Do You Have To Tie Up Cabbage Heads?

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Should you tie up cabbage leaves? While it’s not a mandatory step in growing cabbage, tying the outer leaves may be beneficial in certain situations. It can help protect heads from pests and sun, saves space, and could potentially result in tighter heads. Continue reading to learn how and when to tie up cabbage leaves.

How to Save Pumpkin Seeds to Plant in Your Garden

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Collect, sort, dry, and store pumpkin seeds from open-pollinated varieties and you’ll have an abundant supply to sow for years to come. Some will still germinate after six years! Find directions here for timing and storage techniques, along with cautions about varieties that don’t work for seed savers. Read more.

9 of the Best Companion Plants for Parsnips

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Parsnips are frost-hardy white root vegetables that resemble carrots. They grow with full sun in moist, sandy loam. The seeds are slow to germinate and the growing season is long. Read on to discover 9 companion plants that share similar cultural requirements with parsnips, and aid the vegetables by being near them.

Pruning Brussels Sprouts: Tips for Success

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Growing brussels sprouts is a challenge, and understanding when and how to prune is part of the puzzle. Should you cut the tops off, and when? Is pruning the lower leaves necessary? Plus, studies have shown pruning at the wrong time can ruin your harvest. This guide has all the details you need to do it right.

How to Plant and Grow Popcorn for DIY Gourmet Kernels

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If you love the buttery crunch of popcorn and want to plant it at home, don’t miss this growing guide, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing this beloved snack. Delicious and nutritious, it’s fun to raise and even more fun to eat. We’ll include our favorite recipes, too. Read more now.

How to Save Okra Seeds for Planting

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Okra grows readily from seed, and you’ll have an ample supply of the best open-pollinated varieties when you collect and dry seeds at season’s end. This guide covers which types are best for seed-saving, and how to collect and dry them. Just a few pods will yield enough for a bumper crop and more to share with friends.

Try These Fixes if Cabbage Heads Split

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How can you stop cabbage heads from splitting? While certain factors that can lead to cracking are sometimes unavoidable, such as heavy rain following a drought, there are easy steps you can take to reduce the risk. Keep reading to learn why cabbage heads crack open and what you can do to help prevent it.

How to Harvest Parsnips

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If you have ever grown parsnips, you know how disappointing it can be to wait all season only to discover that your crop is tasteless, stringy, and tough. It’s time to try again. Read on for all you need to know to harvest this nutritious root vegetable at the peak of flavor, for a sweet and tender harvest every time.

How and When to Harvest Kohlrabi

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Kohlrabi is a unique cole family plant with stems that swell into juicy, round bulbs that taste a bit like a cross between broccoli and cabbage. Delicious both raw and cooked, this easy-to-grow vegetable makes an exciting addition to the garden. Continue reading to learn how to harvest, store, and prepare kohlrabi.

Reasons Why Your Cabbage Plants May Not Form Heads

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Frustrated by cabbage plants that won’t form heads? Numerous factors, such as extreme temperature, lack of water, and unsuitable nutrient levels may inhibit head formation in cabbages. In this guide, we explore possible reasons why this may happen and learn what you can do to help mitigate problems in the future.

How to Prevent Bok Choy from Bolting

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Have you ever grown bok choy only to see it bolt in cold or hot weather, or for reasons you didn’t understand? In this guide, we’ll dig into the top reasons why bok choy goes to seed, and we’ll give you tips for how to prevent it. Plus, if it does happen, we’ll show you what to do with bolted bok choy. Read more now.

How to Plant Kohlrabi Seeds

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Have you ever grown kohlrabi, one of the coolest brassicas around? It looks like an above-ground turnip and comes in either green or purple, with a crisp texture and tasty cabbage-like flavor. Even better, this cool-weather crop is easy to grow from seed! Learn how to plant kohlrabi seeds in this guide. Read more now.

Must-Have Companion Plants for Mustard Greens (and What Not to Plant Nearby)

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Do mustard greens make good vegetable garden neighbors? If you’re growing corn or dill, sure! But choose mustard green companion plants carefully – these quick-growing veggies don’t always play nice with others. Learn about the top companions, plus a few tips on what to keep away in this guide. Read more now.

