bitter melon

Bitter Melon is a Prolific Vining Plant in Many Varieties

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Some of the best bitter melon varieties.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bitter melon is often called bitter gourd or balsam pear. White Pearl is a hybrid variety and a slightly bitter type.  It’s great for salad, stir fry, stuffing, and soups. Beauty Winner is another hybrid that is almost completely white. It has a mellower taste compared …

Small Amount of Black Beans adds Multiple Health Benefits

Dan Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

How a small amount of black beans can add multiple health benefits.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A recent USDA Research study involving obese mice revealed that adding cooked black beans to a high fat diet improved sensitivity to insulin and other measures often related to diabetes. The researchers found that as little as the mouse-size equivalent …

Health Benefits of Holy Basil and How to Use It

Dan Herbs, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

The health benefits of Holy Basil and how to use it. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Holy basil, also known as tulsi in Hindu, or queen of the herbs, is part of the mint family and is a traditional medicinal herb native to tropical Southeast Asia. This aromatic plant has pale green leaves, hair stems, and small purple or white tubular flowers. It is …

start

Start the New Year with New Year’s Garden Resolutions

Dan This Land of Ours

How to start the new year with some new year’s garden resolutions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.  It’s that time again when we look forward to the new year and make our annual resolutions. It’s probably a good bet that eating healthier and getting more exercise are at the top of your list. The good news is, gardening …

growing

Growing One of the Sweetest Fruits that’s Almost Like Candy

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

Growing one of the sweetest fruits that is almost like candy.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Even if you don’t love the fruits, the trees are beautiful in the garden thanks to the dark green leaves and pungent flowers. Although they’re amazing fresh off the tree, persimmons make for cookies that are out of this world. Once …

growing citrus trees

Valuable Tips for Growing Citrus Trees Indoors

Dan Citrus, This Land of Ours

Some valuable tips for growing citrus trees indoors.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing citrus trees indoors can be daunting, but the effort is well worth it for the aromatic flowers and foliage, not to mention the much-anticipated fruit. Some things to remember: Overwatering is the No. 1 killer of citrus. The soil needs to dry out …