VEGETABLES

Ah, coffee grounds—my go-to for boosting soil, until I learned the hard way that not all veggies appreciate the extra dose of caffeine. Let’s just say a few plants in my garden weren’t too thrilled with my morning coffee habit!  Thankfully, I’ve figured out which vegetables prefer to keep their roots far away from my…

Ah, potatoes—gotta love them! They’re in so many of our favorite dishes, and there’s just something special about growing your own. But if your potato harvest has been more of a disappointment than a delight, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, wondering where it all went wrong. The truth is, even tiny mistakes can mess…

Thinking about growing some bell peppers? I don’t blame you. There’s nothing like picking your own right off the plant. Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony or a big backyard, you can totally grow these beauties. I’ve tried it all. And you know what? It’s always worth it. Bell peppers are surprisingly easy to grow…

Many of us look forward to the first signs of life in our gardens each spring. Perennial vegetables are a delightful surprise that come back year after year, offering a bounty of flavors and nutrients without the need to replant. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about these resilient plants. 1. Asparagus Witnessing the first green…

Have you ever wondered just how big vegetables can grow? Across the United States, gardeners and farmers have been cultivating jaw-dropping record-breaking vegetables that are the pride of their states. I’m thrilled to take you on this delightful journey, exploring some of the most extraordinary vegetables that have sprouted on American soil. From massive pumpkins…

Growing broccoli in your veggie garden? Trust me, it’s a game-changer!  Ever since I planted my first batch, I’ve been hooked. From its green leaves to its endless kitchen possibilities, this powerhouse veggie has earned a top spot in my garden.  And honestly, once you realize how fresh, homegrown broccoli tastes compared to store-bought, there’s…

Gardening in Zone 5 can be a bit of a rollercoaster, especially when you’ve got limited space and time. Trust me, I’ve been there. Waiting for what feels like forever for a tomato to ripen, only to watch it get eaten by critters. But don’t worry, I’ve learned the tricks! There are 25 fast-growing vegetables…

Isn’t it enchanting how nature surprises us with its genius? Among its many wonders are mini vegetables that charm us with their petite appearance and flavor-packed presence. These little wonders not only add aesthetic appeal to dishes but also bring a unique taste that only their size can deliver. Here, you’ll find an intriguing collection…

Growing lettuce in your own garden is such a rewarding experience! There’s something special about stepping outside and knowing exactly where your food comes from. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, adding a variety of lettuces to your garden can make the experience even more exciting—not to mention delicious. With so many…

Gardening in March can feel like a risky game of chance, with frosty mornings threatening your tender plants. But fear not! There are certain crops that laugh in the face of frost, toughing it out with their natural antifreeze. I’ve learned this firsthand after watching my spring veggies push through chilly mornings like little warriors….

Picture this: the sun is peeking through the clouds, and the earth is whispering promises of spring. March is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and plant those greens and roots that will make your garden sing! As a gardening enthusiast, I’ve found that starting certain leafy greens and root vegetables during this…

March marks a pivotal moment in gardening as it sets the stage for a vibrant and fruitful summer harvest. With the soil warming up, it’s the perfect time to sow a variety of vegetables that will thrive in the upcoming months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this list of 36 vegetables…

If you’re anything like me, always on the hunt for something new to spice up your meals, this list of 24 unusual root vegetables is your next big culinary adventure! I used to think I knew all the veggies. And than I discovered gems like salsify (the “vegetable oyster”) and the oyster plant, which completely…

As the chilly months settle in, it’s time to embrace the garden with cold-weather vegetables that thrive in the crisp air. These hardy greens and vibrant roots not only withstand frosty mornings but also bring a splash of color and nutrition to your winter meals. 1. Kale Few vegetables scream resilience like this leafy green…

Growing your own vegetables can transform your meals and your mood, no matter where you live in the U.S.! Whether you’re in the sunny South or the chilly North, there’s bound to be something on this list perfect for your garden. Here is a list of vegetables that not only thrive across different climates but…

Every state in the USA has its own beloved vegetable that embodies its essence and spirit. From coast to coast, these vegetables not only represent the agricultural richness but also the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of each region. Join us on this flavorful journey as we explore these iconic veggies, each with its unique…

Maximize your gardening season by diving into early spring seed planting!  Embrace the versatility of cool-season crops like arugula, cabbage, and kale that thrive in colder temperatures.  But wait, there’s more! There are numerous sun-loving veggies that can also be planted in February, as long as they are kept nice and warm. We’re here with…

Sweet potatoes have been a part of my veggie garden for a long time. These vegetables are super easy to maintain and, with little effort, you get a lot of flavorful crops to harvest. They are packed with nutrients, which is another reason why you should consider growing them. The great thing is that you…

