THE VERSATILE HERB



Basil
 

If you have never had the opportunity to smell and taste the wonder of fresh grown herbs I strongly recommend you
 consider the benefits.

 I have picked these as my top five favorites, mostly for their versatility. They are wonderful with vegetables, or add great flavor to meat and casserole. They can be planted in a simple container and harvested as needed.  They grow easily, require minimal care and the best part? You trim off a Basil leaf or Rosemary twig and a new one grows in it's place.  I love to use my very sunny dining room bay window to keep these herbs healthy.   It makes it very convenient to choose from my possibilities when I want to add a touch of unique taste to dinner.


Basil is so fragrant, and taste just as wonderful.  It may typically be associated with pesto, or marinara sauces but you add a touch of fresh basil and mushroom to a simple white rice and you've got a quick and easy side dish.  Sprinkle some dried basil with a touch of salt and pepper over pork steak and it's a whole new flavor.  There is also (although limited) research that shows Basil may  help relieve stress.  I'm sure it has something to do with the comforting smell and taste.


Thyme is a very potent herb so you want to make sure and use it sparingly.  Once you've mastered the art of using it you'll want to add it to soups and your favorite meat dishes.  A small amount of Thyme added to the crock pot dinner will leave the house smelling wonderful by the time you return to check on it.

Thyme is said to have fungal and antiseptic healing benefits.  Preparing a Thyme tea (Thyme twigs boiled in water) and soaking nails in the mixture after it has cooled is said to help keep them healthy.  Swabbing the same tea lightly on a rash is said to help prevent it from spreading.  I just know it looks, tastes and smells superb.

  

Sweet Mint

Mint oh wonderful Sweet Mint....Most associated with a nice hot cup of tea or coco don't limit your imagination.  Dried mint added to chocolate chip cookie dough adds a touch of flavor that's hard to resist.  Turn fresh vegetables into a masterful flavor treat and add a few fresh leaves of mint.  A  fruit salad is even better when you add fresh mint.  Mint has always had a stand out reputation for clearing sinuses and soothing sore throats.  A warm cup of fresh mint tea does wonders for an irritable tummy too.  It happens to be one of my favorite ways to relax.


Cilantro
 

 Cilantro is simply one of those herbs you love or hate.  Personally I really like the flavor this one adds.  It's not just for salsa or guacamole.  Although it does add a very defining flavor it does have other benefits.  Any soup or casserole will have a new touch of wonderful with fresh Cilantro.  If you love a good stir fry you won't believe what Cilantro can add to it.  Any fish is unbelievably good when you steam it with some Cilantro.

You won't want to forget that Cilantro is high in many essential oils and vitamins.  While extremely low in caloric value it is uncharacteristically high in vitamins A and K.



Rosemary

Rosemary is another fragrant herb that adds  new flavor to any dish.  Great with meats or vegetables it turns soup into a bowl of comfort.   Rosemary, like Thyme can be fairly potent so don't over do it.  A small amount of finely ground Rosemary adds a wonderful flare to almost any meat or vegetable dish.

Rosemary has a reputation for being a wonderful healer.  The extracted oil is said to work well as a topical remedy for skin ailments.  A little rosemary in your favorite lotion will not only enhance the smell, but the natural oils are reported to benefit complexion as well.



These herbs are not only easy to grow, but treated right and they just keep on giving.  It's always nice to go to my dining room and pick my choice of fresh herbs for dinner.  It just makes cooking more adventurous.



What's in Your Container?

Spinach

I can't help myself, really.  I don't have a large back yard for gardening, but I am determined to have my fresh crops no matter what the season.  So, I keep plenty of containers around.  I pick them up anywhere I can.  Some are just standard flower pots, like the one pictured below that hold my Garlic. Some are over sized  wash tubs like the one holding my tomatoes.  They come from dollar stores, from thrift stores and some from the side of the road.

Brussel Sprouts

When utilizing any container for crops it is important to know what you want to sprout.  For example, although spinach and green onion will work well I certainly wouldn't want to try a potato.  Root vegetables (ie potato, carrot etc) need more depth for growth than most containers will allow.  Yes, onion can be considered a root vegetable.  Stick with the simple to grown green onion for success.  Pick something that has a hardy root system but doesn't require a lot of room to grown.  This will make plants such as okra, brussel sprouts and spinach flourish in containers.  They have strong sturdy roots and they grow completely above the soil.

