Backyard Gardening

Potatoes

11/24/2012

Potatoes

If you want to grow potatoes, one of the easiest ways to do it is in a container. Two pounds of seed potatoes can yield 50 pounds of harvest. It's also a great way to grow a lot of potatoes in a very limited space. Container growing works best with Yellow Finn, Indian Pit, Red Pontiac, or the fingerling types. I have grown Yukon Gold successfully as well. Choose either a 50-gallon trash barrel or an old half barrel (like a wine or whiskey barrel). Just make sure your barrel is at least 2 to 3-feet tall with drainage holes in both the bottom and the side of the container. Clean your container using a mixture of 12 cups water, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide.

Growing Potatoes in Barrels
Fill the bottom of the barrel with about 6 inches of loose planting soil and compost. Soil needs to be loose and moist so using a planting soil with peat moss or other soil amendment like coconut husks will keep the soil from becoming too compacted. Between mid-May and mid-June add seed potatoes to the layer of soil. You can either plant the potatoes whole or cut them up into pieces. (Each piece should have a couple of eyes.) Leave about 12-inches of space between each potato. Cover the potatoes with another 6 inches of your soil and compost mix. Do not compact the soil. Water just enough to dampen the dampen. The soil must be kept damp at all times but do not overwater. When plants have about 6 to 8 inches of foliage, add another layer of your soil/compost mix. Cover about one-half to three-quarters of the visible stems and foliage. Repeat this process of plants sprouting, covering the sprouts and moistening the soil until the plants grow to the top of the barrel.

Harvesting Potatoes
Harvest potatoes a week or two after plants flower or when plants start to yellow. This will be about 10 weeks after planting. Carefully dig down with your hands to inspect the top-most layer, potatoes should be well shaped and firm. Discard any green potatoes. Waiting to harvest until tops have died down is good if storing potatoes. Just make sure you harvest them all before they freeze.

Potato Pests and Diseases

Aphids may present if potato foliage curls, puckers and turns yellow. They can be found on the underside of of young leaves. Spray vigorously with water to remove aphids.
Cutworms may be a problem if seedlings or transplants are severed below the soil. Make a trap around each plant by sprinkling cornmeal or bran meal.
Early Blight causes irregular dark spots on older leaves. As the spots grow they begin to look like a target. To combat blight apply a copper based fungicide every 7-10 days until it's time to harvest.
Ring Rot causes leaflets, stems and stalks to wilt and turn yellow and die. A yellow mass can be squeezed out of a cut tuber. Ring Rot cannot be cured, so plants need to be destroyed.

Cooking Potatoes

Potatoes are very versatile. For a variety of recipes click here.

Nutrients in Potatoes

Vitamin c and B6
Potassium
Manganese
Fiber

Brussels Sprouts

5/21/2012

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts are related to cabbage that wonderful cruciferous family of healthy vegetables. It grows in almost all climates, as long as, summers don't get too hot or dry. Brussels Sprouts grow on an 18-inch to 36-inch long stem with large leaves at the top of the stem.

Growing Brussels Sprouts
In spring plant seeds in ground 4-6 in April. You can also grow seeds indoors in flats and transplant in June. In mild climates, plant seeds about 4 months before first expected frost for a fall/ winter crop. Seeds should be planted 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch deep in rows with 14-inches to 24 -inches of spacing. Use compost or a slow-acting fertilizer when planting seeds. Brussels Sprouts grow to 3 feet tall with a spread of 2 feet. They require 1-inch water per week. Brussels Sprouts can not be grown in greenhouses.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts
Harvest Brussels Sprouts from the bottom first when the large leaves begin to turn yellow. Sprouts should be bright green, firm and about the size of a golf ball. After picking your sprouts mound dirt around the bottom of the stem up to keep the plant from tipping over.

Brussels Sprouts Pests

Aphids are present when sprouts curl, pucker and turn yellow. Plants might become stunted in growth. Spray vigorously with water to remove aphids.
Cabbage maggots are present when seedling become yellow and growth is stunted. Brown tunnels are in the stems just below the soil line. Apply wood ashes and water, let sit overnight around the rootball.
Whitefly is present if the plant is covered in a white powdery substance. Spray vigorously and rub between fingers to remove whitefly.

