoe that are planting a vegetable garden for the first time. I have found planting and growing your own vegetables is a relaxing hobby, saves money, and provides nutritious foods which can even be pureed for toddlers. Growing your own veggies and fruits will give you comfort in knowing exactly what is on your fresh foods. You will…
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Gardening For Beginners: Selecting A Location
When I started my journey of gardening I had never been around a garden. I wondered why have a garden? I did not grow up around any type of gardening but I knew it was something I was interested in starting. I am a self made gardener and taught myself by trial and error. I did and continue to do lots of reading, researching, and talking to other gardeners. I was part of a Food Bank garden farm and would weekly pick up my share until one day I thought “I can do this”. Raising my children was at the top of my list however, I knew when they all…
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Must Have Garden Tools For A Gardener
Having spent several years in the garden, tending to fruit trees, and maintaining a little over an acre of land, there are basic tools which make the job easier. Many of the tools can overlap with a variety of uses for upkeep and long term success of all aspects of gardening. Gardening is a process which has continued learning opportunities. It requires patience, endurance, creativity, and can be a taxing and difficult job without having the tools to make it enjoyable and fun. I learned that concept the hard way until I invested in essential tools to make a long lengthy day into a fun manageable hobby. I find gardening…
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A Guide To Starting a Fall Garden
Most gardeners turn in for the autumn and winter months as a break from the work of a long summer garden. They wait until spring to start up again. That has been my pattern over the last several years. By the time the last tomato has been picked and preserved, I am ready for a break. I saw the fall season as a new opportunity. The weather is cool and pleasant, most days, and what is a better time to be outside enjoying the season. Each fall I would get out my clipboard and start planning my garden for the spring. Reviewing what was planted and rethinking next year planting…
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Using A Food Mill
Food mills are an old fashioned kitchen tool that was used by many in the kitchen. My mother had one which we still have however, I really did not know what it was but saw her use it often especially when she was making her scratch tomato sauce and spaghetti. It was not until I decided to can tomato sauce that I discovered just how useful, simple and uncomplicated a modern day food mill can operate. Our backyard garden has given us so much produce the food mill has become a weekly (if not more) kitchen tool for meal prep. The food mill forces foods through a perforated disk which…
Home Grown is Best
