Gardening Daily Tips
For Indiana
Friday April 15, 2011 |
Achillea, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Today's Featured Plant
Achillea, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Read the full profile of this plant at ArcaMax.com. |
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Q&A: Edible Flowers Question: Can you give me a list of edible flowers, what parts of the plant are edible (and what parts to avoid), and any other tips?
Answer: First of all, do not eat flowers if you have asthma, allergies, or hay fever. And eat only those that have been grown organically and have no pesticide residue. Collect flowers for eating in the cooler parts of the day -- preferably early morning after the dew has evaporated. Choose flowers that are at their peak, avoiding those that are not fully open or are starting to wilt. Immediately before using, wash the flowers, checking for bugs and dirt. Remove the stamens and styles from flowers before eating -- the pollen can detract from the flavor and some people are allergic to it. As far as what parts to on which flowers: You can eat the entire flowers of Johnny-jump-up, violet, runner bean, honeysuckle, and clover. Remove the sepals of all flowers except violas, Johnny-jump-ups, and pansies. Eat only the petals of rose, calendula, tulip, chrysanthemum, yucca, and lavender. Roses, dianthus, English daisies, Signet marigolds, and chrysanthemums have a bitter white portion at the base of the petal where it was attached to the flower; remove this portion before using. Dandelion leaves are delicious in salads or cooked as a green. The flowers are edible when young; they become bitter with age. Remove dandelions' sepals -- they are bitter. You can also eat both the flowers and the leaves of nasturtiums. |
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Q&A: Comparing Greenhouse Glazing Question: I am planning to buy a hobby greenhouse kit, about 8'x12' for seed starting, bulb forcing, rooting cuttings and overwintering a few tender plants. I'm in Zone 6. I'd like a comparison of some of the glazing options. I've ruled out plastic film (I want something more permanent and attractive), and glass (I need better insulation). On the market, I'm finding twin wall polycarbonate at 4.5mm, 6mm and 8mm, corrugated polycarbonate, among others. The various companies make a variety of claims about insulation, light transmission, condennsation control and durability. Can you help me sort it out?
Answer: Basically, it's a matter of cost vs. benefits. You need to isolate the main requirements to meet your needs and work through a hierarchy that way. In your case, to overwinter tender plants in zone 6 will take a lot of heat so insulation value in relation to your heating costs may be the determining factor. After that, look at the other benefits -- if the structure is visible from the street you may want to reduce condensation, if the structure may need strength to combat heavy snowfall then that may be a consideration. Longevity may also be important to you if this is a major construction project and/or your budget is tight. You might want to talk to some greenhouse owners in your area and find out what their experiences are; you might also be able to see some of the materials in action -- they don't all have the same "look". Finally, regardless of the material you use, keep in mind that every individual greenhouse has its own individual "quirks" that you'll discover them over time so you just make the best choice you can and then work with the results. Since I don't know your specific requirements (and I'm not you) I can't begin to tell you which one in my opinion would be best in your situation -- they all have pluses and minuses one way or another as you have already realized! |
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Q&A: Using Grass Clippings as Mulch Question: Is it all right to use grass clippings from the lawn mower as mulch in the garden?
Answer: Grass clipping make a fine mulch. Just make sure the turf was not treated with a broadleaf weed control product as this can damage some sensitive garden plants. Also, don't apply fresh clippings too deeply or they may rot and produce a foul smell. Instead, add thin layers every few days, allowing each layer to dry before adding another.
Remember, however, that those grass clippings could be fertilzing your lawn as well, if you mow frequently and use a mulching mower. |
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Tip: Grow Aggressive Herbs in Containers Grow mint, lemon balm, and other aggressive plants in containers to keep them from running rampant through gardens. |
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Tip: Plant Clematis Plant clematis in full sun and well drained soil against a trellis, wall, or alongside a shrub. Space plants 6 inches away from walls and attach vines to their support with nonabrasive ties. |
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-- From the ArcaMax editors |
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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors |
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