15 Vegetables to Grow in New England During Spring

Spring is the perfect time to start planning your backyard garden, and there are plenty of delicious vegetables that can be grown in New England during this season. Here are 15 options to consider:

• Arugula: This leafy green is easy to grow and adds a spicy kick to salads and sandwiches.
• Asparagus: Asparagus takes a few years to mature, but it’s worth the wait. Plant crowns in well-draining soil and provide plenty of sunlight.
• Beets: Beets are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown from seeds or seedlings. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Carrots: Carrots are a popular choice for backyard gardens, and they can be grown from seeds directly in the ground. They prefer well-draining, loose soil and should be watered regularly.
• Cabbage: Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can be grown from seeds or seedlings. It prefers cool weather and well-draining soil.
• Kale: Kale is a nutritious leafy green that is easy to grow and can withstand cool temperatures. It can be grown from seeds or seedlings and prefers well-draining soil.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown from seeds or seedlings. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Peas: Peas are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown from seeds directly in the ground. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Radishes: Radishes are a fast-growing root vegetable that can be grown from seeds directly in the ground. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Spinach: Spinach is a nutritious leafy green that can be grown from seeds or seedlings. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Swiss chard: Swiss chard is a leafy green that is easy to grow and can withstand cool temperatures. It can be grown from seeds or seedlings and prefers well-draining soil.
• Turnips: Turnips are a root vegetable that can be grown from seeds directly in the ground. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Radicchio: Radicchio is a type of chicory that adds a bit of bitterness to salads and sandwiches. It can be grown from seeds or seedlings and prefers well-draining soil.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a perennial plant that takes a few years to mature, but it’s worth the wait. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.
• Scallions: Scallions, also known as green onions, are a fast-growing vegetable that can be grown from seeds or seedlings. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.

With these 15 vegetables, you’ll have a variety of tasty options to choose from for your spring backyard garden. Happy planting!

Backyard Farming is a Popular Trend

 

Backyard farming is a popular trend that allows individuals to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs right in their own backyard. Not only is backyard farming a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also save you money on your grocery bill and provide you with fresher, healthier produce. In this article, we will explore the benefits of backyard farming and provide tips on how to get started.

One of the main benefits of backyard farming is the ability to have control over the food you eat. When you grow your own produce, you know exactly where it came from and how it was grown. This can be especially important for individuals who are concerned about the use of pesticides and other chemicals in conventional agriculture. By growing your own food, you can choose to use organic methods and avoid potentially harmful additives.

In addition to the health benefits, backyard farming can also be a cost-effective way to obtain fresh produce. The cost of fresh produce can add up quickly at the grocery store, but by growing your own, you can save money and have a constant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.

So, how do you get started with backyard farming? The first step is to choose a suitable location in your backyard. Make sure the area gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. It’s also a good idea to consider the size and layout of the space, as well as any potential challenges such as pests or wildlife.

Next, decide what you want to grow. Consider your personal preferences and the climate in your region. Some popular options for backyard farming include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens.

Once you’ve chosen your location and what you want to grow, it’s time to start preparing the soil. This may involve removing weeds, adding compost, and adjusting the pH level. After the soil is prepared, you can begin planting your seeds or seedlings.

Watering and fertilizing your plants is important to ensure they grow properly. Pay attention to the specific needs of each plant, as some may require more or less water and nutrients.

Pest control is also an important aspect of backyard farming. There are many natural methods you can use to keep pests at bay, such as introducing beneficial insects and using traps or barriers.

Backyard farming can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, and it’s a great way to enjoy fresher, healthier produce. With some planning and effort, you can have a thriving backyard farm in no time.

The History and Uses of Jute

 We all have used Jute in the Garden, but Jute has a long history and endless uses.

The Use History of Jute

Jute is a strong, durable, and versatile natural fiber that has been used for centuries for a wide range of purposes. It is derived from the stem and outer skin of the jute plant, which is native to the tropical regions of South Asia. The fibers of the jute plant are known for their strength, softness, and luster, making them ideal for a variety of applications.

History of Jute

Jute has been cultivated and used for centuries in the regions where it is native. The ancient Egyptians are believed to have used jute for making rope and sandals, and it was also used by the Greeks and Romans for similar purposes. Jute was introduced to Europe in the 18th century, where it quickly became a popular material for making sacks and bags for carrying and storing grains and other dry goods. It was also used for making carpets and rugs, and for paper production.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, jute became an important industrial fiber, particularly in the production of textiles. It was used for making a variety of products, including burlap, hessian, and twine. Jute was also used for making carpets, upholstery, and other home furnishings. The demand for jute continued to grow in the 20th century, and it became one of the most important natural fibers in the world.

100 Uses for Jute

Jute is a strong, durable, and versatile natural fiber that has a wide range of uses. It is often used in the production of textiles, such as burlap, hessian, and twine, but it has many other applications as well. Here are 100 uses for jute:

1. Sacks and bags for carrying and storing grains, seeds, and other dry goods
2. Carpeting and floor covering
3. Upholstery for furniture
4. Rope and twine for tying, binding, and securing loads
5. Mats and rugs
6. Curtains and blinds
7. Shoes and sandals
8. Baskets and baskets for carrying and storing goods
9. Paper and cardboard production
10. Construction and building materials
11. Erosion control blankets
12. Wedding and party decorations
13. Gift wrapping and packaging
14. Toy production
15. Musical instrument strings
16. Fishing nets and gear
17. Agricultural mulch and weed control
18. Gardening twine and plant ties
19. Landscaping and erosion control
20. Seedlings and plant protection
21. Reusable shopping bags
22. Geotextiles and erosion control fabrics
23. Protective wrapping for plants and trees
24. Animal bedding and feed bags
25. Soil erosion control
26. Burlap coffee bags
27. Protective covering for plants and trees in winter
28. Drapery and upholstery lining
29. Cattle feed bags
30. Protective covering for plants during transport
31. Carrier bags and sacks
32. Protective wrapping for furniture and other household items
33. Horse feed bags
34. Protective covering for plants and trees during construction
35. Silt fences for erosion control
36. Protective wrapping for vehicles and machinery
37. Silt containment and erosion control
38. Protective covering for plants and trees during landscaping
39. Canvas and tarps
40. Protective wrapping for boat covers and mooring
41. Burlap sacks for potatoes and other vegetables
42. Protective covering for plants and trees during storage
43. Grain storage bags
44. Protective wrapping for furniture during moving
45. Animal feed bags
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The Benefits of Raised-Bed Gardening

Raised-bed gardening is a popular and effective way to grow a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This gardening technique involves creating a raised bed, usually made of wood, stone, or brick, and filling it with a mixture of soil and compost. Raised beds have several benefits over traditional in-ground gardening, including improved drainage, easier access and maintenance, and the ability to control the quality of the soil.

Improved Drainage

One of the key benefits of raised-bed gardening is improved drainage. Because the bed is raised off the ground, excess water is able to drain away from the roots of the plants, preventing them from becoming waterlogged. This is particularly important in areas with heavy clay soil or poor drainage, as plants in these conditions are prone to root rot and other diseases. By creating a raised bed, gardeners can improve the drainage of the soil and create a healthier environment for their plants.

Easier Access and Maintenance

Raised beds are also easier to access and maintain than traditional in-ground gardens. Because the bed is raised, it's easier for gardeners to reach all areas of the bed without having to bend over or kneel on the ground. This can be especially beneficial for gardeners with mobility issues or back pain. Additionally, because the bed is contained, it's easier to control weeds, pests, and other garden problems. Gardeners can simply add mulch or other materials to the surface of the bed to help suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.

Control of Soil Quality

One of the major benefits of raised-bed gardening is the ability to control the quality of the soil. When creating a raised bed, gardeners have the opportunity to mix their own soil and compost, allowing them to tailor the soil to the specific needs of their plants. This can be especially beneficial in areas with poor soil quality or heavy clay soil, as it allows gardeners to create a more balanced and nutritious growing environment for their plants.

Types of Raised Beds

There are several types of raised beds to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few options to consider:

• Wooden raised beds are a popular choice for many gardeners. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to build, and can be created in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, wood can rot over time and may need to be replaced every few years. It's also important to use a rot-resistant wood, such as cedar or redwood, to ensure the longevity of the bed.
• Stone raised beds are a more permanent option, as they are built to last. They can be constructed with a variety of materials, including brick, concrete, or natural stone. Stone raised beds are more expensive and difficult to build than wooden beds, but they are extremely durable and require little maintenance. They are also a good option for gardeners who want a more formal or decorative look in their garden.
• Elevated planters are a good option for gardeners with

The Benefits of Companion Planting Vegetables With Chart

 

The Benefits of Companion Planting Vegetables

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of vegetables in close proximity to one another in order to benefit their growth and productivity. This method can help to naturally deter pests, improve soil health, and maximize the use of space in the garden.

Creating a Balanced Ecosystem

One of the key benefits of companion planting is that it allows for the creation of a diverse and balanced ecosystem within the garden. Different vegetables have different nutritional requirements and can help to enrich the soil for their companion plants. For example, legumes such as beans and peas have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil, making it more fertile for other plants.

Natural Pest Control

Another benefit of companion planting is that it can help to naturally deter pests. Some vegetables emit chemicals that repel certain pests, while others attract beneficial insects that can help to control pest populations. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can help to repel hornworms, while planting marigolds near vegetables can help to deter nematodes.

Maximizing Space

In addition to these benefits, companion planting can also help to maximize the use of space in the garden. By planting taller and climbing plants alongside shorter plants, gardeners can make the most of their vertical space and increase the overall productivity of their garden.

Examples of Companion Planting Combinations

So, what are some good combinations for companion planting vegetables? Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Planting tomatoes and basil together can help to improve the flavor and growth of both plants. Basil can also help to deter pests such as hornworms and flies.
• Planting beans and corn together can create a mutually beneficial relationship. The beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can be used by the corn, and the corn can provide support for the beans to climb.
• Planting carrots and lettuce together can help to deter carrot flies, which are attracted to the scent of carrots. Lettuce has a mild scent and can help to mask the smell of the carrots, helping to keep pests at bay.
• Planting onions and tomatoes together can help to deter pests such as slugs and aphids. Onions emit a chemical that can help to repel these pests, making them less likely to infest the tomato plants.

As with any gardening technique, it's important to do your research and experiment to see what works best in your specific location and climate. The above combinations are just a starting point and you may find that different vegetables work well together in your garden.

Conclusion

Overall, companion planting is a simple and effective way to improve the health and productivity of your vegetable garden. By creating a diverse and balanced ecosystem, you can naturally deter pests, improve soil health, and maximize the use of space in your garden. So why not give it a try and see what works best for you?

Vegetable	Good Companions	Bad Companions
Asparagus	Tomatoes, parsley, basil	Onion, garlic
Beans	Carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, squash	Onions, garlic, fennel
Beets	Bush beans, lettuce, onions, kohlrabi	Pole beans
Cabbage	Beets, onions, potatoes, tomatoes	Strawberries
Carrots	Lettuce, onions, peas, tomatoes	Dill
Corn	Beans, peas, pumpkins, squash	Tomatoes
Cucumbers	Beans, peas, radishes, sunflowers	Aromatic herbs
Eggplant	Beans, peas, peppers, tomatoes	Potato
Lettuce	Carrots, radishes, strawberries	Brussels sprouts
Onions	Beets, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes	Peas, beans
Peas	Carrots, corn, cucumbers, radishes	Onions, garlic
Peppers	Eggplant, tomatoes	Basil
Potatoes	Beans, corn, peas, squash	Eggplant
Squash	Corn, beans, peas, radishes	Potatoes
Tomatoes	Asparagus, carrots

25 Winter Tasks to Prepare Your Vegetable Garden for a Successful Growing Season

Winter can be a tough time for gardens, with cold temperatures and short days making it difficult for plants to thrive. But with a little bit of preparation, you can ensure that your garden is ready to bounce back when spring rolls around. Here are some essential tasks for preparing your garden for winter:

• Clean up any remaining plant debris from the previous growing season.
• Test your soil pH and nutrient levels, and apply any necessary amendments.
• Prune dead or diseased branches from fruit trees and bushes.
• Repair or replace any damaged fencing or trellising.
• Clean and sharpen garden tools.
• Compost any remaining leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste.
• Plan out your garden layout and determine which vegetables you want to plant.
• Order seedlings or seeds for your desired vegetables.
• Rotate the location of your vegetable beds to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
• Plant cover crops, such as clover or legumes, to add organic matter and nutrients back into the soil.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs to protect their roots from the cold.
• Insulate outdoor pipes and sprinkler systems to prevent them from freezing.
• Store any tender plants, such as tropicals or succulents, in a sheltered location for the winter.
• Check for any pests or diseases that may have overwintered in your garden and take appropriate measures to control them.
• Build or repair cold frames or other protective structures for your garden.
• Install row covers or other protective measures to keep frost and cold winds off of your plants.
• Stockpile wood or other fuel for heating any greenhouses or other sheltered growing spaces.
• Check your irrigation system and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
• Consider planting cold-hardy vegetables, such as kale, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables, in your garden.
• Set up a system for collecting and conserving rainwater for use in the garden.
• Determine what kind of fertilizers and other amendments you will need for the upcoming growing season.
• Research and select any new plant varieties that you would like to try in your garden.
• Plan out your succession planting schedule to ensure a continuous supply of fresh vegetables throughout the growing season.
• Set up a system for composting kitchen and garden waste to use as a natural fertilizer.
• Make any necessary repairs or upgrades to your garden structures, such as sheds, greenhouses, or raised beds.

Harnesting Wind Power At Any Business

Turbines are showing up all over. This one is located at Pecks Boats in Marstons Mill MA on Cape Cod.

Most of my friends haven't even noticed this home made energy system. It blends in with the sky doesn't it.

I'm on a quest to find some kind of wind or solar power for my home.

Cape Cod could become a leader in wind technology, but as in most cases people protest anything. Cape Wind has been trying to build a wind farm for years of Cape Cod. The only people who are complaining are those who have houses on the water. These people obviously don't need to worry about there electric bills.

We are behind Cape Wind building a wind farm so long as middle class people get some kind of benefit

Starting seeds in The Aero Garden Hydroponics System

Did you get a Aero Garden as a gift last Christmas. If you didnt you need to buy one. I bought one for my brother and parents. These mini hydroponics system produced all winter.

My Parents grew lettuce and herbs and my brother grew tomatoes. As they harvested and used the seeds I dropped a hint that I could use this thing to start seeds. It worked I will be starting plants with the Areo Garden. I'm gong to start hot peppers. They won't need to be in the ground until July.

Get Free Shipping on any purchase over $25 at AeroGrow.

Raccoons Invade Kitchen Through Skylight

We had a visitor this past winter. A baby raccoon showed up in the kitchen at 3 AM.
What happened was I heard a crash. So I jump up out of bed and this what I found.
The raccoons where coming in through my skylight. I couldn't believe this. I was in my undies and didnt want to be attacked so I grabbed a big poll I had for my slider drapes and pushed this guy out the door.
This isnt the first time this has happened. Years ago we had one in the fire box of our fireplace. Raccoons will break in to houses in winter to raise the young. In the fireplace incident the mother raccoon carried each baby one by one up the corner boards on the house and down the chimney.When I heard hissing I though the house was haunted. LOL

Buying Vegetables and Tomato Plants for the Garden

This season I didn't over do it with plants for the garden. Almost every season I buy to many plants and they sit in a flat until they even die or bloom. Ive had tomatoes go on plants left in a flat all summer. Not usually eatable though.

This season I bought a six pack of Peppers, 100 Cherry Tomato plant, Early Girl and some other plants in there too.

I didnt buy any Fat Boys or plants that take all season to fruit. In New England we a vine rote that attacks tomato's in Fall. I don't feel like dealing with that this year. One hint to prevent this is to use chicken manure. More about that in a later post.

Notice the heirloom tomato I purchase. BLOODY BUTCHER. I can only assume this name means the fruit is very juice. Not sure if I will like the Bloody Butcher. I like a firm tomato like Roman. They generally have less seeds and juice.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wind Power Comes To Local Nursery in Hyannis MA

Windmills are popping up everywhere. I went to get some plants this weekend and this is what I saw. A huge wind turbine.

I actually passed by two new wind mills on this day.

Memorial Day weekend may not be the best time to go to a nursery because of crowds, but the best selection of available plants can be had.

I love going to the nursery. If I had the space I would buy a flat of every vegetable. Places like this are were we ask questions. Every time I go to garden store I look for employees to milk for information.

People in the gardening industry appear to be taking the lead in the Eco economy. Wind Turbines like the one at this nursery are a huge investment, but the pay off is huge for all of us. I'm looking for a small wind turbine for the garden for watering. We'll see.

The more you grow the more self sestained we become.

Setting Up Garden Rows For Maximum Output | Free Food

This is a example of a garden layout from a previous season. This seasons layout will be similar.
Notice how the rows are marked as they are planted. This is very important. Know matter how good you think your memory is most people will forget whats were.
when laying out rows be sure to use a 1x1 inch piece of wood or a string to keep them strait. Keeping rows strait help in optimizing space.

Getting Carrots, Raddishes and Root Vegetables to Grow

Getting root vegetables to grow to there potential can be difficult. Have you tried to grow carrots but they only grow to a stub or a inch or two? I have!
After years of frustration when growing carrots I finally tried amending each garden row. After the garden has been tilled and ready to plant do it again for each row. As I get my garden layout ready I throw a couple shovel fulls of peat moss over each row and work it in. Then I grade the row mixing the peat in. Then make a strait furrow and plant the root vegetable seed.
When growing root vegetables it is a good idea to over seed. Then thin the plants to 2 inches apart. As I said in previous post gardeners can use multiple crops in a single row. If you do you can let the plants grow a little longer to see how fast each is growing. That way you may get some lettuce or onions as babies. Baby lettuce is good eating. They don't usually make it into the house before being eaten.

Choosing Seeds and Plants For Vegetable Gardens

Here are some seeds I have chosen to be the first plantings. 3 kinds of radishes, green onions and 2 types of lettuce.
These vegetables grow good in late May and can be harvested by the end of June. Lettuce can be cut with scissors and left to grow more for a second harvest and beyond.
Another way to utilize these seed they can be sowed in the same furrow. Plant lettuce, radishes and green onion all in the same row. Then harvest as each one matures. With this method getting a second harvest isnt a good idea because we want to let the next plant in line to grow good. So once a single plant mature harvest to let the other mature.

Planning This Years Vegetable Garden Layout

This year my garden is about 15x25 feet. It was just rototilled.
As we have had lots of rain and even a frost just before Memorial Day.
As the weather warms the next step will be to add some compost and manure. Once that is complete it will be covered with landscape felt.
As you will see in the next post I did not out down felt last year. Big mistake.
A drip hose for irrigation will be in place soon. Once the felt is down the drip hose will be installed.
I try to get as many crops as possible. I will plant lettuce, Radishes, Snap Peas, Green Beans and some green onions.
As the early producing plants mature and get harvested the Tomatoes and larger vegetables will be planted. I try and wait until the end of June to plant Tomatoes.

Growing Chives in Containers is So Easy

Containers are are a great way to grow herbs. You can do this anywhere you have sunshine. I have this container in my front yard. Ever year I had flowers but one day I had extra chive seeds. I just throw them in and watered. Now I have fresh chives for about 7 months a year. They go to seed couple times a year and keep coming back. I do cut the top off some of the chives so some stay longer as new one start.

I also will put other herbs in the pot. Basil, Parsley or any herb. Never buy chive cream cheese again.

This pot is steps out my door and serve as a kitchen herb garden all summer. When container gardening you need to watch the watering. Containers dry out fairly fast. Water at least every other day when container gardening.

This method is great as apartment and condo gardens.

Gardeners Choice Supplies Seeds, Discount Plants

What Is Gardener’s Choice? Gardeners' Choice offers high quality, discount plant and seed supply as well as gardening accessories at clearance prices. Gardening enthusiasts will find a one-stop shop for all the beautiful plants they will need to grow a gorgeous garden, including a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables, ground cover, vines, flowers, trees and much more.

Video Of Cicada Hatching in Spring 2008.

In 2008 we had The Deadly Cicada hatch on Cape Cod. Cicada hatch in cycles of around 30 years depending were you are. They hatch, burrow a hole up from the soil lay eggs and die. Then the larvae eat the roots of bushes flowers and plants.
The 2008 hatching was horrible. Cicada omit a screeching sound that migrates through the trees. Its nothing nice. As far as we know there is no way to combat cicada.
I first noticed them when I had some landscapers doing spring clean up. I watch the cicada come out of their nests deep under my yard.

When To Plant Vegetables In The Garden

Were we are in New England it can stay cold until Memorial Day easily. So putting tomatoes in the ground before then can be risky while other crops do just fine. Beans, radishes and lettuce can be planted if back yard farmers take steps to protect the plants.

Hoop or ring tents work well. They can be made with metal or wood hoops and covered with clear plastic. Gardeners can also tie a sturdy line or cable between two posts about 19 inches high. Then drape plastic over it then secure the edges with rocks or stakes. Both these methods allow you to remove the covering each day then recover at night. It is very important that ventilation is provided at both ends to allow air flow. Cover the ends if frost is in the forecast.

I always say talk to the people who work at you local nursery about planting dates. The zone charts are only a basic tool to judge the last frost of the year.

Lets Get Gardening and Back Yard Farming

Thanks for stopping by. My name is Bill and with the way the economy is in the US I decided to put up this blog. I have been growing my own food for over 25 years. Avoid the mistakes I made and keep coming back for gardening tips and ideas.
We can all grow vegetable know matter were we live. From backyards to apartments and condos there are ways to grow fresh organic food.
I will be posting photo's of this year garden shortly.

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