Flowers in a vegetable garden? Yes.

A container vegetable garden? Yes.

A garden so tight on space that every plant has to earn its spot? Yes!

Using flowers in your cooking instantly and painlessly turns ordinary into extraordinary. There is no easier way to create culinary magic.


​BEGONIA BASICS
 
■          Start with tubers or transplants.
■          This is a perennial, although not long lived.
■          It needs part shade.
■          Careful fertilizing program equals more flowers.
 
GETTING TO KNOW TUBEROUS BEGONIAS
A tuber is one kind of underground storage system from which new plants grow, something like a squashed or elongated bulb. For the edible begonias described here, the tuber is the distinguishing characteristic; that’s how you know you’re getting the kind of begonia I want you to have. Not wax begonias, not angelwing begonias, just  the tuberous type. But once it’s planted, you can put the tuber out of your mind, at least until wintertime (and maybe even longer, depending on your winter climate). We have more important things to focus on. First and foremost, the flowers.

These flowers are a total knockout. They come in a broad range of colors, from deeply saturated hues to soft pastels to gentle shades of ivory and even to two-toned petals with a delicate contrasting edge, and they all have an amazing luminous glow that always makes me think of stained glass windows. The individual flowers stay on the plant for a satisfyingly long time, and the bloom season is long, from early summer to late fall.

The petals have a tart citrusy taste that is very much like fresh lemon. The combination of lemon flavor and bright color makes them almost endlessly versatile for adding a splash of both to your cooking.
The leaves are rather large, triangular shaped, dark green to bronzy green in color, and slightly fuzzy. We don’t need to spend too much time on them, except to make sure they aren’t blocking the full development of the flower buds that may be hiding underneath. If you find that problem, carefully snip off the entire leaf from its branch. Coincidentally, this also helps with another possible problem: because of their size, the leaves have been known to put so much weight on the very tender main stems that whole branches break off, taking the flower buds with them. This danger is especially high when the leaves get wet, so be careful with your watering.
 
PLANTING AND NURTURING YOUR BEGONIAS
Early in spring, you can find tubers at online nurseries or retail garden centers. The tuber comes packaged with printed instructions and (usually) a color photo of the bloom. Most mail-order catalogs will also feature gorgeous photos to help you zero in on the colors you want (or drive you crazy trying to decide).

A mature plant can be twelve to eighteen or more inches tall and wide but does not need more than six inches of soil depth. The tuber itself looks rather like a tulip bulb that Bigfoot stepped on, leaving a small indentation in the center. Plant it directly into your container, with the indentation facing up, after the spring frost date, and watch for pointy shoots in about six weeks. In the meantime, keep the soil lightly moist and be careful not to plant anything on top of the tuber.
Another approach, and simpler, is to wait a few weeks until transplants are available at the nursery. One big advantage is that they may be showing their flower so you can tell exactly what color you’ll be getting.

Shade lover. This might seem strange to veteran flower gardeners, but keep this plant away from direct sun. Partial shade is best, but they will also do fine in full shade. This is very good news for container gardeners who love growing flowers but often struggle with limited sunlight.
Maintenance. Through the growing season, your begonias will need you to pay attention to both water and fertilizer. Don’t let the soil dry out completely; use the finger test often. But when you do add water, direct your hose or watering can to the edges of the container. Try not to water the plant itself, especially the leaves; as we know, when waterlogged they can break the stems from the extra weight. And to keep those beautiful flowers coming, give your plant a weekly dose of complete fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
Winter care. Your task at the end of the blooming season varies depending on your winter weather patterns. In very warm areas, you don’t need to do anything. The plant may go dormant and drop leaves, but the tuber is still healthy and will regrow come spring. If your winters are relatively mild, without long periods of near-freezing temperatures, you can usually manage by moving the container into a more sheltered area or wrapping it in some insulation (Bubble Wrap, say). But in severe winters your best bet is to dig up the tubers and save them for next year.
The process is not complicated. Dig up the plants, trim away any remains of foliage, dust off the tubers, and let them dry thoroughly. (If you started with tubers, think back to what they looked like when you opened the package; you’re trying to recreate that condition.) Then place them into a small bucket filled with sand or peat moss, and set the whole thing aside until next spring. If you use paper bags instead of the bucket, you can write on the side what colors are hiding inside. Or you could just start over next year with brand-new plants; that works too.
 
COOKING WITH BEGONIA FLOWERS
Remember that the basic taste is lemonlike, and many possibilities will pop into your head. Then think about color and ask yourself, Where could I use the combination of lemon plus that beautiful color?

