Edamame Growing

Try your hand at growing edamame, an ancient Asian veggie that boasts terrific flavor and nutrition. Edamame is a Japanese word that translates “beans on branches,” which describes the way that this vegetable-type soybean grows: The pods appear in bunches on branched, bushy plants. Unlike livestock-type soybeans, which are tough and oily and allowed to dry on the plants before harvest, edamame offers a tender, toothsome bite and is picked before pods fully ripen. The flavor tastes like a cross between a pea and lima bean.

You eat edamame beans, not pods. Simply squeeze the pod between your fingers, pushing the sweet, nutty beans into your mouth. Each pod yields two or three beans packed with high-quality protein, along with calcium, fiber, vitamin A and isoflavones (health-enriching, disease-fighting compounds). Plants are a cinch to grow, as they’re heat-tolerant and attract few pests.

Edamame and cold weather do not mix, so wait to plant until all danger of frost has passed. Plants demand warm soil, much like basil or tomatoes. Don’t plant seedlings until soil is above 55° F. Edamame plants tolerate diverse conditions, including drought, light shade, and clay soil. You’ll see best yields when plants grow in full sun, tucked into compost-enriched soil with plenty of moisture.

Space edamame 12 to 18 inches apart if you have enough area in the garden, as wider spacing allows more sunlight to reach each plant, often resulting in higher yields. This veggie adapts well to intensive cultivation, though, and you can sow plants as little as 4 inches apart. When edamame matures, all pods on a plant are ready at the same time. To enjoy a long harvest season, use the succession planting technique: Plant a few edamame plants every week or two to ensure fresh beans throughout the growing season.

After planting, keep soil moist until plants are established, then water only when soil is dry. Note, though, that while edamame tolerates drought-like conditions, you’ll get the best harvest with the fattest, most numerous pods when plants receive consistent moisture. Feed your plants with Bonnie Herb, Vegetable & Flower Plant Food at planting and as they start to flower.
Keep weeds down while seedlings are small. Once plants mature, their bushy growth helps shade out weeds. Apply mulch when plants are roughly 4 to 6 inches tall. Choose an organic mulch, such as compost, finely ground leaves, weed-free hay, or finely ground bark. Apply a 1-inch-thick layer over soil, leaving a little space around the plant stems.

Edamame plants tend to grow to about two or three feet high—larger than bush bean plants. Plants may flop over, especially if they’re growing in an area subject to wind and heavy rains, so give them some support. Drive stakes into the soil at both ends of each row, then run a string between the stakes. (You may need two levels of string to keep plants upright.)

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Sage Growing

This is another herb that doubles as a durable landscape plant in this area. Very drought resistant; it can be killed by overwatering. Sage is best started from transplants or cuttings, but can be started from seed. There are many varieties of sage available, including Garden, Golden, Blue, Pineapple, Tri-color, and Clary. All can be used in cooking. Sage leaves should always be dried before using. Sage is a must in stuffing for poultry. Roast it with pork, add to butter and saute chicken in it. Goes well in egg and cheese dishes. Try a little crumbled dry sage over a bowl of blackeyed peas. Dried leaves will keep their flavor for years.

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Best Herbs for Spring

Spring Herbs

These herbs may thrive in cooler temperatures, but some seeds, such as those of parsley, can take up to a month to germinate, especially in cold spring soils. Soaking the seeds overnight and planting in raised beds will help speed germination of direct-sown seeds.

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Growing the Hop Bine

Humulus, or hop, is frequently referred to as a hop vine. This is technically incorrect as the species H. lupulus of Humulus is technically a "bine". Bines have significant stems with stiff hairs that aid in their ability to climb while vines use suckers or tendrils to attach themselves to surfaces. Hop bines grow from rhizomes, which are also known as rootstocks or creeping rootstocks. A rhizome is essentially a stem of a plant that most commonly grows underground, along which roots and stems sprout along its length. When a rhizome is cut into individual pieces, each of those pieces, properly cared for, should grow into a new plant in a process called vegetative reproduction.

Hop rhizomes are only available during a short period of time each year, most usually during March and April, which is when hop farms dig up the rhizomes, package them, and ship them to retailers. There are a multitude of varieties, and you are often encouraged to pre-order them due to fluctuating availability and demand. Keep hop rhizomes refrigerated and well ventilated, but not frozen, until you are ready to plant them outside.

Hop bines are best planted with a southern exposure, but an east or west facing area will do as well in a pinch, except that your hop cones will probably not grow as large. A light, well draining soil is best with a soil pH in the 6.0 to 8.0 range will work best. Hop bines like organic nutrients including composted manures or blends of slow release nutrients including cottonseed meal, bone meal, rock phosphate, greenhsand, etc. mixed into the planting hole when planting.

