Muscadine Wild Grapes is a hardy variety that will thrive in any climate. These grapes were originally grown in the southern United States, mainly in areas with warmer climates. Because they prefer warmer temperatures, this grape was used to make gooseberry wine. The wine is still consumed throughout the world. In fact, many restaurants serve gooseberry wine without the grape skin, which makes it a robust red wine.
There are many culinary uses for Muscadine Grapes. Muscadine Grapes are often incorporated into southern dishes such as gumbo and catfish but can be enjoyed on its own in a glass with some water. You can enjoy it on its own or use it to make an accompaniment to another type of meat dish. It pairs exceptionally well with dark meat, such as game. You may even serve it with duck or turkey. Although it typically pairs well with fish, it can also spice chicken, turkey, or pork dishes.
Other uses for wild grape juice would include things like pickles and relishes. You can buy Muscadine in the store to create your own relish. To add a little more authenticity to your pickles, you can marinade them for hours in salt and spices. Afterward, just heat the pickles and dip them into the wild grape juice for a delicious treat.
Another great way to use wild grape juice is in your cooking. You can take any leftover pieces of fruit from the harvest and freeze them for future use. The pieces of fruit will retain much of their antioxidant power, which makes them a good addition to your diet. When combined with honey and orange juice, you can create a delicious smoothie. It would be great on a cold winter day.
For those who love their meat, you can prepare many savory dishes with wild grape juice. Roasted chicken is a common dish made using juice, as is a fantastic grilled chicken. For an Italian summertime salad, you can cut up tomatoes and romaine lettuce and place them on top of a bowl of mixed greens. Afterwards, throw in some wild grape juice and sprinkle on some balsamic vinegar and you have yourself a tasty meal.
Many desserts can be created with Muscadine. A fudge that is made from dates and sugar is delicious. You can also make a fudge that is made using dates, butter, honey, and molasses. You could even make a fudge that is made using raisins. This would be a spectacular desert.
With all the wonderful things that wild grape juice offers, it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular juices sold today. It can be used for everything from cooking to desserts. It can even be used for making wine. There are various recipes that you can find for use in making wine. It is a healthy drink to be sure.
If you haven’t tried out any Muscadine Wild Grapes, then you should definitely do so. They have incredible flavor. And because they are such a delicate fruit, they are easy to preserve. You can use store-bought jam or jellies for any kind of dessert that you want. It is always fun to experiment with different things.
When people see how well Muscadine Wild Grapes fits into an overall theme of beautiful wine, they will want to try it. If it is just a dessert, you would simply add a fresh sprig of honey to the glass. If you are serving it as a drink, you can place a fresh sprig on top after pouring the juice into glasses. This would give the impression that the wine was actually created at a vineyard.
The amazing flavor of the Wild Grapes of Muscadine Texas comes from the natural ripeness of the grapes. This makes this a unique red wine from Texas. It also has a tangy texture and flavor, which is why so many people are buying it. It goes great with just about anything, whether its appetizers, vegetables, meat, fish, or desserts. One of the reasons it is so popular is because of its price.
The cost of Muscadine Wild Grapes compared to other types of grape juice is very reasonable. Many people compare it to wines that are less than one dollar a bottle. That may seem like an expensive price, but when you consider all the different uses you can put it to, it is well worth the expense. You will never go wrong by drinking this wine, and it would make a great gift for any occasion. If you want to know where you can buy this great-tasting grape juice, the internet is the best place to go. You can find all the information you need to make sure you are getting a quality bottle of wine without paying too much for it.
While writing a quick post about the American Beautyberry, I realize I had never written an article about the good neighbor gardening rule. So, I thought I would take a minute and write a quick post here explaining what that rule is.
As nearly every gardener knows, who grow some form of a vine crop in their vegetable garden or large bush, plants sometimes creep into your neighbor’s yard or hang over your fence or otherwise encroach on your neighbor’s area. And I’ve long had a habit of sharing the vegetables and fruits with the neighbors. So, the good neighbor gardening rule really is, “If it’s on your side of the fence, it’s fair game.”
Over the years, my neighbors have been fortunate enough to inherit such things as Armenian cucumbers, Malabar spinach, pumpkins, mining summer squashes, green beans, and many other crops. Which is fine, he keeps peace with the neighbors, and they get something extra to put on their table. Actually, my neighbors become so comfortable with my garden that once when I was working too many long hours and the runner beans got overloaded, that they would come over and helped themselves to the runner beans. Which is fine, they knew full well that I wouldn’t mind as long as it wasn’t wasted.
So there you have it; the good neighbor rule: “If it’s on your side of the fence and its edible, it’s fair game.” So, help yourself.
The other day the neighbor was asking me if beautyberries were edible, because he’d like to apply the good neighbor gardening rule. I actually hadn’t thought about what the American beautyberries were edible or not and had to look this fact up. Now that I’ve gone to the trouble of looking it up, I thought I would share this small snippet of information for any other gardeners who may be growing beautyberries and their landscape.
Are American native plant edible?
American beautyberries are an American native plant and are edible and can be used in any number of recipes including muffins, cupcakes, jams and preserves, pie, and wine, among other things.
When are American beauty Barry edible?
The American beauty Barry becomes edible in late summer and early fall when they have reached their full mature purplish color. The American beautyberry is known by several names among them are French mulberry, sourbush, bunchberry, and purple beautyberry.
Tepary beans are native to the Americas
and have been planted by the local people for thousands of years. Tepary beans
are creamy and nutty in flavor, and they can be used in any dish. They are
perfect for soups and stews. Though they are small in size, tepary beans are
dense and meaty. They are easily grown in Sunset climate zones. They are rich
in nutrients and grow from 1 to 3 feet tall with a foot spread of 3 to 4 foot.
They are known as the most heat-tolerant crop in the world. They are mostly
planted during summer and monsoon season which produces infrequent rains from
July to August. Let’s see how to grow tepary beans?
Advantages Of Growing
Growing is one of the most popular hobbies in America these days. Growing and gardening are considered the best way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Growing gives the gardener, the ability to experiments with new seeds and new varieties. Growing plants at your home can provide you more control over the quality and longevity of the plants. Growing plants is an art; one can use many different techniques.
