Hummingbirds at Teatime
Being English and a gardener has certain drawbacks, especially if one is tall and thinnish-and wears a sun hat and skirt, rather than a baseball cap and shorts. People expect …
beans
The Texas Tale of Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Onions
Once upon a time, in the heart of Houston, Texas, I found myself in a new office building, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of southern cuisine. Despite growing up with …
The Best Heirloom Vegetable Plants to Grow
Mention heirloom vegetable plants and immediately we think of rich tomatoes, sweet corn, or bright purple carrots. The other thing that comes to mind is a garden full of vegetables …
Those Concord Grapes
Living in central Denver has its perks, and one of the gems of our neighborhood is the food bank run by our community center. Throughout the warmer months, local gardeners …
Diving into the World of Cacao and Chocolate
Once upon a cocoa-laden time, deep in the wilds of Central and South America, a mystical tree reigned supreme—the cocoa tree. Its scientific moniker, Theobroma cacao, whispered of its divine …
Unearthing British Garden Trends and a Weedy Revolution
Hello green-thumbed comrades and fellow plant enthusiasts! It's your intrepid gardening reporter, Don Nicholas, back from a horticultural expedition that took me straight to the heart of English gardening wisdom—the …
Getting Your Pole Beans to Reach Greater Heights
Beans, beans, they're good for your heart! But what if those beans don't want to put in much effort? A pod here, a pod there, and a wimpy-looking Pole Bean …
Companion Crops: Growing Better Together
Just like in life, having good friends can make all the difference in the garden. When it comes to growing fruits and vegetables, some plants simply bring out the best …
The Three Sisters of Companion Planting
Where would wine be without cheese, or peanut butter without jelly? Simon without Garfunkel? And let's not forget our special guests today, the "Three Sisters" otherwise known as corn, beans, …
Homemade Bug Spray for Vegetable Plants
A good old-fashioned spray with the hose is my favorite way to rid my veggie garden of leaf-eating pests, especially the Japanese beetles who love to munch on my basil. …