If you are growing a mix of varieties, plant them at least 5 feet apart from each other to prevent them from getting tangled up with each other. Alternatively, if you are growing a single variety, you can plant them closer to 3 feet apart. It is also important to factor how you will support your vines when choosing a planting site.

Since hops prefer to climb, you should plant your hop bines close to a fence or wall, or rig posts, along the tops of which you can run line, which will enable you to support multiple vines (see image below).

The rhizome can be planted in the ground in either a vertical or horizontal configuration. If the rhizome has already begun to bud, be sure to plant it so that the buds are pointing skyward. Cover the rhizome with approximately one inch of soil when planting.

Consistent watering is imperative for the first season of your hop bines as the root system has not fully developed in the first year. However, you do want the soil to dry out as continual overwatering can result in the rhizome rotting. The best way to water is to soak them thoroughly, allow the ground to go completely dry, then soaking the area again, repeating this cycle during the first full growing season. Minor additions of organic nutrients throughout the season will ensure the healthy growth of your bines.

Hop cones will be ready for harvesting in late August or September. As you get closer to this time, you should be regularly testing your cones for readiness. If the cone seems damp, extremely green and stays compressed after you squeeze one in your fingers, they are not ready for harvesting yet. As they ripen, they will begin to lose their moisture. When compressed they should expand back pretty much to their original shape. You will also probably observe more lupulin, which is the yellow powder of the hop cone. If you end up with sticky fingers after handling your cones, that is a good indicator that harvest time is near. You will also clearly notice a more pronounced aroma from the cones as well.

To harvest, cut down your bines and lay them on the ground. As the bine dries, sap will travel back into the rootstock for sustenance over the winter months. Pick the cones and prepare them for drying, which is best done using a food dehydrator over a period of several hours. Alternatively, you can dry them slowly in an oven set to a very low temperature or dry them outdoors in the sun while laying on a screen for adequate aeration around the cones. After drying, store your hops in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator.

Growing Cultures

Most commonly grown in "hop yards", but can easily be grown in backyards and containers as well.

Plant Height

Hop bines can typically grow to heights of 25 feet (7.6 meters) or more, although some shorter vining cultivars are available.

Plant Spacing

Space hop bines 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm) apart in rows that are spaced every 10 to 15 feet.

Preferred pH Range

Hop bines will grow in a pH range between 6.0 (mildly acidic) and 8.0 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.5.

Propagation

Hop bines are most commonly propagated by rhizomes or softwood cuttings. Established plants can be divided after 3 years time. They are less commonly grown from their crowns.

Soil Requirements

Hop bines grow well in virtually all types of well draining soils, but prefer soils with a lighter structure.

Alternative Growing Media

Soilless potting mixes (Pro-Mix, Sunshine Mix, etc.), coco peat.

Sun & Lighting Requirements

Hop bines should be planted outdoors in an area that receives southern exposure for optimum cone formation. An eastern or western exposure is acceptable, however, hop crown development won't be as robust.

USDA Hardiness

Hardy in Zones 3-9, depending on variety.

Water Requirements

Hop bines have a very small root system during their beginning year, which factors into watering patterns during that time. Due to the minimal root system, you don't want the soil to remain dry for extended periods, but you don't want the soil constantly wet, either, lest the rhizome rot. Best to soak the ground where planted, then allow soil to go bone dry, followed by an immediate soaking... and repeating this pattern as necessary. As the plant gets more established over the years, watering attention is less critical. Mulching helps retain water especially during the first years growth.

Potential Plant Pests and Diseases

Hop varieties vary widely in their susceptibility to major pests and diseases, which may include spider mites, leafhoppers, powdery and downy mildews, beetles, and others. Cultural practices encouraging adequate air circulation in the hop yard is critical to managing many potential pests.

Companion Planting

Since hops tend to crowd out most other plants growing nearby, there are no recommended companion plants.

Special Notes

Do not over dry hops. You do not want them to dry to the point where they turn brown or are extremely fragile. Overdrying results in a loss of Alpha Acid content. In subsequent growing years, earliest shoots should be pruned away as the subsequent shoots to appear will be more sturdy in their growth habit. Pick the 3 or 4 best bines from the secondary growth and prune back any vines that appear later.

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How To Grow WatercressxG

Growing the Herb Watercress

It can easily be grown in containers that are dug into the surface of the soil and filled with fresh water on a frequent basis.