Okra

Tomato

Although not impossible I do try to stray from cultivating any vining vegetable in a container.  It can be done successfully, but can also tend to hamper the bounty of any harvest.  Cucumbers, peas, squash and green beans need plenty of room to spread and thrive.  Most containers won't allow for that.  However it is very possible to take advantage of a large container and allow most vining crops to flourish. Tomatoes can be perfect in a container as long as you choose the right strain.  Beef Steak tomatoes may not work as well as say grape, or cherry tomatoes.

Cilantro
 

Possibly the most popular and advantageous crop for any container is the herb.  Herbs of all kind love to show off their advantages in a container.  I don't suggest making one hugh container herb garden.  They will tend to cross pollinate.  When I grow cilantro I want cilantro.  Not a cilantro/basil mixture.  Although that can be quite useful in some dishes.   In addition garlic is quite prominate in a container.  Just be sure to make the pot deep enough ad leave pleanty of room for grown.

Garlic

Green Onion

My favorite part of any container garden is the option to move it inside when the fall gardening season has subcomed for anoher year.  For example the Brussell Sprouts pictured above were planted last fall.  I brought the container inside any day the temperature was too cold.  Brussell Sprouts will withstand tempatures up to 40 degrees.  When the days were sunny and pleasent the container was set back outdoors.  Now they are back outdoors and doing nicely.  I will probably set them back indoors when the temperatures become too warm for the sprouts to handle.

Containers are a very benefical way to keep crops gowing no matter the season.  It is important to be familar with the crops you want to grow, the amount of space they require to flourish and the enviorment that best suits the need.  With a little research, and perhaps a small amount of trial and error you can put delicious fresh food on the table any time of year.

Why Not the Onion?

I've probably got as many crops growing in containers as I do in the ground. These green onions are one of the most sustainable crops around. Yes that is a $8 container from the dollar store. A 30 gallon heavy duty basket with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage.


For the initial investment of fifty cents to one dollar you can keep your onion crop going indefinitely. This depends on the cost of one bunch of green onions at your supermarket.  It's best to start with at least two bunches.

Simply trim the roots off a batch of store bought green onions. Chop and freeze the rest to keep handy for soups or casseroles. Be sure to leave at least 1\2 inch of onion intact with the root. Plant roots about 2 inch apart and 1 1\2 inch deep with root down. Water well. In about a week sprouts will begin to pop out of the soul. Onions will be ready to harvest in about 6 to 8 weeks.

 The stalk should be strong, sturdy and 8 to 14 inches tall. If the stalk begins to turn brown it may be ready for harvest.  It it is not simply pluck the damage away.  Pick your fresh crops and start the entire process all over again. TIP: onions grow best in cooler weather. Plant in late Fall or early Spring for maximum results. My luck is always best when I use a container for planting. Water moderately but never leave standing in drenched soil.

Even if you are not an avid Gardner you will enjoy the ease of producing fresh green onions.  It takes very little effort, and minimal time to harvest these better tasting crops.  Add them to your favorite dish and you'll be amazed.

SPRING GARDEN VS FALL GARDEN

It doesn't really matter what time of year it is I always get the gardening bug.  I count the days until I can plant the first seedling of Spring.  I keep the Spring garden going through the scorching temperatures of Summer until Fall when it will again begin to thrive.  I move my container plants inside during Winter until I can put them back outdoors in the early Spring.  So it goes.  My Round Robin of the gardening bug.

Which season is easiest to grown the best crops?  The only honest answer to that question is-it depends on what part of the country you plant your garden in.  Where I live temperatures over 100 in the summer are common.  The warmer season holds on longer than many other climates.  The coldest part of the year is shorter with fewer days below freezing.  If you live, say in the Northern part of the US, you might have a shorter Summer season and longer Winter season. I adjust my routine accordingly.


In the Spring I plant my tomatoes, green beans, peas and peppers earlier than some may in other areas of the country.  They also tend to fizzle out sooner as the hot weather comes on quickly and seems to last forever.  I don't give up the garden though.  I still keep my crops watered and check on them every day removing as much of the dead foliage as possible.  While Summer winds down the blossoms on these plants will again peak out of the stems and I soon have a whole new set of crops.

