Chocolate mint is a fragrant plant that is simple to grow and propagate. It can add additional layers of flavor to drinks like tea and mojitos, sweet desserts, salads, and even savory dishes. This guide will teach you how to grow this fragrant plant.

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Thin chocolate mints are my absolute favorite. Well, I love sweet things as a rule, however those cool mint patties covered in slim layers of dull chocolate are on an unheard of degree of tastiness.

In the grocery store, I was first introduced to the plant known as chocolate mint. I’ll be honest: I was listening in on a conversation between two women waiting in the checkout line. I can’t blame anyone.

I tuned in when one of them started talking about her garden. The other person came in and said that she had just picked her chocolate mint, and she exclaimed, not very subtly, “It smells so good!”

Not long after that, I found my own plant at a nursery, and I was thrilled to discover that it did indeed smell like the inside of a Nestle After Eight wrapper! Since then, my kitchen herb garden has always included this variety.

Whether it actually smells like chocolate is debated among individuals. Some people assert that it is all mental, while others assert that it actually possesses the essence of the rich sweet we so adore.

Learn how to grow it below, then find a plant of your own, and you’ll know for sure if it has that chocolate flavor or not.

History and cultivation This plant, which goes by the Latin name Mentha piperita f. citrata “Chocolate,” is a peppermint cultivar that was created by crossing watermint, M. aquatica, with spearmint, M. spicata.

The outcome was a clean half breed we as a whole know and love: Piperita, M.

For further development, the form citrata, also known as orange mint, was chosen. One of the resulting cultivars was known as “Chocolate.”

The breeders and gardeners were captivated by its refreshing peppermint scent, which was layered with a warm, sweet undertone that made them salivate.

In contrast to peppermint’s bright leaves, this cultivar looks dark. It is hardy in Zones 3-9. It has dark stems and deep green leaves with purple undersides.

The tiny lavender flowers entice a variety of bees, butterflies, and occasionally human admirers.

Seed propagation is not an option for peppermint and its cultivars because they are sterile hybrids.

Great to be aware, and I express this for a fact on the grounds that in the past I’ve bought my reasonable part of “peppermint” seeds just to be frustrated with the smell and taste of the subsequent plant.

Luckily, cuttings, runners, layering, and plant division can easily propagate these plants.

Check out our article on growing and caring for peppermint for in-depth instructions on each of these methods.

Chocolate mint is an easy-to-grow, quick-growing plant for the garden. However, like all plants, it has preferences.

It thrives when given at least five to six hours of sunlight per day, and if it is available, up to fourteen. The flavor and color are best with more sun.

However, this plant prefers shade during the day in the summer because it dislikes heat.

Compost can be used to enrich sandy or chalky soil to provide a fertile environment for your Mentha plants, which generally prefer moist soil and can tolerate pHs ranging from acidic to alkaline.

You can annually add a layer of compost around the plant, despite the fact that they typically do not require much fertilizer.

Except when it comes to water, chocolate mint requires little maintenance. These plants are thirsty and will wilt if the soil becomes dry.

Before I was successful in transplanting one of mine into the garden, I had to learn the hard way how thirsty it was.

It wilted on my windowsill on a hot, sunny day, but thanks to a good soak, it came back within a few hours!

What we learned: If you want to grow this plant, which likes moisture, keep an eye on how much moisture is in the soil and water it often.

By pressing your finger into the soil’s surface, measure the moisture content. If the soil is cool and your finger comes up wet, you don’t need to water it. However, thoroughly moisten your finger if there is no moisture present.

Mint can survive a brief period of wetness in soggy soil, which is not ideal for any plant. If you are growing it in a container, check to see that it has holes for drainage.

It can be grown in the garden or in containers, but keep in mind that it will spread and take over if left alone.

The plant goes through two growth stages: the first is in the spring when the plant develops upstanding stems that will create blossoms. The second occurs following flowering, when runners and rhizome offshoots begin to spread horizontally.

Try placing your transplant inside a bottomless bucket to contain it if you want your chocolate mint to grow without taking over your herb garden.

Check out our guide to learn more about growing mint.

Growing Instructions: Grow in full sun for best flavor and color; keep soil moist; grow in a pot to prevent spread; Where to Buy: Since hybrid cultivars cannot be propagated through seed, if your gardener friends do not have one for you to take cuttings from, look for a potted plant instead at your neighborhood nursery.

Managing Pests and Diseases Herbivores don’t like mint, and despite the fact that this plant doesn’t have a lot of serious pests to worry about, it can be a home for some hungry insects and diseases.

Since chocolate mint is a peppermint cultivar, its pests and diseases are very similar to those of peppermint.

Check out the peppermint section of our article for comprehensive information on each of the most prevalent insects and diseases, including powdery mildew, caterpillars, spider mites, and mint rust.