• Stack individual petals high and slice into bright ribbons for garlic mashed potatoes or shrimp scampi.
• Slice the stack in one direction and then the other, for tiny lemon-flavored confetti to sprinkle on cream soups or roasted vegetables.
• And here’s a summertime dessert idea that promotes togetherness and giggles. In the center of a large platter, place several small bowls with different types of fruit­ flavored yogurt and surround them with begonia petals in different colors (whole, not chopped). The petals, which have a naturally crisp texture, serve as dippers for the yogurt. Try as many tart-sweet combinations as possible.

​The first tip is not to choose a large variety of plants but to narrow it down to a few seeds that won’t crowd each other. Plants that are grown too close together can end up competing for nutrients and light. Plants that are properly spaced will give you a better yield versus trying to squeeze in too many plants in the same space.
 
For example, tomatoes and basil fare well together, but tomatoes don’t do so well when planted next to corn or potatoes. Also, take time to research which plants grow best in your region and which gardening techniques will work for you.


2.   Consider the layout and light conditions

The essentials you’ll need for any garden to thrive are water, good soil, and plenty of sunlight –– and that means your garden’s layout is extremely important. Plants should be positioned in a way to receive the proper nutrients and sunlight. To maximize a small gardening space, choose a location in your yard that provides adequate sunlight.


3.   Grow vertically

Vertical gardening is quite popular these days. It’s a great way to grow a lot of vegetables in a small footprint, and trellises are great for small-space gardening. Growing plants upwards not only saves space in your garden beds but trellised plants are exposed to more sunlight which helps fruits to ripen faster.
 
For example, green beans are a favorite of many backyard gardeners and can easily be planted on teepees. Cucumbers are another plant that will climb and prosper on a wide trellis.


4.   Use containers

Containers are a great way to grow plants in small spaces because you can add them to patios, balcony areas, or even your kitchen counter. Herbs, for example, don’t take up a lot of space and will grow well in containers.


5.   Say goodbye to rows and hello to pathways

Forget about growing plants single-file in long, straight rows. You don’t need straight rows –– especially since you don’t have the space anyway. If you plant in curves, your garden will look natural and informal. But do add pathways! This feature will make the space feel bigger. You can create a pathway simply by using wood chips.


6.   Raised beds yield more produce

Another tip is to use raised beds. You can grow significantly more produce in the same space by using raised beds –– plus the benefits of raised beds are endless. You can keep weeds from infiltrating your garden soil, prevent water runoff and soil compaction, and you won’t have to worry much about garden pests like snails and slugs.
 
Don’t feel limited by the amount of outdoor space you have. In fact, many of us do not have acres and acres of land or even the time to have huge plots, but we can still enjoy eating home-grown juicy tomatoes from the vine or home-grown vegetables hot off the grill by embracing the space we do have.

By Hannah Simpson

A verdant and fruitful garden is always a treat to the eyes and a balm to the soul, so just imagine how amazing it would be if it were your garden. Of course, it’s going to demand time, attention, money, and hard work from you. But with tangible benefits like a more beautiful home and healthy food on your table, the ROI is more than compelling — and a great garden can also help you sell your home when the time comes! The fact that you’re contributing to a better world can be a welcome bonus, as well. So, The Daily Garden takes a moment to break down the process of starting and sustaining a productive garden.
 
Learn the Basics
 
Like most things worth doing, gardening should start with due diligence. By breaking down the basics of such an amazing activity and understanding its nuances, you not only ensure that you can grow stuff, but you can also create a productive garden worth admiring.
 

• No doubt, there’s much to learn when you start gardening, but there’s no need to be daunted by the specifics.
  
• You’ll want to understand different gardening techniques to find one that works for you.
• Even more important is to find out which fruits and vegetables you can realistically and sustainably grow in your area.
  
• It’s also a good idea to learn all you can on methods like composting and mulching, as well as irrigation, soil management, pest control, and more, for starters.
• Lastly, you may want to hire someone to build a fence around your garden to protect it (the average cost of a fence is approximately $4,500).

 
Focus on Health
 
A garden is a wonderful addition to any home. But with the hard work that goes into it, why not ensure it also serves you and your family in other ways? In fact, growing food in your garden ensures that you eat healthy at all times while also getting a good workout in the process.
 

