Backyard Gardening

Carrots

1/29/2012

Carrots

Carrots are a biennial that are grown as annuals. They come in colors such as white, yellow, orange, red, purple and some are even multi-colored. Carrots can grow in any climate, so make sure you buy seeds for the variety of carrot that grows in your area. Carrots like a light evenly moist soil, if you have to amend your soil make sure you have at least 12 inches of good soil for long carrots like "St. Valery", ""Belgium White", "Danvers" or "Dragon". If you just have a few inches of nice light soil make sure you only plant shorter varieties of carrots such as, "Paris Market", "Thumbelina", "Little Finger" or "'Nantes Half Long". There are so many interesting carrot varieties to choose from when growing your own.

Growing Carrots
Carrots are a cool growing crop, can be planted both in the spring and in the fall. For spring planting, plant 2 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall planting, plant 13 weeks before first frost. Carrots should be sown 1/4 inch deep, in rows about 2 inches apart. The rows should be 12 inches apart. Make sure the soil is free of rocks or clumps of dirt. These will stunt the carrots growth. Heavy soil will make your carrots mis-shapen.Carrots like sun and even moisture (about 1-inch water per week), so don't let the soil dry out. For continuous carrot production, plant one row of seeds, then plant the successive rows when the previous row is up and growing. This will give you carrots continuously throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Carrots
Carrots taste best when they are picked small. They should be firm, tender and about 1-inch to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Fall carrots actually taste better than spring carrots and if you live in a cool winter climate you can actually store the carrots in the ground, digging them up as you need them.

Pests and Diseases

Leafhoppers are present when leaves, stems and buds are pierced. They suck the sap and chlorophyll out of the plant. Leafhoppers are 1/4-1/3 inch long and are green, wedged shape insects. Apply insecticidal soap to control of serious infestations.
Weevils are present if the leaves are are chewed to the stem. They are 1/2 inch long, gray to brownish in color with a long snout. They feed at night.
Leaf Blight causes white spots on seedling leaves, they become brown and look like they are water-soaked. The roots may also have lesions, dark spots or craters. This cannot be cured. To help prevent leaf blight thin seedlings and keep garden soil well cultivated.

Cooking with Carrots
Of course we all love eating carrots raw but here are some recipes to use your garden fresh carrots in.

Nutrients in Carrots

Vitamins A, B6, C and K
Folate
Thiamin
Niacin
Manganese
Potassium
Fiber

Broccoli

1/24/2012

Broccoli

Broccoli is part of the cabbage family. It is a cool season crop that can be grown in spring as well as fall. Broccoli is a biennial but is usually grown as an annual. Broccoli is a great vegetable to grow if you are an inexperienced gardener because it is easy to grow and bears over a long period. One of the best growing varieties of broccoli is Calabrese because it produces many side shoots. Broccoli can grow to 4 feet in height and central stalks that bear green clusters of flower buds, also called florets.

Growing Broccoli
Broccoli is considered a cool season plant. It can be grown in all climate zones but it will tend to turn into flowers if the temperature is too high. In mild climates plant broccoli in early spring, fall or winter. If you live in a colder climate set transplants out 2 weeks before the last frost, in late winter or early spring. Broccoli only needs about 5 hours of sun a day. It also require 1 inch of water per week. Broccoli is pretty hardy so it can withstand some frost. It does not grow well in greenhouses. The smaller varieties of broccoli, such as Crusader, can be grown in a container that is at least 20 inches deep. If using seeds plant them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting time. If the summers remain cool in your area you can plant new broccoli about every month. Remember that 12 plants at a time will be more than enough for a typical family so save some seeds to plant again later.

Harvesting Broccoli

While the buds are still tight cut the central heads off. You should cut up to 6 inches of stalk along with the broccoli head. After you harvest the central head the broccoli plant will begin to grow offshoots. As long as you continue to harvest your broccoli before it flowers you will continue to get more shoots during the cool weather. Once the weather turns warm your broccoli will flower and you will no longer be able to harvest it.

Broccoli Pests

Aphids are present if your broccoli plants curl, pucker and turn yellow. Look for ants because they are attracted to secretions by aphids. Remove aphids by vigorously spraying with water in the morning and evening.
Cabbage loopers may be a problem if your plants have small ragged holes in the leaves.

