Eat Your Landscape

Blog is moving - Join Me At GardenInspire.com

2014-12-12T17:23:00.004-07:00

Rather than keep up multiple gardening blogs I will be writing at GardenInspire.com where you can join me for gardening information including edible landscaping. http://gardeninspire.com

Edible and Medicinal Plants Book

2014-10-28T10:28:00.000-06:00

I am co authoring a book on finding, using, and growing, wild edible and medicinal plants. The book will be available in a printed version and a bit later as a PDF, for Kindle, and for Nook.

To find out more join this blog so you will receive notification when this book is available.

This book will have common and botanical names, description, photographs, how to use medicinally, what parts are edible and medicinal, how to eat, and how to grow. This pocket size book will have a spiral binding for portability and usability even in the outdoors. Great addition to an emergency preparedness kit and makes a great gift!

I have also updated my book What About Herbs? The updated version is now available as a PDF and will be available soon for Kindle and Nook.

Update: Herbs to Know 2: Wild Medicinal & Edible Plants is now available. For locations to purchase.

Potted Plants

2014-05-05T12:54:00.003-06:00

When growing plants in containers there are some things to keep in mind for the best chance of success.

Choose a container 2” larger than the pot the plant is already in. If the pot will stay outside year round choose a material that can handle temperature changes. Fiberglass, resin, concrete, and heavy duty plastic will last longer than unsealed terra cotta. If the container does not have drainage drill holes in the bottom so water does not sit in the bottom of the pot. A unsealed terra cotta pot will allow water to evaporate through the sides of the pot. This may be desirable when planting cactus and succulents especially if there is a chance of overwatering. This may not be the best thing for hotter weather and non drought tolerant plants.

Use potting soil – not garden soil. Potting soil will drain better and not contain weed seeds. Some brands I like are Dr. Earth, Black Gold, and Patio Plus.

Rocks or gravel are not necessary for drainage and may actually prevent water from draining. The only time I would recommend something in the bottom of the pot is if there is a chance the pot could fall over or blow over or if it is a huge pot that would require a large amount of potting soil. To weight the pot down put a few bricks or large rocks in the bottom where they will not block drainage holes. Placing smashed pop cans or upside down pots will take up space in the pot so less soil will be required in huge pots. If you are concerned about a little soil coming out of the bottom of the pot place a coffee filter or piece of landscaping fabric in the bottom of the container.

Place in an area appropriate for the needs of the plant or plants. Sunny, shady, morning sun only? Check plant labels, research for your climate, or ask a garden coach.

Check whether to water by sticking your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. For most plants the soil should just be beginnning to get dry before you water again. Water throughly – not just a quarter cup.

Guest On Joy In Your Garden

2014-04-21T18:22:00.002-06:00

I was a guest on Joy In Your Garden, April 19, 2014 with Joy Bossi! This was a remote broadcast from Red Butte Gardens. You can listen here.

Rosemary - Growing Indoors

2014-01-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Rosemary

Rosemary is sometimes hardy in my climate (zone 6) - depending on the winter weather and where it is planted. If you grow rosemary indoors for whatever reason here are some tips you may find helpful.

When watering rosemary, check the soil moisture first by sticking your finger into the soil. The soil should be almost dry.

Every third time you water pour the water over the rosemary plant. If you water this way every time you may notice a whitish color almost like someone had dumped some flour on it. This whitish color is from powdery mildew.

Keep your rosemary plant away from furnace vents, doors, and other sources of blasts of cold or hot air.

Harvest as desired by cutting off pieces of branches to use with potatoes, chicken, fish, pasta sauce, breads or as your imagination takes you. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant.

Win A Homeschool Convention Ticket

2014-01-07T22:05:00.001-07:00

Homeschool Convention, Saturday, January 25, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Weber State University, Ogden, Utah

Come visit me at my booth at the Convention! – Beuna Tomalino, Garden Inspire
As a homeschool mom (my children are grown) I know that gardening is a great way to teach about gardening, arithmetic, biology, cooking, and healthy eating, among other subjects. As a garden coach besides giving hands on instruction, diagnosis, and advice I teach gardening classes. Check my calendar for the upcoming events or schedule your own class or coaching session.

To enter to win a ticket visit my Garden Inspire blog

Sage

2013-11-08T08:45:00.002-07:00

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is probably best known as the herb for stuffing. In addition to stuffing, sage is great in pasta sauce, sausages, breads, and with vegetable such as carrots. Sage dries easily especially in my dry climate. Sage can also be frozen for later use. Depending on the weather you may be able to harvest some fresh sage for your Thanksgiving stuffing.

