Potatoes are a surprisingly satisfying crop to grow. If you’re not a huge fan of these tubers, tasting freshly harvested homegrown potatoes will definitely change your feelings about the crop. Along with peas and onions, they are one of the first crops we plant in the spring. You really feel like you are doing something useful when burying the big chunks of 'seed potatoes.’
Read MoreEncyclopedia Botanica Podcast, Episode 31: Peas!
Oregon Giant Snow Peas
We think fresh homegrown peas are reason enough to have your own garden. This week we discuss how to plan for a grow peas in your garden
Read MoreEncyclopedia Botanica Podcast, Episode 28: Smart Seed Ordering, Part 2
This week we continue our seed ordering discussion by talking about quantities of seed and how much of each type you'll want to order. We'll also touch on why it might actually make more sense for you to buy some crops as seeds, but others as transplants from your local nursery. Lastly, we'll share tips and clues that you can use to select the right variety for your intended application.
Read MoreEncyclopedia Botanica Podcast, Episode 27: Smart Seed Ordering Pt. 1
Growing from seed can have the potential to dramatically increase your opportunities for better yields by allowing you much more control over the varieties of each crop that you can plant in the garden. Keeping a well-stocked seed library also allows you to take advantage of production opportunities on your own schedule throughout the season.
Read MoreEpisode 26: Crop Rotation
Over the past two episodes, we discussed tools you can use to decide where your crops should be planted in a given season, but it's important to plan where to plant them from year to year. This week we are going to go over why you want to rotate and why certain crop families require more frequent rotation.
Read MoreEpisode 25: Growth Habi
This week we will be continuing the garden planning conversation by discussing another factor that can help guide your garden planning, and that’s plant growth form. Last week I mentioned that my motto was “plant like with like”. Grouping plants with the similar growth habits is another element to consider when organizing your garden.
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