Cornucopia– Most likely there was no cornucopia at the first Thanksgiving, so when did it become a part of our Thanksgiving holiday?Pumpkin Pie Pumpkins – Buy large pumpkins for your jack-o-lanterns and smaller ones for cooking. Or skip the pumpkins entirely and buy winter squash for your cookies, breads and pies.Indian Corn – The Indian corn that we use for our fall decorations has been used for more than decorations throughout its long history.
From the Vegetable Garden
Carrots – Carrots are an easy to grow vegetable with a long and interesting history.
Beets – Beets are a cool season plant that are planted in the spring and the fall. All parts of the plants are edible.
Garlic – Whether you have a vampire problem or just enjoy cooking, garlic is a must-have in your garden.
Around the Yard
Firethorn – Firethorn shrubs have bright orange or red berries that attract birds adding movement and color to the winter landscape.
American Bittersweet – Add this American native to your landscape for its colorful berries which also serve as an important food source for both birds and animals during the winter.
Corkscrew Hazel – Corkscrew hazel’s contorted branches and bright catkins add interest to your yard during the drab winter season.
On the Windowsill
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)– Peace lilies are tropical plants that grow well as houseplants. They can also help clean up the air indoors.
Rubber Plants – Rubber plants don’t make rubber, but they do make an interesting houseplant.
Zebra Haworthia – Zebra haworthia plants have distinctive white spots on both sides of the leaves. They are popular houseplants, readily available in stores and nurseries.
Gardening Tips
Cleaning & Storing Your Containers – To ensure healthy plants, clean and sterilize your containers at the end of each growing season and use new potting soil in the spring.
How to Do a Soil Test – Before you go out and spend money on fertilizer that you may or may not need, call your local extension office and request a soil test kit to determine the pH and nutrients in your soil.
How to Vermicompost – A good substitute for composting outdoors. Using a small bin, some newspaper or cardboard, red wiggler worms and a little patience, you can make nutritious compost for your garden.