In addition to the revival of my Spring vegetation I do blend in my favorite cooler weather sprouts such as broccoli and kale.  Some are placed in containers, typically a 5 gallon lard bucket with holes drilled in the bottom, so they can continue to prosper in the bright lights of my bay window during Winter.  Others work better in the inverted container, which will hang securely above the same bay window.  It's like having my own mini garden right indoors.


 Where I reside there is little doubt in my mind that my Fall garden thrives much better than the Spring garden. I attribute my more productive Fall garden to timing, determination and Mother Nature.  If I know the climate best suited to my crops than I know when to best plan for my garden.  For example green beans, tomatoes and peppers will thrive in Spring and Fall.  If I care for the Spring plants they will succeed with more vegetables in Fall.  The harvest will also be much greater. Why? Because the plants are already mature.  There is now waiting for seedling to grow and yield results.  Once the weather begins to cool off the blossoms will appear in abundance and fresh crops soon follow.


The Spring and Fall garden can both be gratifying.  One of the most important tools you will have for success is proper planning.  Know the environment best suited for your crops, and know the climate you will be harvesting in. 
 

WILL YOU BATTLE THE YUCCA

Giant Yucca

I have several Yucca in my yard.  Some were rescued from a demolished apartment complex.  Some were swiped  from the side of a road in Oklahoma.  I have several different varieties.  The "Giant Yucca" is quite possibly my favorite.  It stand majestic in the spring with it's elegant white flowers reaching for the heaven's.  It has strong, thick leaves that are sturdy and hold up to a lot, including the colder temperatures.  It has sharp pointed leaves that can be quite painful


Adan's Needle

The Adam's Needle has much thinner needle like leaves that grow outward more than upward.  They do not achieve nearly the size of the Giant Yucca and are much more delicate.  They also have beautiful, majestic white flowers that grace the cool spring weather with there presence.

Native American used almost every part of the yucca plant for everything from weaving to mastering ritual concoctions.  Little is actually know about the benefits, or dangers of the yucca plant.  One thing I do know first hand is that you can't battle one.  No matter how hard you try to remain protected the yucca is more powerful than any planning and preparation on your part.


I am very proud of my Yucca's.  It took some work to transport them from the original dwelling and nurture them to the appealing landscape they became.  Low and behold I noticed my favorite Yucca was beginning to look extremely droopy.  At closer glance I realized my worst fear.  There they were scurrying all over my succulent like they had always been there.  These little creatures (commonly referred to as Yucca Bugs) thrive by draining the yucca of all the vital fluid in it's leaves.  They are merciless and can destroy an entire plant before you may even realize you've been hit.


Fortunately I was able to take preventative measures at the right time.  Armed with a 3 cup spray bottle full of canola oil and shampoo the entire plant was sprayed top to bottom and underneath.  The spray lands on the tiny bugs and literally suffocates them beyond survival without doing any harm to the Yucca.

With the first round of treatment complete all I could do is wait a few days.  Another good coating of prevention was added to be sure nothing was missed. Like most tiny infectious creatures it doesn't take long for these destructive mites to reproduce, even if only a few are left behind.

Once I was sure I had removed the infestation the daunting task of removing the destroyed foliage began. Armed with gloves, long sleeves and slacks I concentrated on cuttin off the dead leaves starting at the bottom.  It wasn't long before I began to see that my yucca was going to survive just fine.  There was even plenty of new growth sprouting from the ground underneath the destroyed leaves.

It wasn't until I removed my gloves and shirt that I became concerned.  Even through the protective clothing the sharp needlepoint leaves left my arms looking as if I had developed a terrible rash.  It wasn't pretty and yes it became irritating.  The tiny pricks were on my legs and event on the top of my feet.  After some research I learned that with proper care (to avoid infection) my predicament was not as severe as it appeared.  Plenty of anti-itch cream and good cleaning prevented any real harm.  The best part is that my yucca not only survived but grew even larger once it was trimmed back.  Maybe this was just mother natures way of saying my yucca need some serious attention.



