Featured Plants : easy to grow

The Easy-to-Grow Cavalier Nectarine

barb-nhn — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:34:00 GMT

The Cavalier Nectarine is medium sized, firm and very aromatic with yellow freestone; resists brown rot. It has an orange-yellow skin blushed with mottled dark red; a resilient flesh texture. Ripening in late July, it is easy to grow and quite attractive when in bloom with showy blossoms.

Nectarines are usually pruned into a vase shape; more heavily pruned than other deciduous fruit trees. They produce fruit on shoots of the past season’s growth. Unpruned trees will set tremendous crops, but develop very small fruits the season after pruning is omitted.

Nectarines need to be hand thinned or they may end up being small and poor in quality. The chance of limb breakage will diminish with proper thinning. The Nectarine softens rapidly and is best if picked while in a firm condition. If allowed to soften on the tree, the fruit will bruise easily and become mushy and difficult to handle. Nectarines are sweet and wonderful to eat fresh or to be used in cooking; contain a good amount of vitamins A and C.

It requires approximately 700-800 chilling hours. Cavalier is a self-fruitful tree so does not require cross pollination and needs to be planted in a good site with well-drained and fertile soil. The Nectarine Tree has been around for at least 2000 years but are considered a rather new fruit, first appearing in 1720 in Virginia.

Tollie's Sweet Organic Peppers, You Have To Try Them!

patti-nhn — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:24:00 GMT

Capsicum Tollie's Sweet (USDA Organic) Pepper is a pepper that many gardeners find to be one of their favorites. Its versatility is commendable. It is an Italian Heirloom so has been grown successfully for many years. The fruits are 4 to 5 inches long that will ripen to a deep red color. They are great for using in many recipes, eaten fresh and also making sauces and do well canned.

The Tollie's Sweet Pepper is easy to grow. It has good yields and is a dependable grower. Like most peppers it needs moderately moist well drained soil and full sun to produce its best. You can harvest these peppers in 85 to 90 days after planting. The Tollie's is hardy from zone 3 to zone 9. It does not need any support to grow properly. It is a dependable grower. The great thing about growing your own peppers is the availability of fresh produce within a few steps of your back door which will also save you the cost of gas and the cost of the peppers at the store. Being organice is also a healthy plus.

Serrano del Sol Hot And Flavorful

patti-nhn — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:08:00 GMT

For a nice interesting change, why not try the Serrano del Sol Pepper. Capsicum Serrano del Sol (USDA Organic) HOT Pepper, Capsicum 'Serrano del Sol' is a large sized, candle-flame shaped fruit that is 3 inches long. It goes from a nice dark green to a bright red as it ages. It also can be harvested earlier than some other peppers at 60 to 65 days and is good for areas where it is best to have a short season type.

This is a hybrid and can be grown from zone 3 to zone 9. As with most peppers, it requires moderately moist well drained soil as well as full sun. Its flavor is medium-hot so good for those who prefer a less hot pepper. You can use this in salads, salsas, eaten fresh as well as many other recipes. Grown in your garden, you will always have the freshest of peppers and the taste is better than store bought. It is also more healthy as it is an organic variety. It can save you money by not having to go to the local grocer and the gas to get there. Try growing your own and see how much you will enjoy it.

Marjoram Sweet And Organic!

patti-nhn — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:18:00 GMT

Sweet Organic Marjoram, what could be more flavorful than this? Origanum (Marjoram, Sweet) is an organic variety of Marjoram that is used in many types of cooking, in rubs for meat, sauces, especially in spaghetti sauce and other Italian specialties. The plant itself is somewhat decorative with its tender oval leaves. Showing off are the tiny pink to lavender colored flowers. Not only are they pretty but they also have a lovely scent.

You might want to grow some in a pot on your windowsill or near your back patio. It has also been used in teas, inhalants and for digestive problems. This plant is very hardy down to zone 3 and then up to zone 9. Marjoram requires moderately moist well drained soil and full sun. Wouldn't it be great to pick this herb right from your own garden? Not only will it be fresh and tasty but will save you lots of money in gas and cost to purchase from the grocer.

