Articles relating to growing vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants.
Sometimes it can be tricky to find useful vegetables that will grow in your garden. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones, or if you’re new to gardening. However, in order to be truly self-sufficient, you need to know what vegetables to plant and what […]
To make purchasing trees, shrubs, flowering plants and vegetables easier on people who want to overhaul their gardens or become self-sufficient, the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) has divided the country up into 13 hardiness zones. These zones are determined by the lowest average temperature, and are color-coded to make it easier to figure […]
In order to be truly self-sufficient, you need to grow your own staple crops. A staple crop, according to the official definition, is one that sustains health by providing important nutrients, while at the same time, makes up a large part of any diet. These crops also can be used in many different dishes, and […]
Your plants are as susceptible to the heat as you are. They can become sunburned, and the vegetables growing on their vines can become warped and unpleasant to look at (although they are still edible.) Even those that are known to thrive in hot weather can wilt slightly and stop producing as many tomatoes, peppers […]
Growing your own vegetables serves several purposes. For one, doing so makes you truly self-sufficient, especially if you are concerned about the validity of organic produce. By planting your own crops, you know exactly which pesticides and fertilizers (if any) have been used. Knowing that your vegetables have been picked at the peak of ripeness […]
I get asked all the time where I learned what I know about gardening. The truth is it’s in my blood. My family has always been a self sufficient bunch. Ever sense I can remember I’ve been around a vegetable garden. I felt inspired to write this because I visited my Grandfather’s house in Galveston,TX, […]
Fall is a great season where the weather slowly begins to cool down and prepare for the winter chill. It’s a wonderful time to plan a fall garden so you can harvest delicious ingredients for hearty and healthy dishes and even prepare for favorite holidays that are just around the corner. To make the most […]
When the warm weather hits, there are many people who love to kick back and enjoy a refreshing slice of sweet and juicy watermelon. Purchasing large watermelons from the store is one option but perhaps something better would be to grow your own personal crop to pick anytime you please. Growing watermelon does not have […]
Herbs are a wonderful part of any garden. They offer a great display of color and texture while also releasing delightful scents into the air. Starting a herb garden is a wonderful opportunity to be self sufficient. Most herbs are ideal for beginner gardeners, and most gardeners whether they’re beginners or not, love to grow […]
Cucumbers, better known as cukes, need plenty of space to grow deep into the ground and lots of sun. Cucumber plants should be planted away from moisture-robbing plants such as bushes, trees or other large plants. Noted most for their use in salads and pickling quality, cucumbers provide a fresh, crisp addition to appetizers, cold […]
Red, green, yellow and purple are all popular colors of bell peppers. This universal vegetable is native to North America and is not only used for cooking, but also decoration. Bell peppers are packed with vitamins including vitamin A and C, and do not lose their potency when cooked. Although bell peppers take much longer […]