Loose-Leafed Brussels Sprouts: What to Do for Poorly Formed Heads

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Your brussels sprout heads were starting to form and you were already dreaming of roasting those tasty nuggets in butter when things went south. The heads started to open, or they became loose and poorly formed. What went wrong? What can you do to fix it? We’ll help you to troubleshoot and fix the problem in this guide.

When and How to Harvest Bok Choy

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If you’re growing bok choy in your garden, you might be feeling a bit confused about when you should pick the tasty green leaves with their succulent white or green stems. How big should they be? Can you harvest bok choy early? Discover when and how to harvest bok choy for the best results in our guide. Read more now.

Eating Kohlrabi Greens: Tips for Harvesting and Cooking the Leaves

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Did you know that kohlrabi greens are edible and delicious? The flavorful leaves are easy to harvest and prepare, with a similar taste and texture to collard greens. You can enjoy them sauteed, steamed, or even raw in a salad. Learn all about harvesting and cooking kohlrabi leaves in this guide. Read more now.

Bok Choy Spacing: How Far Apart to Plant Your Crop

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Bok choy, or pak choi, is a Chinese cabbage with green or white stalks and green leaves that is a staple of Asian-style cooking. Choose from dwarf and full-size varieties, and harvest young for tender microgreens. Read on to learn how far apart to space seeds and nursery seedlings, and bring in your best harvest yet.

How to Grow Tasty Turnip Greens at Home

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The roots get most of the attention, but let’s take some time to talk turnip tops. These easy-to-grow greens are perfect for cool weather gardening, so you can have your veggies even when the traditional growing season is ending. They’re versatile in the kitchen, too. Eat them braised, raw in salads, or cooked in soup.

How to Grow Lima and Butter Beans in the Garden

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Homegrown lima beans or butter beans are tastier than any you could buy in a store. This guide explains how to grow baby or large limas in your garden, and gives harvest and storage tips, too. Plant a bumper crop of bush or vine cultivars, and cook or freeze the harvest for side dishes, hummus, or casseroles

How to Store Homegrown Cucumbers for Maximum Freshness and Long-Term Use

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What to do with all those extra garden cucumbers? Pickles are just the beginning! Try using them to make salsa, jelly, or even sorbet. If you have more cucumbers than you can eat, read on for suggestions on creative ways to preserve them, as well as tips for keeping them fresh for longer in storage.

What’s Killing My Broccoli? 13 Common Diseases

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Broccoli is delicious and nutritious, which is no doubt why it’s so popular in home gardens. The trouble is that pathogens seem to love broccoli as much as we do. Whether it’s fungi that will ruin the foliage or bacteria that can wipe your plant out, there are lots of problems to watch for. These are the most common.

How to Grow Sugar Beets for Food and Fodder

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Looking for a crop that can feed your animals, makes a tasty sweetener, and can be used in salads and side dishes for dinner? Meet sugar beets. This close relative of the familiar table beet has so much to offer the home gardener that it deserves a chance in the spotlight. Learn how to grow your own in this guide.

How to Plant and Grow Alfalfa Outdoors

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Plant summer alfalfa as a cover crop in autumn, or grow this nitrogen-rich legume as an annual or perennial source of mulch and compost. If you have enough space, you can also grow it as animal feed for horses and cows. Learn the basics of planting, tending, and harvesting homegrown alfalfa in this guide. Read more now.

13 of the Best Cauliflower Companions

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Cauliflower is a cabbage relative that may be grown alone or with other plants. However, not all plants grow well together. The best flower, herb, and vegetable choices for companion planting share similar cultural requirements and aid in pest management. Read on for 13 exceptional cauliflower companions.

Harvesting Snap Beans: When and How to Pick Them

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Beans are an easy veggie to grow in the garden, even for beginners. However, it’s important to harvest this summer staple at the right size so you get the most bang for your buck, and the best texture. Read more now to learn our easy techniques for picking fresh snap beans, as well as the best time to harvest them.

How to Hand Pollinate Corn

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If you’re not growing a sizable block of cornstalks, making it easy for pollen to land where it’s needed, you may want to hand pollinate. In this guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of maize pollination, the three easy steps to hand pollinating corn, and common problems you may encounter. Read more now.

What Causes Holes in Homegrown Cucumbers?