Cooking Brussels Sprouts

Nutrients in Brussels Sprouts

Vitamins A, B6, C, K
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorous
Copper
Folate
Potassium
Manganese

Radishes

5/6/2012

Radishes

Radishes are fast growing vegetable. The fastest growing varieties take 3 weeks until harvest. Slower growing varieties can take up to 2 months. Radishes like continual moisture, so plant them as soon as the soil can be worked, about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.

Growing Radishes
Soil temperature should be between 40 and 85 degrees to germinate the seeds. Plant seeds in 1/2-inch deep in rows 12-inches apart in full sun. When tops are up thin to 1-inch apart. Radishes need about 1-inch water per week. They are light feeders so blending rotted manure into soil before planting radish seed should be enough. For continuous harvest plant rows every week. For fall plantings, plant seeds 7 weeks before first expected frost. Radishes that can be grown in greenhouses are: French Breakfast and Sparkler. Container varieties are: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Sparkler. Fast growing varieties are: Cherry Belle, Crimson Giant and Scarlett white Tipped. A sower growing variety is Icicle, a long white radish. Radishes good for fall planting are Long Black Spanish and White Chinese.

Harvesting Radishes
Harvest radishes once they reach usable size. Red varieties should be firm, smooth, and round with a nice red color. Black varieties should be firm, smooth, round and black in color. White radishes should be firm, slender and white in color. Harvest lasts 2-3 weeks.

Radish Pests

Aphids are present if plant foliage curls, and turns yellow. Spray leaves vigorously with water and rub aphids with fingers.
Cutworms are present if plant stems are completely severed below the surface.
Cabbage Loper is present if the leaves have ragged holes. Look for 1-1/2 inch long light green caterpillar with yellow stripes.

Eating Radishes
Radishes are wonderful addition to any vegetable platter.
Add them to any salad or try my Radish, Cucumber and Corn Salad.

Nutrients in Radishes

Vitamins B6 and C
Folate
Calcium
Magnesium
Copper
Manganese
Potassium
Riboflavin

Lettuce and Salad Greens

4/12/2012

Lettuce

There are over 50 varieties of plants used in salads. What's available in most grocery stores is just a couple of choices, so growing your own salad greens is a great idea. You can grow the varieties you see in the store like Romaine, Red Leaf, Green Leaf, Butter, Arugula, Garden cress, Endive, Mustard Greens and Kale. If you are a little adventurous you can purchase a packet of mixed salad greens and surprise yourself and your family with all the new flavors you probably wouldn't purchase at the store.

Growing Lettuce and Salad Greens
There are 4 basic types of lettuce. Crisp (which is the most difficult to grow), Butter lettuce (loose heads with green outer leaves and yellow inner leaves), Loose leaf (form rosettes rather than heads) and Romaine (grows erect with green outer leaves and white inner leaves). Lettuce grows well in loose well drained fertile soil. Plant in partial shade if growing in hot summer weather. Plant lettuce in rows 8-12 inches apart in open ground just after last frost. Cover seeds lightly with soil. Water regularly but feed lightly. Lettuce can be started indoors and transplanted outside when grown in short summer climates. Lettuce can also be grown in containers 8 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep.

Harvesting Lettuce and Salad Greens
Harvest loose leaf lettuce as needed. Head lettuce should be harvested when the heads have formed and are firm when squeezed. Pick whole heads of both head and leaf lettuce before the seed stalks breakthrough.

Pests in Lettuce and Salad Greens

Aphids are present when foliage curls, puckers and turns yellow. Vigorously spray infected leaves with water.
Sails and slugs are present when leaves have large ragged holes. The best method for ridding snails and slugs is to pick them out of your garden each morning.