Direct Sowing
Direct sowing is also known as direct seeding, which means that you directly start planting seeds in the garden than buying plants and transplanting the plants. Sowing seeds directly do not mean that you just plop some seeds in the ground and leave it for the results. You need to take care of some of the factors before sowing, make sure that the area is weed-free, though there is competition for water and nutrients; it’s quite easy to mistake sprouting weed seed for your flower or vegetables and accidentally pulling out them. Make sure you plant seeds 3 times deep as their circumference is. Some seeds require light to germinate. Then, what you need to do is gently press into the damp soil so that they can make good contact with light and air. Always mark the spot first where you want to sow the seed because you may think you remember, but you don’t so it’s better to mark the spot. Don’t wash the seeds away, water gently. It is crucial to keep the soil moist, but not soaking, until the seeds germinate. Once you have had good germination, continue to pamper the seedlings until they become mature plants.
Growing seedlings
A seedling is a young plant which
develops from a plant embryo from a seed. Development of a seedling starts with
the germination of the seeds.
Deciding the best time to plant your seeds: When
you start your plants too late, it may not have enough time to get mature so
start your plants a little early so that it gets enough time to get mature.
Gather all the supplements you need: Germinating
healthy seeds require quite a few things. First of all, you need seeds, a
seedling tray or a food storage container, a plastic wrap, a small fan, and a
timer. If you have used the supplies before make sure to clean them before
using them again.
Plant your seeds: Before you start planting your
seeds, soak the Rockwool cubes for at least half an hour. Make sure to plant
the appropriate number of seeds based on their crop types.
Ideal Conditions for germination: Once you are
done with the planting of seeds, it’s time to provide them with ideal
conditions for germination. Green leafy seeds and herbs germinate well in the
range of 55-75degree F, whereas fruity crops require upper range. Also, make
sure that you cover the seedling tray with a plastic wrap.
Keep your seedlings healthy: As soon as you see
something green coming out of the seeds, make sure to give them proper light,
especially in winter. If it’s too cold outside to place your plant outside, use
fluorescent bulbs and keep it inches away from your plants.
Strong seeds: Make your seeds strong by
performing some tasks such as set a small fan and gently blow on them, make
sure they get proper sunlight.
Transplanting seedlings
Transplanting the seedlings
should be done with a very gentle hand and not roughly. Use a blunt knife ease
the seedlings without disturbing the preceding seedlings in the line or tearing
out the seedlings.
To transplant, the seeds, loosen
the soil and fill each container with planting mix. Handle seedling by their
leaves and make sure that you do not damage the soft stems of the plants. Poke
a hole into the planting mix and place the seedling over there. Water it right
away and keep it out of direct sunlight for a few days. After 10-11 days the
seedlings are ready to be kept outside.
Insect and pest control
Insect and pest control treatment
for seeds includes the application of pesticide to the surface to reduce or
control the pests. Apply a chemical barrier to the seed so that it can protect
the young seedlings from getting damaged by the insects. You may use systematic
pesticides.
Controlling Diseases and Problems
Tepary beans, in my experience, don’t have many problems and the few they have can be handled like any other garden bean. However, there is one really important thing to remember, which is that tepary beans are a desert bean and are water misers, so, they need minimal water and certainly much less than other traditional garden beans. Actually, tepary beans tends to be more productive and mature earlier if once established and flowering, if they experience some mild lack of water stress.
When are tepary beans ready to harvest ripe?
The days of maturity depends on the cultivator, but can range from 60 – 120 days to harvest as dry beans. Tepary beans are harvested for their dry bean seeds, so don’t get in a hurry to harvest them and let them dry on the plant, if possible.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting of tepary beans seeds a the bean pods dry out. Keep in mind that tepary beans are most a wild beans and will shatter and drop their seeds if left too long. Also, the bean pods will be brittle when dry, so, harvest gently to minimize your bean seed loss. You will want to shuck the bean pods after allowing them to finish drying in a cool try environment to be sure they are completely dry. The dry tepary bean seeds can be stored in a cool place and saved for cooking until the for food purposes for up to five years.
From its name, one would naturally assume that wild rice is a type of rice or just a regular cereal grain. However, this is not the case, because contrary to what its name suggests, wild rice is actually not rice at all. Yes, this “rice” that is full of nutrients is, in fact, the seeds of aquatic wild grass. Wild rice can any of four different species of grass from the genus Zizania. Three of these species are native to North America, while the other one is native to China, Asia. As an aquatic food, it thrives in freshwater lakes, ponds, or even rivers.
How does wild rice
compare to White and brown rice?
White rice is usually
produced after milling. This process removes the bran, germ, and husk, leaving
a refined product with a polished appearance. However, removing these layers
has a direct effect on not only the appearance but also the texture and flavor
of the rice. This, in return, gives it a longer shelf life. Besides that,
milling also greatly affects the nutritional value of the rice, and due to this
depletion, white rice is often enriched with nutrients such as niacin, iron,
and thiamine.
Brown rice doesn’t undergo milling. This means that the only layer that has been removed is the husk while the endosperm, bran, and germ are intact. This removed husk is the reason why there is a wide difference in the nutritional value between white rice and brown rice; with brown rice having a significantly higher nutritional value. Even if white rice is enriched, some nutrients such as magnesium are not added back. Therefore, while white rice has only 19mg of magnesium per cup, long-grain brown rice contains more than 84mg of magnesium per cup. Brown rice also has more nutrients in terms of phosphorus, potassium, folate, and zinc. It also has more fiber and protein content as compared to white rice.
Even though wild rice is
not really rice, its nutritional value is comparable to both white rice and
brown rice. From starters, wild rice has a very high nutritional value since it
is richer in proteins, potassium, folate, zinc, and most of the other vitamin B
complex. It also has more fiber as compared to white rice. However, its fiber
content is almost equal to that of brown rice.
Quick and easy ways
to use Wild rice?
The most obvious way to
use wild rice is to replace rice in soups and salads. Due to its high
nutritional value, wild rice comes with a myriad of benefits. It promotes good
heart health due to its high fiber content. Moreover, it is also easy to
prepare wild rice. The basic ways of cooking wild rice are by either boiling,
steaming, baking, or even cooking it in a microwave.
Other benefits of wild rice
Wild rice can boost energy and increase bone mass. It is also good for boosting your immunity as this makes your body stronger enough to fight diseases and infections. Wild rice might help reduce birth defects due to the high content of B vitamins that are also available in green leafy vegetables. It is also noteworthy that wild rice is gluten-free.
