Author: Susan

Who wants to grow tomatoes? Probably everybody, right? This detailed guide contains exactly what you need to know in order to be a champion tomato grower! I’ve got plenty of variety suggestions for you, too. Latin Name: Solanum lycopersicum Plant Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae) Warm-season crop Did You Know? The tomato is the most popular crop grown in vegetable gardens. Yet […]

My husband Bill loves to grow peppers every year and has amazing success. He shares his best tips below to help you enjoy growing them in your garden, too. Bill has grown them both in our small hoop house (shown in photo) and out in the garden. Latin Name: Capsicum annuum Plant Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae) Warm-season crop Did You Know? The genus for […]

We grow potatoes every year because they’re such a wonderful addition to our vegetable garden. As you’ll see below, there are a few important steps to follow but they’re well worth it. Latin Name: Solanum tuberosum Plant Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae) Cool-season crop Did You Know? In addition to potassium, potatoes supply us with complex carbohydrates, vitamin C and trace minerals. Types include […]

Would you like to grow tomatillos in this year’s garden? They’re easier than you might think. Just follow my tips below and you’ll be making fresh salsa verde before you know it! Latin Name: Physalis philadelphicaPlant Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)Warm-season crop Did You Know? Tomatillos are also referred to as Mexican husk tomatoes and are related to ground cherries and the ornamental Chinese […]

Would you like to grow eggplants? This relative of the tomato isn’t difficult to grow but it can be tricky knowing when it harvest it. Find out my tips below. Latin Name: Solanum melongena Plant Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae) Warm-season crop Did You Know? I’ve noticed there are two schools of thought on eggplants: those who love them and those who […]

If you’d like to grow peas in your garden this spring, check out my gutter peas method for ease in planting. No matter how you start them, you’ll love their delightfully sweet flavor. Latin Name: Pisum sativum Plant Family: Legume Cool-season crop Did You Know? There are three types of peas: shelling, edible pod, and snap. You might be surprised […]

When you grow Fava beans, you’ll find the bit of extra processing work is worth it. I’m not sure how many U.S. gardeners grow them but they make a great addition to the garden. Latin Name: Vicia faba Plant Family: Fabaceae Cool-season crop Did You Know? While most types of beans are warm-season crops, Fava beans grow best in cooler […]

I love growing a diversity of veggies in our garden but I really love to grow beans. I think I might even been known for my pole beans! But whether you grow bush or pole beans, you’ll be amazed at the size of the harvest. Latin Name: Phaseolus vulgaris Plant Family: Fabaceae Warm-season crop Did You Know? Beans are a […]

I love to grow corn because homegrown ears are so sweet and delicious. Check out my special spacing suggestions below and recommended varieties. You’ll also learn what to look for so you know your corn is ready to pick. Latin Name: Zea Mays Plant Family: Grass (Poaceae) Warm-season crop Did You Know? Corn, or maize, was developed from a wild […]