Fruits, Veggies and Herbs Articles
Spotlight on Cilantro – A Spice and Medicinal Remedy All In One
Is it cilantro or coriander? It’s both, and the names are often completely inter-changeable. The plant is a member of the carrot family, and frequently the leaves of this herb are called cilantro while the seeds are referred to as the spice coriander. Cilantro grows wild in southeastern Europe. It has also been cultivated for thousands of years in India, where it is known as dhania, in Egypt and right through to China. It was …
Cooking is to gardening. . .
Amanda Hesser, of The New York Times, wrote a very interesting op-ed piece in the Sunday paper, published May 31, 2009. Called “The Commander in Chef” In the piece, she argues that, while it is lovely that Michelle Obama has planted an organic garden at the White House, and that will surely inspire more people to garden, in general, she could inspire healthy eating …
Basil: Powerhouse of Flavor, Nutrition and Healing
Organic sweet basil – seeds available at ParkseedBasil has been cultivated in India and Asia for over 5,000 years. Revered for its flavor and healing qualities, it is a traditional herb in Mediterranean, Italian and Thai dishes. Its name comes from the Greek word for king, and it reflects the reverence attributed to …
Organic Herb Gardens: From Garden to Kitchen to Medicine Cabinet
Mmm, the savory fragrance of sweet basil, oregano and thyme wafting in your warm, welcoming kitchen… Now imagine that you just walked out into your own garden and picked those delicious organic herbs fresh for your culinary masterpiece. Or, maybe you just reached over your kitchen sink and plucked them from their growing pots on the windowsill.
Herb gardening isn’t difficult or reserved for experts requiring special skills or talents. Think of herbs as any other …
Save the Earth with Gardening
Earth day isn’t until next week, but gardeners can still gear up to do their part to save the planet. I’ll be writing several Earth Day posts between now and then, because, in my mind, Earth Day is still important-regardless of what others might say. If we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we can certainly celebrate Earth day.
Origins of Earth Day
The original Earth Day celebration on April …
The Green (Smoothie) Monster
One of the best parts about having a vegetable garden is going out and picking your dinner. Or lunch. Or breakfast. Breakfast? Have you heard of eating vegetables for breakfast? Well, maybe some spinach in your omelet, or a few peppers scrambled with potatoes. What about eating lettuce for breakfast? I tried to feed my husband lettuce soup …
Organic Hydroponics?
Is there such a thing as organic hydroponics? Actually, yes! During a recent visit to ECHO farms in North Fort Meyers, Florida, I saw something that truly captured my attention: peas, onions and other plants growing on nothing but a piece of old carpet on top of a chicken coop. How on earth? Where to begin. . .
Growing Food in “Challenging Environments”
ECHO …
Companion Planting
Have you seen that book “Carrots Love Tomatoes?” Chris is reading it. I think it is about companion planting. Even if it isn’t, that is what we are talking about today! How growing plants from different plant families can help you, the organic gardener, have an easier time successfully …
Square Foot Gardening, Organically
I have been reading the book, All New Square Foot Gardening, by Mel Bartholomew, for another project I am working on. If you’ve been reading this winter, you know that I am [ ] that close to starting my own vegetable garden at my first house. I have grown lots of vegetables before, …
Organic Thanksgiving Vegetables: Grow, Harvest, Prepare
While the Turkey gets most of the attention on Thanksgiving, the vegetables and side dishes really make the meal. Every year around Thanksgiving, there are lots of morning show segments about how to make innovative side dishes, or give your stuffing a “kick.” I am definitely NOT about giving my Thanksgiving side dishes a makeover. They are just fine the way they are. I do …