When the plant is four to five inches tall, you can begin harvesting individual leaves, stems, or bundles of stems.

Depending on the plant’s size, you can safely harvest as much as you want at one time. Never take more than two-thirds of the plant at once from the plant.

In order to keep the plant under control and encourage bushier growth, bunch the stems back.

Despite the fact that the minty flavor is at its peak just before blooming and in the early morning, the plant will continue to have a distinct aroma and flavor throughout the growing season.

Preserving Leaves are best when used right away, but I’ve found that they also work well when dried, infused, or frozen for later use!

For approximately four days, fresh cut sections can be stored in the refrigerator.

Hanging harvested bundles upside down in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight allows them to dry.

Put the leaves in sealed bags and freeze them by putting them on a cookie sheet, freezing them until they are crisp and frozen, and then freezing the bags.

Alternately, you can freeze them as ice cubes for later use in beverages.

Save the quintessence of the flavor by absorbing the leaves oil, whether almond, coconut, or olive, to inject with the minty, chocolatey smell.

Pack the crushed, fresh or dried leaves into a jar. Place the oil-filled jar in a warm spot, like a sunny windowsill, for at least five days.

Use the leaves as a massage oil or in recipes by straining them.

Recipes and Ideas for Cooking This plant and mint in general are so adaptable.

Make a refreshing cup of hot or cold tea with it. Before the coffee grinds begin to percolate, you can enhance the flavor of your brew by adding a few dried leaves that have been crushed.

In fact, chocolate mint can be added to many different drinks, both hot and cold. Fresh or dried crushed flakes can be added to a hot chocolate to add some flavor. As a garnish or muddled herb, use it in cocktails.

Use as a garnish and to add flavor to desserts like brownies, cakes, and pudding, as well as to milkshakes and ice cream.

You can add your new herb to fruit salads and other salads if you want to enjoy it in a healthier way.

It could also be used in savory dishes like fish or lamb.

Additionally, since it is such a fragrant herb, why not incorporate it into potpourri or use the plant as a natural repellent against a variety of pests, including mice, ants, and mosquitoes?

Growing Guide for Quick Reference: Chocolate and Mint: The Best of Both Worlds in One Plant!

In any case, it’s the ideal combination, but in a plant? That takes it to an entirely new level.

This herb has a wonderful scent, and adding it to my planting barrel was a breeze. My small wild sweat bees and honey bees adore drinking from the tiny flowers.

There are a surprising number of edible mint varieties that are known to exist.

Count the Mentha species you are familiar with.

There are approximately 24 species and numerous natural and cultivated hybrids to choose from, including watermint, spearmint, and apple mint! Furthermore, they can be used for a wide variety of purposes, making them versatile.

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They are also very easy to grow and can sometimes take over your garden. Yet, when is the best opportunity to establish mint, and how would you start assuming you intend to begin with seeds?

Check out our guide if you want to learn more about growing mint in your garden.

Seed propagation will be covered in this guide.

Regardless of what assortment you are developing, the fundamental guidelines are something very similar. Keep in mind that popular Mentha hybrids like chocolate mint and peppermint are sterile and cannot be grown from seeds.

We’ll talk about the following:

Understanding the temperatures in your area is an important part of understanding the planting process.

Despite the fact that Mentha plants are generally cold-hardy, harsh winter conditions can harm young seedlings in some areas.

When to Plant Mint In USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, the best time to plant mint is in the spring, after the risk of frost has passed. Start seeds indoors or outdoors, in the ground or in containers, to accomplish this.

Sow seeds indoors about two months before the last predicted date of frost in your area for later transplanting.

Usually, starting outside requires waiting until the risk of frost has passed. However, you can plan to sow seeds outdoors when temperatures are consistently at least 55°F in locations where frost is not a concern.

When the weather starts to get a little cooler in the fall, you might want to sow your seeds if you live in an area that doesn’t get cold winters.

Mint can likewise be developed inside all year. This is covered in a separate guide. very soon!)

Starting Seeds Indoors The seeds, whether you’ve collected your own or bought a packet, are tiny—about one eighth of an inch long.

You might want to use a tool for sowing, like this seed sower from Burpee.

This kind of device can help keep a lot of seeds from pooling too tightly in one place.

To begin, add potting soil or a mixture of two parts compost to one part perlite to a plug tray like this one from True Leaf Market. Fill the cells to the edge and splash the dirt well however permit it to deplete prior to planting.

In the event that watering compacts the dirt more than about a quarter inch beneath the edge of the phones, top off with a touch more until they’re level once more.

Use your sowing tool or carefully sprinkle two to three seeds directly on the surface of the potting medium for each cell by hand. They won’t germinate if you cover them; they need light.

