Dear BeSelfSufficient, I was recently looking to purchase organic seeds for my garden, but came across some labeled “heirloom.” Another packet said “heritage.” Is there a difference? What do these labels mean? Thank you, [name redacted] Most people know what the word “organic” means, particularly when it comes to fruits and vegetables. They are grown […]
If you don’t have any space outdoors to grow potatoes, or want to keep harvesting fresh vegetables when there’s two feet of snow on the ground, planting potatoes in a bucket is a great solution. You can grow perfectly edible potatoes this way, with very little difficulty. Gather Your Supplies In order to grow potatoes […]
Just because the weather is cold, it doesn’t mean that you have to put your gardening plans on hold. You can still grow plenty of fresh vegetables, as long as they are the kind that thrive in cooler weather. Here are a few suggestions: Beets Beets prefer temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, but […]
There are certain times of the year where, no matter your climate, you’ll have a hard time getting vegetables to grow in your outdoor garden. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to go without fresh, home-grown veggies, or buy them from the grocery story. Instead, you can grow some vegetables indoors, wherever you have […]
The winter is a great time to redesign your garden. Not only are you not currently growing anything – unless you live in a very warm, tropical climate – but you are also planning which fruits and vegetables to plant this year. While you are making your choices and starting your seedlings, take the time […]
Lettuce tends to be one of those overlooked vegetables. Most people tend to favor iceberg lettuce – the basic leafy part of every salad – and grow it exclusively in their backyard gardens. However, there are many more varieties that are just as easy to grow. Each has its own unique taste, and can add […]
Root vegetables are both easy to grow and good for you, which is why they are an excellent addition to any garden. Usually the first thing that people think of when they hear the words “root vegetables” are potatoes, however, there are many other varieties that should not be forgotten about. The vegetables listed below […]
Every gardener knows that some vegetables are easier to grow than others. Pickier plants need a lot of care and coaxing in order to grow and mature properly. Other plants simply need to be planted in the ground, watered when needed, and then, the next thing you know, you have ripe vegetables ready to harvest […]
There are two main types of peppers – sweet bell peppers that come in varying shades of green, red, orange and yellow, and spicy hot peppers that are available in many different colors, including white. Hot peppers are measured in Scoville units. The range for mildly hot peppers goes from 100 to 2000, and the […]
Weeding is a task that is impossible to get away from. No matter how hard you try and no matter which methods you use, weeds will pop up in your garden. Unless you get to them quickly, they can spread and begin to take over as they take away sunlight, water and nutrients from your […]
It’s easy to take your soil for granted, especially if you’re new to gardening. However, experienced gardeners know that you need to have excellent soil in order for your crops to grow properly. If it’s too acidic, too sandy or too full of clay, you’ll run into problems. Soil test kits are available in many […]
