Boogaloo
I’m going to thin my basil for the winter (and hopefully keep the sprouts alive) but I don’t know which one. The tall one is drooping without the stick
Outdoor
Edible Gardening
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is the place to be for all things related to growing and harvesting delicious produce at home.
20719 members 1046 posts
Ida
Name: Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Description: Oregano is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 2-3 feet / 60-90 cm in height. It features small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves have a slightly fuzzy texture and a distinct, pungent aroma. Taste: The taste of oregano is strong, slightly bitter, and peppery, with a hint of sweetness. It is a crucial ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for enhancing the flavors of various dishes. History: Oregano was used extensively in ancient Greece, where it was believed to have medicinal properties. The name "oregano" is derived from the Greek words "oros" (mountain) and "ganos" (joy), highlighting its prevalence in mountainous regions. Scientific Finds: Studies have shown that oregano contains compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make oregano beneficial for supporting immune health and potentially aiding in the prevention of certain diseases. How to Care for It: - Sunlight: Oregano thrives in sunny locations, needing at least 6h+ of direct sunlight per day. - Soil: Oregano prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0-8.0). - Watering: Water oregano when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing good drainage and avoiding waterlogged roots. - Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushy growth; pinch or cut the stems to stimulate new growth and maintain a compact shape. Uses: - Aromatherapy: Oregano essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its soothing and calming properties. It is believed to help relieve stress and anxiety. - Culinary: Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italian, Greek, and Spanish dishes. It is used to flavor a variety of foods, including pizza, pasta, soups, and sauces. - Health and Wellness: Apart from its culinary uses, oregano is valued for its potential health benefits. It may aid in digestion, relieve respiratory issues, and possess antimicrobial properties. - Gardening: Oregano is a valuable addition to any herb garden. It attracts beneficial insects, making it a great companion plant. It is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated through cuttings or by dividing existing plants.
meg
Propagated green onions have come a long way! Any tips or advice to keep this baby alive would be much appreciated :))
Puns & M.O.S.S.
Hey guys! This is my first time attempting to grow herbs and vegetables from seeds indoors and I had an idea. I’m wanting to plant snow peas inside a pot and all the info I see about doing this recommend trellising. I want to try planting them in a big hanging pot and letting them hang down and potentially have sky snacks. Has anyone ever tried this?? Do you think it will work or am I wasting a pack of seeds? Thank you 💕
Tamara
For four months, there’s been no growth on my little mango tree, and I wondered if it was dormant because it was clearly alive, but not producing any new leaves. Then suddenly this week it did this. 🥰
Ida
FRIDAY and time for: Lavender (Lavandula) 💜 Description: Lavender is a fragrant and versatile herb known for its slender, silvery-green leaves and elegant spikes of small, aromatic purple flowers. It typically grows as a compact, bushy shrub, reaching heights of up to 3 feet (90 cm). Lavender's leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, while its flowers form dense clusters atop slender stems. Taste: Lavender has a floral, sweet, and slightly earthy flavor with hints of citrus and mint. While it is less commonly used in culinary applications than some other herbs, its delicate taste can enhance various dishes when used sparingly. History: Lavender has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was cherished by ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, for its therapeutic properties and pleasant fragrance. Lavender has been used in perfumes, sachets, and potpourri for centuries. It was also employed in traditional medicine to soothe headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. Scientific Finds: Modern research has confirmed some of lavender's traditional uses. Lavender essential oil, extracted from the plant, is known for its calming effects and potential benefits for relaxation and stress reduction. It contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which contribute to its soothing properties. How to Care for It: 1. Sunlight: Lavender needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. 2. Soil: Plant in well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil. 3. Watering: Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. 4. Pruning: Regularly trim to maintain shape and encourage growth, especially after flowering. Uses: With its captivating scent and numerous applications, lavender is a beloved herb that adds beauty and fragrance to gardens and serves various purposes in wellness, culinary arts, and home decor. - Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil is popular for its calming and stress-relieving properties. - Culinary: It can be used to flavor desserts, teas, and even savory dishes when used sparingly. - Home Decor: Lavender flowers are often used in sachets, potpourri, and wreaths for their pleasant scent. - Health and Wellness: Lavender can be used in herbal teas and natural remedies for relaxation, improved sleep, and stress relief. - Gardening: Lavender's fragrant blooms attract pollinators, making it a valuable addition to gardens.
