Did you know that August 8th is “National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day?” Such agricultural fun is growing and taking root as home gardening interest has been spurred by the recently sluggish economy. Gardening, after all, is a low-cost hobby with many benefits, such as connecting people to nature.
Among the approximately whopping 68 million gardening households that have a lawn, garden, or grow plants in containers, 81.5%, which is around 55.5 million households, have grown edible plants like fruits, vegetables or herbs. Not surprisingly, the tomato is the most popular amongst these people, but there are also other, awesome fruits and veggies that people can grow. All you need is some time, some love, and a few trips to garden centers!
Cucumbers.
Cucumbers are such a versatile fruit. You can serve them sliced on top of deviled eggs, make Cucumber water, or even prepare a delicious cold soup. Vining types available in garden centers ramble around 25 feet or so, depending on which bush type you choose. You can also choose a different cucumber other than the common emerald types, like the round, yellow, mild-flavored Lemon Cucumber. Garden centers recommend that you plant five or six seeds in hills that are six to eight inches high and three to six feet apart.
Eggplants.
These are delicious when grilled in olive oil, or when paired with ripe tomatoes in the scrumptious Eggplant Parmigiana. Plus, a well-spaced row of eggplants can also make for a nice little landscaping design. In order to grow these, they’ll need around two to three months of warm days and nights. It’s recommended that if you want to grow these, you should get nursery-grown plants from gardening centers, rather than seeds, which makes growing them easier.
Curly-Leafed Kale.
According to garden centers, the super-ruffled “Winterbor” is a vigorous grower that can stand up to cold temperature, making them perfect the perfect food to grow during these winter months. Plus, leaves turn sweeter after the frost! Some possible dishes you can make include Kale Pesto, Kale Slaw, Kale Chips, Japanese-Style Kale Salad, and even Baked Kale Mac-And-Cheese. As their popularity increases, so too do their availability in garden centers.
So why bother with trees and shrubs, when you can get seeds from garden centers and grow such cool things as curly kale? You don’t need a green thumb, just the heart, time and friendly service of garden centers! Start up this low cost hobby, and utilize your landscape to feed yourself. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Read more.