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Pests like pickleworms, and even a fungus that causes belly rot, can leave holes in garden-grown cucumbers. Learn how to identify the culprits, cope with an infestation, and prevent repeats in the future. Our guide also addresses the all-important question: whether or not you can eat a cucumber that has a hole in it.

How to Grow Dent Corn in Your Backyard

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If you love baking or cooking things that require cornmeal – think tortillas, grits, cornbread, and more – it’s time to embark on the adventure of growing dent corn at home. We’ll cover everything you need to do to grow it, from seed to harvest, plus share our favorite recipes that feature cornmeal. Read more now.

Grow Your Own ‘Cherokee Purple’ Tomatoes

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‘Cherokee Purple’ tomatoes produce delicious and bountiful fruit with a sweet yet smoky flavor, perfect for sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas. This indeterminate variety is emblematic of all heirlooms, and a story of seed exchanges, passed from one hand to another, mark this variety with character and history.

When and How to Harvest Garlic

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Knowing when to lift garlic for large, flavorful bulbs that also store well is a critical skill that’s well worth learning. Pull them too soon and you’ll have skimpy little cloves. But pull them too late and they can burst their tunics, dry out, or spoil. Learn all about the best time to harvest garlic bulbs now.

9 of the Best Artichoke Cultivars to Grow at Home

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Artichokes can become long-term perennial residents in your garden. Before you plant these thistles, make sure you pick the best variety for your climate and conditions. Whether you have a short growing season, very mild winters, or a compact garden, you have your choice among cultivars. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Grow Mizuna Asian Mustard Greens in the Garden

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Healthy harvests of the Asian green mizuna are just weeks away when you follow these gardening tips. This mild mustard green is great for impatient gardeners and those with short growing seasons. You’ll enjoy the baby leaves 21 days from sowing, and full-size greens three weeks later. Quick and tasty, that’s mizuna.

How to Plant and Grow Artichokes

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Artichoke plants can be grown in your garden or flower beds, offering a tasty and generous harvest as either annuals or perennials. Adaptable to various climates and growing seasons, these silvery architectural plants can also do double duty as ornamental features. Keep reading to learn more about growing artichokes.

Bring in That Bumper Crop: How and When to Harvest Cucumbers

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Garden cucumbers grow fast and have high yields, so prepare for a bountiful harvest. These expert tips and techniques will help you pick the fruits at their tastiest, and extend the harvest, starting on day one of the growing season. Avoid rookie mistakes and pick with ease with this guide to harvesting cucumbers.

Tips for Pollinating Eggplant by Hand

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If you want to hand-pollinate your own eggplants but aren’t sure how, then this is the guide for you. We’ll show you how easy it is to manually pollinate these tasty nightshades for a delicious crop this summer. Have your pick of three simple hand pollination methods to help ensure a savory, meaty harvest. Read more.

How to Plant and Grow Italian Cucuzza Squash

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Italian cucuzza is a summer squash in the botanical family of Lagenaria. This edible plant is technically a gourd that is related to the calabash and other culinary squashes and gourds. A vigorous plant, its fruits grow rapidly. Eaten just like summer squash, it tastes delicious fresh off the grill. Read more now.

When and How to Harvest Asparagus

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Asparagus is one of few truly perennial vegetables. An established patch can produce bountiful harvests of crisp and flavorful green spears each season. By following a few key tips, you are certain to have a healthy asparagus crop that continues for many years. Learn how and when to harvest asparagus in this guide.

BFFs and Enemies: The Best and Worst Cucumber Companion Plants

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What should you plant with cucumbers? The best companions maximize space, discourage harmful insects, and suppress weeds. Beans, marigolds, and corn are beneficial, but steer clear of potatoes and sage! This guide will help you grow good companion plants for cucumbers, and avoid any that compete or encourage disease.

How to Identify and Control Common Asparagus Diseases

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Many types of fungi, a water mold, and several viruses can infect asparagus plants, with varying degrees of severity. This guide will help you to diagnose what is ailing your crop and provide tips on what to do about it. Read on to learn about the dizzying array of pathogens that can infect asparagus.

How to Plant and Grow Brandywine Tomatoes

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Often considered to be the perfect sandwich tomato, Brandywines produce large, sweet, beefsteak style fruits that can grow up to two pounds in size. It’s no wonder these are one of the most popular heirloom tomatoes to grow in the garden. Continue on to learn how to grow delicious and flavorful ‘Brandywine’ tomatoes.

