In an earlier article, I discussed the many health benefits of elderberry - especially as it relates to treatment of the flu. In the past couple of years, I have purchased the expensive elderberry syrups (Sambucol) and these seemed to work well when I felt like I was coming down with a cold or flu. This time I decided to try and save a little money and make my own. (more…)
As can be seen in this photo of my figs, the birds have found them and are eating more than about half of the rippening figs. In the last few years, I tried hanging CDs from the limbs and only had limited success. (more…)
Despite having to help the pollination along with my cucurbits, I am getting some nice veggies none the less. Here is one of the big zucchini that I picked this morning. I did have a problem with tiny worms boring up underneath some of my zucchs, but my compost worms will relish those scraps. They are not near as picky as we are and so nothing goes to waste around here.
We have had quite a heat spell here in the Southeast and my summer squash and zucchini seem to be producing, but many seem stunted and/or fall off the vine (as illustrated in pic). The plants are very healthy otherwise, and though there are many possible factors like excessive heat, the most likely suspect is the lack of the bee pollinators. (more…)
You can see here that my heirloom bell peppers that were planted in one gallon containers have clearly outgrown them. It’s actually quite amazing that they reached this current height of 2′ and were quite productive in such a small pot. However, the pots were transpiring too much water and the roots had pushed to the edge of the pots. (more…)
I just had to brag a little bit on these wonderful cherry tomatoes. These guys consistently rank at the top in many tomato taste tests and I concur as to their taste. Currently I have two 5′ plants that are loaded with these tomatoes and I eat them like candy. They are certainly about the best tasting hybrids that I have found, and because the seeds are hard to find, I have snipped the growing shoots off a couple of these and transplanted a couple more plants. (more…)
If you haven’t read the first part of this project, please do so before proceeding with this part. Referring to the picture on the left, the next step is to drill 3 water overflow holes around the container. (more…)
My small garden is now thriving with cucumber, squash, zucchini, okra, tomatoes, peppers, and more. Of course, this does not count the many varieties of cooler weather greens, broccoli, artichoke etc. (more…)
For those not familiar with the earthbox concept of a “grow box,” the original can be found at this link. You might want to familiarize yourself with the concepts and operation before proceeding. In a nutshell, the advantages to the earthbox (in order of priority) are: (more…)
Here are some of my Anaheim peppers that have reached 2.5′ tall - and have peppers about 6″ long. These are the peppers commonly used to make chile reinos and can be used for other chile pepper recipes. They are medium heat, and will get hotter if allowed to redden. I have these and other pepper varieties scattered throughout my property, and I am particularly found of the idea of growing plants in nursery pots and then burying them in various places around my yard. (more…)