Foraging
Because wild rice is a native food and can still be found in abundance in the wild, wild rice is a nutritious food which can be gathered and stored to add real value and nutrition to your families meals.
Herbs are one of
the fascinating plant species on the planet.
Humans have grown herbs for millennia and eaten herbs from the very beginning of
time. They have added to our lives in several different ways. The humble little
plants have been utilized in the following areas: flavoring food, medicinal remedies,
fragrances, dyes, landscaping, pest control, and industrial uses. In recent years
growing herbs has experienced a giant leap in popularity. One major factor is
that they provide an attractive method of entry into the gardening fraternity
because they are so easy to grow.
There are many
plants that are included in the herb family. This causes a little bit of a challenge
in defining members of the family. The strict botanist school definition of an herb
is that it is a plant that does not form woody tissue. Ergo the name herbaceous
to describe such a plant. Practical herb gardeners are a little more liberal in
their definition of herbs and include plants with flowers, leaves, roots, stems,
or fruits that provide any of the manifestations ascribed to herb plants. These
qualities include ornamental, aromatic, medicinal, culinary, and household uses.
Many plants with woody stems are included in the definition of herbs.
Cultivated types (cultivators) such as thyme, lavender, and rosemary along with vines, trees, and shrubs are in there. Many cultivators are included in the legion
of herb plants on the market today.
Under the right
conditions, herbs are some of the easiest
plants to grow. They can do well in a wide range of growing conditions and soils,
but the key factor is drainage. Herb plants do not like “wet feet,” and they must be planted in well-drained
soil, or they will not live. Richer soils will cause the plants to grow larger stems and roots
rather than the oils which produce the
desired flavors and aromas. When planning an herb garden, consider the native origins
of the herbs to be included in the garden. Herbs originally from the Mediterranean
Sea area will vary in their requirements from East Asia.
Annuals herbs are plants which go through their whole life cycle from seed
to flower, and again to seed in one growing season. Once this happens, the plant dies. If you collect seeds, you can replant in the
same year (e.g., spring and fall), or save and replant the following year. Common
annual herbs are:
Biennials are plants which require two years to complete their life cycle. The top of the herb may die, but the herb will
overwinter with proper protection in most areas, here are a few:
Dill (this herb is a biennial but is normally grown as an
annual.
Perennials herbs, if well cared for, can last for years in the correct climate
conditions. This makes them an excellent
investment in both time and money. Of course, you may end up with more of them
than you could possibly eat, which is the case with all the large rosemary
bushes in my landscape. We use what we want, and the rest look good and attract
pollinators.
In cooler climates, the plant to may die back in the winter and will return in the following spring;
assuming cold temperature do not exceed their tolerances. Perennials herbs will continue growing through
the winter if you live in some of the more temperate zones. Some common perennial
herbs are:
Spices and cooking herbs, herbal and vegetable or fruit seasonings.
Sunflowers seem to have the ability to lift the spirits,
creating a feeling of inner happiness. If you’d like to welcome this vivacious
summer flower into your garden this year, then this home gardener’s guide on
how to grow sunflowers can show you how.
In this home gardeners guide on growing sunflowers you will
learn:
The meaning of
sunflowers
Sunflower origins and
history
Best ways to grow
sunflowers
Sunflower pests and
diseases
How to harvest and
store your sunflower seeds
Sunflowers have long been a children’s favorite, the sheer
size that some varieties can grow to make them fun and exciting. They are
perfect for a little bit of friendly competition to see who can grow the
tallest flower. They are also great for creating a striking floral arrangement
or to add height to the back of a flower border, where they are best grown in
groups. Other than their beauty, sunflowers also provide nutritious seeds that
you can eat or feed to birds and other animals.
The large yellow flower heads of sunflowers with their
bright yellow petals, which so much resemble the sun, are fittingly called
“rays.” There are lots of varieties to choose from, varying in size
from small to giant, and all are fairly easy to grow even for a novice gardener.
Bumblebee On A Sunflower
Why Sunflowers Follow the Sun, their Meaning and
History
Not only are sunflowers very beautiful, but they are also fascinating. There is some confusion about whether or not sunflowers follow the sun and the reason for this may be because they only display their sun following behavior for part of their life and not when they are blooming.
Why Sunflowers Follow the Sun
Young sunflower heads follow the sun across the sky. This
phenomenon is known as “heliotropism.”
Sunflowers contain auxins, which are growth hormones
sensitive to sunlight. Auxins don’t like sunlight and naturally migrate to the
shadiest parts of the plant. As the sun moves, the auxins are continually
driven around the stem causing it to grow a little in each area that they
settle. This causes the head of the sunflower to move, making it appear to
follow the sun.
As the flower heads develop and bloom, they become fixed
facing east, but the heliotropism still makes the flower heads rise up to face
the sun as it rises, which also helps to maximize photosynthesis. Facing east
helps the flower to warm up quickly and attract more pollinating insects.
When the sunflower matures, and seeds start to develop, the
plants no longer display heliotropism and finally droop down due to the weight
of the seed.
Meaning
Sunflowers are a flower of happiness. They symbolize loyalty, devotion, honor, integrity, sincerity, and longevity. It is thought much of this meaning comes from the sunflower’s namesake, the sun. The sun shines down energy in the form of heat and light, while sunflowers provide us with energy by lifting our spirits, and from their nourishing seeds and oils.
An ancient Greek myth about Apollo and the woman who loved
him named Clytie, tells of Apollo spurning Clytie and turning her into a sunflower.
Despite this, she continued to love him which is why sunflowers are symbols of
adoration and loyalty in many parts of the world.
In China, sunflowers symbolize long life and good fortune, due to their imposing size and vibrant color they also symbolize vanity.
In the Native American culture, sunflowers mean harvest and
bounty, because they provide food in the form of seeds & also color
pigments
History
Today sunflowers are prized for their beauty, seeds, and oils, which can be used for beauty and food products. But these large yellow flowers have been the focus of many a famous artist, probably the most famous being Vincent Van Gogh, but Paul Gauguin and Gustav Klimt have also featured this beautiful plant in their paintings.
The name “Sunflower” or correct Latin name “Helianthus”
comes from the Greek words “Helios” which means sun and “Anthos” which means
flower.
Sunflowers have been purposefully grown from around 3,000BC, which has been discovered from sunflower seeds being found at archeological sites. In the United States, sunflowers were cultivated by Native Americans in the Mississippi river valley for their seeds, oil, and fiber and also as a medicine.