 

Gardening is not Perfect

I love to garden.  For so many reasons I’m not sure I can remember them all.  Being in my garden gives me a sense of accomplishment and reward.  It’s not an easy task, and at times can turn very disappointing.  Most gardeners would love to tell you they have the perfect garden.  Many will be honest enough to tell you they don’t.

I gladly share pictures of my garden.  Why not?  I put a lot of work into it.  I visit it every morning and every evening.  I check for subtle changes, new growth and possible flowering buds for a promise of vegetation soon.  I’m proud of my work.  I’m pleased that I can feast from my harvest and enjoy the rewards.  What I don’t share are the flaws.  Yes, I will admit it, they are there.  I’m not ashamed of them.  They come with the territory. The yellowing leaf that can’t survive the environment, or has perhaps been over watered.  The potato leaf that has a few bug nips on it.  The pepper that I transplanted into the garden and didn’t quite handle the shock.

No, gardening is not perfect.  There are so many elements to battle.  They can become overwhelming if they are not dealt with on a daily basis.  The bugs, the weeds, the environment and animals.  There are sensible, safe, and friendly ways to protect your crops and handle these challenges.  Time and experience are the only safeguards you can count on when it comes to doing the right things.  Listen to Mother Nature and let her do the talking.

That yellow leaf is not a disaster.  It is however a warning sign.  A calling card you might say.  Mother Nature’s way of saying “hey I need some help here”.  You may not always have the answer right off.  You may need to try a few different approaches.  A little less water? A little more shade?  If one technique doesn’t fix the problem don’t give up.  It’s your best tool.  The three “P’s” of gardening.  Persistence, patience and practice.

No, gardening is not perfect always.  But ya know what is?  Watching a young seedling mature into a full grown productive crop.  Seeing the first buds of peas sprout from the vine. Digging a basket of new potatoes and picking the first cucumber.  A green bean and squash casserole fresh from the garden.  Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts steamed on the grill right beside the Chicken Breast.  To me that is about as perfect as it gets.

GOTTA LOVE THAT ORCHID

When you think of the Orchid you probably associate it with beauty, elegance and class.    You may even find yourself shying away from one of the oldest, yet most fragile plants around today.  It’s really not that hard to maintain an orchid.  However you do need to have a lot of patience and determination.

Orchids originated many many more years ago than I could possibly count.  They began a rise to popularity in the 18^th century.  They became so popular they faced endangerment.  Mother Nature was extremely clever with this jewel though.  This flowers various means of pollination have help the Orchid stay afloat, and improve for centuries.   With a spectrum of tones and fragrances insects find them as hard to resist as birds do. The variety of colors and hybrids have steadily increased over the years.

 

The first thing, and the most important thing, you want to do to insure your orchid’s success is read the specifications that come with your personal choice.  Does your environment meet the requirements your orchid desires?  Different species of Orchids require specific temperatures, lighting and moisture.  They have been known to survive anything from mild, moderate, or hot and humid conditions.  They do not however handle cold temperatures at all.  So it’s easy to see why they survive in every corner of the continent excluding the Antarctic region.

Once your orchid is welcomed to its new home immediately remove any decorative covering from the pot.  These often aluminum wraps will interfere with proper drainage.   Too much moisture will turn an Orchid to mulch quickly.  It might be necessary to find a more suitable planter.  It is important to remember that an orchid does like a snug fit, so avoid one that is to large.  This allows the orchid to use available resources to produce the magnificent flowers and not expanding the root system. 

Find a good Orchid Bark to re pot the stem into.  Orchid Bark, in basic terms, is a mixture of potting soil and fir mulch.  The soul to mulch ratio will vary.  The higher percentage of fir mulch the more moisture the soil holds.  If an Orchid requires higher doses of moisture pick a higher ratio of fir bark.  Provide a good liquid fertilizer that is sufficient in nitrogen.  There are several options available tailored specifically for the Orchid.  Follow the fertilizer directions every four to six weeks, but do not over feed or you risk permanent damage to the roots.

So remember to check an orchid’s environment requirements for moisture, temperature and lighting before taking one in to care for.  If you do you could find yourself with a most glamorous plant that will provide beautiful flowers and has been known to live indefinitely.

