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...

Transforming Old Shoes into Garden Treasures: A Creative Way to Keep Loved Ones Close Gardening is a beloved pastime that allows us to connect with nature, nurture life, and create beautiful outdoor spaces. But what if your garden could also be a place of heartfelt memory and personal storytelling? Instead of purchasing generic planters, why not get creative with items you already have around the house? Today, I want to share a special story about how an old pair of leather shoes became a cherished garden feature and how you can turn everyday items into meaningful, whimsical planters that keep loved ones close. Why Use Unusual Items as Garden Planters? Utilizing unexpected household items as planters not only adds character and charm to your garden but also breathes new life into objects that might otherwise be discarded. These unique planters serve as conversation starters, artistic expressions, and, most importantly, heartfelt tributes. Here are some compelling reasons to consider un...

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...

Transform Your Garden: Creating a Vibrant Wildlife Sanctuary with Native Plants Imagine stepping into your backyard and being greeted by the gentle hum of pollinators, the cheerful croaking of frogs, and the curious flick of lizards darting across the landscape. Turning your outdoor space into a thriving wildlife garden not only enhances its beauty but also supports local ecosystems. The secret? Native plants. These plants are the cornerstone of a sustainable, vibrant habitat that attracts and sustains a variety of wildlife. Whether you have a sprawling yard or a modest garden, creating a wildlife-friendly space is both rewarding and impactful. Let’s explore how you can turn your garden into a lively sanctuary that champions native flora and fauna. Table of Contents Why Use Native Plants? Selecting the Right Native Plants Designing Your Wildlife Garden Benefits of a Wildlife Garden Maintenance Tips for a Thriving Habitat Getting Started: Simple Steps to Create Your Wildlife Garden Conc...

Sweet Potato Greens If you grow sweet potatoes, then you know how fast their vines can wildly take over your gardening space. But that could be considered a good thing, because not only are sweet potato tubers edible, but the entire plant is too! Plus, they can be fed to livestock such as chickens, hogs, cattle, goats, etc. It's important to note that the vine and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. However, cats and dogs can eat sweet potato tubers once they've been cooked. Nutrients in Sweet Potato Leaves: The leaves of the sweet potato plant are loaded with nutrition; they contain niacin, vitamins B6, B2, B1, C, and E, pantothenic acid, beta-carotene, and biotin. The leaves also contain more riboflavin, vitamin B6, and vitamin C than the sweet potato itself. Preparing Sweet Potato Greens Sweet potato greens taste very similar to other popular greens that you may already eat, such as mustard, turnip, spinach, and dandelion greens. The smaller leaves are milder in...

Planting Sweet Potatoes We are nearing the end of May, the perfect time to plant sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) are a root vegetable that's native to Central and South America. They thrive in the heat and humidity because they are tropical plants. In actuality, sweet potatoes are not part of the potato family. They are part of the morning glory. The part of a sweet potato plant that we harvest is a tuberous root. There are several different varieties of sweet potatoes that you can grow, but today I will be planting Centennial sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes don’t start from a seed like the majority of other vegetables do. Instead, they grow from what are referred to as “slips." Slips are the green shoots that sprout from the tops of a sweet potato.  Planting your sweet potatoes to grow slips You can place a sweet potato in a glass or jar of water or lay it directly in a container of dirt (as I am doing here today). I prefer starting my sweet potatoes directly i...

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...

Thrive Amidst Drought: The Ultimate Guide to Extreme Drought-Tolerant Fruits and Vegetables As climate change intensifies, many gardeners and farmers face the challenge of growing nutritious, flavorful produce in increasingly arid conditions. Fortunately, nature offers a resilient solution: a variety of extreme drought-tolerant vegetables and fruits that thrive with minimal water once established. Whether you're cultivating a backyard garden, managing a farm, or planning a xeriscape landscape, understanding these hardy plants can help you achieve bountiful harvests despite water scarcity. Table of Contents Introduction Drought-Tolerant Fruits Drought-Resistant Vegetables Tips for Growing Drought-Tolerant Crops Conclusion Introduction In regions prone to drought, selecting plants that can withstand dry conditions is crucial for sustainable gardening and farming. These resilient species are adapted to conserve water, develop deep root systems, and withstand high temperatures. Incorp...

