Our 2009 catalog will be online on Dec. 1st

 

or..Search For It

  Growing Tips: 

“Heritage Gardening”

The Tasteful Garden promotes what we call “Heritage Gardening” methods. By “Heritage Gardening” we mean composting, using manures and mulching techniques to add nutrients and correct poor soil, and planting antique or heirloom varieties. Growing using old fashioned methods and varieties is the best way to bring back the unique, delicious flavors that we remember from our grandparent’s gardens, as well as protecting our environment. Similar to Organic or Sustainable Farming, heritage gardening is about backyard growing which was common before 1950 in most areas of the United States.

Some chemical fertilizers, such as Miracle gro, were originally developed for growing in greenhouse conditions in pots and we do not recommend them for use in the garden. These fertilizers wash away into ground water and streams and can also create salt buildup in your garden soil which keeps the plants from getting the nutrients they need. We feel strongly about using natural fertilizers such as worm castings and compost which create a living soil with bacteria, micro-organisms and insects that constantly work to break down organic material into nutrients for your plants. Many commercial organic fertilizers are available now and should always be used in place of water soluble types.

“Organic” gardening is done in the backyard by understanding that a healthy, happy plant, in good nutritious soil helps prevent most diseases and harmful insect damage. It is not necessary to kill every insect in the garden, as many pesticides do, but it is important to keep your garden mulched, watered, weeded and clean of debris to prevent problems. Click on the topics below for more helpful information.

	Herbs-What you need to know (sizes and growth habits)	Herb Gardening for Beginners	Herb Garden Designs
click to see our Kitchen Garden Design Plan	Our Herb Encyclopedia	Growing Annual Basils	Indoor Herb Gardening and Over wintering herbs

	Growing Heirlooms & Hybrids	When do I plant?	Tomatoes in Containers
	Growing Tomatoes	Staking and Supports	Blossom End Rot - What is it & how to prevent it.

	Preparing Your Soil	Growing Vegetables for Beginners	Garden Designs & Layouts
	Growing Bell Peppers	Vegetables in Containers	Natural Pest control
	Fall Vegetable Gardening	Growing Garlic	Growing Potatoes
	Growing Asparagus	Growing Onions	Growing Artichokes
	Growing Vegetables from Seeds
New! Growing Fruit	Growing Citrus in Containers	Growing Strawberries	Growing Blueberries

click here to read more about common insects in the garden

 

Read more about Herbs in our Growing Encyclopedia for Herbs