Gone Fishing For Some Peppers?

patti-nhn — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:18:00 GMT

Have you ever heard of Fish Peppers? Well, if not, I will fill you in. 'Capsicum Fish (USDA Organic) Pepper Heirloom, Capsicum 'Fish' Organic Fish Pepper does not really describe its looks but it does have long 2 inch fruits that with their curvy shapes remind me of fish hanging from a fishing line. Actually, this pepper is one of the best heirloom plants to cook in fish recipes. It is also a very HOT pepper.

Fish Peppers are also ornamental as they show off their green and purple foliage. The plants will grow 18 to 24 inches tall. They can be harvested in about 100 to 110 days from planting. Like most vegetables, they require moderately moist, well drained soil and full sun. Fish peppers are easy to grow and can be used in hot salsa, stir fry and salads among many other things. Not only are they organic, but having the freshest produce right in your back yard and for less money than at the store, is worth growing some.

Organic Mint Works Well In Containers

patti-nhn — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:31:00 GMT

Organic Mint Mentha (USDA Organic) Mint, Peppermint, Mentha piperita 'Mint, Peppermint' is easy to grow and can be used in a multitude of ways. Mint can be used for tea, ice cream, mint candies as well as with meats and salads as a garnish or eaten fresh to freshen your breath. It is also said to be used in moisturizers or even on blemishes as well as a good digestive aid.

Organic Mint will grow in zone 3 to zone 7. As with other mint varieties, it does require moderately moist soil and full sun. It is best grown in containers as it can become invasive if planted in a garden or flower bed. Being a perennial plant, it will continue to come back each season. Growing your own mint will allow you to have the freshest produce as well as save you money at the grocery or farmers market.

This Organic Pepper Is A California Wonder!

patti-nhn — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:04:00 GMT

The Organic California Wonder Pepper Capsicum California Wonder (USDA Organic) Pepper is extremely versatile. It makes a good stuffed pepper as well as fresh in vegetable trays or salads. This thick-walled pepper is a mild and sweet pepper. They grow to about 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Originally, this Organic California Wonder was grown in Mexico and even into Central America. If you don't have the room for a garden, or want to grow them on a patio or balcony, you can also grow them in containers.

The California Wonder Pepper requires moderately moist, well drained soil as well as full sun. It can be harvested in 75 to 80 days after planting. It is also cold hardy from zone 3 to zone 9. This Pepper is not only USDA Organic but also contains more Vitamin C than an orange! Try growing your own Peppers for the freshest produce around and it will also save you money at the grocery store as well as the gas to get there.

Organic Cilantro Is A Great Herb To Grow

patti-nhn — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:45:00 GMT

Coriandrum (USDA Organic) Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum '(Cilantro)' is an excellent variety of Cilantro and being Organic gives it an extra plus! Herbs are easy to grow. They require moderately moist well drained soil and full sun. This variety will be ready to harvest in 30 to 40 days and grows in zone 3 to zone 9. The Coriandrum Cilantro is a feathery leafed herb that makes it an attractive addition to your garden. They are vigorous producers.

Cilantro can be used in many recipes especially with chicken, fish and even in soups. Coriandrum is one of the varieties of Cilantro that is used to add flavor in cuisines from as far as the East Indies, North Africa, Phillipines, China, South America and Mexico. How much more versatile and flavorful can you get? Since you can grow Cilantro at home you can save money on purchasing Cilantro at the grocery and save the gas money as well as have the freshest produce from the plants.

Cat Grass Can Satisfy Your Cat's Craving

patti-nhn — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Are your cats getting into your plants? Do you know that some houseplants can be harmful for cats to eat? Outdoor grasses may have harmful pesticides on them! Here is an opportunity to give them their own plant to chew on. Not only will they enjoy the taste but it can also help with fur ball elimination. There are also vitamins and minerals in the grass. They may like it so much that they won't be interested in your special plants.

