Kale contains higher levels of beta-carotene than any other green vegetable, and is also high in vitamin C and calcium. Collards are not far behind. All are easy to grow, vigorous, nutritious, resistant to cold, and easy to harvest and...
Continue ReadingMarjoram is the milder cousin of oregano, with a very similar flavour profile but gentler impact. Sprinkle some freshly cut marjoram over an omelette or baguette for a savoury treat. Follow this handy How to Grow Marjoram from seed guide...
Continue ReadingTraditionally used to flavour bean dishes, epazote has the added medicinal benefit of acting as a carminative, or anti-flatulent agent. Epazote is an unfussy plant that will grow in even poor soils. Grow in full sun for best results, in a...
Continue ReadingIn mild climates, borage will bloom continuously nearly all year, so it’s a wonderful choice for attracting native pollinators – particularly bumblebees. The leaves and flowers are edible with a flavour reminiscent of cucumbers. Borage is an excellent all around...
Continue ReadingPerennial. The pea-like flowers of lupins grow in dense spires from their destinctive foliage. They will bloom 2 months from a spring sowing or early summer from fall sown plants. Latin Lupinus polyphyllus. Family: Fabaceae. Difficulty Easy Season & Zone...
Continue ReadingThe chicory family includes the food plants endive and radicchio, which range in flavour from bitter to sweet. All varieties become sweeter, and lose much of their bitterness, when cooked. Try a hot oil salad dressing over endive, or a...
Continue ReadingRocket Larkspur is an annual Delphinium that is native to Europe, but now grows as a wildflower in North America. Latin Delphinium ajacis Family: Ranunculaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun Zone: 3-9 Timing Sow indoors 8-10 weeks...
Continue ReadingBeets are incredibly healthy eating. Both the roots and the leaves are an excellent source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin C. They also contain betaine, a compound that is essential for cardiovascular health. Eat them raw, cooked, pickled – you...
Continue ReadingLacy, beautiful fennel plants grace planter boxes and the delicate leaves are lovely in salads. Like dill and parsley, the flowers of fennel are intensely attractive to beneficial insects. Grow fennel in a sunny position in well-drained loamy soil. If your...
Continue ReadingBergamot is also known, somewhat confusingly, as Bee Balm, Scarlet Bee-balm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, and by its genus name, Monarda. All varieties are aromatic and highly attractive to pollinators, including hummingbirds.Pick the leaves as desired for fresh use in the...
Continue ReadingFresh Brussels sprouts are a superb fall and winter treat. Like broccoli, these little “cabbages” are full of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fibre. And after frost, they become sweet, as the plants create sugar for antifreeze. Keep your plants moist and...
Continue ReadingLovage has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks as a remedy for stomach upsets, and to aid digestion. As herbs go, this is a massive plant, so you may only want one or two for your home...
Continue ReadingLearn how to grow Chrysanthemums from seed. Perennial plants that regularly undergo name changes, and may be listed as Chrysanthemum, Leucanthemum, Pyrethrum, or Tanacetum. Zone: 4-9 When I Get My Seedling HomeKeep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess....
Continue ReadingDill grows tall and produces lots of aromatic leaves. The umbels of yellow flowers attract numerous beneficial insects to the garden. Follow the How to Grow Dill seeds guide below and get pickling. Latin Anethum graveolens Family: Apiaceae Difficulty Easy...
Continue ReadingTime your radish plantings a week apart for a longer harvest period. The secret to growing a great radish is to plant when the weather is cool, to not plant too close together and to harvest promptly before the roots...
Continue ReadingThe mint family is vast and cross pollination is difficult to control, so many sources suggest that mint will not come true from seed. Our mint seeds are grown in isolation and bred with care in a greenhouse setting. Zone:...
Continue ReadingThe immature seeds of the edible soya bean are a nutritious snack. Steam or boil the whole pods for 3-5 minutes and set out, salted or unsalted, as a fun finger-food. This treat is called edamame. The small, slightly fuzzy...
Continue ReadingThe humble rutabaga is often called a turnip, but rutabagas are much more useful in the kitchen, are more nutritious, and store well. Amazing yields of flavourful roots are possible in a small space. Introduce rutabagas on dip trays (like...
Continue ReadingThis annual flower species that is sometimes called Chinese Forget-Me-Nots or Hound’s Tongue. Native to the Himalayas. Latin Cynoglossum amabile Family: Boraginaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Zone: 2-10 Timing Direct sow mid-winter (February...
Continue ReadingCover cropping is a seasonal process in every well-managed sustainable garden or farm. Planting cover crop seeds is easy. Useful in weed suppression, they are important in building soil structure and add nutrients and organic matter to soils. Many of the...
Continue ReadingCabbage is another member of the Brassica family that is full of nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as various antioxidants. The American Cancer Society strongly urges an increased intake of cabbage and other Brassicas in...
Continue ReadingAn annual plant that also answers to Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button, Bluebottle, Hurtsickle, Hardheads, Knapweed, and Star Thistle. We use the genus name to keep it nice and simple. Grows well in any ordinary, well drained garden soil. Seeds will flourish within...
Continue ReadingPotatoes are important to the self-sufficient gardener and the gourmet gardener. Easy to grow, highly nutritious and there is a variety for every use in the kitchen. Kids of all ages love to grow potatoes. Some are for baking, some...
Continue Reading
