When I was a student at the former Nova Scotia Agricultural College, my major plant science project was titled, “Some Factors Affecting Rhizome Regeneration Rates in Matteuccia struthiopteris.” Translation: I was propagating ostrich ferns, the source of the delectable fiddlehead, using different types of soil and soilless media to generate new growth. Exciting stuff. What … [Read more...] about Fiddleheads for spring
Food to grow
Ornamental strawberries and peppers in pots
Growing ornamental edibles in containers is high on my agenda this summer. For the garden beds, I’m providing more nectar- and pollen-rich plants for the crowd of pollinators I hope to attract, but for myself, I’d like to have beautiful edible plants in containers where I can admire them — and also take a bite! I’ve got plans for pretty pots of strawberries and … [Read more...] about Ornamental strawberries and peppers in pots
5 bee-supporting perennial edibles to grow
When you plant your garden this spring, think multi-purpose. Consider what plants grow without fuss, look gorgeous, add fabulous flavour and health-boosting goodness to the meals you prepare — and, all the while, support our besieged bees. This is what my co-author Sharon Hanna and I pondered for more than a year in our gardens while writing The Book of Kale & Friends: … [Read more...] about 5 bee-supporting perennial edibles to grow
Looking for big garlic cloves
I try to plant some hard neck garlic (Allium sativum, Zone 3) every October. Like any other hardy bulbous plant (including spring tulips and other ornamental bulbs), garlic begins making roots in the fall, just as soon as it’s buried in soft, rich soil. In spring, it begins forming an underground head, and sends up green blades and a thick stem that will eventually carry … [Read more...] about Looking for big garlic cloves
Planting fall lettuces
If you have lettuce seed packets hanging around from spring, now would be a good time to plant lettuces to be harvested this fall. Using a readymade mesclun mix is a quick way to get something good in your salad bowl. The seed is scattered, and individual baby leaves are cut (using scissors, never ripped by hand) from small plants, allowing the developing central crowns to … [Read more...] about Planting fall lettuces