The nice thing about Cat Grass is that you can grow it inside at any time of year. You will want to plant it in a pot low enough and heavy enough that it can't easily be knocked over. It needs a bright, sunny location and once it grows to 2-4 inches high, it is ready to eat. You will want to offer it to them for just a few minutes otherwise, they can chew off too much and it may upset their stomachs. It is best to offer it next to their food and water bowls so they see it as food. This may help them learn to stay away from your houseplants as long as you do it on a regular basis. The grass may take some getting used to at first since it will be new to their system but if you keep offering it they will normally adjust to this new food and actually consider it a treat.

The Cat Grass seeds should be planted 1/4-1/2 inch deep and spaced 1/8th inch apart, so very dense, thinning is not necessary. It can take about 3-8 days to emerge.

Your cat may just love you even more when provided with some greens they can eat and not get in trouble!

Amaryllis - Double Dragon Bright Red Beauty

patti-nhn — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Amaryllis are known for their awesome beauty over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Double Dragon Amaryllis blooms from November into January in the warmer zones of 9 to 11. They can brighten up a dreary winter time on a windowsill or table. We had some Amaryllis this past winter at our office on top of a filing cabinet that cheered everyone as they came in the front door. They grew so well they were almost falling out of the pot and the blooms held on even beyond January. The bulbs are easily planted in pots inside or outside in your flower garden.

This Double Dragon Amaryllis 'Hippeastrum' is a double bloomer of scarlet red flowers that will grow to over 8 inches across! The Double Dragon will bloom generally from two stems and bear 4 to 5 flowers. With proper care, they can continue to bloom for years to come. They have the added benefit of being deer resistant as well.

They make a great gift for gardeners, novice to experienced alike will enjoy them or splurge and get some for yourself. It's worth the beauty and enjoyment they provide.

Red Gooseberries! Who Knew?

patti-nhn — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:45:00 GMT

Growing up, finding G ooseberries required scouring fields, creeks, areas not well traveled. They were also always green. So it was quite a surprise to find out that there is a red version and that I could grow them in my own backyard as an upright shrub. The Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry is originally from Finland and has a very sweet berry. It will begin fruiting in the first planting year and is consistently productive. It is also mildew resistant making one less thing to worry about. You will probably want to put a covering of a net or similar item over the shrub when the berries are ripening. The birds and wildlife take a liking to them as well.

The Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry bush is very attractive in the fall with a wonderful red foliage and has white flowers in the spring. It is hardy to zones 4 to 6. It does require full sun for proper fruiting. It's height is 3-5 feet and spreads 3-4 feet when mature. It does require moist, well-drained soil and you will want to watch it in dry weather to be sure it stays moist.

Gooseberries make great jams and jellies as well as pies and wine. They are full of healthy antioxidants so that is an extra plus. I think they would be good mixed with other types of Gooseberries for a tasty treat.

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac Is Beautiful This Time Of Year!

patti-nhn — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:41:00 GMT

If you live in the cooler regions of the United States, like the Midwest where I am, you know that the Sumac is really showing off it's wonderful fall colors right now. There are hues of yellow, red and even orange that bounce in the wind. These bushes generally grow to be 10-15 foot high and are considered a shrub. They can even grow just as wide! To me, they are a graceful bush and really fill up a space with color so would be good as a hedge, a burst of color in your garden or bordering your driveway or yard. These shrubs also work on hills to help stop erosion. Wildlife enjoy them for their fruits as well as their size for protection from the elements.

Their leaves have a feathery look and the Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac "Rhus typhina 'Laciniata' " name came about because the stems have a curve that is similar to "antlers" on a deer. The stems also have a velvety fuzz when they are young like the new horns of a young male or stag deer. They are very similar to the Sumac Cutleaf Smooth "Rhus glabra 'Laciniata' " except, as the name states, these stems are smooth as opposed to velvety on the Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac.

Flower clusters appear in June and late summer will bear their cranberry like fruits. Early in fall they show off their fall leaf colors as mentioned above and they will generally last longer than most other trees or shrubs. They are deciduous in the winter with their dried out fruit clusters waving from the top of the branches. Consider this one of the best shrubs if you like fall colors!

