Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) come in several forms, but the most common one has roundish leaves that are used for their onion-like flavor. This perennial member of the onion family is hardy in Zones 3-10. In spring, it has lovely purple flowers made up of masses of florets. Chives are cool-season, cold-tolerant perennials that are planted…
Dill (Anethum graveolens), a member of the carrot family, and is valued both for its flavorful foliage and for its pungent seeds. As annuals, dill plants die each year, but their seeds can winter over in the soil to pop up the following year. Dill grows well in gardens throughout zones 3-10. Dill is fast-growing…
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae. It is also called the “king of herbs” and the “royal herb” possibly because of the name’s meaning in Greek. It is best known as a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in Southeast Asian cuisines. Depending on the species…
Back in the 1980’s, the National Garden Bureau worked with 23 cosponsoring national horticultural organizations to legislate National Garden Week, and in 1986 President Reagan signed the Proclamation. In 2002, the National Gardening Association resolved to extend the celebration to encompass the entire month of April. All gardeners know the innumerable benefits that gardening brings…
A wide variety of vegetables lends themselves to early spring planting because they do well or are tolerant of cooler weather. Because weather varies so much — areas can experience an “early” or “late” spring — it is unwise to put an exact starting date on when to sow. A rule of thumb is when…
If you haven’t tried growing vegetables in your garden, you don’t know what you are missing. Not only does a neatly tended vegetable garden look great, but you can also enjoy many of the fruits of your labors well into the winter months. Here are seven reasons to start or continue a vegetable garden: Exercise:…
A small garden plot or several containers planted with a mix of flowers and vegetables, can instill not only an appreciation of nature, but also provide a place for fun learning activities. Lots of sun and good soil will aid in his or her gardening success. A section of your garden or a separate child’s…
