Sweet corn grow best in open, sunlit locations. You can sow sweet corn seeds when the soil temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with no threat of frosts. Prepare the planting site by clearing out all weeds and stones. Next, add good quantities of organic manure or compost to the soil and use a garden tiller to mix it in. Level the surface. This will add to the soil’s nutrient content in addition to improving the drainage. Plant sweet corn seeds at a depth of 1 inch, in rows that are 2-3 feet long. Allow a separation of 8-10 inches between the seeds. Water well after you’re done planting.

Moisture is essential for seed germination. Make sure the soil receives at least 1 inch water every week. I normally water once every 5-6 days and switch to weekly irrigation after the seeds sprout. I’d recommend a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to top the soil around the plantings. This will supply the soil with adequate nutrients and check the growth of weeds. Feed your plants on a monthly basis. You can either use rotted manure or a well balanced fertilizer for the task.

Sweet corn planted in spring can normally be harvested in fall end. Ready to harvest sweet corn will have brownish silks that feel dry to touch. Puncture the kernels using your fingers. If the liquid that emerges has a milky appearance, the sweet corn is ready for harvesting. If, on the other hand, a clear liquid emerges on puncturing the kernels, the plants need some more time.

Growing sweet corn is effortless, hassle free and very rewarding… Give it a try!

Broccoli will grow best in a site that offers full sun or partial shade, and well draining soil. Broccoli plants require good air circulation, can grow up to 3 feet high and shade out the low growing plants. Keep all these factors in mind when selecting the right location for planting broccoli seeds.

If you’re living in a colder region, you may sow broccoli seeds in the garden as early as a couple of months from the expected first frost free date. For warmer regions, I’d recommend planting broccoli seeds in the beginning of spring. Prepare the bed by removing the weeds and adding good quantities of rotten manure or compost to the soil. Refer the instructions on the seed package for the ideal planting depth and spacing. Water well. Provide the plants with a fine layer of organic mulch. This will keep a check on weed growth and offer a nutrient reservoir to the plants.

Young plants can be susceptible to cabbage loopers, aphids and other insects. I use insect netting and garlic spray to keep the insects away. Make sure the soil remains moist right through the growing season. A little care and patience, and you’ll soon be picking broccoli from your own garden.

Broccoli is a rich source of iron, calcium and vitamin C. It has low calorie content and is deemed effective in checking cancerous growths. Considering the ease of growing broccoli, it really is a must for your plate as well as your garden!

What is one to do with a ton of tomatoes? Salsa ? Sure, that’s an easy one. Spaghetti sauce? Yes, that’s on my list too. How about sun dried tomatoes? That might be a nice way to add flavor to a dish.

I spent some time in the Thompson & Morgan library this morning & found an article we published about that very same topic. It must be tomato karma! Here’s a reprinted version for to you enjoy as well.

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The fast-growing, luminous yellow blooms of sunflowers are enjoyed for their panoramic beauty and are the source for a tasty treat! Helianthus annus; Sunflowers are both a splendid flower and a magnificent snack producer! Growing sunflowers in your home garden is an experience that gives immense pleasure to everyone. Children are often tempted to grow their own big blooms of sunflower to compete with their friends.

Sunflower seeds, a tasty and healthy snack are a rich source of vitamins & protein that are essential for the human body. The oil from sunflower seeds enhances immune systems and reduces the risk of various diseases. For bird feeders, the seeds are mixed with high quality nuts and pallets in seed bars, seed mixes, suet cakes, etc. providing energy to keep birds warm and healthy in freezing months.

Before planting, choose the best variety of sunflower seed according to your hardiness region. For a successful growth and health of your sunflower plants, sow the seeds directly into the garden beds only after the final frost. You can also germinate the seeds in pots two to three weeks prior to the last frost and the seedlings can later be transplanted into the well-prepared beds.

A well-drained, loose, rich organic soil is preferred to grow sunflower from seed. Sow the seeds two inches deep, one to two feet apart in a row and rows at a distance not more than three to four feet. Availability of regular water and full sun is very essential for the proper growth of Sunflower plants. It takes nearly two weeks for the plants to appear and three months to fully mature. A recommended water soluble fertilizer would help the flower buds to develop into bigger blooms. Protect your flowers from birds and squirrels with the help of cheesecloth or screen.

Let’s Get Started

Once you’ve found the right seed varieties for you, you’ll need to determine the proper start date. Typically, seeds are started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost.

Get your seedlings off to a good start by using the right growing medium. A perfect growing mix is very light and holds moisture well. Avoid using potting soil, which becomes too dense after a few waterings and doesn’t allow good air and water circulation. Additionally, regular potting soil can introduce bacteria to a young seed, resulting in its death. If you don’t want to buy a mix, you can create your own by combining 2 parts peat or sphagnum moss with 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculate. This will not have the nutrients usually included in a commercial mix, however.

Where to Start Your Seeds

The first container for your seeds should be no more than three inches deep and provide good drainage. If you don’t want to buy containers specifically designed for starting seeds, you’ll need to create your own: empty egg cartons, cut-off milk cartons, or deep-sided disposable aluminum pans work fine. Make sure you punch drainage holes in the bottom.

Planting Your Seeds

The general rule of thumb is to plant seeds four times as deep as the seed is wide. Fine seeds, such as petunia seeds, should be sprinkled on top of the medium but not covered. When using individual containers, plant more than one seed in each cell; you’ll need extras since you seldom get 100% germination. If you’re using flats, space seeds a half inch apart only if they’ll be transplanted into a separate pot following germination. If they’re going to stay in the flat until they head outside, space the seed one to two inches apart. Label your seeds, because most seedlings look alike.

Watering Your Seeds

Once they’re planting, you won’t have to worry about feeding your little guys at first. Seeds contain their own food supply packaged neatly within their shells. Make sure you keep them mist, since most seeds absorb water and use it to bust through their shells. Daily checkups are necessary at this point. To water, you can either use a spray bottle, or set up a bottom watering system (this way, seeds can take as much water as they need.) If you choose a bottom watering system, it’s important to avoid letting your pots sit in a pool of water; this can lead to a moldy pot and a dead seed.