With its crunchy texture and versatility in the kitchen, cabbage is a beloved vegetable that adds depth and flavor to countless dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, cultivating cabbage in your garden can be easy.

Cabbage comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its unique flavor profile and growing requirements. Back Home on the Farm carries several varieties, including Thunderhead, Red Dynasty, Stonehead, Superstar, Savoy King, Late Flat Dutch, and Ruby Perfection. Consider your climate, available space, and culinary preferences when selecting a variety.

Cabbage thrives in cool weather, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall gardens. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Ensure your soil is well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Cabbage can be grown from seeds or transplants, depending on your preference and growing season. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, or plant transplants directly into the garden bed once the soil is workable. Space cabbage plants are 12-18 inches apart for proper airflow and growth.

Cabbage requires consistent moisture to thrive, so water regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the development of fungal diseases. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize cabbage plants with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote healthy leafy growth. Monitor your plants for pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Handpick any pests or use organic insecticidal soap to keep them under control.

Knowing when to harvest cabbage is essential for optimal flavor and texture. Harvest cabbage heads when they are firm and solid and reach the desired size, typically 70-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the stem at ground level.

Once harvested, cabbage can be enjoyed in a multitude of culinary creations. Use raw cabbage in salads, slaws, and sandwiches, or cook it by steaming, sautéing, or braising. Cabbage is also a popular ingredient in soups, stews, stir-fries, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.

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Broccoli is a beloved vegetable that graces dinner tables worldwide. It may seem like a challenging crop to grow, but cultivating broccoli in your garden can be a rewarding experience with the proper knowledge and care.

Broccoli comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so choosing a suitable variety for your garden is crucial. We carry Green Magic, Durapak, Destiny varieties here at the greenhouse. Consider your climate, available space, and taste preferences when selecting a variety.

Broccoli thrives in cool weather, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall gardens. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter regions. Ensure your soil is well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Depending on your preference and growing season, broccoli can be grown from seeds or seedlings. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, or sow them directly into the garden bed once the soil is workable. Space broccoli plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.

Broccoli requires consistent moisture to thrive, so water regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the development of fungal diseases. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilize broccoli plants with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote healthy foliage growth. Monitor your plants for pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Handpick any pests or use organic insecticidal soap to keep them under control.

Knowing when to harvest broccoli is crucial for optimal flavor and texture. Harvest broccoli heads when they are firm, dark green, and tightly packed, typically 60-90 days after planting. Use a sharp knife to cut the main head just below the florets, leaving the plant intact to produce side shoots for later harvests.

Once harvested, broccoli can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious dishes. Steam or roast broccoli florets as a simple side dish, add them to stir-fries, soups, or salads, or incorporate them into casseroles and pasta dishes. Broccoli is delicious and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

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Growing vegetables requires surprisingly little space. Container gardening, the practice of growing plants in containers instead of in the ground, has emerged as a suitable option for people with limited yard space to grow their own food. Read the tips below to embrace the joys and overcome the challenges of container gardening, transforming your balcony, patio, or windowsill into a vibrant urban garden.

Unleashing Creativity with Containers

One of the most enchanting aspects of container gardening is the freedom it offers. From classic terracotta pots to repurposed wooden crates, the possibilities are endless. This versatility not only caters to the practical needs of the plants but also adds a personal touch to your small green space, reflecting your style and creativity. If you move, you can also take them with you, which is great for renters.

Choosing the Right Plants

The key to a thriving container garden is selecting the right plants. While almost any plant can be grown in a container, some are more suited to confined spaces than others. Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme are excellent for beginners due to their hardiness and utility. Compact vegetables like cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and radishes are also great options. 

The Art of Potting

Successful container gardening hinges on proper potting. Choosing the right soil is crucial, as garden soil is too dense for container use. Instead, opt for a high-quality potting mix that ensures good drainage and aeration, which is critical for healthy root development. Additionally, ensure your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Maximizing Limited Space

Urban gardening often means working with limited space, but with a bit of ingenuity, this constraint can become an asset. Vertical gardening techniques, such as hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or tiered shelving units, can significantly maximize your gardening space.

Nurturing Your Garden

Due to limited soil volume, container plants require more attention than their in-ground counterparts. Regular watering is essential, as containers dry out faster, especially during hot weather. However, avoid overwatering, as this can be just as detrimental as under-watering. Monitoring your plants for pests and diseases is also vital, as early detection can prevent potential outbreaks.

Embracing the Seasons

Container gardening offers the unique advantage of mobility. With the changing seasons, you can easily move your containers to optimize sunlight exposure or protect sensitive plants from harsh weather. This adaptability extends the growing season and ensures the longevity of your garden.

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It’s watermelon season, folks! We love this sweet and spicy salsa made with fresh watermelon. Make some and serve it up at your next summer barbeque.

What you’ll need:

• zest from 1 lime
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ground black pepper
• 3 cups watermelon, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 mango, peeled and diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 8 basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• tortilla chips

To make:

Add zest, juice, sugar, and pepper to a bowl and stir. Add the remaining ingredients and gently toss. Chill in the fridge. Serve with chips and enjoy!

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