• Choose the healthiest food items to grow in your home or apartment garden.
• Make the most out of all the fresh produce your garden is yielding with healthy and delicious recipes using all-organic ingredients, like low-carb broccoli and cheddar soup.
• Also, brush up on the proper storage of produce, so you keep your harvest fresh for a longer period of time.
• Don’t forget that you can already get your requisite daily exercise by gardening, so make the most out of it and hit two birds with one stone.
• You can also use gardening as an excuse to get the kids outside. Teach them the basics and get them to help you maintain your garden.

 
Invest in Sustainable Solutions
 
A good garden is not only productive; it should be sustainable, too. By and large, your garden actually has the potential to become your most significant contribution to the environment, so consider making use of eco-friendly techniques to make it count.
 

• Sustainable and environmentally-friendly gardening is all the rage right now.
• Implementing water conservation measures in your gardening is a fine way to do it.
• Make sure to keep your garden chemical-free by using green fertilizers and pesticides.

 
Suffice it to say, having a productive garden actually need not be a pipe dream. In fact, the hardest part is in learning how to get started. From there, you can just about hit the ground running and start enjoying the holistic benefits of such a valuable addition to your home. You’re happy, and so are your family and Mother Nature — so what’s not to love?
 
To read more about gardening life, explore the musings at The Daily Garden!

​This morning I spotted a nesting pair of blue violet swallows as they gathered stems from a weed patch in my garden.


I spotted a California thrasher working through a pile of acorns and oak leaves I had left piled in a heap.


These birds would not have been in my yard if I kept it all cultivated and in proper order.


A garden can be an ongoing struggle against Mother Nature. A gardener must fend off a myriad of competing life forms: weeds, gophers, crows, insects, etc.


A few years back I made a decision to stop battling nature, and instead celebrate and encourage it.
How can a conventional backyard promote nature?


Every garden and gardener is unique, but here is how my little Silicon Valley nature garden came to be.

5. Rose of Sharon. Many see this as a difficult weed with a hard-to-pull taproot, and it reseeds easily. But I let some live to feed the bush bunnies. It's one of their favorite foods, and at least in my yard, there is balance.

6. Butterflies are attracted to wet clay. This is called "mud puddling." Keep a small wet patch for them.

7. Birdbaths are essential, both for bathing and drinking. Mammals will also drink the water. Wash and refill often, to prevent disease and mosquitoes.

8. A nature preserve does not need bird feeders. The weeds in my yard provide lots of free seeds, and birds are pecking away at them all day.

9. Oaks are so common in California that their sprouted acorns act like weeds. I have two large oaks. I pile up their leaves and acorns out on the meadow. Wild creatures rake, rummage, dig and fight over the acorns all year long.

10. Bunnies. Leave favorite weeds for the bunnies to eat instead of your valued crops and flowers. In my yard they mostly graze on the wild plants in the meadow, which is what we call where the lawn used to be.

You will have to observe your bunnies to see what they eat, and experiment. I have had a lot of fun doing this. They roam the neighborhood grazing on neighbors' lawns and shrubs. I think wild bunnies use my garden as a nesting area safe from dogs. It is futile to try and eliminate them - they multiply like rabbits. Note: information on the internet says bunnies don't eat rose of Sharon. I watched one yesterday chow down on one in my yard.

11. Oxalis. Know your local oxalis strains. Some are hostile invaders; others bring joy and beauty. In spring my meadow is a field of beautiful waving oxalis flowers. After the rains stop the oxalis rapidly dries up, and I rake it away.

12. Set up wire tomato cages out in the open. Birds will use them to perch on, and you will see them easily. Place them over your hummingbird plants and the hummers will rest as they feed!

13. Spend time sitting quietly in the wild yard, and you will make many interesting discoveries. I find that birds, bunnies, even lizards will approach me. They want to figure out if I am a friend who will go about my own business, or an enemy who will give them chase. I have come to believe that if I move slowly and predictably, they think I am a harmless grazer. Birds and small animals like to be near a large grazer, as they stir up the ground and expose grubs, or serve as protection against predators like cats or coyotes. If I quit "grazing" and head for the house, the flock near me will take off too. Not out of fear of a gardener, but of a possible approaching predator.

14. Rats and mice. These are intolerable in the house. Garbage must be tightly contained at all times. But native strains of rats and mice out in the garden are just part of nature, and it is futile to mindlessly trap or poison them.

There is only one way to guard against rats and mice in the house, and that is to keep them out. Every crack and hole in the exterior of a house and attic must be carefully sealed. Keep unscreened doors shut.

​
15. Coyotes. All over the USA coyotes are increasing in urban environments. Last night at 1:30 a.m. I was awakened by the eerie howling and yapping of a coyote concert in the distance. I'm tempted to leave my gate open so they can prowl and maybe catch some rodents. On the other hand, I think I'll draw the line there and keep the gate locked at night.


