A trip to the grocery store is a chore for some, but for fruit and veggie lovers, the produce section is like a candy store. Markets today stock a greater variety of produce than ever before, including out-of-season and exotic items from the other side of the world.
For over 6,000 years, gardeners have been growing grapes. Don’t let the idea of cultivating grapes scare you; it is easier than you might think. And, it is a good idea to stop buying grapes from the supermarket as they are one of the most heavily sprayed commercial crops. Do you even know what you are eating with your grapes?
The lemon was first created as a cross between a lime and a citron, and all three grow on evergreen shrubs. The Arabs introduced this small citrus fruit to the Europeans, who then brought them to Spain in the 11th century. Along with other fruits and vegetables, Christopher Columbus brought lemons with him on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, and they have been growing in Florida since the 16th century.
Though not necessarily the most common crop, rhubarb holds a special place in the hearts of many northern gardeners. It thrives in the chilly environment and produces a tart, delicious crop to kick off the harvest season. Hardy, low-maintenance, and easy-to-grow, this yummy fruit (vegetable?) deserves a place in your garden this season.Â
Most gardeners tend to stay in their comfort zone, growing a collection of traditional fruits and veggies such as tomatoes, blueberries, and potatoes. However, there is a whole other world of exciting, intriguing edible plants out there just waiting to be discovered. Many of these exotic plants are not only delicious but incredibly eye-catching, as well. If you’re ready to take on a new challenge and try something adventurous, these strange fruits and veggies may just plants for you.
Do you have a pear tree in your yard that is just a little overwhelming at the peak harvest time? If so, your kitchen is likely overflowing with rapidly ripening pears that you don’t know what to do with. Try these easy ideas to take advantage of your bounty and enjoy the sweet, subtle flavor of this delicious fruit.Â
Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you don’t live in a tropical environment, that lemon tree you planted oh-so-hopefully in your garden isn’t going to make it through winter. There is a sliver lining; however. With a little patience and persistence, you can grow your very own lemon tree indoors. Fresh lemons await! Here’s what you need to do to get started.Â
There’s nothing quite like apple picking on a crisp, fall afternoon. Even better if your apple tree is in your own backyard and you can simply snack on fruit whenever you wish. However, fruit from trees can get a little overwhelming once harvest begins in earnest, and it can often be hard to figure out how to take advantage of your basketfuls of fruit. Read on for our favorite yummy ways to enjoy the abundance of the season.Â
I remember when I first started growing fruit. I assumed I could just plop a tree or bush in the ground, and mother nature would take care of the rest. Boy, was I wrong! Through a process of trial and error and some self-education, I came to learn how to best care for my neglected fruit trees. Here are some lessons I learned.
They may be small, but this blue fruit packs a powerful punch. In fact, just one cup provides a fourth of the daily requirement of vitamin C and manganese, as well as vitamin K, along with a host of other nutrients in smaller quantities. All these and a considerable amount of fiber come with very few calories, making blueberries a sweet snack that everyone can enjoy.
There’s just something so delicious about fresh, summer strawberries. They taste so much better than the strawberries you find in the grocery store, and it doesn’t take much effort to grow that juicy goodness. Fortunately, strawberries can be grown in containers on your porch, patio, or front stoop, so you don’t even have to have a garden to enjoy basketfuls of beautiful strawberries this season. Plus, when your plants are right out your back door, you’ll be more likely to catch the fruit at the peak of ripeness and enjoy optimal flavor.
Susan has been nurturing her gardening tips and advice for over 00 years, it’s fair to say she knows her beans. She’ll be sharing her knowledge from tried and tested methods.
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