When Europeans started to settle in the United States, they
prized the sunflowers they found there and sent seeds back to Europe.
Sunflowers became popular as an ornamental plant in many English cottage
gardens as can be seen in the paintings from Van Gogh’s and his counterparts.
Sunflowers also gained great popularity in Russia, because their oil could be eaten without breaking their strict religious dietary laws. Russian growers in the 20th Century started to breed selectively to maximize the plants’ oil content and make it more disease resistant.
By the 1960s specially selected sunflower cultivars were
being grown commercially in the United States on an industrial scale, mostly to
produce vegetable oil.
Sunflowers remain a popular commercial crop in many parts of
the world, as the oil has many uses, from cooking and cosmetics to biofuel.
How to Grow Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a hardy plant and will grow even in relatively poor soils. They can tolerate a soil pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 quite happily and are drought resistant due to their ancestry growing on the vast American prairies. They do not however like waterlogged soil, so if you are in a heavy clay area you may have to do some soil modification to prevent this problem.
Varieties
There are a vast number of sunflower varieties for you to
choose from. Sunflowers don’t just come in yellow either, there are also other
color options available to try too. Here are a few varieties to illustrate
this:
Tall Sunflowers
Skyscraper – A very large sunflower with petals of around 14 inches in length. It can grow to 12 feet in height and has a large seed head.
American Giant – really lives up to its name featuring a large seed head and growing to heights of around 15 feet it can also span up to a foot in width!
Russian Mammoth – Is an easy to grow specimen with large seed head, which is popular at county fairs because of its height of 12 feet.
Dwarf Sunflowers
Dwarf sunflowers are generally more popular for garden ornamental displays of for flower arrangements. They grow to a maximum height of three feet and look great in bunches.
Little Becka – This sunflower could also be classed in our next category of colored sunflowers, but it is also a dwarf variety growing to only one or two feet in height. It has deep orange petals with yellow tips and will add a vibrant splash of color to any garden or arrangement.
Sundance Kid – Was one of the first sunflower varieties to be domesticated. It is unusual as it has multi-layered petals with a small seed head. It stands at about one to two feet in height.
Sunny Smile – Is a perfect miniature of one of the larger sunflower varieties, with a large seed head for its size it can grow from 12 to 15 inches in height. It has particularly stout stalks and can take abuse from pets and children in the garden.
Colored Sunflowers
Hybridizing sunflowers has created some amazing colored
varieties, perfect for adding a splash of color to your flower arrangements or
garden borders.
Earthwalker – features a golden halo around its large seed head, which turns to deep reds.
Terracotta– has colors perfect for fall, ranging from burnt orange, golds and deep yellow.
Ms. Mars – has beautiful red and purple hues that graduate to subtle yellow at the tips.
Sowing Seeds
The best way to grow sunflowers is by planting the seeds
directly into the soil where they are to be grown. The seeds can be sown as
soon as any danger of frost has passed in the spring, or you can start them
indoors in individual pots. The small peat pots are useful for this purpose as
they biodegrade. Ideally, the outdoor soil temperature should be between 55-
and 60-degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
To plant the seeds outdoors:
Make a shallow trench
in the soil of about 1 ½ to 2 inches in depth. If you are going to be growing
several rows, then the rows should be around 2 to 3 feet apart to allow the
plants to gain maximum light as they grow.
Place a seed
approximately every 6 inches if you are growing the larger headed seed
varieties. For smaller varieties, used for flower arranging or decorative
planting, space them closer together a minimum of 2 inches apart.
Place the soil back
over the seeds and water gently so you don’t wash them away. The soil should be
kept lightly damp, not wet, you can test this by digging your finger down
alongside the seed trench to make sure the soil is damp and not dry or wet.
The seedling sprouts
should appear between 7 and 10 days after sowing.
Once the seedlings have
acquired their second set of leaves, they should be thinned out to 2 feet for
larger headed plants and 1 foot for smaller ones.
Depending on growing
conditions and seed variety, the plants will mature in 80 to 120 days.
If you wish to prolong
your sunflower season, sow a new row of seeds every two to three weeks until
the first frosts in the autumn. By doing this you can enjoy beautiful flowers
throughout the summer months.
If you want to start your seeds off indoors, fill your peat pots or seed trays with multi-purpose compost and sow an individual seed into each one. Keep moist, not wet. When your seeds have germinated allow the seedlings to grow their second set of leaves then transfer them into larger pots. Keep them in a warm sunny place and when they reach 12 inches you can plant them in the garden or put them into large ornamental pots to place on a patio or deck. Make sure that the pot you select will be big enough to allow the root ball to grow sufficiently, or you will stunt the growth of your sunflowers.
Plant Care
Unless your soil is of particularly poor quality, your sunflowers shouldn’t require fertilizing. If you do want to give them a boost, it is best to add a slow release granular fertilizer to the soil. Over-fertilizing can cause a delay in blooming.
The root ball will spread quite widely, which helps make the
plant stable and fairly drought tolerant. Because sunflowers hate having their
roots in waterlogged soil, it is best to water deeply every two to three days,
giving the soil time to drain in between.
If you have particularly heavy clay soil, you may need to add soil amendments in the form of organic matter. Clay soil is generally nutrient-rich, so fertilizer shouldn’t be necessary. Another option is to create raised beds where you can use compost and grass trimmings to create a light, nutrient-rich soil.
Adding a layer of mulch to about 2 to 3 inches in depth
around your sunflowers will help discourage weeds and helps retain moisture
lost through evaporation. This can be useful in warmer areas or in sandy soils
where the soil becomes dry quickly.
Sunflower do not generally require staking, but if you live
in an area that is prone to wind, then it can be advisable as a precaution,
particularly if you are growing very tall varieties with large seed heads.
If you are growing sunflowers for their height, there is no
need to pinch them out. If however, you are growing them to use in floral
arrangements, pinching out will stunt the growth of the plant and cause it to
produce a lot more blooms, which can be beneficial. Pinching out is the process
of removing the growing tip of the plant when it reaches about 8 to 10 inches
in height, you can do it by pinching the tip with your thumb and forefinger.
As your sunflowers start producing seeds, the local wildlife
will take full advantage. That is unless you take precautions to prevent this.
