We are so grateful to have gotten some measurable rainfall in Louisville, KY this week! There truly is no substitute for good old fashion rain in the home garden.

It’s been a HOT summer with temperatures in the 90's and heat indexes in the 100's. Thank goodness for irrigation systems, city water, and of course RAIN water.

Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are heavy drinkers, ha, and need consistent watering. If not, they can develop a myriad of problems. 

Inconsistent watering in a food garden can lead to: Blossom End Rot on tomatoes and peppers; plants drying out and burning up entirely; stunted growth and development; and unworkable soil - to name a few.

Here is a good metrics on water requirements for edible plants:

Most food crops need one inch of water per week in 60 degree Fahrenheit weather.

For every 10 degree rise in temperature your plants will need an additional 1/2” of water.

In the 70’s you’ll need 1 1/2” of water.

In the 80’s they need 2” of water.

In the 90’s th...

Reflecting upon your personal journey is so important. In the moment we don't always know if we are making the right decision.

Twenty years ago I walked away from a life of booze and smoke.

Eighteen years ago personal health problems led me to local food and farms.

I learned how badly damaged our modern food and farm systems are. One that has chosen monoculture over biodiversity. One that has adopted chemical fertilizers and pesticides over good soil management.

Government subsidies for "field crops" like soy, corn, and wheat have burdened our bodies, our land, and our economies.

Sixteen years ago I walked away from corporate America to pursue local farm work.

Local systems use sustainable, ethical practices. They value good stewardship and honor natural ecosystems.

Fourteen years ago i opened a farm business to nurture my soul and serve my higher power.

Sometimes we make drastic changes that don't always lead to a clear place. Doors open and you just keep walking.

Nine years ago we star...

3 REASONS TO GROW HERBS IN YOUR GARDEN

1. Good for you! Using herbs daily in cooking as well as using them in other home remedies (teas, tinctures, etc.) promotes well rounded nutrition. There is an herb for nearly every ailment. Using herbs as preventive healthcare can decrease/eliminate future health complications and diseases. 
2. A lot of them are perennial and easy to grow! There is less succession planting (turn-over) then there is with most vegetable plants. 
3. The vast majority of them will keep bad bugs out of your garden, such as mosquitoes/ticks- a lot of them even attract beneficial pollinators! Most of them go undisturbed by hungry critters and insects. 

     

   Herb/Growing Key

   P = Perennial (First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they LEAP!)

   A = Annual

   B = Biannual 

   W = WIld Herb (grows naturally/wild in our region)

   G = Garden Herb (will grow/thrive when planted/tended to in our region)

    

    

   WHAT HERBS CAN I GROW? 

   “CULINARY HERBS” 

   Many herbs you h...

Planting a Garden: A Step Towards Helping Vulnerable Neighbors, Soup Kitchens, and Food Pantries

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a powerful tool for community support and social change. This Edible Gardens Inc. article explores how planting a garden can be transformed into a meaningful endeavor to help vulnerable neighbors, soup kitchens, and food pantries. By harnessing the power of gardening, we can contribute to alleviating food insecurity in our communities.

Starting a Community Garden

A community garden is a fantastic way to begin your journey in helping others through gardening.

• Identify a Suitable Location: Look for unused land in your neighborhood that can be converted into a garden.
• Engage the Community: Involve local residents and groups to foster a sense of community ownership.
• Plan Your Garden: Decide on the types of vegetables and fruits that are most needed in your community.

Partnering with Local Organizations

Building partnerships with local soup k...

From Garden to Table: Designing Your Edible Landscape for Beauty and Bounty

Photo by Freepik

Imagine stepping into your garden, where the very essence of beauty merges seamlessly with practicality. Each plant, flower, and shrub not only adds to a stunning visual display but also promises a bountiful harvest of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This is the heart of creating an edible landscape—a harmonious blend of form and function that transforms your outdoor space into a living, breathing canvas of sustenance and aesthetic appeal.

In this guide, courtesy of Edible Gardens Inc., we'll share essential tips and innovative ideas to help you cultivate an edible landscape that is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the table. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a green-thumbed newbie, get ready to turn your garden dreams into a delicious, blooming reality.

Use Raised Beds

Raised beds offer a multitude of benefits for your garden, from improved soil conditions to enhanced plant ...

I love your ambition. You are a go-getter! But just because the Derby horses are running in Kentucky doesn't mean you have to rush to plant your home garden. 

A common mistake beginning gardeners make is planting without planning. This isn't you, is it?

You know how much space you have, you bought a ton of seeds and plants, and now the weather is right but, what now?

Here are some helpful tips on creating a Planting Plans:

First, get an idea as to how much space your plants need, especially if your garden area is small. If you have unlimited space you may place your plants further apart and add in more aisle space.

Grab some graph paper, create a veggie key, and sketch out your bed dimensions. Start penciling in your plant selections by size.

Here is a good rule of thumb... 

Nine to 16 small-sized plants like radish, carrots, and lettuces can be packed into a square foot.

Four to six medium-sized plants like garlic, Swiss chard, beets, and cilantro can fit into a square foot.

Tiny tips on taters: 🥔Buy seed potatoes from a local nursery 🥔May cut into 3-4 pieces but be sure there is an eye on each piece 🥔plant eye side up 🥔Plant 1 potato piece per square foot 🥔 Plant 2-3 inches below the soil

Don't have deep soil? Plant in a pot OR on the ground underneath 2" of straw.

How to know when they are ready to harvest?

When the plants flower, the tubers are developed. If you harvest now, the skins will be soft so you must eat them right away.

When the plants "die back" and turn brown, the potato has cured underground and will store better. Harvest!

ENJOY!

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