Why Are My Corn Seedlings Dying? 5 Common Reasons

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If your corn seedlings are dying, you might feel like you’ll never get to enjoy homegrown corn on the cob. But if you know the five main reasons why young corn plants fail to thrive, you can solve the problem and go on to achieve sweet success. Find out why your corn seedlings are suffering in this guide. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Eggplant in Your Vegetable Garden

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Eggplant will win you over with its array of colors and versatility in the kitchen. Native to Asia and in cultivation for thousands of years, this long-season, heat-loving annual is now enjoyed all over the world. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes)

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In spite of the name, no, this isn’t really an artichoke! Instead, sunchokes are a close relative of the sunflower, and the plant looks quite a bit like it, too. Read on for all you need to know about this bright, tasty, and easy-to-grow flower, plus some tips for mastering the preparation of these delicious tubers the French way, and even its potential health benefits. Check it out on Gardener’s Path now!

How to Grow and Care for Fennel

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Sweet fennel is aromatic and delicious, especially when you harvest it fresh from your own garden. Choose from bulb and bulb-less varieties, and enjoy bulbs, foliage, and seeds for nutritious and tasty additions to your menus. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow fennel plus we share some favorite recipe ideas.

What Is Corn Seedling Blight?

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If your corn is dying of seedling blight, also called damping off, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But take heart – with a bit of background knowledge and prevention, you can keep a second crop from getting infected. Read more now to find out the answers to your most pressing corn seedling blight questions.

What Is Purple Spot of Asparagus?

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The fungal disease purple spot produces purple lesions on asparagus spears as they emerge from the ground. It spreads from infected asparagus residue that remains in your garden. This disease can be severe in wet weather and shorten the lifespan of your plants. Read on to learn how to manage this disease.

How to Identify and Treat Asparagus Crown and Root Rot

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The organisms that cause crown and root rot can live in the soil for very long periods. There are no good chemical controls for Fusarium, but there are some for Phytophthora. You can minimize the stress to your asparagus to prevent these diseases and make them more likely to survive. Read on to learn these steps.

What Is Asparagus Rust?

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Asparagus rust is a highly complicated fungal disease with four different stages that can invade your plants without showing symptoms until it is too late. Cultivars bred to be resistant to this pathogen often lose effectiveness over time. Read on to learn what symptoms to look for and how to treat your infected plants.

How to Grow Belgian Endive

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Belgian endive offers a bit of fresh, crunchy brightness in the middle of the winter. It takes a bit of patience, as a two-step process is required to grow the creamy, torpedo-shaped heads. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant and grow Belgian endive, including how to force and blanch the tasty heads. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Curly Endive and Escarole

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Endive is a crispy, delicious, and slightly bitter leafy green that can either be eaten raw or cooked into a variety of dishes. There are two types available, curly frisee and broad-leafed escarole. In this guide, learn how to plant and grow endive in your garden, plus we share some recipes and cooking tips as well.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Peas

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Bring the New Year’s good luck tradition into your garden when you grow black-eyed peas. These tasty legumes condition the soil, and thrive in average dirt, high temperatures, and even drought, making them low labor additions to the summer garden. Learn how to grow your own black-eyed peas in this guide. Read more now.

What Is the Top Plant-Based Source of Vitamin D?

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Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially for those who live in areas with long, dark winters. Aside from the sun, we can obtain this essential nutrient through our diet and even grow a top plant-based source at home. Learn more about vitamin D, how it helps our bodies, and how to grow your own source at home.

Top Homegrown Sources of Vitamin E

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Homegrown crops provide us with many healthy nutrients, including vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an important role in our immune systems, and offers many potential health benefits. Learn more about how vitamin E can support wellness and discover the top sources to grow in your garden. Read more now.

Which Vegetables Are High in Zinc?

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Do you know which foods provide our bodies with zinc, or how our bodies use it? Some significant sources may already be growing in your garden, and zinc plays a key role in several important bodily functions. Read on to learn more about this essential mineral and discover the best vegetable sources to grow your own.

Which Vegetables Are the Best Sources of Calcium?

