Growing pears in your home garden Story and Photos by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey If you are considering adding fruit trees to your landscape, pears (Pyrus communis) are a great way to get started. They will be covered in beautiful white flowers in the spring and succulent tasty fruits in the fall. They are easier to grow …
The importance of mineral content and soil fertility in food nutrition Story and Photography by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon “The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1937 The old adage, “You are what you eat” is certainly true for humans, as well as plants. Recent research has shown that fruits and …
Story and Photography by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey It’s the end of October, not much is happening in the garden … then you see them. Little orange pumpkin-like fruit hanging on a spectacular small tree dressed in vibrant red and orange leaves. Barely noticed in summer, they’re now the highlight of your yard. The genus name of …
Growing plums in your Louisiana landscape Story and Photography by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey In the early 19th century, “plum” meant any desirable treasure, a coveted prize, or the best of a group. Now the word is used as an adjective describing something covetable, like a “plum role” in a movie. Living up to this reputation is not …
Are we thinking about seeds all wrong? By Jeanne Grunert Seeds. Those tiny capsules of genetic wonder, containing all that will become a juicy tomato, a magnificent oak, a beautiful rose, or a mischievous morning glory. Go into any garden center on a spring day and you’ll see racks upon racks of seeds. Frugal gardeners …
Growing grapes in your home garden Story by Eric Stafne, Photography by Richelle Stafne Different kinds of grapes grow in the southeastern U.S. A “bunch grape” refers to grapevines having berries that hang as a cluster. The entire bunch is harvested as a single, uniformly ripe unit. Wine grapes (Vitis vinifera mainly) and table grapes …