I no longer view my garden as a battleground. After several years of letting nature take the upper hand, I am inclined to let nature have its way in my meadow. I will never return to a lawn. I will grow vegetables safe from gophers in large containers. I will use my raised beds for experiments and flowers.

​
​Best of luck with your own Garden of Eden.

Linda B Campbell-King is a writer, gardener, championship barbershop singer, and so much more!

History of Sesame

Sesame seeds and their oil also have a lengthy history. They are mentioned in records from the Indus Valley civilization (India) from 3050-3500 BCE. There are numerous mentions of it. As well, from Indian religious literature (note the epithet in the scientific name). Herodotus wrote about it in the fifth century BCE and there are records about sesame from third century BCE from both China and Egypt. The largest producers of sesame seeds today are Sudan, Myanmar and India. World production is about 6 million tonnes (2,204 pounds called a metric ton in the US).


The etymology of sesame derives ultimately from the Akkadian šamaššamu which moved into the Greek as sesamon and finally becoming the Latin sesamum. The original Semitic root is smn (Semitic word roots do not include vowels). In Hebrew shemen means oil and sesame oil was a major crop. It is believed that sesame, also known as benne, was brought to the United States during the period of African slavery. That sesame plant is native to west and central Africa is Sesamum radiatum and has been cultivated there for generations. In addition to the seeds, the stalks and the leaves are used as a thickener to cooked dishes in a manner similar to okra. This effect require pounding the leaves before cooking.

By Kimberly Park

When you hear someone bark, "Who let the dogs out?", it’s more than likely a gardener. Even the most ardent animal lover has a bone to pick with a dog who poops, pees, and digs in the garden. Instead of getting angry, learn how to keep your dog out of your garden.
 
Dog-repellent plants
 
Dogs hate chili peppers, lemongrass, citrus trees, garlic, and onions -- veggies that people love to eat. Just the smell of these plants is enough to keep your dog at bay. The herb, rue, is also a great repellent for dogs and cats, but use it cautiously. Rue can be toxic to people, so while it's OK to plant around your rose bushes, it isn't the right choice for your vegetable garden. 
 
An extra bonus: Many of these same plants, like rue, garlic, and citronella, also repel mosquitoes.
 
Raise the garden

Raised garden beds don’t just look cool, they also serve as a physical barrier to your dog. Fido is unlikely to exert the extra energy to climb up onto raised garden beds to raise a ruckus.
 
These beds also deter those other pet peeves: garden pests like slugs and snails. You'll also have fewer weeds to deal with, and better drainage for your plants.
 
Raised beds can make it easier to maintain your landscape. Another option? Contract out for all your yard work. LawnStarter estimates the cost to hire someone in San Jose for monthly landscape maintenance averages $174 a month.
 
 
Stake it out
 
Don't want to redesign your garden to keep out your Ruff-ian? Keeping your dog out can be as simple as placing some short stakes throughout your vegetable plot. You can also place some prickly branches on the ground or cover the plot with a roll of chicken wire. (This is also great for keeping out the squirrels and bunnies.)
 
None of these methods will harm your garden nor your dog, and they don’t cost much. Fifty feet of chicken wire might cost you about $40.
 
Train your dog to stay out

Teach your dog to respect your garden boundaries -- and that alone could protect your seedlings and tender plants.
 
Depending on how receptive your dog is, you can teach him that the garden is no place for canines. It may be as easy as finding a good series of dog training videos on YouTube or consulting a local dog trainer.
 
Ultrasonic gadgets
 
You won’t be able to hear it, but your dog sure can. A literal dog whistle -- an ultrasonic dog repellent -- will cost you less than $100 and keeps dogs and other animals out of your yard.
 
There are solar-powered gadgets on the market that don’t need a source of electricity or a battery, and it can be a low-maintenance, chemical-free way to keep your four-legged gardener out of the cucumbers and prize roses.
 
Keeping your dog out of the garden can be frustrating, especially if you discover holes that have been dug, or dog waste next to vegetables you planned to put on the dinner table. But one or a combination of these tips can help keep Sam and your fruits and vegetables apart -- and that’s one way to make gardening even more of a pleasure.
 
Kimberly Park grew up on a farm, where she learned to love animals and the great outdoors. As an environmental activist, she has dedicated her life to educating people about gardening and eco-friendly living. She has two beagles and a Siberian husky who know better than to mess with her garden.