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Corn, Zea mays, is in the Poaceae family (Grass) and is technically a grain, considered a fruit, but also commonly categorized as a vegetable. It descended from a Mexican grass called teosinte. Corn is a warm season, fast growing, annual crop. It needs warmth, space, well-drained, rich soil, and generous…
Monthly Care | Plant Care | Fertilizing | Pruning | Propagating | Seed Saving | Planting | Tools | Garden Sanitation | Health & Safety in the GardenHow to Care for Houseplants Plants growing indoors need some specialized care. While they don’t face the weather extremes that outdoor plants do,…
Cucumbers, Cucumis sativus, are a warm season crop belonging to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family. Produces cylindrical, tapered fruits used as vegetables. Originates from South Asia. Many varieties: slicing, pickling, burpless, seedless, English, Asian and Persian, Armenian and more. Trailing and bush…
Garlic, Allium sativum, is a vegetable food crop with a bulb, stem, and leaves. All parts of the plant are edible, and young plants are sometimes harvested for flavor and nutrition. At maturity, leaves are dry and the bulb is the prize. Native to Middle Asia, although different Allium varieties are found all…
Groundcherry, Physalis peruviana, is an easy care and prolific plant in the nightshade family. Produces small, round edible fruit in little paper lanterns similar to a tomatillo. Requires some space. Growing requirements are similar to tomatoes.
Kale, Brassica oleracea var. acephala, comes in edible and ornamental varieties. Ornamental or flowering kale is grown for decorative leaves. Edible, or salad, kale is a super nutritious, cool-season, fast-growing relative of cabbage that is eaten raw or cooked. Within each type there are many sizes, shapes,…
Leeks, Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, are cool season biennials grown as annuals. Easily grown member of the Allium family. They don't form bulbs like their garlic and onion relatives. They develop a six to ten inch edible stem up to three inches in diameter. Will endure, but don't appreciate temperatures…
Lettuce, Lactuca sativa, is a cool season annual, but can be grown year-long along the coast. Varieties include faster growing loose leaf, lightly headed butterhead, romaine, and tight headed crisphead. Native to Middle East.