Fighting the Winter Blues

Every fall when I know the ground is getting too cold to hold my favorite crops I get the blues.  Yes, the commitment to my garden can be a chore at times.  Somehow that is vastly overshadowed by the thrill of watching my tomatoes ripen, or creating that tasty dish right from my own back yard.   A few years back I knew I had to find a way to overcome those blues.  I needed to come up with a way to fulfill my joy of growing and cooking my own crops all year round.  It wasn’t that hard to come up with a plan either. 

One way to get started is to plant seeds in the soil that are very tolerant to the cold temperatures.  Lettuce, Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are just a few that no only survive the chill, but also come packed with nutrition.  Spinach, Kale and Collard Greens are also very hardy.  You can see a pretty consistent theme.  Late fall and winter crops tend to be high in iron, calcium and potassium.  Keep these crops happy and you’re sure to get the recommended daily requirement.  Bite for bite they are the best savings account you can build for your health.

Another way, and by far one of my favorite, is to move the gardening inside.  Container gardens come in maybe shapes and sizes.  They also come in assorted prices.  My best option for a container garden is to purchase strong and sturdy storage containers (usually when they are on sale after the holidays) and place them in a sun filled room.  It is also very easy to make your own hanging container of jugs or bottles.  These are best for herbs and such and smaller plants.  To see how I made my own inverted container see Success With The Inverted Container.

The container garden has several advantages.  I have two container peppers, one green pepper and one jalapeno pepper, growing in my breakfast nook bay window.  My husband dug them up in the fall and put them in plastic buckets, so I moved them inside.  It’s nice to watch them grow in the sunlight bathed window.  I walk from my kitchen just a few steps to my bay window and pick a pepper when I need one to prepare a meal with.

When gardening in winter there are options.  Indoors vs outdoors?  Indoor you have the comfort of picking crops while avoiding the frigid cold.  Outdoors you have the pleasure of enjoying the sun and air.  And yes it is true that crops harvested outdoors will produce more vegetables.  But, why choose?  You can always take advantage of both.

Ever Seen a Gift Horse?

You know the old saying "never look a gift horse in the mouth".  Especially if that gift comes directly from mother nature herself.  It never ceases to amaze me what mother nature will thrive back into her own works.  If you read my post A Very Tiny Ficus I got two very welcome surprises from one big gamble. And even one more good reson to always use compost.

When I pot any new plant I mix in a generous helping of nutrition right from my compost.  I did the same when I planted the tiny ficus twig.  Out in the sun the tree began to flourish and take root nicely, but that wasn't all that was growing in my pot.  I began to notice a plant sprouting beside my new tree.  I immediately recognized the leaves of a vining plant, possibly a squash.  Not one to take anything for granted I immediately took my chances and move the plant from it's pot to the garden


At first I was very sceptical.  I knew I had something, but I wasn't sure it would survive the shock of a move.  I placed it underneath a tomato cage hoping to protect it.  I watched it struggle with the environment, but was determined not to give up.  I was more than curious to discover exactly what the surprise gift I had been given was.  After a few weeks it seemed to adept to the new surroundings quite well.  Even thought it was almost overshadowed by the extremely zealous sweet potatoes.  Nothing will hold those ambitious plants back. I had to lay the tomato cage on its side. The vines quickly outgrew the support. Before long little blossoms began to appear. I knew they were too small to be a squash of any sort.


My husband and I kept a daily vigil on the blossoms hoping something would peek beneath the pretty little yellow buds.  More and more appeared every day, but the harvest seemed slow at coming.  I was beginning to wonder if there would be any at all.  Low and behold along come the anticipated October rains.  There they were, no bigger than a forefinger!  Tiny little green shoots, narrow and full of fuzz.  Oh joy, oh joy!  How I do enjoy a cucumber!  The compost I had thrown in with my ficus tree was completed by a stray cucumber seed, that is now (strongly) multiplying in my garden.  I'm not sure how many will survive before the weather becomes to cold to sustain the produce.  It doesn't matter anyway.  Whatever the prize I will cherish it,  cause I never look a gift horse in the mouth!

