Planet Veggie Garden

What happens to plants when they are deficient in minerals? Oftentimes, as in humans, they exhibit the symptoms commonly associated with disease. They do not do well…stunted growth, yellowing leaves, curling leaves, blossom end rot…just to name a few. Amending the soil and rotating crops can help prevent deficiencies but what happens when your plants [...]

Herbs are a great addition to any garden large or small. Oregano is a must have…if not just for it’s culinary use but it’s use as a natural remedy.
Oregano finds it’s roots in the Mediterranean and in parts of Asia. Today, we find it growing in all parts of the world and widely used in [...]

I’ve always loved broccoli. In fact, as a kid when my Mom prepared broccoli for dinner, we kids would fight over it. I guess it had an impact on me as to this day I always make enough broccoli (for the two of us) to feed…12
But hey, Broccoli is oh so good for you!

Loads of [...]

When it comes to roots, you can’t beat beets for it’s sweet taste and nutritional punch.
If you are only familiar with the canned beets typically found in salad bars you are in for a real treat if you grow and cook your own!
Beets are believed to have it’s roots in Africa, migrating to Asia and [...]

with ‘Bright Lights’ Rainbow Swiss Chard. A colorful addition to any garden and a healthy addition to your plate.

Bright Lights Rainbow Chard

Another candidate for “Vitamin in a Pot”
Easy to grow, Swiss Chard is related to beets and spinach with a flavor a bit reminiscent of both. Eat the stems for a nice crunch.
Contrary to it’s [...]

-not just to your loved ones after eating copious amounts of garlic or it’s purported ability to ward off vampires. Though with Halloween coming up, that may come in handy. In Taoist mythology, six clove black garlic can give you supernatural powers and immortality.  Another handy thing to have…
Native to Asia, garlic has been revered [...]

All hail Kale! If all you could do was plant one vegetable – Kale is it!

Lacinato aka Dinosaur Kale

Kale is a member of the Brassica or Cruciferous or Cabbage family – along with collards, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, mustard, turnips, rutabagas and radishes.
Not only is it fairly easy to grow from seed, it can be [...]

Slow Food Nation ’08 is coming to town this weekend – August 29th to September 1st. Just what is Slow Food? (from slowfoodusa.org):
Slow Food USA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America through programs and activities dedicated to Taste Education, Defending Biodiversity and Building [...]

Did you know…

Tomatoes are self fertile. It’s flowers contain both male and female parts. All it needs is a gentle breeze to become fertile
Tomato fruit sets best at night time temperatures between 60F and 70F – a hormone is released facilitating the fertilization process
A study from Florida State University showed that high nitrogen and potassium [...]

…cauliflower?
If only more kids were like little 3 year old Ruby, standing in front of the salad bar at the grocery store screaming “I wha-ah-NT cauuuu-li-flooow-er!!!!!!!! waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!” Complete with blubbery tears.
Maybe, just maybe the American Academy of Pediatrics would not be recommending cholesterol lowering drugs for kids as young as 8 years old… If more [...]