If you enjoy watching the birds and squirrels feast on the bounty provided by
your sunflowers that’s fine, but if you want to use the seeds for yourself you will
need to cut the heads off when they droop and allow them to dry before removing
the seeds.
Deer can be a big problem as they are rather partial to the
tasty young leaves on a sunflower. You can use chicken wire supported by sturdy
6-foot bamboo stakes to deter them.
Harvesting A Mature, Dry, Sunflower
Harvesting
As the sunflowers heads droop and no longer turn upward to
face the sun and the underside of the flower head turns from green to brown,
they will be ready to harvest.
Remove the seed head leaving a foot of stem still attached.
Hang them somewhere warm and dry and ensure they have plenty of ventilation.
Hanging them helps prevent rodents from reaching them. Allow them to dry out
for several weeks and when they are completely dry you will be able to easily
remove the seeds by rubbing two sunflower heads together, you can also use your
fingers or a kitchen fork. Spread the seeds out on a tray and allow them to dry
for a few more days before storing them in airtight containers. Glass mason
jars are perfect for this purpose. Keep them in a cool dark place to retain the
oils and flavor of the seeds.
Be aware that all parts of the sunflower give off growth
inhibiting substances that can affect other plants. For this reason, keep them
away from pole beans or potatoes.
Chipmunk Eating Sunflower
Pests and Disease
Sunflowers are quite hardy, but they can sometimes become
infected by fungal disease including rust and mildew.
Mildew – The oldest leaves are generally the first to become infected. The mildew appears on the underside of the leaves causing them to turn mottled and pale before withering and eventually dying. Warm humid days combined with cool damp nights are the favorite conditions for mildew. It spreads its spores in soil, wind, and rain and can also contaminate garden tools.
Rust – This
disease causes yellow or white spots that gradually turn dark brown or black.
The spots appear on the tops of the leaves. It can spread to the entire plant
and can be contracted from weeds, including shepherd’s purse, wild mustard,
lamb’s quarters and pigweed.
To get rid of these diseases keep a careful eye out as
catching them early is preferable. Treat by spraying with a garden fungicide
and follow the directions given on the label. It is best to burn badly affected
plants to stop the disease from spreading to healthy ones. Ensure you disinfect
your garden tools, this can be done by dipping them in a mixture of 4 parts
water to 1-part household bleach. Ensure you don’t cross contaminate plants
with your hands or garden gloves, keep them clean.
Sunflower Moth – This small grey moth will lay its eggs on the developing sunflower blossoms. The caterpillars are a yellow-green color with 5 brown stripes across their backs. They will feed within the flower head and this destroys the seeds. Remove any caterpillars you find and squash them before disposing of them. If the plant has become infected, you can dust it with a product that contains Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) this is a bacterium that kills the caterpillars. Bt is destroyed by sunlight and rain so it can be necessary to treat the plants several times. Follow the directions given on the label.
Conclusion
Growing sunflowers can be great fun and these beautiful
happy blooms give pleasure not only when they are flowering but also afterward
with their seeds and oil.
Sunflowers can be grown to give height in a garden border, or to create a colorful focal point. They are good for using in floral displays and with the colored varieties, you can now find even more sunflowers to fit your color scheme.
The main reason for sunflower growing around the world is
for their seeds, oils and plant fibers which have great commercial value.
Whatever your reason is for growing sunflowers I hope that
you enjoy it and have great success in your endeavors.
I want to thank you
for buying this book, ‘Growing Epazote –
A Home Gardener’s Guide’ and I hope you will find it informative and
useful.
Gardening is a
pleasurable and enjoyable hobby. It is also one of those hobbies that require a
lot of patience. However, the results are exquisite. It is one of the rare
hobbies in which you need to deal with real living things and take care of
them. Gardeners love their plants and consider them to be their friends.
Nowadays many
gardeners, old and new, are looking out for certain plants and shrubs that were
once considered to be weeds. While these plants held special places in various
cultures, due to commercialization, their invasive nature and lack of
information regarding them had deemed them as weeds. However, most of these
plants and shrubs are not only beautiful, but they have various beneficial
properties as well. Such a plant, which is often considered to be a weed, is
epazote.
Epazote is an
ancient plant that holds a significant place in Latin American culture.
Nowadays, more and more people want to grow epazote thanks to its pungent but
exciting flavor and its anti-flatulence properties. If you are one of these
people, this book will help you grow epazote in no time.
Epazote is quite
easy to grow which is why even new and amateur gardeners won’t have any
problems growing it. Read on to find out how to introduce this delicious herb
into your garden right away!
I hope you will use
the information provided in this book to make your home and garden greener and
your food tastier.
Before moving on to
growth and care tips regarding epazote, it is first necessary to understand the
plant itself. This chapter will briefly explain the various properties,
qualities and certain warnings regarding growing, using and consuming epazote.
Epazote is a commonly grown herb crop in the Yuma area. However, the percentage of growers who grow this crop is quite small. Not many people are aware of Epazote ‘s popularity and importance. Epazote is a leafy vegetable that is often used as an herb for its pungent flavor. It is either used raw or is often cooked along with various other ingredients. It is extremely pungent and resinous. It tastes a bit like fennel, anise or tarragon. However, the taste is much stronger. The fragrance is strong too and it is difficult to describe, as it does not match any other scent.
Epazote sounds like
rather an exotic name. However, it is still better than various other names
that this herb has. Some people call it goosefoot, pigweed, skunkweed or wormseed.
These names are not random, as epazote comes from the Aztec words ‘epatl’ and
‘tzol.’ These two words taken together roughly translate to smelly animal.
Other, far better names include Mexican. People rarely refer to it as
Chenopodium ambrosioides either. As mentioned earlier, epazote holds a dear and
special place in the Central American and Latin American culture. It is
commonly used in Guatemalan and Central American cuisines.
As mentioned in the
section above, epazote is extremely strong and pungent which is why people
often consider it to be an acquired taste. Some people complain of it being too
bitter with slight hints of lemon. Certain people tend to replace epazote with
Mexican oregano, which is often found to be more palatable for fussy eaters.
However, no herb or ingredient can replace epazote and its pungent but
appetizing taste.
Different parts of
the epazote have different flavors. However, only the leaves of the plant are fit
for human consumption. Other parts can prove to be toxic and must be avoided.
Young leaves of the plant are richer yet milder in flavor as compared to the
older leaves. The flavor becomes more and more intense with age.