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If you thought calcium only came from dairy products, think again! This essential mineral is found in a variety of vegetables that can easily be grown in the home garden. Read on to learn about how calcium helps our bodies beyond building strong bones, and discover our top five veggie picks to grow your own.

Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts in Winter

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Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and their flavor is improved by a light frost. But what about if a heavy freeze is in the forecast? Learn how to protect your brussels sprouts and enjoy a fresh winter harvest in this guide. Read more now.

How to Regrow Bok Choy from Scraps

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Did you know that you can regrow bok choy from kitchen scraps? With just a bowl full of water, a leftover stalk, and a few days to spare, you can easily regrow this plant from leavings that you might have thrown away otherwise. Read more to learn a quick and easy technique for growing bok choy from a stalk.

How to Prevent and Treat Powdery Mildew on Pumpkin Plants

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Pumpkin plants are highly susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal infection can affect the quality of the fruit. In severe cases, it can destroy your whole crop. However, there are treatments available and preventative measures you can take. Learn how to prevent and treat powdery mildew on your pumpkins in this guide.

13 of the Best Varieties of Mustard Greens to Grow in Your Garden

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Looking to spice up your veggie patch? Mustard greens are a fast-growing, great-tasting addition. The microgreens can be ready in just 7-10 days, and full-size leaves mature in 45 days or so. From tender mustard spinach to Asian greens like mizuna and tatsoi, here are 13 of the top choices to grow in spring or fall.

How to Grow and Care for Mustard Greens

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How well do you know your mustard greens? Some varieties may come as a surprise, since this category includes Asian greens, Southern-style broadleaf mustard, and crunchy tatsoi. Most varieties that you can plant in your garden are green, but some are red! Learn how to plant and care for this fast-growing favorite now.

Health Benefits of Kohlrabi

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Kohlrabi may look funny and have a silly-sounding name, but it offers serious potential health benefits! With a mild flavor and crisp texture, it’s easy to add to many dishes. And it’s also quite simple to grow! Read on to learn more about kohlrabi’s nutritional value and why you should add this vegetable to your diet.

Health Benefits of Parsnips

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Root vegetables bring a touch of earthy sweetness to meals, and the parsnip is no exception. Plus, this nutritious veggie offers several potential health benefits! If you’re looking for a sign to plant more root veggies in your garden, this is it. Learn more about the nutrition that parsnips have to offer.

When and How to Harvest Cauliflower

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If you’re growing cauliflower in your garden, you might be feeling a bit confused about how and when to pick the delicious heads. How big should they be? How do you get them off the stalk? Discover when and how to harvest cauliflower for the best results in our expert guide, plus some bonus recipe ideas! Read more now.

When and How to Harvest Celery

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If you are growing celery in your garden, you might be feeling a bit confused about how and when to pick the crunchy stalks. How soon can you harvest them? Do you harvest the entire plant at once? Discover when and how to harvest celery in this guide. Plus, we share some bonus recipe ideas! Read more now.

How To Identify, Prevent, and Treat Common Tomato Diseases

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Not sure what’s plaguing your tomatoes? Our roundup of common tomato plant diseases can help you to identify, treat, and prevent a variety of fungal, bacterial, and viral ailments, as well as other issues that may arise. From Alternaria stem canker to Verticillium wilt, we’ve got you covered. Read more now.

The Best Homegrown Vegetables High in Vitamin A

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Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that’s important for a plethora of functions within our bodies, including good vision! Dietary sources are easy to obtain, and can even be found right in your backyard vegetable garden. Read on to learn more about vitamin A and some of the top veggie sources you can add to your diet.

What Vegetables Are High in Iron?

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Iron is an important component of our red blood cells and it aids many functions in the body. While we may think of red meat or poultry first as dietary sources, iron can actually be found in several veggies! Read on to learn more about this essential mineral and some of the most abundant sources in your garden.

How to Pre-Seed your Garden in Fall for an Early Spring Harvest

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Looking for an easy way to get an early start to the spring season? Why not try planting next year’s seeds in the fall? With minimal effort this autumn, you can get a head start on next season with a healthier, heartier crop. Read on to learn how to pre-seed the vegetable garden this fall for an early spring harvest.