Hailey
Does anybody know what this brown stem means? I started growing this basil plant a couple months ago. The leaves look fine.
Ben
Picked some fresh habaneros off my plant! Nice harvest this year so far.
Alex
My greenhouse is full of unripe chillies but Autumn is setting in and temperatures below 20 Celsius. Does anyone have any ideas on how to speed up ripening?
SydGrave
Todays harvest of basil and oragano!
Ida
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 🌿 Description: Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and bluish-purple flowers. It grows as a small shrub, reaching up to 4 feet/120 cm. The leaves emit a strong fragrance when crushed, and it has small clusters of colorful flowers. Taste: Rosemary has a bold and robust flavor characterized by its piney, earthy, and slightly peppery notes. It's both aromatic and slightly astringent, making it a versatile herb for culinary purposes. History: Rosemary has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. It was prized by the Greeks and Romans for its culinary and medicinal properties. In culinary applications, it has been used to flavor meats, stews, soups, and roasted vegetables. In traditional folklore, rosemary was believed to have memory-enhancing properties, earning it a reputation as a symbol of remembrance and fidelity. Rosemary has also been used for spiritual purposes, symbolizing purification and protection in various cultures. Its fragrant smoke, when burned as incense or in smudging ceremonies, is believed to cleanse negative energy and invite positive vibrations. Scientific Finds: Rosemary contains several compounds with potential health benefits, including antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Some studies suggest that rosemary may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the aroma of rosemary has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function in some research. Care: 1. Sunlight: Thrives in 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. 2. Soil: Well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral. 3. Watering: Let soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot. 4. Pruning: Yes, if you trim it regularly it will lead to bushier growth. 5. Container: Suitable for container gardening in limited space. Rosemary's uses: 1. Aromatherapy: Invigorating scent, mental clarity, stress relief. 2. Culinary: Flavor enhancer for dishes, especially meats and vegetables. 3. Home Decor: Fragrant in wreaths, potpourri, and floral displays. 4. Health and Wellness: Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, digestive support. 5. Gardening: Insect repellent, companion plant, adaptable and easy to grow.
Kat
I planted jalapeño sized bell pepper seeds out of one from Walmart. This is the only one that survived. Right now she’s got 7 peppers on her and I’m so proud! This is the first time I’ve ever done edible gardening and I’m so stoked to try more container gardening next spring! 🥰🫑
Tamara
My jalapeño plant is going for round two! This plant is as tall as I am.
Luke
Our sweet 100’s grew well this season
Kirstin
I’ve named him reek the leek, and I’m going to try and grow him in a mesh bag with Leca, using GH trio as my fertilizer, and the bag will be put into glassware
SLMFire
Sharing my fire escape tomato bounty! 🍅✨
Sam G
I just bought some green onion at the store the other day and gave decided to start growing some of my own. I have already cut off the ends and put them in water, but I just want to know what is the best kind of soil I can use to transfer them to. What is a good brand of soil that is cheap and good for the green onions?
SydGrave
Just harvested and started drying some oregano and basil!
Mikhaela and Heather
Just wanted to share our diy Home Depot bucket garden absolutely thrived and shocked us this year! Harvested around 20 delicious cucumbers and tons of yummy tomatoes 🤤 I’ve never had tomato plants grow so tall! (they out grew 6ft stakes!)
Tatiana
Hello! So ive done basil before, but in California and it basically survived on its own… recently my basil has been looking brown and the leaves look so sad. Not sure what to do I haven’t seen this before 🥲 any advice???
