How To Grow Vegetables and Vegetable Gardening Tips
Cucumbers are fun and easy to grow in the vegetable garden. There are many different types of cucumbers, but the two most popular types are generally slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. I typically grow the slicing varieties in my vegetable garden each year. The pickling types are grown by my sister so we trade cucumbers each year.Slicing cucumbers are usually anywhere from six to fourteen inches long and smooth-skinned, while pickling … [Read more...]
It was a sad day out in the vegetable garden today. My struggling and desperate cucumber vines finally bit the dust. After a couple weeks of spraying them, watering them, and chasing cucumber beetles, I finally realized that they probably will not make it, and yanked them up.The cucumber vines were really doing well, and producing three to four cucumbers a day at one point. A began to see the tell-tale white spots of powdery mildew, and … [Read more...]
Many urban vegetable gardeners have an issue with space for their vegetable gardens. I fit into this category as well, living in a city with over 150,000 residents, and in a subdivision with neighbors in every direction. How many times have we wanted to grow more vegetables, but just did not have the space. With some creative ideas and a little planning, you can use some vertical gardening techniques to save space in your vegetable … [Read more...]
If you are new to vegetable gardening, you probably have heard the phrase "true leaves" a time or two. This is especially true if growing from seed, where this phrase is used most often. But what exactly are true leaves?When a seed first emerges from the soil, or potting mixture, it has a set of two leaves called cotyledons. The cotyledons are actually a part of the seed, and act as a food source for the sprouting seedling. At this time the … [Read more...]
Yesterday I posted about the decline in bee populations, so I thought it would be a good idea to discuss one easy task you can do in case you are not getting many bees visiting your garden.You will know real quick if bees are not coming around. Ever noticed a little tiny cucumber behind a flower on your cucumber vine, just to look again a couple days later and the little fruit has withered and died? This is from a lack in pollination, and … [Read more...]
Ingredients2 fresh slicing cucumbers (2 pounds) 1 small red onion 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar 2 teaspoons dried dill or 2 tablespoons freshDirectionsSlice the cucumber lengthwise, remove the seeds, and slice thinly. Thinly slice the onion.In a colander, toss the cucumber and onion with the salt and let it sit and drain for 20 minutes. Press … [Read more...]
The cucumbers have been planted and are starting to bloom. The vines are steadily climbing up the trellis and are looking good. The little cucumbers that were there a few days ago are growing by the minute it seems. But when do I know they are ready to pick, and how do I pick them? If you have never grown cucumbers before, these could be some questions you are asking.Look For Size, Color and Firmness When Picking CucumbersYou will know a … [Read more...]
Most of the vegetables in the garden have been planted for a little over a month now, and are progressing fairly well. I thought it would be a good time to share some pictures of the blooms so far in the garden. I am starting to get some baby squash, zucchini, and banana peppers. I can't wait for the the little green balls of tomatoes to start coming. Hopefully, it will be soon.Here are some pictures of my vegetable … [Read more...]
I'm intrigued by heirloom vegetables, and crazy about sharing my passions with others.
It is my wish to share as much of my vegetable knowledge that I can with you.
Hopefully, I can learn as much from you as you do from me.
So, I'd like to welcome you to Veggie Gardener, and please do not forget to say hello. I'd love to hear from you!
[Read More …]
Garden Connections