Cooking with Lettuce and Salad Greens

For great salad recipes like Asian Style Salad, Caesar Salad, Butter Lettuce Salads, Cobb Salad, Chef Salad, Arugula Salad, Garden Salads and Watercress Salad click here.

Nutrients in Lettuce and Salad Greens
Riboflavin
Vitamin A, B6, C, K
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Copper
Thiamin
Folate
Iron
Potassium
Manganese

Beets

3/19/2012

Chioggia Beets

Assyrian text mention beets as far back as 800 BC. Beets are grown as annuals. They are typically purple but can be white and yellow as well. Common beet varieties are Detroit Dark, Early Wonder, Lutz Green Leaf, Chioggia, Burpee Golden, Ruby Queen and White Albino. Common ways to eat beets are boiled, roasted and grilled.

Growing Beets
For a continuous supply of beets, plant seeds after last frost in short rows at monthly intervals until mid-summer. Plant beet seeds 1/2 to 1-inch deep in full sun. Seeds take 7-10 days to germinate and 50-80 days to mature. For tender roots, water frequently in dry weather. Beets like temperatures of 50-75 degrees.

Harvesting Beets
Beets should be smooth, round and firm. Harvest when beets are between 1-inch and 3-inches wide. The larger beets are sweeter but also tougher. Beets can be picked for 4-6 weeks before they become too woody.

Beet Pests

Carrot weevils are present if chewed holes appear on leaves. Cover beets with agricultural fleece to prevent weevils from infesting crop.
Mites are present if leaves become yellow, stippled and dry. Forcefully spray leaves with water to knock the mites off the leaves.
Whitefly is present if leaves weaken, turn yellow and fall off. There will also be a honeydew secreted by the whiteflies. This causes fungus. Spray plants forcefully with water and rub the leaves with fingers to remove whiteflies.

Cooking with Beets
Roasted or grilled beets are a wonderful to addition to salads.
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/grilled-fresh-beets.html

Nutrients in Beets

Vitamin C
Fiber
Iron
Magnesium
Folate
Potassium
Manganese

Cucumbers

3/12/2012

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a fast growing vegetable that love warm temperatures. They need both warm soil and warm air to sprout seeds and for pollination. Most vines will spread over 6 feet, so make sure you give them room to grow. You can grow them on fencing or trellises if space is at a premium. You can also plant compact varieties, such as, Tiny Dill or Patio Pik in large containers or tubs 8 inches wide by 12 inches deep.

Growing Cucumbers
Plant seeds in rows 1 week before last expected frost about 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Cucumber roots are sensitive so if you plan on transplanting the seedlings be sure to do it before the become root bound. Keep the soil moist and make sure you water them from below. If you sprinkle water on the vines they will mildew. Cucumbers require a compost or slow acting all purpose fertilizer in the spring and again very lightly once a month through the growing season. English cucumbers need to be grown in greenhouses, they should not be pollinated by bees or they will lose both form and flavor.

Harvesting Cucumbers
Pick cucumbers when they are dark green, firm and of moderate size. If cucumber are yellow and tough they are overripe. Picking cucumber off the vine will increase production amounts. The harvest usually lasts 4-6 weeks long. Store cucumbers in a cool moist environment. They will keep refrigerated for 5 days. Pickling cucumbers is the best way to store them long term.

Cucumber Pests

Aphids are the problem if cucumber leaves curl, pucker or turn yellow. Vigorously spray the leaves in the morning to rid the leaves of aphids.
Cucumber beetles only cause minor problems themselves but they can spread disease that can devastate plants.
Slugs eat big holes in the leaves. To prevent slugs either pick them out or provide a barrier around the garden made out of sand, cloth or ashes.

Eating Cucumbers

Eat cucumbers raw alone or with a dip such as plain yogurt or hummus.
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/cucumber-sandwiches.html
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/cucumber-and-tomato-salad.html
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/fresh-arugula-salad.html

Nutrients in Cucumbers
Cucumbers are very low in calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates. You will find these nutrients in each 1/2 cup serving of sliced raw cucumber:

Vitamins A, C, K
Folate
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Manganese

Leeks

2/27/2012

Leeks

Leeks are relatives of the onion family. Their botanical name is Allium porrum. They are annual vegetables with white edible bottoms and thick dark green tops that resemble large green onions. Leeks grow 2-3 feet in height. They differ from most onions because they do not form a distinct bulb. Leeks are very mild in flavor which makes them a favorite of many cooks.