Set the heat to about 60°F and place the tray on a heat mat.

Use a grow light or place the tray in a location where it will get direct sunlight at least six hours a day. Use a sprayer to gently mist the substrate until it regains its moisture if it appears dry on the surface.

You ought to see indications of germination in around fourteen days. When the plants only have one set of true leaves, you can remove the less vigorous grower from each cell if more than one seedling appears.

Seedlings will be prepared to relocate in around eight to 10 weeks when they have created something like two arrangements of genuine leaves.

By gradually exposing your young plants to the outdoors for a few hours at a time until they are fully acclimated, be sure to harden them off.

Sowing in Containers If you intend to keep your herbs indoors or nearby, like on the patio, where they will be easily accessible while you cook, a container may be your best planting option.

Because the pot can be moved to a sheltered location, container planting also helps to prevent creepers like mint from taking over the lawn or garden and lowers the risk of extreme temperature lows.

Start with a pot that is four to six inches tall and has drain holes in the bottom.

Fill it to around 3/4 to one inch underneath the edge with fertilized soil, or utilize a custom made combination of two sections fertilizer to one section perlite. Before planting, thoroughly soak the soil and let any excess moisture drain. As it settles, backfill any lost depth.

Distribute the seeds about two to three inches apart using your sowing device or a pinch of two to three seeds. At least six hours a day, place the pot in direct sunlight or under a grow light.

When the planting medium feels slightly dry to the touch, water with a spray bottle.

Remove the weaker seedlings as soon as they appear by snipping or pinching them until only one or two are left.

Because mint grows quickly, you’ll probably need to move it to a bigger pot after about six to eight months. It’s time to go up a size if roots are peeking out of the drainage holes below or if stems are appearing near the edge of the pot.

Sowing seeds outdoors Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade after the average last frost date in your area has passed. Although mint thrives best in nutrient-poor “leaner” soil, rich soil is preferred by most varieties.

Although lean soil may lack some organic matter, the majority typically contains sufficient nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for Mentha plants.

Before planting, amend the soil in your garden if it is mostly sand or heavy clay. See our guide for comprehensive information on learning about your soil and addressing deficiencies.

Watering the ground preceding planting to keep away from seed displacement is least demanding. Moisten the soil, but do not drench it.

Rake the surface to prepare it for sowing. Use a sowing device or lightly scatter seeds on the ground.

To secure them, lightly dust them with vermiculite or sand and leave them uncovered; do not press them in.

If you are concerned that rain will wash them away, you can protect them prior to germination by using a row cover that allows light to penetrate.

The distance between the seeds can typically be determined by eyeball or with a ruler for more precise measurements once they have germinated.

To prevent seedlings from becoming overcrowded, remove any seedlings that have sprouted in between the recommended spacing of 12 to 18 inches.

In order to stop the spread of some kinds of diseases and pest infestations, thinning helps to improve the flow of air between plants.

Transplanting Choose a location that gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day once the risk of frost has passed and your seedlings have hardened off. Mint can also thrive in partial shade during a portion of the day.

Make a hole that is as wide and deep as the pot, and leave between each hole about 12 and 18 inches of space. Backfill the root ball with soil after gently removing it from the pot and seating it in the ground.

Water in well. Because this herb is a creeper, it can become long and lanky during periods of active growth after the first year. To encourage a bushier shape, pinch out the tops during these times.

From the subsequent year forward, watch out for the improvement of buds toward the finish of the stems. To prevent the plant from producing seeds, you can pinch these off.

A Word of Advice Regarding Mint You should keep a close eye on that minty patch whether you intend to use it to repel pests, pinch sprigs to add to meals, or simply enjoy the scent of it drifting over your garden as you walk on the leaves.

It can quickly spread underground by rhizomes, easily entering unwelcome territory and becoming invasive.

You could plant it in a container instead, but if you do add it to your yard or garden, you’ll have plenty in no time for whatever you want to do with it.

What is your preferred method of using mint? Please share your thoughts in the box below!

Also, for more data on developing mint in your nursery, look at these aides next:

I have to let you in on a little secret: with a little effort, you can grow pineapple right in your garden. And I don’t blame you for wanting to—the taste of commercially produced pineapple pales in comparison to freshly picked, home-grown fruit.

We connect with sellers to help you find the right products. If you make a purchase from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Commercial produce is often harvested before it is fully ripe to avoid spoilage in transit or spending days or weeks in boxes or crates when it is transported to a local store.

This can result in tougher flesh that is tart and tart. Growing your own at home means interrupting the shipping process, giving the fruit more time to ripen before harvest. This extra time can increase sugar content while improving texture and flavor at harvest.

