Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Growing vining peach plants Curiosity hit me when I first came across vining peach seeds because peaches are among one of my favorite fruits. However, I was sorta let down when I saw that vining peaches honestly aren't peaches at all. So what are they really? Today I will try answering this question for y'all. Vining peaches (Cucumis melo chito) are actually just mini melons. The fruit has many different names. Some may call them peach melons, mango-melons, miniature cantaloupe melons, or miniature honeydew melons. The vining peach produces seeds in the center of the fruit, instead of having a pit. The seeds are white, oblong, and look similar to cucumber and other melon seeds such as a cantaloupe. The fragrance of the peach melon is similar to that of a honeydew melon, but also has a slight scent of a peach. So I believe that maybe that's the reason for its name. However, the vining peach tastes nothing like an actual peach that's been grown from a tree. A vining peach...

Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Rooting Hormone Propagating plant clippings is one thing most gardeners like doing because it saves us money and also keeps our plants true. What do I mean by keeping the plants true? When you propagate a plant, it means that the plant that you've taken the clipping from will stay true to the original plant. With stem cuttings, each new plant will duplicate its parent plant. So if you have a favorite plant, it's nice to take several clippings from it and propagate it.  My favorite part about propagating plants is that you can also do this with vegetable plants. Tomatoes and peppers are just a few of the plants in your vegetable garden that can be propagated from cuttings. Starting a vegetable plant from an existing stem is also much faster than growing it from seed.  Apple cider rooting hormone Three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed into a gallon of water is all it takes to make enough rooting hormone to use for several plant stem c...

Growing cucumber plants upside down in hanging baskets Growing fruits and vegetables upside down in hanging baskets doesn't only save on ground space, but also can be more beneficial to your plants while they grow.  The object of planting fruits and vegetables to grow upside down is that it saves on growing space, it keeps plants free from pests, and it also keeps the fruits and veggies from rotting on the topsoil. But the other two main things that I enjoy the most about it are that there's no need for bending down and there's zero need for weeding. First, I planted my cucumber seeds in a container (as you can see from the photo below). I allowed for the plants to get big enough before transplanting them. Later, I decided to transfer a few of my cucumber plants to an old hanging wire basket to grow upside down. The baskets I used are wire baskets that came complete with the molded brown coconut fiber.  The steps for planting cucumber plants in hanging wire baskets upside d...

Growing pole beans from a bag of store-bought dried beans The fact is that I rarely ever buy my bean seeds in garden centers. Instead, I purchase dried beans from the grocery aisle. I cook some, plant some, and put some of them up for the next planting season.  One of my favorite dried beans to plant is pinto (also known as mottled beans, Frijoles). Back in November, I decided to plant my pintos from a bag of dried beans that I had previously opened. That was about nine weeks ago. My plants began blooming before the new year. Why do I choose to grow pintos over other bean varieties? Besides the fact that pinto beans make the best chili, chili beans, refried beans, etc.. Pintos are healthy and are extremely rich in fiber, an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, they are also high in antioxidants, which may also help lower risk of chronic diseases. Plus, they can naturally help reduce high cholesterol levels. Did you know that there's actually more than one v...

Planting onion bulb sets Onions are quite possibly one of the easiest vegetables to grow inside containers or outside in the garden. They do not require much of anything after the bulbs have been planted in good soil. As their green tops grow, I use them as needed when cooking by cutting the tops off with kitchen shears. I grow the majority of my onions in containers in my greenhouse. Prior to planting, add compost to your soil. Loosen up the soil by adding sand to it (if needed). If you're planting your onion sets in containers, add loose gravel to the bottom of them. Then fill the containers with your fertilized soil. Having good drainage is so important. It will keep the onion bulbs from rotting and getting diseased. Next, plant the onion bulbs in the fertilized soil. Make sure that the pointed end is placed in an upward position and the root end is placed downward.  The onion bulbs need to be placed about an inch and a half deep. Then water the bulbs and cover the tops of them ...

