They are a great source of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, and contain large amounts of vitamins A, C, K, B and E. The head can be harvested whole, or if you want to keep your plants producing longer, you can pluck individual leaves from the outside of the plant and leave the center, […]

If you have trouble finding Jerusalem artichokes at your local store, they are actually quite simple to grow at home, and are a great first plant if your kids want a vegetable garden of their own. If you have trouble finding Jerusalem artichokes at your local store, they are actually quite simple to grow at […]

I like to wait until the soil warms up a bit, at which time they emerge quickly and grow steadily without stress. Seed potatoesPotatoes can be purchased 2 to 3 weeks in advance of the intended planting date. Potatoes are related to peppers, chillies and aubergines; they are all prone to the same diseases. Potatoes […]

When more than half of the trees surrounding you produce an abundance of white and pink flowers in Spring, it is striking when one does not. The medlar tree (Mespilus germanica) may not be characterized by the number of blossoms that pour from its branches, but with their large individual blooms against long glossy leaves; […]

Butternut Squash is a winter squash that is eaten only when it reaches maturity. You will be surprised to know that it is quite rich in nutrients, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. It also has potassium, iron, niacin, and beta carotene (that converts into Vitamin A in the body). This pear-shaped fruit with a pale yellow […]

It is much easier to grow wasabi in your backyard than you thought. If you consider that many gardeners consider wasabi a difficult plant to nurture and maintain. The thing is that wasabi is particularly picky about humidity, temperature, water content, and the environment. You need to be patient as wasabi can take up to […]

Before we get into how you grow red onions, we would like to highlight some interesting tidbits about them. Red onions are sometimes referred to as purple onions due to the purplish-red skin and white flesh with red tinges. They are usually medium to large and have a delicious sweet flavour. You can either eat […]

If you have eaten wild morel mushrooms, you will know what a very delicious delicacy they are. Those who grow these tasty fungi don’t tell their friends or neighbours about them lest they all come morel hunting! Unfortunately though, in any case, these mushrooms aren’t that easy to find and when you go to market, […]

Some top tips on growing your own oranges and lemons. Let them breathe. All citrus plants like to be outdoors over the summer, so take them out of the greenhouse or porch and put them on the patio between June and September. Give them the right soil. You can buy special citrus compost; failing that […]

A frosty morning. Freezing fog hung low among the branches, and all was silent save the shrill calls of small birds clattering about in the willows behind my plot. Too cold to dig, too early to sow, and apple trees slippery with ice so I couldn’t climb up and prune them. What to do? As […]