You may never want to buy pineapple from the store again after tasting the difference. Although native to tropical climates, pineapples are a good choice for container growing almost anywhere and can be grown simply by grafting the crown leaves of an existing fruit to propagate a new plant. In warmer regions, they can be planted outdoors in soil.

No matter which method you use, fruit formation can take time – at least two years before the first pineapple is ripe for picking. Fortunately, these plants add unique visual interest to the landscape while you wait. Grow crops without waiting by adding multiple plants to your landscape or garden depending on the space. This is easy to do when producing epithets as they can be rooted like succulents.

We cover everything! So let’s get to the point – what does it take to grow pineapple at home? Here’s all you’ll find: What is a pineapple? If you don’t know much about the unique anatomy and growth habits of A. comosus, you’re in for a treat! Ready for a crash course in botany? The first thing you should know is that there are no pineapples.

These plants produce long herbaceous leaves that sprout from the center like many other members of the same plant family. Pineapples belong to the Bromeliaceae family, also known as bromeliads. This group also includes Spanish moss, which you may recognize as a feature of the southern United States where it hangs from trees. Unlike other members of this family, these perennial herbaceous plants are the only edible bromeliads that produce an edible flower.

Others are often grown in tropical and subtropical environments as landscape features or in decorative pots. Some bromeliads are epiphytic and root on tree branches or parts of the bark, but pineapples do not fall into this category and must be grown above ground. They are native to the rainforests of Brazil, Paraguay, and the Caribbean, and are now cultivated for commercial sale in Mexico, Hawaii, Southern California, and Puerto Rico.

They are also cultivated and exported from parts of Asia and Africa to other parts of the world. There seems to be widespread confusion among the public about exactly where pineapples come from. Of course, many people seem to associate them with the Hawaiian Islands, as they are often represented in island culture and given as gifts of hospitality, similar to lei made from plumeria flowers, another foreign plant introduced to the Hawaiian Islands. .

Although the date of the first introduction of the species to the region is unknown, settlers from California, notably James Dole, produced the fruit in Hawaiian plantations beginning in the late 1800s. The often hot and humid temperatures in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 and parts of zone 9 provide the best environment for growing these distinctive fruits, although they can be grown outdoors in almost any zone as a container that can be moved to another location . protected area when the temperature drops.

Pineapple plants, like other bromeliads, are also xerophytes. This classification indicates that they are comfortably at home in areas where they tend to receive less rainfall throughout the year. Learn more about xerophytic species in our guide. Anatomy These bromeliads produce long strap-like leaves with a rose pattern that sprout from a central stem.

The leaves of most cultivars tend to have serrated edges, which can cause a mild sting if mishandled by the gardener or by children or pets who get too close to them. Some invertebrate species and cultivars are closely related, such as A. lucidus or the red pineapple invertebrate. This species is distinguished not only by friendlier foliage, but also by striking purple leaves.

Fortunately, despite their boringness, all parts of the plant are non-toxic. Before pineapple plants produce fruit, you will notice a resemblance to some agaves or aloes, although the leaves are thinner than either of these succulents. Plants with 70 or more leaves can produce a thick central stem that can grow over five feet tall. In mature specimens, the leaves spread well over three feet, sometimes reaching six feet in diameter under ideal conditions.

Remember that it takes two or three years to get your first crop, so patience is essential. A bud forms in the center of the root crown of the leaves, which then rises into a stem that holds it above the leaves. A wrinkled, terminating inflorescence forms at the top of the stem. The size and structure of the unripe fruit resembles a colorful cone with a tuft of leaves growing from the top. This structure usually consists of 50-200 flowers. The flowers open one after the other from bottom to top about two months after budding. When new flowers open, the older ones shrivel.

The flowers are purple to purple on the outer edges and white underneath. They begin to open in the evening and bloom for two to three months. Pollination is almost exclusively done by hummingbirds, although some species do

Every beginning is difficult, so I believe that all beginners in gardening make mistakes. But unfortunately, not only beginners make mistakes but also the more experienced ones make very often mistakes that can be fatal.

As we said every living person makes mistakes, but one learns while he is alive, so we all learn and become better through the mistakes we have made and have made in the past.

Today we will try our best to show you the 7 worst mistakes you can make in gardening.

WHICH MISTAKES ARE THE WORST GARDENING MISTAKES?

If you make any of the mistakes we show you today, it could lead to the death of your plant, reduced yield or poor taste.

But remember that if you make a mistake it does not mean that you have to give up your plant accidentally, because if you make a mistake you can fix it for the rest of the growing season.

Here are the worst 7 mistakes you can make in gardening:

1. YOU DON’T ENJOY YOUR GARDEN AND HARVEST

Most importantly, the food you produce is to be collected and eaten. We recommend that the food you produce should not be overcooked or thrown away. Gather it better and give it to someone.