Macy's Pride - an easy rose to grow!

patti-nhn — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:05:00 GMT

If you are new to gardening and love roses, this is the rose for you! The Macy's Pride is named after, you guessed it, "Macy's Department Store" and was used for their centennial. And not to be forgotten, they won the New England Rose Society Award in 2002. What's not to like about that? They have 4-5 inch extremely fragrant yellow blooms that will continue long into the season after others have given up. Their foliage is a wonderful medium green with a touch of gloss. They are one of the easiest roses to grow and need little maintenance and little to no pruning.

The Macy's Pride Rosa 'BAIcream' (PP15,574) is considered an "own root" rose. If you are not familiar with them, and I wasn't until recently, you will want to get acquainted. These roses are not grafted as many roses are. They grow on their own root. No more dealing with those suckers that can come up from a grafted rose. They are "environmentally friendly" as well since they don't require treatment with any chemicals. It is said that they can outlive some of the other varieties of roses.

You may also enjoy growing a rose that is out of the ordinary reds or pinks. Yellow roses have always had their own "attitude" from the others and I like that in a plant. Yellow roses can be combined with so many other colors, they are a real stand-out and sure to have your neighbors asking how to get their own. You can choose whether you share that confidential information or keep it to yourself! On the other hand, rows after rows of Macy's Pride showing their pretty yellow flowers up and down the streets of your neighborhood might just be a crowd pleaser! Who knows, maybe Macy's will want to come see your show of the rose named after them!

Currants make wonderful tasty treats!

patti-nhn — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:37:00 GMT

We have bushes on our front fence that were there when we moved in. They appeared to be some type of vine. We couldn't figure out what kind for sure and we had just moved in and it was not on our priority list. We knew that it filled up the cyclone fence and fanned over the top to make a wonderful privacy fence.

This year we are more settled in and realized that they were actually fruiting. My husband thought they looked like grape vines and they are very much like them. The berries began forming in the spring but it was mid to late summer before they actually started to ripen. They are small berries but they grow in bunches, like grapes. They hide pretty well under the leaves so picking them is a process but we had a lot of fun doing it.

We still weren't all that energetic although we tried a few and found them to be very sweet and juicy. Our daughter-in-law came over one day and being the chef that she is wanted to experiment with them. We picked a huge bag full and she took them home with her to experiment. She wanted to make juice and so she was able to put them through a sieve which removes the fruit from the seed. They do have a good sized seed but there is still plenty fruit to use. She made some juice and then decided to make some pancake syrup and it is absolutely delicious! She can't wait to begin using them in other types of recipes and plans to grow some of her own next year. She's thinking jams, pies, pastries, etc.

We determined that they are a Black Currant Berry not grapes. They look very similar to the Consort Black Currants, Ribes nigrum "consort" that are available on our website. These are the easiest things to grow, they need almost no care whatsoever. Ours are very tough and can handle about any amount of abuse, being on the sidewalk side of our yard and being near an elementary school, they get poked and prodded on a regular basis. They are getting full sun and mainly rainwater we don't give them any extra watering. These were already established however, so if you are just starting to grow them they will need some initial care than they will down the road.

I know we plan to take better advantage of them next year, I am thinking putting them on ice cream or in smoothies, after pitting of course, might be delicious!

Raspberry - Caroline

patti-nhn — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:03:00 GMT

I "accidentally" started growing raspberries a few years ago. I have since moved and had to leave them behind but I'm thinking I might have to start growing them again because they are so easy to grow and every year you get a bigger harvest. There is nothing like the taste of fresh raspberries right off the bush. A friend of mine had several bushes and too many to handle so he gave me some of the bushes to get started. I was hooked from the beginning. He served them with cream and sugar or whipped cream. Since then, I've had them in pies and jams and fresh of fthe bush is still my favorite. They are also a good addition to smoothies either by themselves or mixed with other berries like strawberries, blueberris and cherries.

This Caroline 'Rubus Caroline' variety is a very good starter plant if you are impatient. It will start ripening in late august and will give you a lot of berries for your money! If you are a bird lover, just plant a few extra and they can have their share too. Mine were always in full sun although I understand that you can grow them in partial shade. No matter where you live from zone 4 to zone 7, these raspberries are the ones to grow!