Epazote is suitable
for tropical as well as sub-tropical climatic conditions. If grown properly it
can grow over 3 feet. It is often discarded as a weed in places like Mexico and
the USA. It is invasive and a rapid grower and it is possible that you may
already have some in your garden, or a local park, though if you plan to
consume epazote, it is recommended to plant a new one only for consumption. Do
not use leaves from your park or any other public place.
While the main
concern of this book is to help you grow epazote, it is always better to try
some out before choosing to grow it. Epazote is commonly available in many
Hispanic and Latin Markets. It is available in dry as well as fresh forms. If
fresh epazote is not available, dry epazote can be used and is every bit as
tasty. Dry epazote is available on various e-commerce sites.
Epazote is a hardy
plant and thus storing it is easy. However, as it is an herb, it is perishable,
and thus care must be taken to keep Epazote fresh. Whether you grow epazote or
whether you buy fresh Epazote from the market, always take care of the leaves
to make them last longer. You should store the fresh stems in a tumbler of
fresh water. If you do not want to keep it out in the open, you can keep it
wrapped in some moist paper towels and then keep them in the refrigerator. One
stem of fresh epazote is about one teaspoon of dried epazote.
Epazote has various
uses, and thus many people want to grow it nowadays.
Traditionally, epazote has been used to flavor beans and for the carminative properties of epazote. It is often used to flavor other Mexican dishes, such as squash flower quesadillas, as well. For instance, epazote can be used to season soups, quesadillas, eggs, and potatoes, mole de olla and enchiladas.
You will be
surprised to know that epazote has been used for thousands of years. The
ancient Aztecs used it to flavor their cooking and for its various medicinal
benefits.
Epazote can be used to treat hookworms, roundworms, amebic dysentery, small tapeworms, excess mucus, and asthma as well.
Externally, it can
be used to treat insect bites and athlete’s foot. It also has insecticidal
properties and can be used against mosquitoes and insect larvae.
Epazote is a strong
laxative and has various laxative properties. With the help of these
properties, it can stop the functioning of parasites and can halt their
advancement in the intestines. It has been used as an essential oil since the
nineteenth century in diluted and concentrated forms. In the 20th century,
pharmaceutical companies started isolating and using it too.
People also use
fresh epazote leaves to create wall hangings, floral decorations, etc. You can
create wreaths, dried floral decorations, etc. Always be careful while using
and handling dried leaves and seeds of epazote as they may irritate the skin.
The seeds are known to cause various reactions including dermatitis etc. to
people who are sensitive to spicy foods and spices.
Epazote, while
delicious, is a risky condiment just like cinnamon. The risk can be minimized
if you know how to use it. Some people believe that epazote’s taste is
addictive. However, it is recommended to avoid epazote in large quantities.
Only add a couple of leaves to your food to bring out its flavors. If you want
to add dried leaves, then add according to the recipe. If you are not sure how
to use epazote, you may need to talk to your Latin American friends.
Now you must be
wondering where to find epazote, or you must be excited about growing it in
your garden. Find out more about how to grow epazote in your garden, home or
even in water in the following chapters.
Epazote In Raised Bed With Cilantro In The Background
Epazote is delicious as well as a beautiful plant that can make your garden look fresh and green and your foods are tastier. If you love the taste of epazote, it is best to grow it in your garden to ensure a steady supply.
Growing your
epazote is simple. Epazote has large serrated leaves, and it also gives out
flowers with tiny green balls. It is recommended to consume only the leaves of
the plant. The plant is an annual, and its leaves can be used as an insecticide
as well. If you crush the leaves and spread it on paths, it can make ants go
away. Dry epazote can be used to get rid of ants as well. While only leaves are
fit for human consumption, some people also like to add thin stems of leaves to
their food. If you do decide to use the stems, pulverize them and let them cook
for a long time.
Epazote grows well
in all seasons if you live in a tropical or sub-tropical region. However, if
you live in any other region then it is best to plant epazote in spring after
the ‘dangerous’ frosts are long gone. Epazote needs slightly high temperature
throughout the day. The temperature should reach at least 50 degrees. Any less
and the growth will not be satisfactory. Always grow epazote in well-drained
soil and full sunlight.
Epazote seeds are
small and thus should not be sown too deep. It is recommended to sow them at
the surface of the soil. If you live in a windy zone, sow them at 1/16-inch
depth. Always keep the soil warm and moist as it helps germination. As said in
the last section, the temperature should be around 50 degrees. Epazote grows
quickly and can be invasive and it is therefore recommended to allow the area
some growing space. If you are not comfortable with the plant taking over your
garden, only plant it in containers. This way you will be able to keep it under
control.
For subtropical and
tropical regions, you can sow epazote seeds throughout the year. For people who
live in moderate zones, seeds can be sown in mid-spring when the temperatures
are moderately high. Seeds germinate and grow in about 2-4 weeks. Some plants
may even grow fully and be ready for harvest in a month or two. If you sow
seeds over a stretched period, you will be able to ensure a long harvest. Sow
the seeds throughout the spring.
As epazote is
native to tropical regions, it grows the best in zones 2-7. It may even grow up
to 2 to 4 feet. If you live in colder regions, it is recommended to grow it in
containers so that you can bring it in if the temperature drops out of the
blue.
Do not plant seeds
in loamy soil. Always sow them where the roots will not be submerged in water
for long. Sun is crucial for good flavor.
Epazote grows the
best outside, as it requires high temperature and direct sunlight. However, it
can also be grown indoors in soil as well as water.
If you want to sow
epazote indoors, do it in a place that receives ample sunlight. Windowsills and
balconies are the best places for growing epazote. Seeds can be either started
in growing medium, tissues or soil as well. Once the seedlings are ready, you
can transfer them to containers containing growing media or soil. You can also
transfer them to containers containing water. Epazote can grow well in water
that is replenished with nutrients sparingly.
It is recommended
to grow epazote for at least 4-6 weeks before moving them outside (if you want
to). If you do not want to grow them outside at all, you may continue to grow
them on windowsills.
While epazote can
grow in water, their growth will not be as satisfactory as epazote grown
outside in the soil.
Epazote plants are
medium length shrubs and can grow up to 4 feet. They have reddish stems with
dark green, serrated leaves. They are about 9-10 inches wide.
Epazote leaves are
bright, dark green and come out of the reddish stem of the mature plant. They
have serrated edges, i.e., edges that look like teeth. They can also produce
tiny flowers that grow right with the stems. These flowers then grow into
seedpods.
