The taste of banana, guava, or pineapple can quickly transport any imagination to a warm, sunny location, lounging on a beach, and sipping margaritas. Tropical flavors aren’t usually available to us here in the north, but many subtropical plants grow quite easily here if given some winter protection. Now is the time to expand the possibilities...
Although the stereotypical weather in the Pacific Northwest is grey, rainy skies, there is a surprisingly long period of drought every year. Though the skies can sometimes still be a bit grey in June and September, there is no significant rainfall for most of our growing season. If it wasn’t already known...
History of Truffles Truffles have been a prized delicacy for thousands of years. One of the first accounts of Truffles dates back to Ancient Greece during the time of Aristotle. Truffles continued to circulate throughout different regions where they were savored by royalty, philosophers, and prophets alike and were honored for their rich flavor and beneficial health properties. Since the world...
Summer is a wonderful time to witness fruit trees flourish. The increase in sunshine provides a major dose of energy for plants to grow, thrive, and produce an abundance of tasty fruits to harvest and enjoy. Pruning isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when tending to fruit trees in...
With summertime arriving, fruit trees are actively growing, developing fruits, and producing their buds and branches for next year. The fruit tree’s roots are drinking in the beneficial nutrients from the soil and their leaves are absorbing the energy from the sun’s rays needed to keep them growing and thriving....
Growing Oca in the home garden can be a rewarding experience. Originating in the Andes, Oca has been treasured for its colorful presentation, abundant production, and as a key beneficial source of nutrients. This tuber continues to be appreciated in the culinary community for its flavor and versatility. Oca is...
Frank the Fly and Benny the Beetle guide us on a journey through Pawpaw Pollination and the important roles they play as pollinators.
Pawpaw pollination is a subject we receive many questions about each year. The Pawpaws unique flowers don’t resemble anything like the fragrant and dainty rose family flowers that most fruit trees in the temperate world produce. Pawpaw flowers are a different beast entirely. They are a deep purplish maroon color...
The Schisandra (Shisandra chinensis) vine aka the Magnolia Vine and Five Flavor Fruit Vine, is an elegant deciduous vine native to Northern China. It displays beautiful oval shaped leaves and small white, yellow or red blossoms in late spring followed by a unique and nutrient rich red berry in late summer. The berries are certainly one...
After your new cuttings begin to push new growth and have started producing roots they need to be potted up in a media that has nutrients to support their tender new growth. There are some steps that can be followed to ensure your young cuttings don’t collapse during the very...
