There are several reasons why one might venture into building a raised bed and for urban gardeners, its likely due to limited space. Raised beds are also a great way to manage weeds, and it provides access to individuals with disabilities (a bad back or knee). In any case, it is also a good idea…
How to Grow Carrots: Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Use
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, a Vitamin A precursor. Vitamin A is essential to vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular communication (1). Plant-based vitamin A is far better than animal-based sources because you can never overdose on it (2). Moreover, carrots are a great source of vitamins C, D, E, K, and minerals like…
How to Grow Turnips: Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Use
Turnip is a fast-growing root crop that thrives in cool weather. Its flavor profile is akin to carrots without the sweetness. Instead, it’s slightly spicy which makes it perfect for stews. During the fall when the cold weather is conducive to the spread of flu viruses, turnips can fortify the immune system. Its a good source of…
How to Grow Beets: Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Use
Beetroot is a good source of inorganic nitrate, a precursor to nitrate oxide which is important to vascular and metabolic functioning. Studies have shown that nitrate oxide can improve exercise performance (1) as well as brain function (2). Moreover, this edible plant is a good source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds known as betalains. Betalains have beneficial…
How to Grow Watermelon Radish: Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Use
Radishes have unique pigments including red, purple, pink, white, yellow, green, and multi-colored varieties. Watermelon radish is an Asian heirloom with a pale green exterior and a rosy red interior. Its appearance remarkably resembles watermelon, hence its name. This variety is gorgeous, and like all radishes, it’s also nutritious! Radishes are a good source of vitamin A,…
How to Propagate Strawberries
Strawberry is one of my favorite edible plants to grow in my urban garden. Its fruit is a good source of vitamins C, K, fiber, folic acid, manganese, and potassium. It also contains anthocyanidins, a type of substance that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, strawberries can promote healthy aging. Moreover, as an…
How to Grow Kale (Lacinato): Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Use
Kale is one of the most talked about functional food, and rightfully so. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In cooking, it is a versatile leafy green that adds flavor and texture to salads, stews, soups, and sautés. Kale is also easy to grow, and its a cut and come again type of…
How to Fix Hydrophobic Soil
Droughts, heat waves, and poor watering can result in a dry and water repellent soil, also known as hydrophobic soil. If you have this problem, you will notice that water runs off the surface and form puddles. This soil condition can be a problem for gardeners who end up with improperly hydrated plants. Any soil…
How to Start an Edible Urban Garden
Great News! We bought our first home and I have another opportunity to build an urban garden. This will be my second time creating an edible garden in the city of Los Angeles. Having experienced garden failures and successes during the first time around, I’m ready to tackle a larger project. The new property sits…
10 Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Have you ever decided to enjoy your outdoor space only to be chased indoors by mosquitos? Unfortunately, I have experienced this unpleasant scenario many times over. It also doesn’t help that most commercial repellents out there are toxic. Hence for my new garden, I am growing natural mosquito repellents. This will allow me to hang…