Comments on: Homegrown: Easier than you think

By: Amy Taylor (comment moderator)

Amy Taylor (comment moderator) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:42:19 +0000

In reply to Betty.

Hi Betty. This article will give you lots of info: http://eartheasy.com/grow_nat_pest_cntrl.htm. I use beneficial insects like Ladybugs and my favorite insecticidal weapon is Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castille Soap. :)

By: Betty

Betty — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 01:41:06 +0000

I am going to try to do some gardening but in the past had problems with worms on my tomatoes and other bugs. Can you give me any ideas on how to keep these away without using the harsh pesticides?

By: Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 01:40:29 +0000

In reply to Jaque. I AGREE! They put pesticides on plants and kill bees!!!

By: Jaque

Jaque — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 21:42:14 +0000

Don't buy from Home Depot or Lowe's - http://organicconnectmag.com/tell-home-depot-and-lowes-to-stop-selling-with-bee-toxic-plants/#.U6dNfxYXmGk

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:10:38 +0000

Great post! I've been gardening with raised beds and containers for about 12 years now (I'm in Maryland). We have limited direct sunlight in our yard, but I still plant a lot of tomato plants to increase my chances of having enough come mid-summer. Spring and fall is so great for lettuces, spinach, and arugula, but they don't like our hot summers. I love containers for all kinds of herbs, and you can grow green onions in them too. I try to have a container each for cilantro and green onions, and I plant seed in 1/4 of the pot every week or so. That way you can have a rotating crop all summer - once they're ready to harvest you reseed that area. It's especially great for cilantro since it bolts to flower in the heat. One note about tomatoes in containers: you should look for determinate variety, meaning they grow more as a bush, whereas indeterminate are vines. If you don't have a good support structure, indeterminates won't be happy and also have a greater chance of blowing over.

By: Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)

Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:29:22 +0000

In reply to Jennifer.

Hi Jennifer. Choosing organic seeds is a personal choice. They are certainly higher in price but perhaps worth the price for the peace of mind. We have several options here which include a local treasure of a hardware store (Renfrow Hardware) that sells a myriad of organic seeds. Seeds can be purchased online, as well. Here are some resources that might help: https://www.organicseedpeople.com/, http://www.seedsofchange.com, and http://www.burpee.com/organic-gardening/?cid=ppc&gclid=COLdgejEsbYCFe5AMgodBEkAUw. Home Depot and Lowes offers seeds as well as many young plants that can get your garden off to a quick start. If you want our take on GMOs, please take a look at Jason's latest post:https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/04/02/gmos-monsanto-protection-act/. Hope this helps. ~Amy

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:37:51 +0000

I'm interested in starting a garden this year and have been browsing your website for suggestions. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for purchasing seeds/plants. Here you mention buying them from Home Depot or a Hardware store. Is it important to make sure they are organic and GMO-free plants/seeds? Do you have any resources on that? Thanks so much!

By: Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)

Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:13:14 +0000

In reply to Nicole.

Hi Nicole. Lisa has a couple posts on her new adventures in canning: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/13/preserving-seasonal-foods-bell-peppers/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/01/preserving-seasonal-foods-berries/. Also, this is the reference I have used for freezing: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes/cooking-tips/guide-to-freezing-food. Hope these help. ~Amy

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:32:35 +0000

Ive always had a garden, and we have typically froze our veggies. I often find that I can't use them up quick enough before they get freezer burned. I was curious what way do you perfer to store you garden veggies....
Canned-> if so, how do you can yours?
Frozen-> have any tips from keeping them looking nicer longer?

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 07:03:01 +0000

I know this is an older post, but I would encourage you to not buy your seeds from any hardware store. Most are genetically modified seeds. You want to look for heritage seeds online, and buy them that way. A bit more expensive, and usually from seed, but they are much better for you :)