History of Leeks
Leeks have been revered for thousands of years they are thought to be native to Central Asia but have been cultivated in Europe for thousands of years. Both Greeks and Romans used leeks to strengthen their voice. Supposedly both Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman Emperor Nero ate leeks every day for this purpose. It is thought that the Romans brought leeks to Great Britain where the cool weather allowed them to thrive. The Welsh placed leeks in their hats to be able to recognize each other during battles with the Saxons.

Growing Leeks

Leeks prefer a mild climate. The require very rich soil to grow. Never let the soil get completely dry. Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or in mild climates sow seeds in August-September. Leeks are slow growing and can take up to seven months to mature from seeds. As leeks grow mound the soil up around the stalks to keep the bottoms white but try not to get the soil into the base of the leaves. In cold wintery climates leeks should be harvested in late autumn when stems are 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter. In milder climates leeks harvest as needed from late fall to early spring by carefully lifting them out with a garden fork.

Cooking with Leeks
Leeks have a delicate, sweeter and more sophisticated flavor than garlic, onion, and shallots. They blend wonderfully with many foods. Here are some amazing recipes showcasing this very versatile vegetable.

Leek Nutrition

Vitamins A, B6, C, and K.
Iron
Folate
Manganese
Leeks are naturally high in sodium so try not to add salt or salty foods when cooking them.

Spinach

2/21/2012

Spinach

Spinach is a fantastic vegetable to grow in your garden. It is such a versatile vegetable, you can use it raw or cooked with equal success in the kitchen. It is also extremely healthy. The fact that spinach is a very hardy vegetable that can be grown in all climates makes it pretty easy to grow. Spinach prefers cool weather, so it is considered a fall crop but you can plant it in the spring 3 weeks before the last frost. For fall crops begin sowing seeds in August and continue through September. This allows spinach to mature in fall, winter, and spring. Be careful though because the long daylight and heat can make it seed faster than you want.

Growing Spinach
Spinach only needs about 5 hours of sun per day. It can tolerate frost, but needs a rich soil that drains well. Plant spinach every 2 weeks for a continuous crop. In spring keep planting until temperatures raise above 65 degrees, then wait until August to plant for fall harvesting. Space plants in rows 4-6 inches apart. Space rows 18 inches apart. Spinach only needs 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water per week. Apply a good compost when planting and give light feedings once a month. Spinach does not grow well in greenhouses because it needs a cool moist climate. Spinach can be grown in containers 4-6 inches deep.Harvesting Spinach

Seeds take about 40-60 days to mature. You can harvest spinach when it is full grown by cutting the whole clump at soil level or you can cut off leaves as needed. To get the most nutrients from spinach harvest it in the morning.

Spinach Pests

Aphids are present if the foliage curls, puckers, turns yellow and foliage becomes stunted. They will be found in clusters on the bottom of the leaves. Spray leaves vigorously with water to remove aphids.
Leaf Hoppers are present if leaves and buds have piercings. Use insecticidal soap to remove these pests.
Downy Mildew is present if yellow leaf spots have fuzzy purple growth on the underside of foliage. Plants will die quickly and need to be removed immediately.

Cooking with Spinach

Nutrients in Spinach

vitamins A,B 6, C, E, K
iron
calcium
niacin
zinc
fiber
protein
thiamin
riboflavin
folate
magnesium
phosphorus
potassium
copper
maganese

Cauliflower

2/10/2012

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is related to broccoli and cabbage. It has similar requirements but is more difficult to grow. Cauliflower develops a better quality and has a longer harvesting period when it matures during moderately cool climates and shorter days. Cauliflower, like the rest of the cruciferous family of vegetables, is considered a high nutrient vegetable.