Sage, Salvia officinalis

Sage grows as a small shrub and attracts bees to its beautiful blue flowers. In addition to the typical sage as pictured above, sage also comes in other varieties and colors including Golden – with leaves splashed with golden yellow, Purple – leaves of purple and green, and Tricolor – leaves of white, green, and purple.

Golden Sage

Golden, Purple Sage, and Tricolor Sage all have the same scent and flavor as typical culinary sage. Planting them can add more diversity to the landscape. The leaves can be used as a garnish or to add color to appetizers.


Tricolor Sage

Purple Sage

Their relative, Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans, is a tender perennial which I grow in a pot and bring inside over winter. As the name suggests, the leaves have a pineapple scent and flavor which goes well with fruit drinks and fruit salads. Pineapple Sage also has a brilliant red flower. Other than Pineapple Sage, the sages mentioned are drought tolerant.

Pineapple Sage, Salvia elegans

Landscaping For Pets

2013-11-05T09:59:00.001-07:00

When planning a landscape (or houseplants) when you have pets consider how what you plant may affect them. Some plants are toxic to pets. I would especially be careful with dogs since they tend to eat almost anything.

Egyptian Walking Onion

Grapes and raisins - poisonous to dogs and cats. Damage the kidneys.

Avocados -poisonous to most species but especially birds. Damages the heart muscle.

Garlic and onions - poisonous to dogs and cats. Damage to red blood cells.

Macadamia nuts - poisonous to dogs. Muscle and nervous system problems.

Chocolate - poisonous to most species but mostly dogs. Nervous system and heart.

Pet Safe Foods - for dogs and cats

Apples
Peas
Green beans
Popcorn - no salt, butter, GMO
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin
Zucchini
Squash
Lettuce
Blueberries

For more information or if you have a pet poisoning contact the Pet Poison Helpline
or ASPCA Poison Control

More toxic plant information

Chickens for pets? Here is a seed mix for chickens!

Label Your Plants: Zucchini or Butternut?

2013-08-31T13:19:00.001-06:00

Labelling plants is a smart thing to do but I don't always follow my own advice.

Especially with squash.

I picked what I thought was a zucchini and as soon as I picked it could tell by the feel that it was a winter squash and by the shape that it was butternut. I have never grown butternut before so at first I was thinking it was just a weird shaped zucchini. Too bad I can't put it back. Maybe it will taste good anyway.

Weed Killers - Now is not the time!

2013-08-13T11:51:00.001-06:00

Please do not use any weedkillers during the heat we have been having! Weedkillers should be only used when temperatures are between 70 F and 85 F for 24 hours after application. Incorrect use does not just cause problems for you but also for your neighbors and possibly those who live quite a ways away.

In the meantime, keep the desired plants as healthy as possible by proper watering, fertilizing, growing conditions, etc. For more information see lawn care information and weed control methods,

It has been said that a weed is a plant in the wrong place. If you identify what the weed is you may find that you want to leave it there or move it to a different spot.

Purslane - an edible "weed"

Is Your Garden/Yard Heat Stressed?

2013-07-31T09:55:00.000-06:00

In my area this summer has been unusually hot. Some things that can help plants through the heat of summer:

Don't assume you need to water more frequently. Watering deeply is what you want to do. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. For most plants the soil should be just barely damp. For larger plants, trees, and shrubs you may need to dig down in to check soil moisture. Be sure that water isn't pooling under the plant. In some cases watering everyday can cause the roots to rot.

Water in the cooler parts of the day. This is better for the plants and saves water. Morning is a better time to water than evening. Evening watering is more likely to encourage fungal disease.

Give them some shade. Some plants may appreciate some shade. This could mean installing temporary shade cloth. For other plants such as pansies and cilantro, plant in a partly shaded area.

Wait to plant. For cool season crops wait until the weather is beginning to cool before planting. Spinach, lettuce, cilantro, and dill are among the plants that prefer cooler weather and can be harvested within a short period of time. In my area planting in March and then again in August helps with a better harvest.

Spray with liquid kelp/seaweed. Kelp (a type of seaweed) has been shown to help plants be more drought tolerant, disease resistant, and frost resistant. Using a hose end sprayer set the sprayer to 1 T. per gallon or mix 1 T. per gallon of liquid seaweed in a spray bottle or watering can. Water the plants and spray the leaves in a cooler part of the day. I prefer to mix my liquid kelp with fish emulsion at the same proportion.

Install a rain gauge. When it does rain you can determine whether or not you still need to water.


Dormant Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass naturally goes dormant in the summer. We keep it green by watering and fertilizing. So, if you have a Kentucky bluegrass lawn (most of the Northern U.S. does) don't worry if the lawn looks evenly tan as long as you have fertilized and checked for pest problems and sprinkler issues. If you have spots of brown, yellow, rust color, or white your lawn could have other problems. See my lawn care information.