How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat Common Beet Diseases

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Dealing with beet diseases is frustrating, and some of them can destroy your harvest. From bacteria to viruses, there are lots of potential pathogens you may face. With the right knowledge, you can tackle most problems before they get out of hand. Read more now to learn how to identify and tackle your garden woes.

How To Save Broccoli Seeds At Home

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Broccoli is the perfect candidate for saving seed from the home garden, and a healthy specimen can produce hundreds of tiny seeds. Learning how to collect and store seeds from this vegetable garden favorite can help you to save money and more sustainably grow nutritious, productive plants for generations.

9 of the Best Companion Plants to Grow with Broccoli

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Broccoli is a popular veggie around the world, and it’s easy to grow your own. But what should you plant nearby? Knowledge of the best companion plants can help you to repel pests and balance out broccoli’s heavy feeding habits. Plus, find out which plants benefit the most from broccoli’s towering shade. Read more now.

How to Start Broccoli from Seed

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Have you ever wanted to grow broccoli from seed? Now is the time to give it a try! Broccoli is nutritious and delicious, and you can eat more parts of the plant than you might think. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about growing a spring or fall crop of this beloved Brassica. Read more now.

Identify, Prevent, and Treat Common Cabbage Diseases

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Do your cabbage plants appear diseased? An array of organisms can afflict cabbage plants, ranging in severity from powdery mildew, which generally does not kill its hosts, to bacterial soft rot, which totally decimates them. Read on to figure out which pathogen has infected your cabbages and what you can do about it.

When and How to Harvest Shallots

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If you are growing shallots in your garden, you might be feeling a bit confused about how and when to pick the delicious bulbs. Do you pull them up when the tops turn yellow, or does something else have to happen too? Discover when and how to harvest shallots in this guide, plus some bonus recipe ideas! Read more now.

How to Train Pumpkins to Grow on a Trellis

A close up horizontal image of a large pumpkin with the vine trained to grow vertically and the fruit supported by a large rock on the side of a raised wooden garden bed.

Is your pumpkin vine taking over the garden, growing faster than you can contain it? Don’t lose hope. Growing your gourds vertically can tame those unruly vines, and training pumpkins on a trellis also helps to keep them free of pests and disease. To learn everything you need to know, read more now.

Are Ornamental Sweet Potatoes Edible?

A close up horizontal image of purple and light green foliage of ornamental Ipomoea batatas with a wooden fence in soft focus in the background.

Ornamental sweet potatoes provide elegant coverage with their vibrant vines, and this special plant is typically used as a decorative addition both indoors and out. But with “sweet potato” in the name, you have to wonder – can you eat them too? Read on to learn if they’re just as tasty as they are beautiful.

How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Common Cauliflower Diseases

A close up horizontal image of two cauliflower plants with small developing heads and soil in soft focus in the background.

Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that’s challenging to grow. It takes an ideal combination of temperature, moisture, and nutrients for pristine heads to form. Sometimes, even with best practices, plants fall victim to disease. Read on to learn how to avoid, recognize, and address 12 common cauliflower conditions now.

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

A close up horizontal image of a small ceramic bowl containing cleaned, roasted seeds, set on a wooden surface. In the background are two ripe orange pumpkins in soft focus.

The culinary value of pumpkins goes beyond enjoying the tasty flesh in soups and pies – the seeds can be just as useful as a healthy snack that’s packed with essential nutrients. Making your own roasted pumpkin seeds from homegrown squash is a simple way to help utilize all parts of the pumpkin. Read on to learn more.

11 of the Best Pumpkin Varieties for Cooking

A close up of two winter gourds growing on the vine, with bright orange skin, straw mulch on the ground, and a metal fence to the right of the frame.

Carving is cool, but it’s also fun to grow pumpkins that are great for cooking. From heirloom giants to hybrid minis, these 11 pumpkin picks are a home chef’s dream. Try them in your favorite fall soups, breads, pancakes, and even pumpkin lasagna, and freeze the excess from your bumper crop to enjoy all year long.

What Is an Heirloom Tomato?

A farmer holding a large basket filled with heirloom tomatoes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.

They’re colorful, juicy, and oh so tasty – we know an heirloom tomato when we see one. Heirloom tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes, have been grown in gardens for centuries, and often have charming histories attached to them. Want to know what makes these tomatoes worthy of handing down? To find out, keep reading.