Harness the Power of Nature: How to Make Fertilizer Tea for a Thriving Vegetable and Fruit Garden Imagine nourishing your garden with a completely natural, safe, and cost-effective fertilizer with absolutely no chemicals, no harsh additives, just the pure bounty of your own backyard. Making fertilizer tea using grass clippings is an eco-friendly way to give your vegetables and fruits that extra boost they need to flourish. This simple, all-natural method not only recycles waste but also provides your plants with essential nutrients quickly and effectively. Ready to transform your lawn waste into garden gold? Let’s dive into how to make fertilizer tea and reap the benefits of this sustainable gardening practice. Table of Contents Gather Materials Preparation Steps Brewing Process How to Use Your Fertilizer Tea Benefits of Fertilizer Tea Conclusion Gather Materials Before you start, gather these simple supplies: Fresh grass clippings: preferably from your lawn or garden A lar...

Growing Apple Trees from Store-Bought Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cultivating Your Own Orchard There's something truly rewarding about growing your own apple trees from store-bought apples. Not only do you get to enjoy the journey from seed to tree, but you also contribute to sustainable gardening and potentially harvest fresh apples in the future. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through the process of transforming a simple apple from your grocery store into a thriving young tree. Let’s dive into the details! Table of Contents Why Grow Your Own Apple Trees? Collecting and Preparing Apple Seeds The Stratification Process: Preparing Seeds for Germination Planting and Caring for Your Apple Seeds Final Tips & Troubleshooting Conclusion Why Grow Your Own Apple Trees? Growing apple trees from store-bought fruit offers a unique blend of satisfaction and sustainability. It allows you to: Experience the joy of ga...

From Household Waste to Healthy Gardens: How to Create Natural Fertilizers at Home In today’s eco-conscious world, many gardeners are shifting towards sustainable practices that not only benefit their plants but also the environment. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by making your own natural fertilizers at home. Skip the stores and make your own natural fertilizer using common household items like banana peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. These ingredients are rich in essential nutrients that can boost your garden’s health without the use of synthetic chemicals. Ready to transform kitchen scraps into lush, thriving plants? Let’s explore some easy, step-by-step methods to create your own organic fertilizers. Table of Contents Why Choose Natural Fertilizers? Banana Peel Fertilizer Coffee Grounds Fertilizer Eggshell Fertilizer Combining Natural Fertilizers Conclusion Why Choose Natural Fertilizers? Natural fertilizers are a sustainable way to nouri...

Greenhouse Gardening How-To: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Success Embarking on the journey of greenhouse gardening can be incredibly rewarding, especially for beginners eager to nurture plants all year round. From sowing your first seeds to the thrill of harvest, understanding the fundamentals of natural fertilization, composting, proper planting depths, and maintenance can set you on the path to a thriving garden. Whether you have a spacious setup or a cozy windowsill greenhouse, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step with practical tips, friendly insights, and expert advice to help you grow confidently. Table of Contents Sowing Seeds: Getting Started Right Embracing Natural Fertilizing Methods Mastering Natural Composting Determining the Correct Depth for Seeds Caring for Your Greenhouse Plants Harvesting at the Right Time Troubleshooting Common Issues Conclusion: Your Greenhouse Gardening Journey Begins Sowing Seeds: Getting Started Right Starting ...

Finding Your Veggie Garden Style: A Guide to Choosing What Works Best for You Starting a vegetable garden is an exciting journey—one filled with possibilities, growth, and the joy of harvesting your own produce. But with so many garden styles out there, how do you find the one that aligns perfectly with your space, lifestyle, and preferences? Whether you're inspired by the historic Victory Gardens or prefer modern methods like container gardening, this guide will help you explore various styles and choose the best fit for your unique environment. Table of Contents Understanding Different Garden Styles Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Garden Style Popular Vegetable Garden Styles Explained Tips for Finding Your Perfect Garden Style Conclusion: Creating a Garden That Grows with You Understanding Different Garden Styles There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to vegetable gardening. The style you choose should complement your available space, local climate, and per...