Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Why You Should Prune Flowers on Your Potato Plants Potato plant flowers pop up towards the end of the plant's life cycle to attract pollinators that help with reproduction. This is super important for the plant's survival. Sometimes, flowers can show up early if the plant has too much fertilizer or if the weather is really extreme. Why pruning is important Reason 1: Safety First It's a good idea to snip off those flowers for a couple of reasons. First, it can prevent curious kids or pets from eating parts of the plant that could make them sick. Reason 2: Better Potatoes Cutting off the flowers can actually help you get more potatoes in the end. When a plant gets energy into making flowers and seeds, it takes away from making those yummy tubers underground. By snipping off the flowers, you're telling the plant to focus on growing those potatoes instead. How to Prune To prune the flowers, grab some scissors or gardening shears and snip them off at the base of the stem. Th

Step-By-Step Growing Potatoes Planting and growing potatoes can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a backyard garden or are exploring container gardening options, the step-by-step process of growing potatoes offers a hands-on opportunity to witness the marvels of nature unfold. From selecting the right potato varieties to harvesting and storing your crop, this guide will take you through each stage of the potato growing journey, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate a bountiful harvest. Selecting Potato Varieties Considerations for Choosing Potato Varieties When selecting potato varieties, consider factors like your climate, desired taste, and cooking use. Some varieties are better for baking, while others excel in making crispy fries. It's like choosing the perfect potato wingman for your culinary adventures. Popular Potato Varieties for Different Purposes From the buttery Yukon Gold to the classic Russe

Purple Shiso Purple Shiso, also known as Perilla frutescens var. Crispa, is a unique herb from Eastern Asia, particularly China, Korea, Japan, India, and Thailand, that belongs to the mint family. The vibrant purple or green color and elegant ruffled edges of this herb set it apart, making it a striking addition to any garden or dish. Shiso's unique characteristics set it apart. The leaves come in a range of colors, from green to purple, particularly when grown in shaded areas, and emit a refreshing minty scent when crushed. Additionally, shiso plants produce slender, hairy spikes known as racemes, which bear pairs of purple or white flowers. The stems of shiso plants are square in shape and covered in short hairs. In terms of flavor, purple shiso offers a distinctive taste that combines the refreshing qualities of mint with the spiciness of ginger. Some even detect hints of herbs, licorice, or citrus notes in its profile, adding to its complexity. This makes it the perfect additio

Growing vegetables inside a low tunnel in the winter When winter arrives and the ground becomes frosty, many gardeners assume that growing fresh produce is out of the question until spring. However, with the help of low tunnels, it is possible to continue growing food throughout the cold season. Low tunnels, also known as hoop houses or mini greenhouses, provide a protected environment that shields plants from harsh winter conditions while allowing sunlight to reach them. In my article today, we will explore the benefits of using low tunnels for winter growing, discuss the selection of suitable crops for this purpose, and provide guidance on soil preparation, temperature management, irrigation techniques, pest control, and strategies for extending the winter growing season. By embracing the possibilities of low tunnels, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest even when the snow is falling outside. Introduction to Low Tunnels for Winter Growing What is a Low Tunnel? Winter can be a challengin