The best new vegetable seeds are the key to a bountiful summer harvest. Dozens of new varieties of vegetable garden seeds and starter plants are introduced every year. But how do you decide which ones deserve a place in your garden? As anticipation of a new gardening season gives way to planting season, it's time to see what new vegetable seeds are available. Then it's time to decide what you actually want to plant in your garden. This spring, seed companies have introduced an impressive selection of the new vegetable seeds. Some of these new vegetable varieties put a new spin on garden favorites. Others bring back heirloom selections that have a long history of outstanding garden production. Sometimes the best new vegetable seeds and plants offer bigger harvests and better hardiness. Sometimes the appeal is a different color, or a new variety designed especially for small gardens or container growing. The best new vegetable seeds presented here are sure to be among this … [Read more...] about Best new vegetable seeds and plants for your garden
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Grow More Vegetables in a Square Foot Garden
A square foot garden is a relatively new spin on a traditional vegetable garden. A vegetable garden, also called a kitchen garden, is where delicious herbs and vegetables are grown by a family for the family’s daily meals. Typically, the garden is grown in the backyard (sometimes just outside the kitchen door), and it is designed to be both attractive and efficient. To learn expert tips about how a square foot garden can increase vegetable harvests, I talked to the recognized expert. Steve Bartholomew, Director of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, was kind enough to share his knowledge about how to create the most efficient and productive vegetable garden. Best-selling garden book The book Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew (Steve’s father) is the most popular gardening book ever published in North America. Introduced in 1981, the original book and later revised editions have sold 2.5 million copies. The book literally launched a gardening movement that … [Read more...] about Grow More Vegetables in a Square Foot Garden
Stay at Home and Garden
Now is the perfect time to Stay at Home and Garden. Take advantage of the Stay at Home (and Safer at Home) directives during the COVID-19 pandemic—and get busy gardening! Use this time at home to raise nutritious and delicious vegetables your family can help plant, tend and enjoy eating. Why should you Stay at Home and Garden? Research supports the health benefits of gardening. The simple fact is that gardening is good for your physical and mental well-being. Gardening burns calories, strengthens muscles and improves flexibility. Spending time in the garden and nature improves our mood, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and helps us focus. And “playing in the dirt” really is good for you. Scientists made a positive connection between soil microbes and human health. They found Mycobacterium vaccae in the soil worked as an antidepressant, increased cognitive ability, lowered stress and improved concentration. Plus, when you stay at home and garden, you just feel … [Read more...] about Stay at Home and Garden
How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced millions of people worldwide to quarantine and stay at home. But instead of feeling helpless, thousands of people are turning to gardening by starting a Victory Garden 2.0. Why? Because growing plants and tending a garden provides stress relief, a healthy outdoor activity and food security. Many people don’t realize that gardening has a history of being a coping tool during times of national crisis. During the first World War, the U.S. government encouraged Americans to plant vegetable gardens. Today, in a time of crisis that seems a lot like a war, these “victory gardens” are seeing a huge resurgence. It's time we all embrace it. It's time for everyone who has a backyard, patio or a sunny balcony to start a Victory Garden 2.0 of their own. The History Of Victory Gardening Starting a victory garden is about as American as apple pie. Growing a backyard vegetable garden has been an essential part of American life since America was … [Read more...] about How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
Tips for growing successful container gardens
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 … [Read more...] about Tips for growing successful container gardens