We would recommend planting foods that are a favorite of you and your family, foods that you can use in your favorite recipes and so on. This way all the food produced will be collected and eaten.

It is also bad if you do not enjoy gardening. The advice you would give is to plant food that does not need sunlight if you hate working in the sun or the like.

2. YOU TRY TO DO TOO MUCH

Always before you start planting your garden, you need to plan the garden in terms of the time that you can devote. So our advice is to focus on quality, not quantity. It is always better to have a quality final result of 5 plants than to get a spoiled 20 plants.

Plants exposed to sunlight on warm summer days will require repeated irrigation, and you will need some free time to devote to them.

3. YOU DON’T HAVE A PLAN FOR WATERING.

The number one reason that your plants die is a lack of water. Forgetting to water your garden is a sure-fire way to kill your plants. And plants that survive under severe water stress will not yield food fit for consumption.

The number one reason that your plants die from lack of water is that you didn’t make watering them easy and convenient.

The easiest and most convenient way to water your plants depends on how you’re gardening. When making a plan for water consider these things:

• Where is your source of water?
  • Make sure to have an appropriate length hose.
  • Check for adequate water pressure for your chosen method of watering
• What is the easiest way to water?
  • Drip irrigation is my favorite method, but soaker hoses work in a similar way
  • Hand watering is sometimes the easiest or the only way to get water your plants.
  • Try to avoid using a sprinkler that sprays water on the tops of your plants
• How does rainwater affect your garden?
  • Observe the area around your garden.
  • Will water run toward or away from your garden?
  • Is there a chance of flooding in heavy rains?
  • Are there nearby creeks or ponds?

4. YOU PLANT IN TOO MUCH SUN OR TOO MUCH SHADE.

If you plant in shade peppers then you will never get a quality final product from the pepper crop because they need sunlight and also if you plant cabbage in a garden that is exposed to sunlight all day long it can ruin your final product.

We will now explain to you the sunlight recommendations that are on the plant label.

• Full sun = more than 6 hours of direct sunlight. Many vegetables need to be exposed to several hours of unfiltered sunlight to make fruit. Keep in mind that 6 hours is the bare minimum. For some plants, like tomatoes, 8-10 hours is even better.
• Part sun = the plant will tolerate some shade but needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Keep in mind what kind of sunlight the plant is getting during those hours. The morning sun is not as intense as afternoon sun so heat-loving plants will do better if they receive the afternoon sun.
• Part shade = the plant needs 4-6 hours of sunlight but prefers the cooler morning sunshine or dappled sun of the afternoon. These plants will struggle is they receive the intense afternoon sun every day.
• Shade = the plant will thrive in less than 4 hours of direct sunlight. This is not the same thing as no sunlight; all plants need sunlight to grow. But shade-tolerant plants are happy with filtered or indirect sun. Plant these under large trees, a covered patio, or in a sunny room in your house.

5. YOU PLACE YOUR PLANTS TOO CLOSE TOGETHER.

You should always be careful when leaving a distance between your plants while planting them. If you plant too many plants in one small area then they will fight for water and nutrients and be exposed to more pest and disease attacks.

So pay attention to the distance, plant fewer plants and get a quality product than planting too much and getting too little.

6. YOU PLANT TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE.

If you planting tomatoes when the ground is too cold can cause blossom end rot, stunted growth, and lower production. But they won’t set fruit when the temp gets over 90 degrees, either. Fussy little things.

You’ll also encounter problems growing corn if the soil is under 60 degrees.

So it’s important that you consider the timing when you plant your garden. Make sure you have plenty of growing days in your growing season. If your season is too short, you can start seeds in advance or extend your growing season with greenhouses, cold frames, and row covers.

7. YOU DON’T CONSIDER THE QUALITY OF YOUR SOIL.

Always before you plant your plants you should carefully research the soil and determine what changes will be needed to the soil.

There are many ways to improve the soil for a garden, but as a general rule, most soils can be made garden ready by removing large rocks and adding fresh garden soil and/or compost.

A simple solution for growing food on poor soil is to use raised beds or containers. However, you choose to grow, it is important to remember that unhealthy soil grows unhealthy plants. There is no way around this.

We will all agree that most of us plant and grow flowers that bloom during the day, and those that bloom without the need for sunlight we neglect or that many people do not even know that such flowers exist.

A few months ago I came across several types of flowers that bloom during the night on the Internet – I was surprised. So, that’s why I did a little research on them and decided to plant them myself, now after about 3 months, my sticks are incredibly positive. I love sitting on my balcony at night and enjoy watching my “night flowers”.

But they are not only beautiful, but they also have a nice scent. Well, that is why in the continuation of this article I will reveal to you some types of flowers that bloom at night. Keep reading.

Queen of the Night

The first flower to present to you is the Queen of the Night. This flower is also known as the orchid cactus. The characteristic of this flower is that it can grow in zones 9 to 12. This flower is also characterized by incredibly beautiful white flowers on beautiful green vines with soft spikes. This flower blooms at night and in the early morning.

Datura

The second flower we present to you today is the Datura. These flowers are characterized by beautiful white flowers (in some cases you can also find violets) that are characteristically trumpet-like. This flower can grow up to 2 feet high and 10 feet wide. It grows best in zones 5 to 7 as annuals and zones 8 to 10 as perennial flowers.

Casa Blanca Lily

The third “night flower” on our list for today is Casa Blanca Lily. Characteristic of these flowers is that they absorb the sunlight they receive through the day and with their help produce their flowers at night. You can easily identify them, have a beautiful bouquet look and floral arrangements.

Night Gladiolus

The fourth “night flower” we will present is the Night Gladiolus. This beautiful flower is characterized by its beautiful scent and creamy yellow flower. Its flowering season is in late spring and early to mid-summer. Also this flower can reach up to 48 inches in height. The most favorable conditions for growing these flowers are areas where heavy rainfall is present.

Note: This flower contains poisonous parts that can cause skin irritation and allergic infections.

Chocolate Daisy

Chocolate Daisy is a plant that has a distinctive appearance with light yellow flowers surrounded by a maroon center, and this flower also has its chocolate scent. This flower is mostly grown in the North American territories and grows best in zones 5 to 11.

Evening Primrose

The characteristic of this flower is that it is the first flower to bloom in early spring. It has a frog-shaped flower that can be pink, white and yellow in color. Evening Primrose grows best in forests in zone 4 to 8.

Dragon Fruit Flowers

The characteristic of dragonfly flowers is that it blooms only one night a year. It grows best in zones 10 to 11, and at temperatures above 100 degrees the flowers begin to get dirty. Other: You can use Dragon Fruit in Jams.

Night Bloom Water Lilies

This flower is characterized by its colors (red, pink or purple), you can apply it to any pond. The flowers are 7 “- 10” in size. Each flower has 19 – 20 petals and a slight but pungent odor. They first open at dusk and close around 9am the following morning.  They have a large leaf spread, with a very strong serration on the leaf outer edge. The water temperature should be at least 75 degrees F.

Four O’ Clocks

This flower night flower is a gentle perennial. The characteristic of this flower is that it needs to be fully exposed to the sun to start blooming by 4 pm. Just as it was blooming at 4pm it got its name Four O ‘Clocks. These flowers are most often used in making hedges, and they also have a wonderful scent that will fascinate you.

Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus

This flower belongs to the genus of cacti that originated from Mexico to Brazil. It has a height of 20 feet. It grows in late spring and early summer. It is characteristic that it blooms only 1-2 days. The flower opens at sunset. It also has a characteristic deep and fresh scent that spreads as it blooms.

Did you know that annual open pollination plants are a great place to start seed?
The easiest picking seeds are peppers, tomato beans, cucumber and lettuce.

Beware: Plant only one variety per species to keep the vegetable strains clean and true. If cross-pollination occurs between varieties, the seed may grow into a strange hybrid next year.

Also the seeds of biennial crops can be saved and stored, but you will have to wait until their second growing season before the seeds can be harvested.

Harvesting the Seed:

Peppers

Gathering the sweet peppers and jelly is quite easy, all you have to do is squeeze the pepper seeds in the center of the cone.

Tomatoes

Harvesting tomato seeds is also easy. Before you begin harvesting you should make sure the vegetables are fully ripe, after you have fully ripe tomatoes, cut them in half and peel the seeds and the surrounding pulp with a spoon, and then place them in a clean glass jar. Afterwards, add some water and cover loosely with cheesecloth.

Place the jar in a warm, dry place and stir 1 or 2 times a day. The next day you will be able to see how the pulp begins to ferment. When about 5 days have passed, the seeds will sink to the bottom, then you need to pour the liquid and collect the seeds.

Peas & Beans

Pea and bean seeds should be harvested approximately a week after they are normally harvested for eating. (then the color of the seed is brown). You will be sure that the seed is ripe to collection when you hear the shaking of the seed inside. Peas and beans should be left on a dry surface for about 2 weeks before peeling and collect seeds.

Cucumber

If you want to collect cucumber seeds then you need to let a few cucumbers overflow. You will be sure when you need to cut the cucumber when it gets yellow.

Harvesting cucumber seeds is similar to tomatoes. The cucumber should be cut and spooned together with the pulp and then fermented. After about 5 days the seeds should be harvested.

Squash & Pumpkin

Squash and pumpkin should be fully mature before you harvest the seeds. The outer shell needs to be hard. Once you have cut the fruit from the plant, set it aside for another 3 weeks or so and allow the seeds inside to ripen further. Then, slice the fruit open and scoop out the seeds. Place them in a strainer and rinse them with warm water to remove surrounding pulp.

