Organic Gardening News

Nigella sativa, often just called nigella or black cumin, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region. The seeds have long been used in the kitchen to add flavor to dishes and baked goods and for reported healing properties. Modern research is catching up to traditional practices, and there is evidence that nigella herbal use does have some real health benefits. Using Nigella as an Herb in the Kitchen Growing nigella in the garden not only allows you to collect the seeds for herbal and medicinal use but also to enjoy a pretty annual. It grows 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm.) tall with fine, wispy leaves and delicate blue or white flowers. Allow the flowers to wither and develop into pods and you can collect and use the small, black seeds. When using nigella plants for the culinary value of the seeds, you have several options. YouRead this article

Many gardeners use either a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer to feed plants but there’s a new method called fertigation. What is fertigation and does fertigation work? The following article discusses how to fertigate, if fertigation is good for plants and includes some basic fertigation guidelines. What is Fertigation? The name might give a clue as to the definition of fertigation. Simply put, fertigation is a process that combines fertilization and irrigation. Fertilizer is added into an irrigation system. It is most commonly used by commercial growers. Fertigation rather than traditional fertilization approaches is purported to target plant’s nutrient deficiencies more effectively. It also reduces soil erosion and water consumption, reduces the amount of fertilizer utilized, and controls the time and rate it is released. But does fertigation work in the home garden? Is Fertigation Good or Bad for Plants? Many plants need supplemental nutrients not found inRead this article

What is a corn plant? Also known as mass cane, dracaena corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a well-known indoor plant, especially popular for its beauty and easy growing habit. Dracaena corn plant, which grows happily in a variety of conditions with very little attention, is a favorite of novice gardeners. Let’s learn how to grow a corn plant. Dracaena Fragrans Info Dracaena is a large genus with at least 110 species of shrubby plants and trees, including Dracaena fragrans, a slow-growing plant with glossy green, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves may be solid green or variegated, depending on the variety. The size of the plant also varies, ranging from mature heights of 15 to 50 feet (5 to 15 m.), with leaves measuring 7 to 59 inches (18 cm. to1.5 m.). Native to tropical Africa, dracaena corn plant won’t survive frosty weather, although it is suitable for growing outdoors in theRead this article

As a beginning gardener, one of the most exciting aspects of planning a vegetable garden is the hope of growing one’s favorite foods. Homegrown crops, such as eggplants, offer growers harvests of high quality, delectable produce. However, for some, the process of learning to grow these crops may feel somewhat intimidating. Luckily, with some basic growing knowledge, even novice growers are able to reap the benefits of their hard work in the garden. Read on for tips on growing Black Beauty eggplants. What is a Black Beauty Eggplant? As one of the most popular cultivars, Black Beauty eggplant info abounds. Dating back to the early 1900s, this variety of open-pollinated and heirloom eggplant has been a favorite for vegetable gardeners throughout decades. When picked at peak maturity, these large glossy fruits offer impressive yields. Early to mature, Black Beauty eggplants are a well-suited option for those with shorter growing seasons.Read this article

In its native range near the Mediterranean, chicory is a wildflower with bright, happy blossoms. However, it is also a hardy vegetable crop, as its roots and leaves are edible. The time for harvesting chicory depends on the reason you are growing it. Read on for information and tips on picking chicory leaves and harvesting chicory root. Chicory Plant Harvest Chicory started out as a pretty blue wildflower growing like a weed around the Mediterranean region in Europe. Although it has been cultivated for over 1,000 years, it hasn’t changed much from its wild form. Many parts of the chicory plant are edible, and it is a vegetable used in three different forms. Some chicory is grown commercially for its hefty roots that are dried and roasted. When ground, the chicory root is used as a coffee-type drink. Chicory in the garden is usually witloof or radiccio. Both can beRead this article

For many gardeners, the cost of selecting plants at local nurseries can prove to be quite expensive. Whether looking to add vivid color, or simply wishing to establish beautiful flower beds, growing plants from seed is often an overlooked aspect of a lavish and successful garden. Additionally, growers who choose to start plants from seed enjoy greater variety, as well as the pride that comes from crafting their own landscapes. One flower, Dimorphotheca, is a perfect example of a flower that can easily be started from seed. Thriving and adapting to a wide range of growing habitats, this low-growing annual is sure to be an interesting addition to the garden. Dimorphotheca Plant Info What is Dimorphotheca? Simply, Dimorphotheca is the name of a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to South Africa, it is commonly referred to by growers as cape daisy or cape marigold. However, these common namesRead this article