Epazotes are rapid
growers and quickly gain their standard height of about 4ft. If you
continuously harvest the tip of the plant after every couple of weeks, the
plant will continue to grow and get more and bushy as well. This will also
allow you to harvest the herb throughout the growing season.
Epazotes do the
best in warm weather where the temperature does not drop below 50 very often.
Do not water the plants too much and a dense watering thrice a week is
sufficient. If it does not rain, you may increase the watering. Do not use a
forceful stream or pressurized water to water the plant, as its stem is often
quite delicate. Do not over water or it will lead to root-rot.
Epazote naturally
has almost no pests as the texture of the plant and the scent of the leaves act
as a deterrent to parasites and pests all over. Epazote can also help you to
get rid of pests from other plants, as pests will leave any area where epazote
grows.
Crushing and
spreading leaves of epazote plant can help you get rid of annoying pests like
ants etc. from your house.
Some people
say that it’s not worth drying Epazote because it loses its flavor when dried, but I disagree. While the flavor
may not be as intense as a fresh bunch from the garden, there is still plenty
of culinary use for dried Epazote in everyday cooking.
There
are several ways of drying Epazote which include
To oven dry
your Epazote, preheat oven to 250-300 degrees F.
Lightly coat a cookie sheet with baking spray to help with sticking. Strip the leaves
off the stems of the Epazote and spread the leaves in one layer on the cookie
sheet. Let, the leaves dry out in the oven for 20-30 minutes, check once. You
just want the leaves to lose the fresh green look. Take them out of the oven and
cool on the cookie sheet. Use a spatula to scrape off the cookie sheet, and
slightly crumble the leaves. Put in an airtight jar and store with spices, use when
needed! These will last as long as any other dried herb.
Wash,
the Epazote under cool, running water and dry it thoroughly, but gently, with a
paper towel.
Gather
the Epazote together and tie the stem ends together with a string for them to be used immediately.
Hang the
Epazote bunch in a dry area until all the water evaporates from the leaves of
the herb.
Place
the bunch upside down in a paper bag. Tie the paper bag closed and poke several
holes in the bag with the tip of a knife to allow for ventilation.
Hang the
bag in a warm, dry area that is not in direct sunlight.
Open the bag and check the herbs every few days to see if the
Epazote is sufficiently dry. The herb should feel crisp and crumble easily in
your hand, with no areas of moisture. It should take about one to two weeks to properly
dry your Epazote.
Tips:
Keeping
the Epazote in a bag while it dries allows the leaves to drop into the bag rather
than onto the floor or counter.
Store the
dried Epazote in a sealed, airtight container.
Dried Epazote
tastes best when added to cooked dishes as opposed to salsas or salads.
Select
Epazote for drying that has fresh, healthy leaves; avoid Epazote with wilted
leaves.
Store
fresh Epazote until you are able to dry it by placing the stems in 1 inch of water
and covering the plant with a plastic bag. Fresh Epazote should keep in the refrigerator
for up to one week.
Soak your
Epazote herbs in a bowl of water. After they have
soaked for a few minutes, put the leaves
in a salad spinner or large dish towel and give it a twirl. This helps
to make the leaves as dry as possible.
Next,
remove the stems of the herbs. Some people prefer to dry their herbs without
removing the stems; it is a matter of personal preference. Once the leaves are completely dry,
the stems will be minimal, so you decide what’s best. If you plan to grind the dried
leaves into powder, the stems will not make a difference.
Once you’ve cleaned and dried the Epazote leaves, lay them on
dehydrator trays in a single layer. It is okay to have the leaves touch. They
will not stick together when they are dried.
You should process these in your favorite dehydrator at 110°
for approximately 1 to 3 hours. They dry fairly quickly
so keep an eye out. You’ll know they are done when
the leaves are crisp and crumble between your fingers.
Open Storage Jar of Home Dried Epazote
How to store dehydrated Epazote
To store dehydrated Epazote, place the dried Epazote in an
airtight container and keep in a cool, dark, dry place for the best flavor and color.
Use the leaves within a year. Keep the leaves whole; they have
a longer shelf life than ground herbs. For the best flavor crush or grind the leaves
just before using.
Dried Epazote lasts as long as two years, and you don’t have to
worry about freezer burn or other problems that occur when freezing food.
If you have the freezer space or happen to
have a second freezer as we did for many years, freezing is a good way to
preserve Epazote, which, also, has the benefit of retaining more of the original
flavor of Epazote then drying does.
There are three basic methods for freezing Epazote:
The Ice Cube Method
The Vacuum Sealer Method,
and
The Cookie Sheet
Method
Frozen cubes of herbs
Ice Cube Method
One way of freezing Epazote is to add the
leaves or parts of leaves to ice cube trays in water or broth before freezing.
This method is useful for adding small quantities to recipes, especially soup,
stews, and casseroles.
Equipment Required:
Salad Spinner or two
clean spongy kitchen towels
Kitchen
shears or sharp knife and cutting board
Ice
Cube Trays
measuring
spoons
Ingredients:
Entire leaf or hacked Epazote
Fresh faucet water
Pick through the fresh Epazote
and dispose of damaged leaves. Spin drying or pat dry between two kitchen
towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
Strip off the leaves
from the stem.
Dice the Epazote and
add to ice cube trays.
Fill every compartment with
leaves.
Top off with filtered water
or broth and place in the freezer.
When
the ice cubes have frozen, remove the Epazote cubes.
Store
in water
and air-proof freezer bag or container in your freezer.
This method preserves more color and flavor
by keeping the leaves sealed.
Equipment Required:
Vacuum sealer with
proper bag material
Salad Spinner or clean
spongy kitchen towels
Kitchen shears or sharp
knife
Method:
Wash and gently spin dry
or gently pat dry with kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
Cut or remove the stems
Make a bag large enough
to hold the Epazote leaves and allow some headspace between the herb and the seal.
Label bag with herb
name and date it.
Place herbs into the
bag.
Vacuum
seal the bag.
Place
flat in the freezer. After the bags have frozen solid, they can be put away
upright or stacked to save space.
The Cookie Sheet Method
This method is in common use as most homes
still do not have vacuum sealers in their kitchens. The cookie sheet method, also,
preserves more color and flavor than drying Epazote.