Keeping an Indoor Garden Alive If you have an indoor garden, or want to have one, and need some gardening tips, such as how to keep vegetable plants alive indoors, when to water your plants, what to do if your plants are dying, then today's article is just for you!  Most of the edible plants that can be grown outside can also be grown inside in containers, hydroponic systems, and greenhouses and really do well under the right conditions. As we go into fall, your gardening doesn't have to end! If you're a beginner, there are several basic vegetable plants that are fairly easy to grow inside. These plants can be picked all throughout their growing season and, with some TLC, you can keep growing them all year long inside.  Micro-greens include a mix of greens and herbs, and can also include beets, radishes, kale, Swiss chard, basil, and arugula. Grow your micro greens in a large container and cut them as seedling plants.  To stay ahead of the game, sow new seeds every couple...

Unveiling the Healing Power of Spiderwort: Traditional Uses and Modern Benefits For centuries, Native American tribes and traditional healers have turned to the humble yet versatile spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) as a remedy for a variety of ailments. Often growing quietly in gardens and wild landscapes, this plant boasts more than just visual appeal; it carries a rich history of medicinal and ecological significance. Today, we’ll explore the traditional medicinal uses, health benefits, and some delicious ways to incorporate spiderwort into your routine. Table of Contents Traditional Uses of Spiderwort in Medicine Health Benefits and Potential Modern Applications Tasty and Nutritious Recipes with Spiderwort Garden Benefits: Attracting Pollinators Safety and Precautions Conclusion Traditional Uses of Spiderwort in Medicine Native American tribes have historically relied on spiderwort as a versatile folk remedy. The plant’s leaves and stems were often brewed into teas or crushed in...

Easy Gardening: The Top Vegetables You Can Grow with Confidence Starting a vegetable garden can be both exciting and rewarding, but for beginners or busy gardeners, choosing the right vegetables is crucial. The key to a successful harvest often lies in selecting vegetables that are resilient, low-maintenance, and forgiving for first-time growers. Whether you have a small backyard, balcony, or windowsill, these vegetables are your best allies in creating a thriving garden with minimal fuss. In this post, we'll explore some of the easiest vegetables to grow, complete with tips and anecdotes to inspire your gardening journey. Table of Contents Leafy Greens Root Vegetables Legumes Herbs Conclusion Leafy Greens:  Leafy greens are among the most forgiving vegetables to grow, making them perfect for beginners. They thrive in various soil types and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. Spinach: Fast-growing and adaptable, spinach loves cool weather. It’s perfect for early...

Mastering Tomato Pruning: Boost Your Garden’s Productivity and Fruit Quality If you’ve ever wondered why some tomato plants flourish while others struggle, a key factor lies in proper pruning. Not only can pruning enhance air circulation and reduce disease risk, but it also helps your plants channel their energy into producing delicious, bountiful fruit. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understanding the nuances of pruning different tomato varieties can transform your gardening success. Let’s delve into the art and science of tomato pruning, backed by fascinating historical tidbits and practical advice. A Brief History: Why Was the Tomato Classified as a Vegetable? Before jumping into pruning techniques, it’s interesting to note that in 1887, the U.S. government legally classified the tomato as a vegetable. This classification stemmed from tariff laws that taxed vegetables differently from fruits. Ironically, the tomato is botanically a fruit, a berry to be ...

Boost Your Garden's Success: Proven Tips for Faster Seed Germination Starting a vegetable garden is an exciting journey, but one of the biggest challenges many gardeners face is ensuring their seeds germinate quickly and successfully. Patience is key, but did you know there are scientifically-backed methods to give your seeds a head start? In this post, we'll explore effective techniques, ranging from natural soaking solutions to seed sterilization to help you achieve sprouting success in less time. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these tips will set your garden on the path to thriving growth. Table of Contents Soaking Seeds in Hydrogen Peroxide Enhancing Plant Strength with Aspirin Seed Sterilization with Diluted Bleach Additional Tips for Faster Germination Conclusion Soaking Seeds in Hydrogen Peroxide One innovative method to boost germination involves soaking your seeds in a hydrogen peroxide solution. Use a mixture of 1/4 cup of ...