Are you planning an extended trip, maybe a vacation, cruise or sabbatical? Perhaps, you’ll be away from home for several weeks to even several months. You’ve made arrangements to board the pets, but what about your houseplants? Or maybe you’re sprouting small seeds that need to remain constantly moist, but you just can’t mist them several times a day. These situations might be assisted by covering plants with plastic bags, but there are some things you need to know first when using plastic as a greenhouse for plants – this article will help with that. Covering Plants with Plastic Bags Plants under plastic bags retain moisture and even capture what the plants produce by transpiration. Don’t use plastic bag as a greenhouse for succulents, though, they can definitely tolerate neglect, but won’t tolerate this kind of moisture. Perhaps an unexpected freeze is forecast and you hope to save the budsRead this article

Ah, the sweet juiciness of a plum. The delights of a perfectly ripe specimen can’t be overstated. Avalon plum trees produce some of the best of this type of fruit. Avalons are known for their sweetness, lending them the name of dessert plum. It was bred as a competitor to the popular Victoria but with a sweeter flavor and better resistance. Learn about Avalon plum maintenance so you can enjoy these delicious fruits in your garden. What is the Avalon Dessert Plum? The new Avalon dessert plum is a large fruit that ripens about 10 days earlier than Victoria. Aficionados of these fruits should try growing Avalon plums, as they are sweetly juicy, quite large and beautifully blushed. Best eaten fresh, they also make great preserves and canned fruit. Best of all, growing Avalon plums is fairly low maintenance and they are considered strong, versatile trees. Plums are stone fruitsRead this article

Creeping Jenny is a versatile ornamental plant that provides pretty foliage that “creeps” along and spreads to fill in spaces. It can be aggressive and invasive, though, so growing creeping Jenny in a pot is a great way to enjoy this perennial without letting it take over the whole garden or flower bed. About Creeping Jenny Plants This is a trailing, or creeping herbaceous perennial that produces waxy, small, and round leaves on thin stems. It is hardy in zones 3 through 9 and includes several cultivars of Lysimachia nummularia. Native to Europe, some of the varieties are more aggressive than others and can be considered invasive. In addition to the pretty leaves, creeping Jenny produces small, cupped yellow flowers beginning in early summer and continuing intermittently through the fall. The green variety is more invasive, but the color of the flowers look nice contrasted with the green leaves. TheRead this article

Heavy clay soils don’t produce the healthiest plants and are usually amended with a material to lighten, aerate and help retain water. The most recent find for this is called expanded shale soil amendment. While expanded shale is great for use in clay soils, it actually has several other uses too. The following expanded shale information explains how to use expanded shale in the garden. What is Expanded Shale? Shale is the most common sedimentary rock. It is a find-grained rock made up of mud comprised of flakes of clay and other minerals such as quartz and calcite. The resulting rock breaks readily into thin layers called fissility. Expanded shale is found in areas like Texas 10-15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) below the soil surface. It was formed during the Cretaceous period when Texas was a huge lakebed. The lakebed sediments hardened under pressure to form the shale. ExpandedRead this article

What is inarching? A type of grafting, inarching is frequently used when the stem of a young tree (or houseplant) has been damaged or girdled by insects, frost or root system disease. Grafting with inarching is a way to replace the root system on the damaged tree. While the inarch graft technique is generally used to save a damaged tree, inarching propagation of new trees is also possible. Read on, and we’ll provide some basic information on the inarch graft technique. How to Do Inarch Grafting Grafting can be done when the bark slips on the tree, generally about the time buds swell in late winter or early spring. If you are grafting with inarching to save a damaged tree, trim the damaged area so the edges are clean and free of dead tissue. Paint the wounded area with asphalt emulsion tree paint. Plant small seedlings near the damaged treeRead this article

For many, the process of planning and growing an herb garden may be confusing. With so many options, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. Though some herbs are best grown from store bought transplants, many, such as basil, are extremely easy to grow from seed. Ranging widely in color and taste, basil plants remain one of the most popular herbs found in today’s home gardens. One variety in particular, called ‘Purple Ruffles,’ is prized for its taste as well as its visually striking foliage. What is Purple Ruffles Basil? Of the many available varieties of basil, Purple Ruffles is one which serves its purpose as an herb as well as a beautiful ornamental addition to the garden. With a mild taste similar to that of sweet basil, large plants produce bright purple-toothed leaves. Like many edible purple plants, these leaves contain an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which givesRead this article

Chicory is a wildflower native to the Mediterranean region with sky-blue flowers. If you grow chicory in your backyard, you’ll find it an extremely low-maintenance plant, requiring only occasional chicory plant pruning. How often does chicory need to be pruned? For information on trimming chicory plants, including tips on when to prune chicory, read on. Chicory Plant Pruning People grow chicory as easy-care flowering plants. The lovely blue blossoms open during sunny days and close during cloudy times and at night. But that is not the only reason to grow chicory. The roots of chicory plants are used to make a coffee substitute, and some gardeners decide to plant chicory for this reason. One type of chicory (called ‘Witloof’ chicory) is used for Belgian or French endive, while small-rooted plants are used for salad greens. All of these types of chicory grow happily without much gardener care, although trimming chicoryRead this article