Cooking with Broccoli
Broccoli is a fabulous vegetable to cook with. It makes wonderful soups, salads, casseroles and side dishes.

Nutrients in Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the very nutrient dense cruciferous family of vegetables. These are vegetables you should eat at least 2-3 times per week, preferably 4-5 times per week. Broccoli is a good source of:

dietary fiber
vitamins C, K, A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6
folate
manganese
tryptophan
potassium
magnesium
protein
omega 3
iron
calcium
zinc

Artichokes

1/18/2012

Artichokes

Artichokes are perennial plants that are not only good to eat but are also beautiful landscape plants. They are rather large rising to about 4 feet in height and 6-8 feet wide. Artichokes look kind of like a fountain as they grow. They have long silvery green leaves with big green flower buds that form on top of long stalks. The edible part of the plant is the green flower.

Growing Artichokes
Artichokes love the cool foggy conditions along the California coast, but can be grown in areas of colder winters and warmer summers too. In cool summer climates artichokes produce their flower buds from September to early May, possibly all year long. In other climates plants grow from spring through fall, with flower buds growing in early summer. You can try to grow artichokes in cold winter conditions, but you will need to protect the plant from cold weather.It is also unlikely any buds will grow in cold winter climates. Dormant plants can be planted in winter or early spring. Seedlings can be planted in early spring in cool coastal areas. Space plants 4-6 feet apart, watering very well once a week after growth begins. When plant is done producing and leaves turn yellow cut off old stalks at ground level. In colder winter climates top plants to 1 foot in height, tie them over the root crown and mulch well. Artichokes can also be grown in large containers.

Harvesting Artichokes

Each stem will produce 3-5 buds and each plant will produce multiple stems. Harvest artichoke buds while they are tight and plump. Make sure the leaves are still closed. Cut the artichoke from the stem leaving 2-3 inches of the stem on the plant. If you leave the buds on the plant they will flower into beautiful purple thistles. You can cut them to use in floral arrangements.

Pests and Diseases

Spray plant buds vigorously with water to control aphids.
Plant in raised garden beds with wire mesh at the bottom to control gophers.

Cooking with Artichokes

Nutrients in Artichokes

vitamins C, K
Niacin
Magnesium
Phosphorous
Copper
Folate
Manganese

Grow Your Own Backyard Fruit and Vegetables

1/18/2012

Fruit and Vegetables

I know a lot of people who say they would love to grow their own food in a backyard garden but are so intimidated because they think to have a successful garden it needs to be big. The best way to start gardening is on a small scale. Choose just a few of your favorite vegetables or herbs to start with. I like to buy heirloom seeds because the seeds can be re-harvested and saved for next year. This is something you can choose to try or you can just buy seeds again for next year. I like buying seeds because it's less expensive and it's fun. Here are some tips to get you started for the upcoming spring season.

If you have never gardened before begin with 1 or 2 of your favorite herbs. Most herbs grow year round. You can plant these in containers or choose a spot in your yard as part of the landscaping.
If you want to grow vegetables and you don't already have a garden bed, you can start with container gardening to make sure this is something you want to do. We all have good intentions but a garden does need some time spent in it to be productive. Choose a few vegetables that grow well in containers (about 6-inches in diameter and 8-inches deep) like tomatoes, lettuce and radishes.
If you plan to make space in your yard for a vegetable garden, don't make it bigger than a 10x15 area. You can have a very productive garden in a well tended place. If your garden is bigger it will require more time and if your like me you don't want to spend all your time in it.
If your yard doesn't have one large sunny spot, its ok to plant your vegetables in smaller plots. This way you can also incorporate them into your landscape easier.
Choose varieties of seeds that will grow in your area. If you don't have a local garden nursery, ask a seed company to help you choose the best types for your area.
Cultivating or preparing the soil is an important step to control weeds. Break up the soil about the depth of a spade and turn the soil over. This step is only done in the beginning process of preparing your garden for the initial planting. After that nutrient loss can take place.
Mulching on the other hand is very beneficial. It conserves moisture, controls weeds, and improves the soil.
Don't forget to plant fruit trees or berry bushes that grow in your area. These are wonderful because once they grow you will have a crop every year with minimal effort.

Carrots

Broccoli

Artichokes

Grow Your Own Backyard Fruit and Vegetables

Becky

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