How and When to Fertilize Your Pumpkin Plants

A close up of a metal spade applying granular fertilizer to a raised garden bed containing pumpkins, marigolds, and lavender.

If you’re growing pumpkins, you might be wondering how and when to fertilize your plants for an abundant harvest of gorgeous gourds. Pumpkins are heavy feeders, and the plants need different nutrients in different growth stages. Discover how to fertilize your plants with the right nutrients at the right times. Read more.

How to Grow Cherry Tomatoes

A close up of a ripe cherry tomato plant with water droplets in the sun with green foliage.

Do you fancy the idea of picking tasty, tangy cherry tomatoes fresh from the vine? Easy to grow and vigorous, they produce an abundance of bite-sized fruit in an array of beautiful colors. Among the earliest to ripen, they deliver a long season as well. Get all the best tips for growing cherry tomatoes right here.

Cracked Fruit on the Vine: Are Split Tomatoes Safe to Eat?

A close up of two tomatoes on the vine, one of which has a large crack running down the skin from the stem end, pictured in bright sunshine. The background is in soft focus.

Picture a red tomato ripening on the vine, perfectly plump and juicy. One day, you notice a split down the side! Are all of your gardening efforts wasted? Take a look at what causes splitting, and most importantly, whether you can salvage your harvest and safely eat tomatoes that have split or cracked. Read more.

How to Grow Your Own Pumpkins

A close up of two pumpkins growing on the vine, resting on the soil in the summer garden. In the background is foliage and soil in soft focus.

Have you always wanted your own pumpkin patch, filled with winter squash that are perfect for cooking and decorating throughout the fall? It’s not as hard as you might think. From small cultivars to large homegrown varieties that are ready to be carved into jack-o’-lanterns, we’ve got you covered. Read more now.

How and When to Compost Tomato Plants

A close up of a garden fork stuck in a gray plastic backyard compost bin, containing garden waste, pictured in bright sunshine.

Whether or not to compost tomatoes is a controversial topic in the gardening world. Fears that composting tomatoes will encourage pathogens, create messes, and cause trouble the following season lead many gardeners to trash their plants. Read on to examine these concerns and learn how to safely compost tomato plants.

How to Grow and Care for Tomatoes in Your Garden

A close up of three ripe tomatoes growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

The fresh taste of juicy homegrown tomatoes is one of the joys of summer gardening. Whether you enjoy them tossed in a summer salad or cooked in a classic sauce, tomatoes are a must-have in the veggie garden. Learn how to plant and grow your own tasty tomatoes and enjoy the fresh taste of summer. Read more now.

Get Your Daily Dose of B Vitamins with These Homegrown Vegetables

A vegetable garden with rows of produce growing in the sunshine with a brick wall and trellis in the background.

Vegetables harvested fresh from the garden bring a burst of flavor to our meals. They also add a nutritious boost of vitamins and minerals – including many B-complex vitamins. Read more now to learn how these vitamins help with essential functions in the body, and which types of homegrown produce are the best sources.

How to Choose the Best Halloween Pumpkins to Grow in Your Garden

An autumnal scene, with pumpkins carved and whole, surrounded by straw and candles set on a wooden surface.

If you’re getting ready to plant your Halloween pumpkins, you might need help choosing the perfect varieties for that spooky night. In this guide, you’ll learn the best varieties to grow whether you’re carving, painting, eating, or just setting out the bright veggies for decoration. Read on to discover your favorites.

The Top 10 Reasons to Love Tomatoes and Add More to Your Diet

A close up background picture of a variety of different tomato cultivars, some are cut in half and others pictured whole, set on a wooden surface.

Whether you like your tomatoes raw, stewed, juiced, pureed, or transformed into a sauce, we can all agree that they’re amazing veggies. Tasty to eat and enjoyable to grow, they also offer incredible health benefits and contain essential vitamins and minerals. Learn the top 10 reasons to love tomatoes – read more now.

How to Grow Napini Kale

A close up top down picture of a flowering shoot of the Brassica oleracea plant in the second season, commonly harvested as napini.

Did you know that kale is a biennial that produces tender edible shoots and buds in the second season? Napini, or kale rabe, is delicious, tender, and sweet, a treat you won’t want to miss out on. What’s more, growing kale for napini is easy. Learn how to grow and harvest your own napini kale. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Ramps

A close up picture of bunches of ramps at a farmer's market with the roots removed, the bulbs cleaned, held together with elastic bands, on a soft focus background.