Food plants are more important to water than lawn and plants grown only for ornamental value.

Drink enough water! Make sure you are getting enough to drink.

How To Remove Sap or Grease

2013-06-08T10:54:00.000-06:00

The best way I have found for removing sap or grease:
Pour vegetable oil onto your hands, tools, or even clothing. Rub hands together to loosen sap or grease then wash with soap and water. Gently scrub clothing then wash as usual. For tools you just wipe and the sap should come off. Any oil left behind can prevent rusting.
This is not only easy and inexpensive but is less drying to your hands and less likely to cause damage to clothing.
Sometimes this method will work for removing adhesives.

Survey

2013-06-04T09:35:00.003-06:00

I have created a survey related to additional products and services that I would like to offer. Please fill out this short survey (eleven questions - mostly "Yes" or "No") and share with family and friends. If you want updates please join my website since I will not have your contact info from the survey.
Thank you for your time!

http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?B195F9E0B5F3E2E5B1

Mosquitoes

2013-05-15T22:49:00.001-06:00

For controlling mosquitoes in the landscape (and on you):

Empty any water containers that are unnecessary. For pet water dishes, bird baths, and ponds there is another option. Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensis is deadly to mosquito larvae and fungus gnats but safe for pets, birds, and fish. Also called B. T. var israelensis, it is available in a liquid but also a dry form as donut shaped “dunks” and small “bits”. There are other types of B.T. - one for controlling caterpillars and one for Colorado Potato Beetle so be sure you are getting the right one.

Planting mosquito repelling plants can also be helpful especially when planted around patios and decks. This is most helpful if the plants will be brushed against as people are walking past so the essential oils of the plants are released. Lemongrass (a relative of Citronella) is a famous one but is not hardy above zone 11 so for most of us will either need to be overwintered indoors as a houseplant or you will have to buy a new one each year. If you want to cook with lemongrass you may want to just bring it indoors. More cold tolerant herbs which are also mosquito repellents are mint and lavender. Mint should be grown in a pot anyway to avoid taking over your yard. Lavender can be planted in the ground in most climates and should overwinter just fine in a pot in many climates as long as the pot is large enough to provide insulation for the roots. A pot of 14” - 16” should work for either lavender or mint. Keep in the mind that plants in pots still need water during the winter.

Lavender

Spearmint

Some other mosquito repelling ideas:

Throwing some herbs on the grill during or after cooking may also repel mosquitoes and other insects from your outdoor gathering plus flavor your food when used during cooking.
Essential oils of many herbs will repel insects. If using a quality essential oil lavender can be used directly on the skin. Essential oils can also be used on the cuffs of pants and shirts and brims of hats and added to the melted wax in candles.
Outdoor sprays containing insect repelling essential oils – as always read the ingredients so you know what you are getting.
Avoiding sugar and bananas as well as consuming garlic may help mosquitoes avoid you. Getting enough B vitamins is also said to repel mosquitoes.

Three Seed Starting Methods

2013-02-13T13:10:00.001-07:00

Compressed peat pellets

Compressed peat pellets can be purchased in bulk or with a small “greenhouse”. You can start with the “greenhouse” and then buy extra peat pellets for future use or use. A salad/deli container or shoe box would also work. Place the pellets in desired container, add about 1″ of warm water, check in 30 minutes or so. If pellets are not thoroughly expanded and damp add more water. If the pellets are expanded, pour off any extra water.
To see the rest of the methods
While visiting the above link, join my website for future blog posts and gardening information.

Preparing For Spring Planting

2013-01-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Some things you can do now to prepare for Spring planting:

Look at catalogs to get an idea of what you would like to grow. In addition to the seed catalogs, for edible plants I like Richters, Logees, and Raintree.

Locate sources of compost and start making your own for later use.

Notice sun, shade, and wind patterns of your landscape.

Research your climate zone.

Make a list of what you like to eat and what of those you would like to grow.

Check your tool inventory. If you need to take tools or mower blades in for sharpening this is a slower time of year for the shops so a great time to get it done.

Take some time for learning now. Gardening classes begin this month!

Edible Landscaping Books

2012-11-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

A few edible landscaping books you may want to check out (although the links go to Amazon you should be able to find them at your local bookstore or library).

The Incredible Edible Landscape by Joy Bossi
Written by a friend and former garden radio show host.

Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy plus her other edible landscaping books including The Edible Flower Garden
Rosalind was probably the first person to really discuss edible landscaping.

The Edible Front Yard by Ivette Solar

Landscaping With Fruit by Lee Reich

Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier

Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally by Robert Kourik
The first book I read (and bought) about edible landscaping.

