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Growing Mustard Greens - Homesteading 101

Mustard greens are fast growing, nutritious leafy greens. They're perfect for gardens and containers in both spring and fall.  They are a  high biomass, nitrogen lifter for growing over the summer. It is one of the quickest growing, green manuring species and is very good at suppressing weeds. Used for creating short term green cover and game cover. Mustard Greens aka Mizuna, Mustard Spinach, Indian Mustard Annual plant Height:  6"       Width:  Up to 2' Mustard Greens are a leafy plant with a zesty mustard flavor that is a fiber and nutrient-rich addition to salads and stir-fries. Types: Curly Leaf.  Curled or frilled leaf edges resembling Kale.  It's a very spicy tender green used in salads. Flat Leaf.  Broad delicately flavored leaves are good for steaming or in soups. Mustard Spinach.  Smooth leaves.  This plant is more tolerant of heat, making it a good choice in warmer climates. S...

Growing Endive - Homesteading 101

aka Frisee Annual Plant related to Chickory Height:  6-12"       Width:  6-12" Endive and Escarole are different forms of the same plant.  Endive has curly or crinkly-edged leaves and a sharp, somewhat bitter taste.  Escarole is a type of Endive which is hardier with flat, somewhat thicker leaves and a less bitter flavor. Types: - Curled Endive with pointy leaves. - Smoother-leafed Escarole Starting Seeds of Endive/Escarole Seed Depth:                   1/4" deep. Seed Spacing:                3 seeds per inch. Days to Germinate:         5-7 days. Days to Harvest:             45 days as baby greens.  60-100 days as mature heads. Seed Longe...

Growing Basil - Homesteading 101

Basil is a warm-season tender herb with soft stems and leaves.  It's popular for many reasons.  It makes the perfect partner for tomatoes, not only in the garden where its strong scent may confuse predatory insect pests but also chopped and sprinkled on thick slices of juicy tomatoes, still warm from the sun. Popular types of Basil Christmas Basil Height: 16-20" This basil will add a fruity flavor to salads and drinks.  It has glossy green leaves and purple flowers. Cinnamon Basil Height 25-30" This basil has a delightful fragrance and spicy flavor.  It has dark purple stems and flowers and small glossy leaves.  It's us ed in fresh arrangements and in fruit salads and as garnishes. Dark Opal Basil Height 14-20" Spicy basil in salads, in pesto and as garnishes.  Purple stems, flowers, and leaves. Holy Basil Height 12-14" The leaves are used to make tea for boosting your immune system.  Mottled green and purp...

Making and Using Leaf Mold in the Garden

Leaf mold A free, readily-available resource! Leaf mold (leaf compost) is quite simply decomposed leaves. It is one of the best soil amendments you can use to bring new life to your soil. It has a texture much like compost, dark brown to black, and has an earthy aroma.  Leaf mold acts mainly as a soil conditioner by improving the soil structure. It WILL NOT add nutrition to your garden plants but it will enhance the condition of your soil creating a soil that is rich in calcium and magnesium and is less prone to compaction.

Growing Dill - Homesteading 101

Dill is a warm-season annual herb that has feathery leaves on fronds that add a pleasant anise-like flavor to kinds of seafood, soups, salads, and sauces.  Its subtle taste complements fish and shellfish. In addition to providing aromatic seeds and foliage, Dill will brighten your garden with its yellow-green flowers in the spring and fall. Types of Dill Bouquet is the most popular Dill grown for its fragrance of leaves and seeds.  Used for both pickling and cooking. Taller Varieties include Mammoth and Long Island and may need to be staked. Fernleaf Dill Weed (aka the Fish Dill) is popular for its use in fish. Starting Dill from Seed Seed Longevity:                                     3 years. Seed Dowing Depth:          ...