Seed Drying & Storage:

Only use ceramic or glass dishes to dry seeds as they tend to stick to paper towels. Set them in a cool, shaded spot with low humidity for quicker drying. When seeds are hard, they are completely dried.

Stow seeds in a cool dark and dry place. Seeds stored in paper envelopes will keep for 2-4 years, but you can extend their shelf life for a decade or more if you keep them in a tightly sealed glass container and store them in the fridge or freezer. Make sure you include a label that specifies the crop, variety name, and date of harvest.

Spices are amazing, they add flavor to a dish, and they often come with a host of health benefits, and turmeric is no exception. Actually, turmeric is considered as the magic spice with plenty of health benefits!

Just a few of its beneficial effects include offering powerful anti-inflammatory compounds to help battle excess inflammation. Experts believe that chronic, low-level inflammation is rooted in nearly every chronic disease, including arthritis, cancer, irritable bowel disease, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic syndrome and many others. Having said that, consuming turmeric can help you prevent these conditions.

Here’s how to grow turmeric!

Turmeric is different than most herbs but it grows similar to ginger. Growing turmeric is easier than you think as it can handle just about any challenge it faces, from drought to floods.

Turmeric does best in moist soil and needs dry soil to thrive well. It can do well in sunlight, but it is best to grow it in mid-shade. Turmeric can be in the ground over winter through its dormancy period, otherwise, dig up the roots in the fall and store them in a cool place through the colder months.

You should plant in spring. Once you’ve picked your spot to plant and have a few fresh roots, all you need to do is plant them. The easiest way to encourage it to sprout is to place the root under two inches of loose soil.

The pleated leaves will eventually grow to four feet tall in ideal conditions, which is followed by green and white cones of flowers, that tend to emerge between the leaves in the summertime.

Once established turmeric won’t need much of your attention. During the winter, turmeric doesn’t need much water, but when the growing season begins, it’s important to water frequently.

When you start to notice that the leaves are yellowing and beginning to dry out, it’s time to dig it up and harvest it. Just cut the roots away from the stem and wash them off the dirt.

In order to use turmeric, peel the roots and keep in mind that homegrown turmeric is stronger and healthier than the store-bought.

10 Ways To Use Turmeric

1. Relieve the pain of arthritis.

Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants which work to reduce inflammation and neutralize harmful free radicals. Curcumin (the ingredients found in turmeric the most) was not only more effective in relieving RA symptoms, but that there were no side effects experienced either.

2. Treat a cough.

Embrace the powers of turmeric to treat coughs. It’s not only an anti-inflammatory agent, it possesses strong antibacterial and antiviral action that can treat infections and a cough. It helps to relieve chest congestion as well.

Here’s the most famous recipe for cough that have helped milions of people:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ginger root, grated
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
• 1 teaspoon raw, organic honey
• 1 lemon, juiced

Boil water in a large pot on medium-heat. Add the ginger, turmeric, and the crushed peppercorns and reduce the heat. Bring mixture to a boil again until it reduces to about a half. Strain it into a cup and add the honey. Mix well and drink while it is hot.

If you serve it to a child over 12 months of age, make sure it is not too hot.

3. A natural antidepressant.

Turmeric may be one of the best natural antidepressants there is. Turmeric may be just as effective as those pharmaceutical pills, without the serious downsides. The active compound in turmeric known as curcumin offers strong antioxidant action that has the ability to fight off free radicals leading to depression. It can also help modulate neurotransmitters in the brain – vital for proper brain functioning. So cook with turmeric as possible as you can, and you will see how stress and depression lessen.

4. Support heart health.

Curcumin is powerfully rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and protects and improves the health of every organ in the body, including the heart. It helps to prevent oxidation and the resulting chronic, low-grade inflammation.

5. Eczema relief.

Turmeric can help when applied directly to the skin. It’s been known to relieve the itching and reduce the inflammation associated with eczema. Mix some turmeric with a little coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil, and then apply it onto affected areas. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes and rinse it with water.

6. Give your smoothie a super boost of nutrition.

You can add an inch or two of raw fresh turmeric to your favorite smoothie and you won’t even taste it, but you will get all of those powerful nutrients.

7. Make a turmeric tea to support overall health.

Stay healthy and hydrated with turmeric tea. Boil a cup of water and stir in about a quarter teaspoon of grated turmeric. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, and then strain just before drinking. Add lemon juice or honey for a better taste.

8. Add turmeric to brighten up boring dishes.

Use turmeric to spice up, and brighten boring dishes like mashed potatoes, plain basmati rice, quinoa or even eggs. Just stir a dash in – while it doesn’t add a lot of flavor, it does add lots of nutrition!