Edible Landscaping Class and Square Foot Gardening class - Free

2012-09-26T09:28:00.000-06:00

I will be teaching edible landscaping and Square Foot Gardening at the South Davis Preparedness Fair in Davis County, Utah.

The Preparedness Fair is free.
Saturday, October 13, 2012, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Woods Cross High School, Woods Cross, Utah.

Square Foot Gardening, 11:25 a.m., Edible Landscaping, 1:15 p.m.
Both classes will be taught in the cafeteria.

For other events or to schedule a class check my website calendar or contact me.

Where Not To Plant Edibles

2012-09-24T09:20:00.002-06:00

In most cases much of a landscape or indoor scape can be planted in edibles. There are some exceptions:

Local laws and regulations including city ordinances and HOA rules.
If you are renting and you do not have permission of the landlord.
In parking strips or other areas where car exhaust and other contaminants may be absorbed into plant tissue and then eaten by you.
Where soil and/or water is polluted with toxins which may be taken up by the plants.

The first exception may be one you could change by petitioning your city or housing development. The second you may be able to change by explaining what you have planned to your landlord. In either of these cases you may still be able to plant edibles if they fall within the rules. For example: If the edibles you are growing are edible flowers. Also, some regulations only cover what is planted in the front yard or within a certain area within a corner if you are on a corner lot.

Win Tickets to the Earthwell Festival

2012-08-18T15:40:00.003-06:00

Win a pair of tickets to the Earthwell Festival, – Explore The Worlds of Wellness & Sustainability, August 25 & 26, 2012, Jordanelle State Park, Utah

Get the details here.

I will be teaching about organic lawn care

Storing Your Harvest For the Short Term

2012-08-10T14:30:00.001-06:00

Ideally you would harvest right before use but when that is not possible you need to know how to store your produce. In most cases the way produce is stored in the produce section of your grocery store is how you would store it at home. The wrong type of storage can reduce the time your harvest will last and may affect the flavor.
For short term storage:
Continued

Fireweed

2012-08-04T22:37:00.003-06:00

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a tall, beautiful flowering perennial that is usually pink or magenta but sometimes white. Fireweed is a native wildflower in several states including Utah and Alaska. This photo was taken in Seward, Alaska.

The young shoots of Fireweed can be eaten raw or cooked and eaten like asparagus, and the young leaves can be used in salads. In Alaska, Fireweed jelly and syrup can be purchased.

Fireweed recipes

Fireweed seeds

Harvesting Fruits

2012-07-25T18:42:00.001-06:00

The fruits I have harvested so far this season:

Strawberries
Rhubarb
Cherries - tart Montmorency
Gooseberries
Raspberries
Currants - black, red, white
Wolfberries - still ripening
Bush Cherries
Boysenberries
Blackberries

That is also the approximate order they were ripening. Peaches will be ready soon. The time of harvest partly depends on the variety you plant. Apples and peaches can ripen over a wide time period. For a longer harvest plant trees that ripen at various times. Be sure to have a pollinator for the types you want to grow - especially for apples, sweet cherries, bush cherries, and pears.

Blackberries

Bush Cherries

Edible Landscaping Ideas

2012-06-29T08:57:00.001-06:00

This article from Organic Gardening magazine has a few great ideas to get you started with an edible landscape.

Chard in the landscape

4 Edible Landscaping Ideas

Introduce edible plants into your landscape.

Michael Seliga, owner of Cascadian Edible Landscapes shares his tips for introducing edible plants into your landscape.

Sneaking a few perennial edibles into your vegetable garden, and even your ornamental borders, cuts down on work and increases the amount of food you can harvest.

Start with herbs. "Herbs are expensive to buy at the store," Seliga says. "So adding them to your landscape makes good economic sense." Reserve a small section of your vegetable garden for herbs or integrate them into your landscape. Rosemary, sages, thymes, winter savory, basils, and oregano all blend in well with flowering perennials.
Plant fruiting shrubs. Blueberries, currants, and elderberries...

Read more

Tabletop Square Foot Garden

2012-06-28T15:31:00.000-06:00

Recently I taught a Square Foot Gardening class at a local assisted living center and then I helped install two tabletop style Square Foot Gardens. The tabletop gardens were built and transported by associates from the local Home Depot (Centerville, Utah). Some residents may return to their homes and hopefully this will give them some ideas for a way they could continue to garden.

Residents planted tomato plants

About ten days later - after residents planted seeds

The residents helped plant tomato plants and later planted several vegetables from seeds including beans, peas, spinach, and radishes.

Tabletop Square Foot Gardening is a great way to garden for those lacking ground space or those who are not able to get down to ground level to garden.

This is a great way to garden on a patio! Casters can be added to the legs for those who would like to move their box around on a patio or other smooth surface.