It is also easily grown indoors in individual pots that are placed in a tray of water. Start plants with seed by sowing lightly in pots filled with a mix of garden soil, limestone, and organic compost.

Keep moist at all times, keeping the plants in a partially shaded area. As soon as seedlings are large enough to move, in April or May ideally, they can be transplanted to stream or creek banks where they will establish themselves and create a bed that will provide cut watercress every spring and fall.

Growing Cultures

Outdoors, containers, and hydroponics.

Plant Height

Watercress plants grow to a height of 6 to 24 inches (15 - 60cm).

Plant Spacing

Watercress plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range

Watercress will grow in a pH range between 6.0 (mildly acidic) and 7.5 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred pH range between 6.5 and 7.5.
Propagation

Sow watercress seed indoors in sunny location or under plant grow lights six weeks before last frost. Watercress propagates well through stem cuttings.

Seed Germination Period

Watercress seeds will germinate in soil in approximately 7 to 14 days, but can germinate in as few as 5 or 6 days in dedicated propagation media such as Oasis Rootcubes, Rapid Rooters, or Grodan Stonewool.

Number of Seeds per Gram

There are approximately 5,000 watercress seeds per gram.

Soil Requirements

Watercress grows well in rich, fertile soil.

Alternative Growing Media

Soilless potting mixes (Pro-Mix, Sunshine Mix, etc.), perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis Rootcubes.

Sun & Lighting Requirements

Watercress grown outdoors prefers full sun but tolerates some shade.

Watercress will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output T5 fluorescent plant lights, compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage.

Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness

Perennial. Zones 9a to 11.

Water Requirements

Above average water needs. Suitable for bogs and watergardens. Thrives in hydroponics.

Potential Plant Pests and Diseases

Watercress can be susceptible to whitefly and spider mites, but has minimal disease issues.

Special Notes

Grown for aromatic foliage. Requires large amounts of water.

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Growing the Herb Mint

Mints should be planted where they will not encroach on other plants, as they spread so readily that, unless curbed, they are likely to become a pestiferous weed. It is ideal for container and hydroponic culture.

Mint revels in deep, rich, moist ground and requires little care except manicuring or fertilizing in the spring. However, as the stems grow rapidly and the leaves become thin and small as the season advances, it is advisable to cut down from a third to a half of the patch when 6 or 8 inches high, drying the leaves and putting them in tight jars for winter use. Then soak the cut over area with liquid manure to stimulate a second crop of foliage. A month later, treat another area similarly. Thus a succession of succulent foliage may be had all season.

Orange spots on the backs of mint leaves are caused by a rust which can be controlled by using an organic garden dust.

Growing Cultures

Outdoors, in containers, and hydroponics.

Plant Height

Peppermint and spearmint usually grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm).

Plant Spacing

Peppermint plants should be spaced between 18 and 24 inches (45 and 60 cm) apart. Spearmint plants should be placed between 3 and 4 feet (90-120cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range

Mints will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 (mildly acidic) and 7.5 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.0.
Propagation

Start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks prior to last spring frost. Or, sow directly outdoors in partially shaded, moist soil. Propagates best through softwood cuttings. Also propagates well through rootball division.

Seed Germination Period

Mint seeds generally germinate between 12 and 16 days.

Number of Seeds per Gram

There are between approximately 17,000 and 20,000 mint seeds per gram, depending on variety.

Soil Requirements

Mints prefer a rich, moist, and well-drained soil.

Alternative Growing Media

Soilless potting mixes (Pro-Mix, Sunshine Mix, etc.), perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis Rootcubes.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant

Most cultivars grown from cuttings. Seed material not recommended for pot sales. Plugs to saleable plant, 4 weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements

Mints grown outdoors prefers full sun.

Both peppermint and spearmint will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output T5 fluorescent grow lights, compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage.

Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness

Perennial. Peppermint zones 3a to 7b; spearmint 4a to 11.

Water Requirements

Water regularly, being careful not to overwater. Allow soil to go almost dry between watering, then soak thoroughly.

Potential Plant Pests and Diseases

Mints can be susceptible to mealybug, whitefly, aphids, and spider mites and can be particularly susceptible to rust.

Companion Planting

Peppermint and spearmint are beneficial to cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli, and the other kales by repelling or distracting cabbage fly, ants, and cabbage looper. Spearmint is noted for its ability to repel or distract ants and aphids.

Special Notes

Seeds are poisonous if ingested. Mint may become a noxious weed and invasive. Mints are known to attract bees, butterflies and birds. Aromatic foliage. Suitable for containers.

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