9. Make a natural food coloring.

Artificial dyes have been connected with all sorts of health problems, so why would you use them when you can just as easily use turmeric to replace dyes like Yellow #5 and Yellow #6.

10. Make Golden Milk.

Golden Milk was designed to improve absorption, making it an easy way to tape into turmeric’s amazing healing benefits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp raw honey, optional

Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the liquid in a small pan and heat for 5 minutes until it is hot.

Whether you are a vegetarian, or you are going to be, or you simple don’t love the idea of meat, these foods will bring you many health benefits and lots of iron!

There are plenty of non-meat options that contain the same amount of iron, or more, than meat.

Spinach

Spinach provides plenty of iron. Three cups of spinach contain about 18 mg of iron! You can meet your daily RDA of iron with just one hearty spinach salad.

Broccoli

Broccoli full of iron and other key nutrients like vitamin K and magnesium, it’s also high in vitamin C!

Lentils

Did you know that just one cup of lentils has more iron than an 8-ounce steak? Lentils are also a solid source for dietary fiber, potassium, and protein.

If you want to maintain a garden, but don’t have lots of space, you can always turn to container gardening.

Here are 15 veggies that will grow perfectly in containers:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are pretty easy to take care of and fit perfectly in an average pot!

Beans

Beans are also great for containers! Just use a trellis so they can grow upwards and put them in plenty of sun.

Lettuce

Lettuce grows so fast, and you can often harvest lettuce multiple times throughout the season. Choose a wide pot so the lettuce has room to grow!

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a great alternative to any other leafy green plants!

Radishes

Radishes  grow fast and can grow in nearly any kind of pot, wide or deep. The bigger the variety, the bigger the container you’ll need.

Eggplant

Eggplants do really well in containers. Take good care since they’re pretty vulnerable to garden pests.

Spinach

Spinach grows in partial shade, so you can shove it in the corner of your porch and still get a great plant! It also requires space to grow well!

Kale

Kale likes cold weather and you can grow it in containers and harvest it as a whole plant or just the tender leaves for garnishes and salads.

Chard

You can grow chard in small pots but it does need at least 6 inches of space.

Peas

Peas are simple and don’t require much attention, and they don’t need a lot of space, so you can easily grow them on your balcony.

Carrots

Carrots love cooler weather! To grow them, keep the soil moist so that the roots don’t dry and crack.

Cucumber

Cucumbers require a medium to large pot (depending on the variety) and need to be fed and watered regularly.

Zucchini

Zucchini does great in containers and isn’t too hard to take care of!

Garlic

Garlic is great for container gardening!  Keep bulbs about five inches apart from each other in the container.

Peppers

For those of you who like hot and spicy food, grow some peppers in containers!

It is important to make sure your plants stay healthy and disease free throughout their life cycle. So, these tips will make sure you keep up with your plants health and happy growth. Follow the tips bellow and enjoy growing your precious plants!

1. Propagate your Roses with Potatoes

Roses love potatoes! They are perfect for helping maintain the stanch of roses in the ground. Simply make a small hole in a medium sized potato and push the end of the rose stem in. Then plant the rose with the potato in the ground. You will see the difference once your roses start blooming!

2. Use Nappies in Potted Plants

This sounds a little bit weird, right? Think of it this way: whatever makes your plants happy and healthy, you should do it! By putting the nappy at the bottom of the potted plant container with soil on top this will help to retain water and will stop the annoying leaks.

3. Ground Eggshells to Powder

The image above says it all! Sprinkle your blended eggshells on the ground around your plants for a lovely calcium boost.

4. Use Old Coffee Grounds

By adding coffee grounds to your plants you will provide vital nutrients to your plants and keep away unwanted pests at the same time.

5. Homemade Weed Spray

Instead of buying weed sprayers, why not make your own? All you need is  white vinegar, table salt, and liquid dish soap.

6. Make a Mini Greenhouse for Your Seeds

Make a mini greenhouse for your seedlings. You can use a large milk jug, that will house your seeds perfectly. Add dirt, a little manure and your seeds in the milk jug. In no time you will see sprouts!

7. Use a Plastic Bottle for Irrigation

Ensure your plants get a proper irrigation by placing a plastic bottle that has holes pushed into it. This way you can fill the water bottle up and the water will slowly seep through the soil giving the plants a thorough watering!

8. Start Seedlings in an Eggshell

In order to give your seedlings the best chance consider growing them in eggshells.

9. Use Epsom Salt for a Healthy Ground

Epsom salt improves a plants blooming period and enhances color, as well as it allows the plants to take up vital nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

10. Use Rainwater

It is a good idea to use rainwater, especially during the summer months. You should always have a supply of rainwater on hand for your plants.