 

Coffee Grounds & Your Garden

Even if you don't drink it chances are pretty good you know someone who does.  Nearly every employee break room has a coffee center stocked with flavored creamers.  The beneficial uses of used coffee grounds are numerous, but do they really boost your crops?

Turns out they do.  These little jewels add three very important nutrients to soil- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.  Coffee grounds are also considered slight acidic, but in a favorable range.  There are a several different ways to get the advantages of coffee grounds in you plants.


I like to drop mine directly into the compost bin.   The earth worms will feed off of the grounds and break up the component.  Grounds are also beneficial in maintaining the optimum temperature throughout the bin.  Why is it important to maintain your compost temperature?  To avoid possible seedlings, and deter unwanted pests.  Adding coffee grounds to the compost bin will also promote a richer, darker more beneficial feed for you garden as well as your house plants.


When I start new seedlings indoors for my spring gardening I always add fresh coffee grounds to the soil.  It gives my seeds the right start.  They come out strong and healthy.  I simply poor a couple of cups on top of the soil and mix in in well before planting the seeds.  To give the growth process and bigger boost use a small amount of leftover coffee to give the seeds a good drink.  Add fresh coffee grounds to any transplanted crops to give the roots a bit of stabilizing nutrition.  CAUTION; You never want to over do the coffee grounds.  Too much of anything isn't always a good thing. 

Coffee Grounds are also beneficial as a simple pest control.  Particularly slugs and snails when added to the garden.  Just be sure to ALWAYS use fresh, never spoiled, grounds.  Avoid using any flavored coffee grounds or fresh coffee.  The arouma will attract the wrong pests in abundance.

When the spring and fall gardening season have ran the full cycle and it's time to clean out the garden add plenty of grounds to give the soil the right jump on the next seasons crops.  It's a good idea to mix the ground well, but it doesn't hurt to top coat the soil with the grounds and let the winter do the work.


So what do you do if you are not a java fan?  Where do you go to get fresh coffee grounds for your plants?  First, and maybe one of the easiest is the world leader in coffee ground compilation.  Yes, I'm talking the one and only Starbucks.  Walk into you nearest Starbucks and for the asking you can get a free 5lb back of fresh grounds.  Hat's off to the mega giant for being so environmentally conscious.  What a great way to keep all of those grounds out of the landfill.

Recruit friends to help out your garden.  Offer to take the discarded grounds off of their hands.  Take advantage of that break room at work.  Set up a container and ask the other employees to save the grounds for you to take home.  Remind them of the benefits on the environment also.

If you do enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the morning while you are revving up with a dash of caffeine don' forget to take advantage of those used grounds.

A Very Tiny Ficus Named Dan

I'll give just about anything a try if I can grow it.  This one really surprised me though.  One desperate shot in the dark turned into a pleasant reward.


There is a story behind my new Ficus that started in 1996 when I made a big move.  I left behind my home and migrated to a bigger city.  I was looking for better job opportunities.  I moved my girls into a tiny 2 bedroom apartment that was sufficient for the time being.  I hadn't been able to bring much to furnish our new home with.  My brother dropped by my apartment one day with a pallet of tiny, weather beaten plants.  There were about five of them and they definitely need plenty of TLC.  He had rescued them from a Walmart dumpster.  Imagine someone who will grow anything they can finally getting some new house plants!  I was so elated.

Do Your Tomatoes Need Help

  

There they are, big and beautiful.  Your mouth waters just looking at them.  You know they are going to be sweet and juicy.  But why aren't those tomatoes getting ripe?  Are you just being impatient, or do you have a situation going on you should be concerned about?  Maybe, but probably not.  The tomato is one of the hardest working crops in your garden.

The Potato-Seed to Crop

Chances are you’ve got them lying around your house.  You probably compliment at least one or more meals a week with them.  Bet you even created your own special dish using potatoes.  You can mash them, you can fry them, you can bake them, and you can make salad out of them.  So why not grow your own?  All you need is patience, space and one single potato to get started.

 

Potatoes’ are probably the easiest produce around to seed.  So easy as a matter of fact you can keep them going year after year from one healthy crop to another.  When you purchase potatoes you probably keep them in a cool dry place with plenty of ventilation.  They will keep fairly fresh that way for several month.  Eventually though little white “eyes” start peeking out of the potato.  Long, spiny little fingers that are actually roots.

