Planting a garden is a traditional springtime activity, and planting container gardens is growing more popular every year. Container gardening is the perfect way to grow plants if you don’t have enough garden space for a traditional vegetable garden or flower bed. Growing container gardens also makes it possible to grow herbs, flowers and even vegetables on decks, patios, balconies, or right outside the kitchen door. There are three things you need to consider before you dive into container gardening. The first is where you want to put your container garden. The second is determining what plants you want to grow. Third, you must choose the right containers for your container garden. Choose the Right Location for Container Gardens Sometimes it’s easy to select a spot for your container garden. If all you have is a balcony or a spot next to your doorstep, deciding where to put your growing containers is simple. Just pick a sunny spot in the space that’s available. But what if … [Read more...] about Tips for growing successful container gardens
flowers
Garden Roses: Queen of Edible Flowers
When it comes to edible flowers, edible roses recipes are among my favorites. Roses are among the most ancient of flowers and are one of the most revered. Fossil records indicate roses have been on Earth for more than 40 million years—predating humans. Native only to the northern hemisphere, roses will also grow south of the Equator. The Greek poet Sappho summed it all up more than 2,500 years ago when she called roses the “Queen of Flowers.” That's why I consider edible roses recipes to be the queens of edible flowers foods. After all, roses have been cultivated for thousands of years. But the ancient Romans get the credit for introducing the flowers to the world as edible. (Peasants already used the rose hips). Selecting Edible Roses for Flavor There are more than 200 species of roses and 20,000 man-made hybrids. The flavors of rose petals run the gamut from totally flavorless to bitter, sour to sweet, slightly spicy to herbal and apple to minty. With all the roses to choose … [Read more...] about Garden Roses: Queen of Edible Flowers
12 Cold Hardy Tropical Plants to Grow Now
Everyone loves the feel of the tropics. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. Exotic flowers with intoxicating aromas. The fragrant fruit that seems to melt in your mouth. But did you know you can grow cold hardy tropical plants as far north as New York State? By incorporating some of these cold hardy tropical plants in your garden, you can enjoy your own tropical stay-cation without leaving your backyard! Cold-hardy tropical plants can be hard to find in local stores. That's why we have included some of our favorite website sources for these plants, including NatureHills.com and Amazon. When you click one of our links to a recommended product, Home, Garden and Homestead will receive a small commission for qualifying sales. Thanks for supporting this website! We really appreciate it! Happy Face Emogi! Best Cold Hardy Tropical Plants for Cooler Climates Hardy Banana You can’t get much more tropical than a banana tree. And luckily … [Read more...] about 12 Cold Hardy Tropical Plants to Grow Now
Edible Spring Flowers: Dandelions, Tulips and Violets
After a long winter is finally over and flowers are bursting forth everywhere, it’s time to start thinking about edible spring flowers. Edible spring flowers (and some edible summer flowers) grow throughout the garden—and even in the lawn. These flowers do double duty, because they are as attractive outdoors in the yard and the meadow as they are on the plate. And they taste really good. Let’s look at three spring-blooming edible flowers —dandelions, sweet violets and tulips. While some folks bemoan dandelions and violets in their lawns, I rejoice at the ever-increasing number of lawns that are not pristine green, because the presence of these lively yellow and purple flowers mean that the lawn has not been treated with chemicals. (See The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers posted here on HG&H.com.) Meanwhile, tulips rarely have any pests or diseases, so there’s no need for any chemical intervention. Edible Flowers: Dandelion Native Americans and the American … [Read more...] about Edible Spring Flowers: Dandelions, Tulips and Violets
The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers
You've heard of the 10 Commandments from the Bible. But the 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers? As gardeners and adventurous eaters begin to embrace eating more edible plants and flowers, it's important to be able to identify edible flowers and their growing conditions. Before you eat flowers or plants that you think are edible, make sure the flowers and plants really are edible. Follow these 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers to ensure your safety Eat only those flowers you can positively identify as safe and edible. Learn the Latin (botanical) names, which are universally accepted. The common names of plants may vary from region to region, and they can therefore be confusing. Do not assume that restaurants and caterers always know which flowers are edible flowers. Just because it is on your plate does not mean it is edible. Eat only those edible flowers that have been grown organically. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries, garden centers or … [Read more...] about The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers
