Sweet violet is a small plant with pretty flowers and many useful qualities. Its leaves and flowers are edible. It can also grow as a living ground cover and bring early color to shady parts of the garden. Known by the...
Blog
Sasha Campbell
When to Start Vegetables in Cold or Boiling Water
Boiling vegetables may seem simple, but the temperature of the water can change the final result. Some vegetables cook well when placed in cold water before you turn on the heat. Others are better when added to water...
Using Nets and Row Covers in the Vegetable Garden
Nets and row covers offer a simple way to protect vegetable plants. They place a barrier between your crops and the insects, animals, or weather that may harm them. Some covers block insects and birds. Others protect...
Ramsons (Wild Garlic): How to Identify, Grow, Harvest, and Use This Edible Weed
Ramsons are useful in both the garden and the kitchen. Their fresh green leaves have a strong garlic smell. They often grow in large patches in cool, shady woodlands. Also called wild garlic, ramsons (Allium ursinum)...
Common Thistle: How to Identify, Harvest, and Use This Edible Weed
Common thistle may look like a plant you should avoid. Its sharp spines can make it difficult to handle. It often grows in fields, pastures, roadsides, and other open places. However, this prickly plant offers more than...
Sheep Sorrel: How to Identify, Grow, and Use This Edible Weed
Sheep sorrel is a small wild plant that is easy to walk past without noticing. Yet its bright green leaves, sour flavor, and ability to grow in poor soil make it an interesting edible weed. Its scientific name is Rumex...
Garlic Mustard: How to Identify, Harvest, and Use This Edible Weed
Garlic mustard is an edible wild plant with a strong smell and bold flavor. Its scientific name is Alliaria petiolata. It belongs to the mustard family, along with cabbage, broccoli, kale, and radishes. The plant is...
Hairy Bittercress: How to Identify, Harvest, and Use This Edible Weed
Hairy bittercress may look like a small garden weed, but it has more to offer than many gardeners realize. This fast-growing plant is edible and easy to recognize once you learn its main features. Its early flowers can...
12 Winter Squash Varieties (with Pictures)
Winter squash is one of the best foods to grow for long-term storage. Unlike summer squash, winter squash develops a firm rind as it ripens. This hard outer layer helps protect the flesh inside. Some winter squash types...
Edible Amaranth Plants: Best Types to Grow for Leaves and Grain
Amaranth is an old food crop that is finding a new place in modern gardens. Some types are grown for their tender leaves. Others are grown for their tiny seeds. A few can provide both. Edible amaranths belong to the...