Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Basil in Bins, Green Beans in Garden

After having major BASIL issues this Spring with an unknown bug... I dug up all basil plants up today and discarded them : (.

I then re-tilled the soil (picked out several Japanese beetle types insects) and planted BLUE LAKE Green Beans.

I won't forgo the basil though, I will plant in a large recycle bin with new potting soil and healthy nursery purchased plants to ensure a better crop for my 'year round homemade pesto'.

Having never tried succession planting of beans before, I copied this info to help me remember. My goal....Green Beans from the garden at Thanksgiving dinner!

Info re: this particular bean:
"An old time favorite with exceptional Blue Lake flavor, it is noted for retaining its excellent flavor and texture when frozen. This snap bean (or green bean) grown on short bushy plants is eaten pod and all and is one of those vegetables like tomatoes that tastes significantly better when grown at home rather than bought at the grocery store. Blue Lake 274 produces a very large crop of round 6” pods all at once. An excellent variety for containers. This packet plants: One 10-foot row. For all areas, bush beans can be planted in succession to produce beans all season.

***Seed a new crop every 7 to 14 days up to 60 days before first fall frost. (For Boston that would be until approx. August 15th) Beans need good air circulation, thus the recommended distance between rows of 3’-4’. Seeds that do not come up can be immediately replaced."

Will keep you posted.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Cucumbers | DoItYourself.com

I was wondering why my cukes weren't getting as big near trellis as ones planted separately. Answer here...overcrowding. Hope I can salvage them before diseases have struck.

Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Cucumbers DoItYourself.com

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

How to Freeze Herbs - Fine Gardening Video

Tried and true tips for freezing fresh basil from your garden for months of culinary enjoyment to come!

How to Freeze Herbs - Fine Gardening Video