Ramps are an incredibly delicious treat in the kitchen, but they’re overharvested in the wild. The solution? Grow your own. Ramps are a fuss-free plant once they’re established, with a flavor that can’t be imitated. Our guide to growing Allium tricoccum includes everything you need to get started. Read more now.

How to Regrow Lettuce from Kitchen Scraps

A close up of three glasses on a windowsill with lettuce scraps that are regrowing, fading to soft focus in the background.

Did you know you can turn lettuce scraps into more delicious, leafy greens with nothing but a container, some water, and a little bit of time? We’ll show you how to grow your own hyper-local greens for free, with minimal effort. It’s also a fun project to do with the kids. Learn more now.

Gardening at Home: 31 of the Best Kits to Get Started

A close up of various gardening tools for indoor gardening with a watering can, pots and seed starter trays, and small hand tools, set on a wooden surface.

It’s the perfect time to start growing your own herbs, fruits, veggies, and mushrooms at home, or to take up a new hobby like terrarium-making or succulent propagation. We’ve found the best kits to help you get started. Most include everything you need, with helpful instructions. Pick your favorite, and get growing!

21 of the Best Japanese Eggplant Varieties

A close up of a variety of small purple eggplant fruits set on a dark gray surface.

Japanese eggplant is a delight on the plate and you can grow this veggie right in your own backyard. When choosing seeds, you’ll find an incredible selection, in shades that are dark black, bright purple, lavender, pink, and even green. Read on to discover 21 of the best Japanese and Asian eggplant varieties.

13 of the Best Rhubarb Varieties for the Garden

A close up of the red stalks of the rhubarb plant growing in the garden, with bright green foliage on a soft focus background.

Rhubarb pie melts in your mouth, but you can use pie plant in jams, cake, ice cream, and more. And there are plenty of varieties from tart to sweet and everywhere in between to satisfy your cravings. We round up thirteen of the best rhubarb varieties for you to grow in your garden this season. Learn more now.

Kale Spacing: How Far Apart to Plant for the Best Harvest

Neat rows of large, mature kale plants, intercropped with cabbage and other vegetables. In the center of the frame is a light green curly variety, and to its right a large purple variety.

Curious how much space to leave between each of the kale plants in your garden? By spacing these leafy green vegetables just right, it will be easy to care for and harvest your crop throughout your growing season. To find out the best spacing recommendations for your kale varieties and harvesting plans, read more now.

7 Tips for Harvesting Your Best Leek Crop Ever

A close up of freshly dug leeks with roots and foliage still attached set on a dark soil background with a garden fork to the right of the frame.

Early and late-season leek varieties provide an abundant supply of nutritious, oniony flavor. From careful sowing and working hard to keep your crop moist to blanching the stems to a snowy white, now it’s time to bring in your best leek harvest ever. Enjoy sweet success with our expert tips. Read more now.

Is Kale an Annual or a Perennial?

A top down picture of different types of kale growing in an autumn garden surrounded by yellow and brown leaves.

A vegetable garden favorite, kale is a reliable producer of healthy leafy greens. But is this cruciferous vegetable an annual or a perennial? We’ll have to go back to the birds and the bees to fully understand kale’s life cycle. To find out when to expect flowering and seed heads from your kale plants, keep on reading.

How to Grow Broccolini

A close up of a broccolini plant with delicate heads on long thin stems growing in the garden on a soft focus background.

Tender, crunchy, and sweet with a mildly peppery flavor, broccolini is a hybrid broccoli that is praised for its thin edible flowering shoots which can be harvested multiple times a season. Learn how to grow broccolini in your garden, the best varieties to choose, and enjoy this tasty vegetable all season long.

7 of the Best Ornamental Gourd Varieties

A close up picture of a large variety of different ornamental gourds and edible squash in different colors, textures, shapes, and sizes in bright sunlight.

Ornamental gourds are easy to grow and add color and texture to your garden. Did you know they are available in an array of shades, shapes, and sizes – and they’re perfect for brightening up the backyard or decorating your fall table. Learn about the different varieties and discover our 7 favorites. Read more now.