One extremely common plant, the violet, is widely known for its presence as a wildflower and also has its place in well-maintained and cultivated gardens too. But, did you know that eating violet flowers is popular as well? Whether foraging for edible plants in the wild or making the deliberate choice to plant palatable flowers in the garden, these brightly colored blooms can offer exciting visual appear and interest to old-time recipes or even inspire new kitchen creations. In addition to attracting early season pollinators, many edible flowers are praised for their utilization beyond the garden and for their use in daily life. Are Violets Edible? Throughout the United States, common blue violets can be seen growing along roadsides, in shady woodland areas, and in fields. Other species of the Viola family can also be found, though usually grown as ornamental flowers in mixed plantings with vegetables or in flowerRead this article

You’re so excited to start harvesting your grapes, but there are none on the vine. Perhaps, you planted them last year, fed and pruned as you thought was needed and, still, there are no grapes on the grapevine. After a close look, you find a couple of small, underdeveloped clumps near the bottom. Or maybe you’ve moved to a new location with vines already covering the fence, but your grapevine isn’t fruiting. What a disappointment to find your grapevine won’t produce. Let’s take a look at some reasons this might happen and learn how to get grapes on vines. Why are There No Grapes? Vine is too young: In general, your vine will not produce grapes until it is at least three years old. Clusters form on stem growth from the previous year, two-year wood, every year. Too much fertilizer: If you’ve given your grapevine too much nitrogen fertilizer, thisRead this article

It is not uncommon to find lichen and moss on fruit trees. They may both be in evidence or just one or the other, but is it a problem? Lichens are an indicator of low air pollution, so they are good in that way. Moss grows on the north side of trees in moist regions. Lichen also prefer moisture but they are a different organism all together. Over time, they will contribute to reduced tree vigor. Continue reading to see what you can do about fruit tree moss or lichen on your plants. About Moss and Lichen on Fruit Trees Lichen and mosses on trees conjure up romantic images of oaks in Louisiana covered in lacy nets of the stuff. While they both give trees a bit of character, do they actually harm them? Fruit tree lichen is most common in rural areas where the air is clear. Moss onRead this article

Cat lovers who also love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can get a little confusing. Especially tricky is catnip vs. catmint. All cat owners know their furry friends love the former, but what about catmint? Is it the same thing or a different plant cats enjoy? While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. Are Catnip and Catmint the Same? It can be easy to mistake these two plants as simply different names for the same thing, but they are, in fact, different plants. Both are part of the mint family and both belong to the Nepeta genus – catnip is Nepeta cataria and catmint is Nepeta mussinii. Here are some other differences and similarities between the two plants: Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. Catmint flowers more continuouslyRead this article

Houseplants are a necessity for gardeners in cooler climates. Most people simply plant a single houseplant in a pot, but can you grow houseplants together in the same pot? Yes. In fact, multiple houseplants in one container add some extra pizzazz to a room. The key is to combine companion houseplants that suit one another. Can You Grow Houseplants Together in the Same Pot? Absolutely, multiple houseplants can be planted in one container. Think about it. In the garden, we regularly combine different plants together. If you’ve ever bought or received a basket of live plants for a gift, you will see that the florist combined several plants. There are, of course, a few rules of thumb about houseplant container mixing. Houseplants in one container should share the same growing conditions. It wouldn’t work very well to combine a cactus with a fern, for instance. Many types of succulent plants,Read this article

Aloe is easily propagated by removing and planting the aloe offshoots or offsets, commonly known as “pups,” that pop up around the base of mature aloe plants. Although the technique is simple, it’s impossible when an aloe won’t produce pups! There are a several factors that may be to blame when there are no pups on aloe. Let’s troubleshoot to figure out the problem of missing aloe vera pups. No Pups on Aloe? How to Get Aloe Pups Like most succulents, aloe tends to produce more pups when the plant is slightly crowded in the pot. If you repot your aloe, make sure the new pot is only slightly larger. How old is your aloe plant? Sometimes an aloe won’t produce pups because it isn’t mature enough. Often, aloe vera pups don’t show up until the plant is five or six years old. Make sure your aloe plant is happy andRead this article

Bagging grass clippings produces waste that needs to be dealt with and is heavy to haul. Grasscycling can help reduce the mess and strain, and actually improves your turf. What is grasscycling? You’re probably already doing it and just didn’t know. Essentially, it is “mow and go,” and is not only for the lazy gardener but has a host of other benefits. Let’s go over grasscycling information so you can avoid common problems. What is Grasscycling? Mowing the lawn doesn’t have to be such a chore if you know how to grasscycle. Even if you don’t have a mulching mower you can grasscycle. The key is in how and when you mow so you can prevent thatch buildup, unsightly grass debris and the clippings are returned to the earth quickly. Your grass clippings can be a precious resource rather than a pain in the neck to bag and remove. TheRead this article