Equipment Required:
Air tight freezer bag
or plastic freezer containers
A cookie sheet or sheet
pan which will fit on your freezer shelves
Salad Spinner or clean
spongy kitchen towels
Kitchen shears or sharp
knife
Method:
Wash and gently spin
dry or gently pat dry with kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
Cut or remove the stems
Label bag with herb
name and date it.
Line the cookie sheet with
parchment paper
Spread the Epazote leaves
on top of the parchment paper
Spread the leaves on a
parchment paper lined cookie sheet (not touching one another) in successive
layers of parament paper and Epazote. For best results, at most three to five
layers are recommended.
You can place a final
layer of parchment paper and top with a second cookie sheet to gently press the
leaves flat.
Let the leaves freeze a
few hours or overnight.
Once the leaves are
thoroughly frozen, quickly remove the leaves from the cookie sheet, and
parchment paper, and pack the Epazote leaves loosely inside small freezer bags
or freezer containers for long-term storage.
How long can Epazote stored in
the freezer?
If properly stored, it will
maintain the best quality for about 4 to 6 months but will remain safe beyond
that time.
Thank you for
buying this book, and I hope you found it useful and interesting.
Gardening is a fun
way to relax and enjoy the beautiful and often tasty results of your hard work.
Epazote is a brilliant starter plant for everyone who is interested in growing
herbs and is an amateur gardener. It is easy to grow and care for the plant and
can be grown anywhere.
Epazote is quite
potent, and only a small amount is needed to make your dish pop! This means you
can grow a couple of plants, and they will last you throughout the season. If
you are new to the taste of epazote, use it in various quantities to find one
that suits and soothes your taste buds. Remember, it is always better to add less
spice than more as it is possible to make up for less but removing more is
almost impossible.
I have very distinct memories of Juniper shrubs from my youth in Eastern Oregon where we just called hem Junipers. It was not until I arrived in Texas, where everyone calls Them Cedars that I even realize they were cedars. Junipers shrubs are ubiquitous across the arid regions of the United States.
Description Of A Juniper
The Juniper (Juniperus communis ), also known as cedar, this treelike shrub which , depending on variety, can grow to a height of 20 feet or more and a width of 20 feet,
Junipers have tiny, scaly evergreen leaves that are densely crowded on the branches. A Junipers berrylike cones are usually blue and whitish wax coated.
Where Do Juniper Shrubs grow?
Junipers grow in open, semi-arid, places throughout the throughout North America, Europe, and Southwest Asia.
Juniper Berries
What Are The Edible Parts Of A Juniper?
The berries of juniper are edible raw.
Juniper twigs can be consumed as a tea.
Dried and crushed berries are good for seasoning meat.
The seeds can be roasted as a substitute for coffee.
Bamboos is a member of the grass family and is one of the largest members of the grass family. There are about 1,000 species of bamboo, of which more than a hundred are edible.
Life Span
Bamboos are a set of woody-evergreen that’s perennial.
Vine – a climbing or trailing herbaceous plant (Liana – a climbing or trailing woody plant)
Trees – having a single central axis
Shrub – having several more or less upright stems
Hardiness
bamboo can be found in diverse climates, from cold mountains to tropical climate. However, in the United States, geographic locations best suited for bamboo would normally be determined by your geographic locations hardiness zone.
They are found in diverse climates, from cold mountains to tropical climates. In the United States bamboo can be grown from hardiness zone five and above. Basically, this means US hardiness zones 5 through 10.
Appearance
Bamboo is a tall treelike grass with woody ring-stems, called culms, which grow in branching groups coming from a thick rhizome underground stem. Among the edible species, the size and shape of the shoots vary.
Bamboo used as food
Yes, bamboo may be eaten. Bamboo shoots and young tips are the most commonly eaten portion of the plant and are eaten as cooked vegetables. However, the seeds may also be eaten like a grain in those rare time in which bamboo flowers. The seeds may be boiled, ground, or mix in cooking foods like other seeds. If you are looking for creative ways to use bamboo shoots in your cooking please see Asian cuisines, because bamboo shoots are frequently used in their recipes.
How to prepare bamboo shoots for eating
bamboo shoots must be thoroughly cooked before being consumed regularly. To prepare your shoots for eating they must be peeled and cooked, normally, boiled for 20 minutes or more.
Caution: if you’re going to use bamboo as food please make sure that it is cooked thoroughly to prevent unintended poisoning.
Bamboo Uses in the Kitchen
bamboo can be used in the kitchen and a number of ways which is only limited by your creativity. Among the common ways of using bamboo in the kitchen are:
as utensils (e.g. chopsticks)
as cooking utensils (e.g. steamers)
as food wraps to cook food in, normally, this is where the leaves are used.
Bamboo used as paper
Pulped-fibres of a little bamboo species, mainly Dendrocalamus strictus and also Bambusa bamboos, are widely used to make fine quality paper.
Use Of bamboo as wood, building and construction material
The jointed stems of bamboo have many possible uses that are numerous the biggest stems provide planks for houses and rafts, while both large and tiny stems tend to be lashed collectively to make the scaffoldings used on building construction internet sites.
How to obtain bamboo as food
Commercial availability
Bamboo is readily available in the marketplace and can be readily obtained online, in your local Asian market or the specially second section of most local grocers.
Bamboo shoots as forage food
However, it is also a forage food if you happen to have a stand of bamboo freely available to you of the correct type. Actually, there are two or three stands here in Texas near where I live, which with the landowner’s permission could be forged in the spring for bamboo shoots.
Grow your own bamboo for food
Growing your own bamboo for food may well be the best way to ensure you have the correct variety for eating, but may take some management to ensure that they don’t spread too far.
How to start A bamboo
while bamboo may be grown from seed, bamboo seeds are not normally readily available. Therefore, it is much easier to obtain a living plant from a friend or from a commercial source and plant that in your prepared area. Once established, bamboo will provide a perennial source of food year after year, provided it is suitable for your geographic location. I would avoid planting it too close to structures such as your house or outbuildings. Bamboo does and will spread and planting it too close to other structures you care about could cause problems later.
Bamboos is a fast-growing in some species can grow as much as an inch in a day. To grow grown bamboo:
Bamboo should be spaced less than six feet apart to create a screen or a small dense cluster.
Use garden compost or manure to your workplace into the earth around your new bamboo growing.
water regularly during the first growing season, this includes winter while the ground is still not frozen.