One potato can sprout several roots at one time.   You will have the best luck if you plant in early spring and/or early fall.  Without washing the potato divide each eye into a separate section by slicing at least 1 to 1 ½ inches from the sprout.  If you wind up with more than one root in a section don’t worry.  You want to place the roots in the dirt as quickly as possible so be sure the ground is ready for planting a few days in advance.

To cultivate your plot make sure to loosen up the soil until it is very easy to work with.  If you do not have a compost going toss some coffee grinds, along with a handful of raked leaves in with the dirt.  Blend it in very well.  Now you are ready to plant.

Place each potato with the root side down in a hole that is 1 to 2 inches deep.  Place the seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart.  Be sure to water the plants and re check them every day.  Do not let the plants get to dry and keep any weeds or insects under control without chemicals. You will find many chemical free suggestions for insect and weed control on my plot at HomeLifeIdeas In no time you will find tiny healthy plants peeking from underneath the soil.

Potato plants will shoot straight up and grow anywhere to 3 to 3 1/2 feet tall.  When they are ready to harvest in about 45 to 60 day (dependig on your climate) you will notice a very petite pretty white blossom on the tips.  This is a sign that it’s time to check you crops progress.  With a shovel dig a shallow hole starting 8 inches from the plant.  Carefully work in toward the roots so you will not “split” a potato in two.  If the crop is not quite as big as you would prefer simply bury it again and wait another week and check for progress.

 
Next year you can keep the crop going and start the process all over using your own potato.  Just think of the bundles you can save!  If you have ever had fresh, home grown potatoes you know they have a much richer flavor than typical sore bought.   They make mashed potatoes unbelievable

What Makes a Garden Organic

It is one of the best reasons I know for gardening.  I like walking to my little plot of land and picking my own fresh crops.  It's even better because I know exactly what I am serving on my dinner table.  No unnecessary chemicals have touched the food that I will use in my favorite recipes.  It's a very simple choice to keep pesticides off of my harvest.  That's pretty reassuring to me.  But, exactly what qualifies as an Organic Gardening? 

Simply stated an Organic Garden will be a garden that is grown and produces without the use of harmful products such as fertilizers or pesticides. That is a fairly basic description when you stop to analyze exactly how to obtain the most productive garden and keep the weeds and the unwanted insects out.  I've touched on some simple ways to handle weeds in A Better Way to Eliminate Weeds.  I've also addressed those pesky insects in More Pests to Eliminate.  I do go on an on about my belief in the benefits of Compost.  That's just a brush on the canvas though.  It takes a little more to qualify a truly Organic Garden.

Organic Gardens first start with the right soil.  If you have previously treated with chemicals you will need to let the soil regenerate for a few years. Integrate the dirt with plenty of compost to help remove any unwanted interference.  You can continue to plant and the benefits will be rewarding.  You will be unable to call your produce fully organic until all signs of past chemical interaction has phased out.  Having your soils tested at the local extension offices will confirm that your efforts have been rewarded.  May of these agencies, or even 4-H clubs will offer this service to you for free.

Once you have realized your choice to garden more naturally you will need to start with organic seeds.  Many seed companies offer an organically grown product.  I like to reseed my own crops year after year.  It's a simple thing to do so be sure to read How Do You Seed?  It's the only way I'm completely sure I know what I'm getting.  Even if you are still in the process of conditioning the soil begin using organic seeds as soon as you decide on organically grown vegetables.

Be sure to observe the environment around you.  Unless you are fairly secluded you may find yourself with unwanted interference. Are your neighbors busy spraying there grounds and tossing heavy loads of fertilizer to get that "perfect" lawn?  These practices can hinder your efforts.  Chances are you can't convince them to stop using fertilizer, so be sure to place your garden in an area far enough away from the neighbor to avoid the run off.  On the other hand maybe you can sell them on the healthy benefits, and cost saving remedies toward a more organic environment.

It will take effort and time to create a truly Organic Garden.  It's a smart choice worth the achievement.  Keep the garden maintained with the proper products and you won't be disappointed.  Visit your garden every day.  Be attentive to it's needs and don't hesitate to take action if something doesn't appear to be working.