Growing Cauliflower

Cauliflower is grown as an annual. It can be grown in all climates. For spring planting, cauliflower should be planted 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost. If you plan on using transplants make sure there is a tiny bud in the center of the plant, otherwise no head will form. If planting cauliflower in the fall, plant 14 weeks before first fall frost. Plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in rows 14 to 24 inches apart. Cauliflower only needs to have 1 inch of water every other week. It does need water in the early stages and during head development. Cauliflower cannot be grown in containers or greenhouses. Feed cauliflower with compost at the beginning of planting and then lightly every 2 weeks during the growing season. Buttoning, or very small heads can be caused from a variety of reasons, such as, cool soil temperature, soil low in nitrogen, too much salt in the soil, or too many weeds.

Harvesting Cauliflower
To keep cauliflower heads white tie the outer leaves over the heads when they are 2-3 inches in diameter. Pick the heads when they are firm and white. Check cauliflower daily and harvest as soon as it is ready because the heads deteriorate quickly. Refrigerate cauliflower for up to 5 days or for longer storage cauliflower can be frozen.

Cauliflower Pests

Slugs are present if the cauliflower leaves have large ragged holes. Control slugs by hand picking them or use sand or another type of material around the plants to provide a barrier for the slugs.
Cabbage Loopers are present if cauliflower leaves have small ragged holes. They also bore into the cabbage heads.
Aphids will turn the leaves yellow and make them curl and pucker. Spray plants vigorously to rid them of aphids.
Cutworms sever the plants at or below the surface. They are night feeders and hide in the soil during daylight. Use barriers like cornmeal or bran to prevent access to the plants.

Cooking with Cauliflower
Here are some ways of using cauliflower in cooking.

Nutrients in Cauliflower

Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, K
fiber
folate
omega 3
manganese
potassium
phosphorous
magnesium

Peas

2/4/2012

Peas

Peas are a cool-season crop that do well in cool humid weather. They grow as bushes or vines. The vines can grow up to 6 feet in height, so make sure you have fencing or some form of trellis for them to climb. "Mammoth Melting Sugar Peas" are snow peas used in salads, stir fry, or casseroles. "Sugar Snap" peas are not shelled, but stringed and snapped like green beans. "Alderman", "Green Arrow", and "Blue Bantam" are great varieties, shell them to use in recipes that call for frozen peas. Freshly picked peas are a delicious treat, tasting nothing like the frozen peas from the store.

Growing Peas

Peas can be planted in both spring and fall. For spring, sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost and for fall planting, sow seeds 12-weeks before the first expected frost. Peas need full sun with air temperature of 55-75 degrees. They like fast draining soil. Peas only need 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water per week. Plant seeds directly in the soil about 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches inches apart. Make sure vine varieties have a trellis or fence to climb. Since peas like cool weather, they do not do well in green houses. Some varieties such as "Little Marvel", SugarBon", and "Laxton's Progress" can be grown in containers.

Harvesting Peas
Harvest peas when pods are still bright green but full. Picking ripe pods increases production. It's best to pick peas from the bottom up. The harvest time usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Peas taste best when used right away, however, they can be store in plastic bags in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Freeze peas for longer storage.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids are present if the foliage curls, puckers and turns yellow. Spray the undersides of leaves in the early morning with water to remove the aphids.
Weevils are most likely to blame if the blossoms have holes in them. They come out at night to feed.
Powdery Mildew is present when your pods and leaves have a white powdery mold on them. Remove the infected parts of the plant and make sure you disinfect your pruning shears with a bleach/water solution. Water the plants from the bottom is recommended.
Root Rot causes the lower part of the stems to turn black. Remove the infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.

Cooking with Peas

Nutrients in Peas

Fiber
Protein
Vitamins A, B6, C, K
Thiamin
Niacin
Folate
Iron
Phosphorus
Copper
Manganese

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Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts

Radishes

Lettuce and Salad Greens

Beets

Cucumbers

Leeks

Spinach

Cauliflower

Peas

Becky

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