Candy is definitely not the word you would typically expect to hear with the term onion. Well, candy onion is a hybrid species in the Allium genus and its flavor is sweeter than that of common onions, hence the name.  What I especially like about these veggies is that they’re easier to grow than their…

Impatient gardeners will be delighted to hear that some veggies don’t take long to mature.  You can have delicious crops on your table in less than 2 months, and there are some you can harvest just 2 weeks after planting!  Ready, set, go! Here are the 19 fastest growing veggies for your garden. 1. Sunflower…

We are used to seeing a lot of different colors in gardens, especially in flower gardens which elicit the impression of a rainbow exploding right there. What is something that we don’t often see in gardens? Probably the color not found in rainbows, and that color is black. Although it is quite popular nowadays, and…

There’s nothing better than harvesting a fresh cucumber straight from your own garden!  When I first started growing cucumbers, I had a few disappointing seasons. Once I got the gist of the plant care, I figured that the variety of cucumber also plays a very important role.  Some cucumber varieties are more pest-resistant, some are…

I know that the end of summer usually means it’s time to harvest and wrap up gardening, but why should we let the season for enjoying fresh produce come to an end? Believe it or not, some resilient plants thrive in the cold, allowing you to enjoy a winter garden brimming with fresh veggies. Who…

The best thing about gardening (besides fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful flowers) is perennial veggies!  Unlike the usual annuals that need replanting every year, perennials are delicious crops that just keep coming back on their own.   I still remember the excitement of growing asparagus – the waiting and wondering if it is ever going to…

Fall is every gardeners’ favorite season because everything they’ve been doing for the past summer finally pays off. Those who live in cooler climates are probably preparing to put their garden beds to sleep because nothing grows during this period.  Technically, you can’t harvest anything during winter but there’s one thing you can do: plant…

November may feel like a slow time for gardening, but it’s actually a great month to plant some veggies for an early harvest next year!  Planting now lets crops settle in before winter so they’ll be ready to grow even stronger when the spring arrives. I love planting in November, especially on my birthday, when…

As the temperatures begin to cool and the leaves start to change, you should prepare yourself for fall planting. Among many other options, garlic definitely stands out as a versatile crop that is quite easy to grow.  There are so many different garlic varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and uses,…

Seeing red, juicy, and ripe tomatoes once you start your harvest is the best feeling ever! But seeing split and cracked tomatoes is definitely the worst! I mean, you can still eat them but something about their appearance simply makes gardeners sad because they tried so hard and spent a lot of time inspecting and…

Fall is all about harvesting fresh, ripened crops from the garden. But did you know that there’s one more task you should add to your autumn to-do list? You might want to focus on planting garlic! Garlic is one of the most beneficial veggies that you can grow in your yard. Besides helping boost your…

Don’t you love the peppery taste of radishes? They are a great source of vitamin C, potassium and magnesium! Boy, these nutrients can keep you healthy all season long. As a gardening geek, I had to try planting them. A few years ago, I realized that I had never actually grown radishes before, so I…

If you want to grow one of the most delicious veggies that is full of vitamin C, then you should plant turnips this September! They are one of the healthiest crops that you can grow this fall. I always wanted to try planting them in my garden, but I wasn’t able to find the time…

Do you want to grow onions in your garden this fall? That’s great news because I’ve got some amazing tricks that I want to share with you! The only thing you’ll need for getting the most delicious homemade onions are raised beds.  Since I discovered these methods that proved to work very well, I haven’t…

What’s your first thought when someone mentions a fall garden? Let me guess: harvesting veggies planted during summer. That was exactly what I thought a few years ago, until I discovered vegetables that can thrive perfectly if planted in September. Now I have fresh homegrown crops throughout the cooler months without a greenhouse. Sounds amazing,…

I know all you gardeners out there are a bit sad because your gardens will soon be ready for harvest and a long-deserved break.  That’s exactly how I felt until I started my fall garden a few years ago. And the best decision was to use raised beds instead of standard planting sites. It prolonged…

You know that feeling when you accidentally pair the wrong socks and they just don’t work together? Well, planting peppers and beans near each other can feel like that mismatched sock moment for your garden.  From my own experience, I found this out the hard way when I tried growing these two side by side…

Tomatoes are my favorite fruits/veggies (depending on which group you belong). But cherry tomatoes? I love them so much, I even got one tattooed on my hand!  Since I started gardening, I knew I had to go with tomatoes first. And trust me, it was a struggle for a bit (cut me some slack, I…

