Raspberries are a great addition to your garden. Each plant typically produces one to two quarts of fruit. In addition, the leaves make a great tea and vinegar. Growing raspberries at home also ensures that your fruit is organic and free of pesticides.
Blackberries are delicious fruits that are relatively easy to grow, making them a perfect addition to any garden. They are a relatively low-maintenance crop that can thrive in a variety of soils, and many modern varieties are thornless, making them easy to manage and harvest. The climate in Zone 6 is great for blackberries.
Winter often marks a time of dormancy for many gardens, but in Zone 6, there’s no need to hang up your gardening gloves when the first frost arrives. With the strategic use of unheated greenhouses and hoop houses, you can extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into the colder months.
Zinnias are beautiful show stoppers that come in a wide range of colors and shapes. They are hardy and beginner-friendly. Zinnias are annuals and will give you a burst of color through to hard frost.
Mint is all around you - literally! There are many varieties of mint and it has long been used as flavorings in foods, gum, toothpaste, antacids, and cough drops.
Mint is great for using in herbal teas, salads, soups, cookies, and for this Kentucky girl - mint juleps!
This article will look at the many varieties of mint, how to grow it (and contain it) and some exceptional recipes you will love.
Morel mushrooms are wild mushrooms that are safe to eat and taste delicious. They have a distinctive shape and are easy to recognize. Harvesting morels is a great way to increase your food sustainability. This article will introduce you to foraging for morel mushrooms, identification tips, and ways to enjoy the harvest.
Elderberry is such a great plant that does not get the admiration it deserves. Not only can you make fabulous tasting wine but elderberry is a wonderful medicinal plant. You can use it in baking, making tinctures, and jelly.This article will talk about growing and using elderberry, health benefits, and includes several recipes.
Planting schedules can be tricky. You need to understand and be watching climate patterns and weather in your area. It’s important to know the days to maturity of the plants and what type of weather do they grow well in. I live in Kentucky. Zone 6b. Zone Six covers a large section of the country including parts of New England, Pennslyvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, across Kansas, and into the Rocky Mountain states.
This reading list originated as something I send to my Interns before they arrive. These books and DVDs have made an impact on my life as an organic farmer, off-grid enthusiast, and environmentalist. I tell them to read (or listen to) and think about what interests them and get ready to have thoughtful discussions.
The list covers several subject areas; The Food Movement, Self-Sufficiency, Organic Farming, Livestock, Marketing, Wildlife. and Environmental Awareness. I am a great lover of books and learning, something I hope to share with each of you.
Your soil is your lifeline to a healthy garden. Without the right nutrients, in your soil, your garden will not produce as much as it should. Your plants need certain elements so that they can grow, reproduce and make fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
The first step in providing your plants with the right diet is to know what nutrients will make them healthy. The second step is knowing what happens if they do not get those nutrients. The third step is making your soil more compatible with your plant’s needs.
