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 …
Papalo is a bold herb that loves the heat Story and Photography by Cindy Shapton Tired of running out to the garden to get some fresh cilantro for your salsa only to find it has bolted in the heat of summer? You may want to plant papalo (PAH-pa-low) next spring. Referred to as summer cilantro, …
Patience and a good heart Story and Photography by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey How many people know how to grow their own walking cane? When is the best time of year to harvest trees for building a log cabin? While information resources can be found online or in books frequently the most useful information for your location …
Starting seeds during the cold months Story and Photography by Rebecca Stoner Kirts I first heard about the technique of winter sowing for starting seeds while I was listening to a podcast over a year ago. The hosts were homesteaders from Texas. They had extensive gardens and also sold plants. They propagated most of their …
Gardens on Mars and other earthly delights Story and Photography by Meaghan Clark Wandering the city of New Orleans while on a floral delivery, gardener Jeannette Bell got turned around and lost somewhere in the city’s Ninth Ward. What she did find was several blighted properties and vacant lots in need of love … and …
Understanding vegetable crop rotation Story and Photography by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey Crop rotation is truly very important. The productivity and health of even the smallest vegetable garden will benefit from this centuries-old practice. If you’re first thought is, “I’m not a farmer. This doesn’t apply to my small garden,” you would be wrong. One reason to …
Resolving Brussels sprout and red cabbage garden mysteries By Kathryn Fontenot Louisiana fall gardens almost always include cabbage plants. Whether you grow them for nourishment, coleslaw, eggrolls, relish, or salads … or perhaps to throw in St Patrick’s Day Parades, they are generally a staple crop of fall gardens. In general, Louisiana gardeners can grow …
Growing cool-season vegetables in Louisiana A.J. Heinsz-Bailey The heat is almost over and you have exhausted your sizable stack of zucchini recipes. Take a break and start planning your fall garden. Cool nights and short days are on the way. Greens in all of their glory are waiting to put on an edible multicolor display …
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 …
Harvesting veggies time and time again that are typically harvested only a single time Story and Photography by Kristi Cook One of the many joys of growing your own food is the nearly constant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Freshly picked tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, and squash are some of the most delightful summer treasures. …