Tomatoes are a hot topic of conversation among gardeners worldwide. The harvest is yet to come but, if we want it to be good, we must ensure the best possible conditions! Even though many factors affect how tomatoes grow, the crucial one is light! Giving your tomatoes the right amount of sunlight can make all…

It’s June and I’m well aware most gardeners have already finished filling their vegetable beds. But you shouldn’t throw in the towel just yet. This is the perfect time to plant some veggies and help them reach their fullest potential. In turn, they’ll reward you with the high yield you always dreamed of. I mean,…

You might assume that the pruning season wraps up with spring’s finale, but surprise – it’s just getting started!  June brings its own lineup of plants begging for a trim, ready to shine in the summer spotlight. Trees, shrubs, and perennials are producing new shoots at a rapid pace, all thanks to those rising temps…

Yes, I know it sounds incredible that a cardboard box can help grow potatoes. My neighbors also found it funny when they saw what this weirdo was doing in the garden. But they noticed that my veggies were better than theirs (of course), and now every garden in the neighborhood has one. This brand new…

You might think you are already too late to the gardening game once May arrives, but you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, this is the perfect time to sow those seeds and watch your garden grow. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of mishaps and surprises in the garden, but those veggies sown…

I remember when I first started gardening, I was excited to see what I could grow in my own backyard. ​​However, I made a rookie mistake – I chose to grow cauliflower because it’s my favorite veggie, but little did I know that it’s one of the toughest to grow (and my cauliflower, you guessed…

Feeling the heat? Well, your garden might be too! But don’t worry, fellow green thumbs, because even in the shadiest spots, there’s a world of veggies waiting to thrive.  Navigating a garden that’s not always basking in the sun can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. It’s all about finding the cool veggies that would…

Root veggies are definitely a must-have in the garden! They tolerate various growing conditions and are beginner-friendly. These veggies are also filled with beneficial nutrients that can boost your health in no time.  Plus, they can be stored for a long period of time so you get to enjoy fresh veggies during the winter months,…

We mainly link chilli peppers to hot and spicy dishes, but there are various species to choose from and some aren’t spicy at all.  They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes but one thing they all have in common is that they’re super easy to grow.  You can start them directly in the ground…

There’s nothing like taking that first bite of your homegrown tomato. But not every variety tastes the same, and I had to try quite a few mediocre ones until I found the best-tasting options. Of course, I can’t grow all of them, but Cherokee Purple and Brandywine are the staples of my garden that I…

Nothing can compare to freshly-picked juicy tomatoes. Many think it’s not possible to preserve that flavor for long.  Well, if you store them correctly, you can enjoy the taste all year. Freezing tomatoes is actually the easiest and best way to store these delicious veggies without affecting their flavor and nutritional value. Let’s see how…

Cucumbers are perfect veggies to add to your garden. They’re relatively easy to maintain and produce delicious fruit that you can either consume raw or store to enjoy their fantastic taste for months.  One question I often get regarding the cultivation of these veggies is: How many cucumbers per plant? I must say I wondered…

You’d think summer is the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your hard spring labor, but that may not be entirely true. In fact, July’s one of the best months to start preparing your plot for the fall season; and that includes planting autumnal veggies. Plant the seeds directly into the ground, and…

Growing tomato plants is quite easy. All you have to do is make sure that they receive a lot of sunlight and nutrients during the growing season. However, tomatoes can quickly become unwieldy, with sprawling branches and an abundance of foliage that can make it difficult to pick ripe fruit. Pruning your tomato plants is…

Artichokes are a famous and healthy vegetable, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. These plants produce breathtaking blossoms if you don’t harvest them, and can transform your plain vegetable garden into a beautiful lot. In this article, we’ll present all there is to know about artichoke flowers: what they are, when they…

If you are a gardener that loves spicy food, then you should definitely learn more about different types of chilli plants that you can grow in your garden! Instead of spending money on all sorts of spices and sauces, you can try and make some from your own chilli plants. Most chilli plants require the…

Yum, yum! Delicious potatoes are probably the most famous veggie cultivated worldwide.  Generally speaking, growing potatoes isn’t really challenging, but the first year may be problematic unless you figure out which variety is the most suitable for you, as well as how to plant them.  If you’ve followed the experts’ recommendations and harvest time is…

When you go to a grocery store and pick up a large cauliflower head, you probably don’t wonder where it comes from. Or do you? Well, the origin of this vegetable might surprise you. Even though we grow this plant from seeds in the modern day, it doesn’t mean that it has always been the…

Green beans are definitely must-have veggies in the vegetable garden because they are highly nutritious, have numerous health benefits, and they are also relatively easy to grow. Although there are many varieties of beans, they can all be grouped into two types of beans, including bush beans and pole beans. You will grow either pole…