The first time I planted okra, I thought there was something wrong with my plants. They looked healthy, but they hadn't bloomed. I longed to see the beautiful okra blossoms, which resemble those of its "cousin" the hibiscus. But what I longed for, even more, was okra! No flowers meant…
Lettuce may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what to plant in your garden, but maybe it should be. This low calorie veggie is not only a good source of dietary fiber, it's also full of vitamins like A, K and C, as…
What Are Aphids? If you've been gardening for any length of time, chances are you've encountered aphids. These tiny, 1/8" to 1/4" long, soft-bodied, insects are equal opportunity destroyers, setting up camp on stems and the underside of leaves. There are several hundred varieties of aphids that attack food crops,…
Zucchini is a summer squash with an edible skin. It is believed to have originated in northern Italy. This amazing vegetable, low in calories and high in vitamin C, is a member of the cucurbit family, along with cucumbers, patty pan (scallop) squash, acorn squash, and melons. It's known as…
What is Damping Off or Fusarium Wilt?Fusarium wilt, better known among home gardeners as damping off, is a disease that afflicts the vascular system of plants. It most commonly infects plants in the nightshade (solanaceous) family, such as tomato, pepper, potato, and eggplant. Soil contaminated with the fungus can keep seeds…
Some vegetable plants, like cucumber, zucchini, and squash, have both male and female flowers. Pollen from the stamen of the male flower must be transported to the ovary (which looks like a miniature version of the fruit) on the female flower. This usually occurs courtesy of bees and other pollinating…
Fresh cut cucumbers are synonymous with summer. Whether pickled, or used as an ingredient in soups, salads or refreshing drinks, this garden staple is a must.Here’s how to grow the best container cucumbers to enjoy all season long!Container and Soil TypeAs with any plant, especially those grown in containers, the…
Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that resides in the soil where it attacks the plant’s roots before spreading throughout the vascular system. Many vegetable plants such as okra are susceptible to this destructive disease, but especially tomato and potato plants.Verticillium Wilt SymptomsThis soil-borne fungus can be difficult to diagnose…
Choosing the right kind of soil for your container garden is arguably the most important step in growing vegetables for you and your family. Healthy soil is critical if you want to grow healthy plants and produce. You may be tempted to cut corners, but don’t skip this step or…
Some think of okra as the "Jolly Green Giant" of the garden because the lobe-leafed member of the mallow family (related to the hibiscus) can reach heights of six feet or more in areas with a long growing season. Thus, one might think this vegetable requires a traditional garden row…