Moon cycles and rituals affecting the growth of plants When we read about our ancestors, we see that their agricultural practices were closely tied to the natural cycles, star positions, and moon cycles, as well as to specific gods and practical rituals that were intended to ensure the best results and abundant crops. Nowadays, we can read about these practices,…
-
-
Simple gardening – Taking care of trees /21
Taking care of trees Whether your garden is already graced with mature trees or you’re planning to add some new ones, there are a few tips to keep in mind. In nature, trees grow freely without our help, but in a garden, we can care for them. Hence, they stay at a manageable size, produce a healthy and abundant harvest,…
-
Simple gardening – Growing vegetables and herbs in small pots on a balcony or terrace /20
Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Small Pots on Your Balcony or Terrace Growing vegetables and herbs in containers is nothing new, but have you ever considered growing them in small flower pots on your balcony or terrace? It’s possible—you just need to know what works best! While large containers can accommodate almost any plant (as long as you have enough…
-
Simple gardening – All about growing from seeds, planting store-bought seedlings, collecting seeds, and making diy seed envelopes /19
Growing from seeds and planting plants This is the most exciting part—growing your food! When starting, you might wonder which is the better option: buying plants or growing them from seed. Let’s take a closer look at both options so you can decide what works best for you. Store-Bought Seedlings vs. Starting from Seed Buying seedlings from the store is…
-
Simple gardening – Preparing the ground, all about manure, and organic compost, making a home-made fertilizer /18
Ground preparations and fertilization In the chapter Place, I discuss two main approaches to preparing your garden soil. Whichever method you choose, the most important thing is to ensure the ground is ready well before the growing season begins. This preparation sets the stage for a successful garden. Here’s a tip: Prepare your entire garden space immediately, even if some…
-
Simple gardening – Making a herbarium, garden planner, and plant journal /17
Herbarium Creating a herbarium helps us remember and identify every plant growing in our garden. It allows us to gather valuable information about our vegetable garden, ornamental plants, herbs, and wildflowers. The process is simple and enjoyable, making it a great activity to do also with children. We can create separate herbariums or gardening books for each type of garden…
-
Simple gardening – Growing HERBS and AROMATIC PLANTS /16
Herbs and aromatic plants Herbs and aromatic plants are an essential part of any garden. With a vast array of choices available, you can select plants based on their culinary uses, health benefits, visual appeal, and ability to benefit other plants and pollinators. Choosing herbs When deciding which herbs to grow, consider their purpose and common occurrence in the wild.…
-
Simple gardening – all about CITRUS TREES /15
Citrus trees (Rutaceae) While citrus trees are commonly associated with hot climates, they can also thrive in milder temperatures or be grown in pots, producing a significant amount of fruit. Among the many varieties available, the most familiar are basic lemon, mandarin, and orange. When purchasing a citrus tree, choosing a variety that produces fruit you enjoy is essential, as…
-
Simple gardening – all about STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, AND KIWI /14
Berries and fruit bushes In addition to vegetables and fruit trees, fruit bushes and berries are invaluable and rewarding elements of any garden. You can enjoy various varieties of fresh fruit throughout the year. These plants are perennials, meaning once established in your garden, they will remain in the same spot for many years. For this reason, it’s crucial to…
-
Simple gardening – all about LEAFY GREENS /13
Leafy greens Leafy greens, such as lettuce, arugula, rapini, romaine, endive, dill, mustard, and collard, are not only versatile but also relatively easy to grow. Their adaptability to cool weather makes them ideal for spring and fall planting, adding to their appeal for home gardeners. If you plant them in the bed (without interplanting), you can choose different varieties so…