Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Gardening is just yummy!


Homegrown broccoli is so tender that it's just about as good raw as it is steamed. The first time I grew broccoli, the plants went into my compost pile shortly after the main stalk was harvested. I had no idea broccoli would continue producing smaller spears around the edges of the plant. That same winter, my dad ate from his broccoli plants for months! Live and learn.




We're keeping a close watch on this little beauty! Three of my six cauliflower plants have fruits that have turned purplish and whose florets are not full. Why does that happen?


This year's seeds are now in the garden centers so it's time to begin planning the spring veggie garden. I grow vegetables, herbs, and a few cut flowers in raised beds. The most important part of my plan will be finding the right bed for the tomatoes and peppers. Rotating their planting location will reduce any disease they might get. I also always look for disease resistant varieties. (that info is listed on the plant label). If you can keep your plants disease free, your family will be munchin' on home grown tomatoes until August. My fave tomato for the Rio Grande Valley is Celebrity. It has been a good producer year after year. Even if you don't have a "vegetable garden", tuck a tomato plant into one of your sunny beds. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

I hope that you all have a chance to grow a vegetable or two!

2 comments:

kate said...

The broccoli and cauliflower look so healthy. I love the look of the big leaves of the cauliflower. Experience is the best teacher, isn't it?

Judy said...

I just found your blog. I'm a fairly recent implant to the Valley - we've lived in McAllen not quite two years. I've decided to try growing some veggies and maybe some flowers, but I'm totally clueless as to what I'm doing! I'll definitely be visiting you again often.