Calendula officinalis – sometimes called “pot marigold” or “Mary’s Gold” – is a flowering herb that is easy to grow, and easy to maintain. The flowers are larger in Spring, decreasing in size and number in summer, and then return to the larger and more numerous in Fall. Continue reading
Category Archives: News
Preparing and Preserving Beets (and Carrots)
With so many Beets harvested this year (this was a small portion of the total), we needed a few strategies for preparing and preserving them. Last year, Continue reading
Gladiolas for Cut Flowers!
Gladiolas make great cut flowers that last about a week. Purchase and plant the bulbs around Spring break (Mid-March) to have cut flowers by late May Continue reading
Eggplant Variety Rosita: A mild flavored variety worth trying!
In 2017, we planted three varieties of eggplant: Rosita, black beauty, and a long, thin variety obtained from a local gardening store (I cannot remember the variety name). This particular variety of eggplant is; Rosita. It is incredibly high yielding – Continue reading
Using Elbon rye for Biological Control of Root Knot Nematodes; a Gardening Experiment.

Elbon Rye in Raised Bed, March, 2018
Last summer, 2017, our tomatoes produced a small number of very small fruit. Part of the issue was the incredible number of “stinkbugs”that invaded and damaged both the tomato fruit and the tomato plants. Another issue was nematodes. Continue reading
Spring Gardening Fever is in the Air!
This year has been off to a rocky start; it began with the flu making its way through the family in January, with everyone well in February. Now it is March and time to get back to the garden.
If you have not yet purchased seeds, get that done asap to start planting indoors, or put the containers outside if the temperature is warming. Start working the garden beds by adding compost and mulch.
Watch for gardening updates — we are just getting started!
Luffa Sponges from Luffa Gourd
This year, I decided to try to grow my own Luffa sponges. The Luffa gourd is in the same family as the cucumber – it generates very long vines and is easy to grow. Continue reading
What’s in My Water? EWG’s Tap Water Database
Water Quality is important for Health. Learn more about what is in your water and how you can remove the toxic contaminants.
How to Make Calendula Oil for Skin Care
This year, I’m thinking outside the box, and learning to grow and use a few more plants that contribute to a healthy lifestyle for myself, family and friends. Continue reading
Collecting Seeds from the Herb, Stevia
I’ve previously grown Stevia, but have not collected the seeds–before now. Continue reading