Every now and then I come across something in the gardening world that I haven't seen, or thought of before. Here are just a few:
Freecycle.org is like Craigslist. However, everything is given away for free. This non-profit site allows you to request, list, or "claim" all kinds of items. To participate, you do have to join the group, but membership is free. A sample search showed me a group of miscellaneous garden items including several posts, netting, a hose and tomato stakes not far from where I live.
buy-compost.com is part of the US Composting Council. There's a ton of information for consumers about how to compost, or if you're like me, and never quite get around to making compost, where to buy compost, and exactly how much.
Cucamelons are cucumber like fruit about the size of a grape and as you can see, look like baby watermelons. Aren't they cute! They are said to be easy to grow and have a cucumber flavor with a bit of lemon or lime tartness.
Microgreens
We've all heard of baby spinach and baby romaine but now everyone is talking about Microgreens. Microgreens are seedlings of vegetables grown from seed and harvested around 14 days from germination. Experts say that the microgreens have an even higher nutrition value that the mature plant. They are also beautiful, making for a great garnish to any salad or sandwich. I'm going to try growing them in my salad bowl this year.
Blue Honeywort
My last selection is an ornamental annual. I don't think that this is a new plant, just new to me, and I find it particularly beautiful. It is said to be drought-tolerant and grows about one to three feet tall in full sun. It is native to the Mediterranean and readily self-seeds in warm climates.
How about you? Have you recently learned of some interesting plants or other gardening resources? Let us know.
Jill
Thanks for the great ideas! I am going to start looking for cucamelons!
pestep81@gmail.com
Jill, I hope they turn out great for you!
Amy Carroll
We have been using freecycle.org for years. It's great. You meet a slew of nice people in addition to feeling like you're doing something good for the planet.
pestep81@gmail.com
Good to know. I just read about it and thought it was a great idea. Thanks for confirming Amy.