Have you heard the old wives’ tale about planting your potatoes on Good Friday? It is supposed to make your plants grow better and produce more potatoes. There is speculation as to when and where this tradition began. Some of the lore comes from Ireland during the 16th century during which they supposedly would baptize the seed potatoes before planting. The problem with following the old wives’ tale is the timing in your region may not be ready for potato planting. While potatoes can tolerate some cool temperatures, they will not grow well with prolonged freezing temperatures. It is best […]
Category: Vegetable Gardening
Sow Seeds of Victory: Planting a Victory Garden
Victory gardens hold a piece of American history. They emerged during a time when food shortages were a very real problem we were facing in the U.S. during World War I and II. Civilians were encouraged to “Grow for Victory” to grow and harvest their own victory produce so that more commercially produced food could be sent to our troops. This was, of course, pre-Facebook sharing era, so the message was passed around in women’s groups and local groups. The government provided pamphlets on how to take care of these war gardens and how to preserve and can foods. Eventually, […]
Asparagus: An Easy Growing Guide
Asparagus is a long-lived perennial plant that can live and produce for a generation if done properly. Preparation is the most important part. Because asparagus is such a long-lived plant, you basically have one shot, at planting to get it right. Our growing guide will provide you with the information you need to help your asparagus get started correctly. Soil Testing Asparagus prefers full sun and soil that is slightly alkaline. Soil pH should be in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 for the best production. Have a soil test done and adjust with recommended amendments as needed. You should […]
Cool Season Crops: Growing Tips
Plucking a bright red, plump, and juicy tomato off the vine with the warm summer sun beating down on the back of your neck is the type of pleasant act most folks associate with gardening. There is no question that warm weather crops like sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and watermelon are some of our favorite and most recognizable types of produce that we love to harvest out of our gardens. However, the other half or more of the veggies we love to grow are known as cool-season crops. What Are Cool Seasons Crops Cool-season crops prefer to grow in temperatures […]
Growing Perfect Peas
Early spring weather is sometimes cool, inclement, and downright gray. Perfect for peas! If you are a fair-weather gardener, well then, you’ll have to buy your peas at the market. On the other hand, if you want to partake in the best, sweetest tasting peas you have ever had, you will have to ignore or brave the weather and get outdoors in early spring. Of course, early spring planting required additions of proper soil amendments and preparation for peas back in the fall. Major soil cultivation in early spring is important to avoid, especially in clay-loam soils. Excessive compaction becomes […]
22 Easy To Grow Vegetable Seeds
Last year we saw more new people join our Jung gardening family than ever before! Helping gardeners on their growing journey is one of our favorite parts of the job. An aspect of garden planning that can be challenging to all gardeners is what varieties of seeds to try in their garden. There are thousands of choices and plenty of time and research can go into this decision. To help our gardening friends find the answer to the ongoing questions of what should I grow? And which seeds varieties are best for my garden? We created a new seed collection […]
How To Grow Microgreens – Step By Step Instructions
Microgreens are quick and easy to grow. They can be ready to harvest in as short as two weeks. Microgreens are grown indoors and can grow all year round. Follow our step by step instructions below to ensure success with growing your microgreens. Planting Microgreen Seeds Start with Terrafibre Grow Mats made from sustainable fiber-byproduct from industrial hemp plants. Simply sprinkle seeds onto the mat, press them down, and water in. Or you can still fill seed trays with premoistened, standard Seed Starting Mix with a healthy amount of perlite blended for improved drainage and roughage, which helps slough seed […]
21 Garden Trends: 2021 Color of the Year
This time of year is perfect for grabbing a blanket and getting cozy with your 2021 Jung Seed Catalog while dreaming of your garden plans for next season. Pantone usually announces their Color of the Year to give us some fun inspiration. This year, Pantone announced two colors for 2021! “Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power, while Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements that are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.” Get ready to celebrate Illuminating Yellow with our wide selection of yellow fruits, vegetables, […]
Gardening Tips for Winter’s Early Arrival
When you have had 10 days or more of below 30° degree nights, what could possibly be left to do in the garden except dispose of dead plants and flowers. Oh, don’t you worry, we’ll find more work for you. Frost Loving Vegetables Perhaps you are fortunate enough to be in an area where you are still babying a good flush of frost hardy veggies. Arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, onions, radish, swiss chard, spinach, and turnips are all stalwart against early frosts. Kale, cabbage, chard, arugula, and brussels sprouts for sure, convert their bitter tannins […]
How to Harvest Pumpkins (And How to Store Them)
You want to know how to harvest and store pumpkins? Start here first. In the United States, more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced every single year. Though most pumpkins come from Indiana, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California, with the right tools anyone can grow them. But the real question is, when and how to harvest pumpkins? For those looking for the best, check out this comprehensive guide on how to harvest pumpkins and how to store them. When to Harvest Pumpkins Most pumpkins take an average of 75 to 115 days until they are ready to harvest. […]