width=”550″ height=”316″ /> Just out of curiosity I got my hands on the USDA food database and had a little fun in Excel and the results were pretty interesting. Assuming I wanted to figure out what vegetables I could grow in my garden had the highest nutrient density. I wrote a formula for each nutrient from Vitamin A to Zinc what percentage rank across all of the foods did…
width=”550″ height=”308″ /> Starting and keeping a garden is a great way to spend your time for those of you with a green thumb. I just recently took up the hobby, and was shocked at just how expensive it was to start a relatively large garden in my back yard. Undeterred by the cost, I opened my wallet, pulled out the no fee credit cards and began buying seeds,…
width=”550″ height=”366″ /> May is a great time to start enjoying the warmer weather and longer days by getting out in the garden. By taking the time to smell the roses and stroll around the allotment plot or garden you can help to combat stress levels and restore the Zen to your busy life. Discovering the plant life and wildlife using your senses will bring you closer nature. While…
width=”549″ height=”366″ /> My ancestors were German farmers, but somewhere along the way the green thumb gene got spliced out of me. Despite enjoying an abundance of homegrown green peppers, squash, and tomatoes in my youth, I never seriously shadowed my grandparents nor my mother in the garden. My youthful experience gardening involved one sad attempt at growing carrots from seedlings, an endeavor so fraught with impatience I harvested…
width=”538″ height=”316″ /> I am a sucker for kids seed growing kits especially when I pass by them on clearance. The one I found was the Growums Herb Seed Kit at Lowes on clearance for $2.49, though typically they run for $5 so not a bad price at retail. The kit includes 8 peat pots, bottom watering container to hold them, and ~20 seeds of basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> Typically I do my best to give my plants some chance to harden off by reducing the low-end temperature of the grow box and bumping up the extended time the internal fan runs as well as letting them have a few hours out in real sun when schedule and weather permits. Fortunately/Unfortunately eventually these plants have to venture out on their own. To provide some protection…
While my existing system was working I decided to make an upgrade to the electronics on my old grow box controller specifically to have a much more industrial strength version that will run without problems for decades to come. This version also is much safer…still probably not quite to a building code but much less worries to burning my garage down in the middle of the night. Finally it…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> Today was the first day for farmer’s markets to open in my area. Still a bit early for many vegetables but plenty of cold season crops to choose from (kale, asparagus, green onions, etc) I left with some onions and apples…kids left with some honey, lavender soap, and kettle corn. If you haven’t made to your farmer’s market it is a great time to find on…
width=”550″ height=”433″ /> While walking down the hallways at work I noticed a coworker with a caffeine molecular T-Shirt and made me think of the question, “What does a simple spec of dirt look look?” I know my brain works in weird ways…but anyway what I found was pretty amazing. Above is what an average molecule’s chemical composition looks like. For any of you chemistry nerds more specifically this…
alt=”IMG_2716″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_2716.jpg?resize=500%2C371″ width=”500″ height=”371″ /> Nothing is tastier during the summer than home-grown vegetables. Unfortunately, insects feel the same way and often destroy vegetable gardens in short amounts of time. To prevent these pests from reaping the benefits of diligent gardening, consider the following tips. Plant transfers early. While it may be somewhat risky in cooler climates to plant early, this practice can prevent initial pest problems. Insects are…
alt=”Strawberries” src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Strawberries.png?resize=554%2C369″ width=”554″ height=”369″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Strawberries.png?w=615&ssl=1 615w, https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Strawberries.png?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px” /> Are you planning a garden this year? If so, you are in good company. Over 50 million American households will be growing some or all of their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, or berries. Plant nurseries, garden centers, farm supply and home improvement centers have all noticed an uptick on sales of seeds, plants, seedlings, Fruit…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> Ok maybe a flamethrower is a bit of an exaggeration but just got done weeding my small yard in about 20 minutes and never had so much fun. The product I used was the Red Dragon (Weed Dragon 100,000 BTU) Vapor Torch which I picked up at Amazon for $50 with free shipping. Not only is this 2000 degree Fahrenheit blast to use it also is…