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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Blogs from HydroVeggies.com: Week 8 of our Aerogarden presented by HydroVeggies...

Blogs from HydroVeggies.com: Week 8 of our Aerogarden presented by HydroVeggies...
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Week 8 of our Aerogarden presented by HydroVeggies.com

Monday, February 21, 2011

So What Is Up With Our Zucchini?

So What Is Up With Our Zucchini?


Figure 1 Zucchini in bloom 2/7/11


Figure 2 Zucchini in trouble? 2/20/11
We have been working hard on trying to keep our zucchini happy and from the first pic (figure 1) you can see that it is well on its way to producing fruit. Yesterday I went out to check on the garden and found the zucchini seems to look great on the surface, at least until I started moving things around to attempt to put a trellis in place. Then I noticed the stem seems to be hollowing out. So where do I turn but to the gardening forums on the internet. This is what I found. I keep the leaves trimmed so the zucchini so it does not over take the entire garden. There are still several blossoms in the works. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. I may have given the zucchini too much love in the nutrients.
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Stem of container squash split and HELLO!! clip this post email this post what is this?
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Posted by agngg 9 (My Page) on
Tue, May 19, 09 at 13:33
Hi!! My name is Grace and I just found this forum a couple weeks ago. I've been lurking and finding some wonderful information! I'm very new to gardening and starting with lots of containers. I've been doing a ton of research and learning a whole lot! So I just wanted to introduce myself.
Now I need help!! lol
I planted 2 Grey Squash plants in these pretty small containers. I started the seeds in little mini plastic pots and transpanted each one into a trough-like container that is 14in long, 7 inches wide and 6 inches deep. I know the size too small but I just wanted to see what would happen.
They did well and grew large, lots of leaves and now lots of buds. I planted them April 2nd, the seed package said Harvest in 45 days but I got male and female flower buds in about that time.
Yesterday I went out to water them and the stem of the bigger plant has split open and spread out. I immediately thought vine borers, since I had been reading on them. I was leaving so I didn't have time to investigate and it was too dark when I got home. So this morning, 3 of the flowers completely opened. There are about 4 little squash/female flowers and several more male flowers. It doesn't look hollowed out, but like it split and stretched out, if that makes sense. I can't find my camera to take a pic right now but at least wanted to put the question out there. I'll post one as soon as I can find it.
It looks like the smaller plant is about to do the same thing...should I cut that stem open to check for bugs?
Also, some of the lower leaves have yellowed and I've cut them off. All of the upper leaves looked fine.
I don't have any wilting either. The only time it has wilt was when the temps reached 92 this weekend but water perked them right up.
Another question I have is...can a stem split from the stress of being in too small of a container? Since it just flowered, should I leave it alone or transplant it now?
Thanks for any advice you can offer, I will upload pics asap!!



RE: Stem of container squash split and HELLO!! clip this post email this post what is this?
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• Posted by justaguy2 5 (My Page) on
Tue, May 19, 09 at 14:41
It's not all that uncommon for the stems of curcurbits (squash, pumpkins etc.) to split.
I really am not sure all the causes for this. Some think it too fast of growth, too much water, too much fertilizer (which goes back to the too fast of growth thing), the weight of the vine putting pressure on the stem etc.
What I do know is that cucurbits are remarkable in their ability to suffer this and go on to produce like normal. As long as the stem isn't completely severed in half it will likely live.
Do keep a look out for vine borers, but other than that your plants are likley going to do fine.
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Saturday, February 19, 2011

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Indoor Gardening Is Not Just For Houseplants - By Tamara Gerber of HydroVeggies.com

Just because the temperatures have dropped for the wintertime and deciduous trees, roses, shrubs and plants are dormant, does not mean you cannot enjoy your favorite plants, fruits and vegetables. As a recent article in a local newspaper points out, there is a renewed interest for indoor houseplants in the winter. It points out the benefits of having house plants such as the calming effect as they add to the décor of your home. Not only do they create a warm beautiful ambiance to your decor, but they also purify the air in your home.

Many people use air purifiers in their homes to eliminate allergens in the air however, growing plants inside the home can eliminate the need for using energy for the air purifiers because indoor plants, like their outdoor counterparts change the carbon dioxide into oxygen and remove the many of the toxins in the air we breathe. So reminiscent of the benefits for the common houseplants; fruits, herbs and vegetables provide the same air purifying benefits with the added bonus of providing delectable edibles year-round.

In my previous article, "Gardening Options: Hydroponics vs. Soil" I talked about the specific benefits of hydroponic gardening as it relates to fruits, herbs and vegetables; however, hydroponics can be used for any plant. Some of the most common houseplants such as spider plants, wandering Jew, philodendrons, ivy, do extremely well using hydroponics. Simply snip off a few stems of the well established plants and put them in water to watch them grow. Yes, this is the most basic form of hydroponics.

By using soilless (hydroponic) indoor gardening there is the added benefit of eliminating the messy soil, soil borne molds, mildews and insects. So why not enjoy the edible beauty of indoor strawberry plants, cilantro, parsley, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, or anything you choose to enjoy? Using hydroponics the possibilities are endless. Imagine the conversations as guests arrive at your home to find a magnificent tomato vine or gorgeous fruit bearing eggplant in your entry producing fruit in the middle of winter.

Hydroponic gardening is only limited by your imagination and can be incorporated very easily in any decor. As another EzineArticle.com author Ryan English writes in his article "Garden Decorations", "Gardens can be more fun to work with if we add a little creative idea in it. One of the most interesting habits for gardening is accessorizing." Ryan gives examples of accessorizing the gardens using fountains, bird baths, lighting and statues. These same pieces can be used to enhance and incorporate your indoor hydroponic gardens at no additional cost.

Hydroponic gardening is a thing of beauty with benefits and only limited by your imagination!

To learn more about organic, hydroponic gardening please follow us on our blogs by visiting our website at: http://www.hydroveggies.com/blogs. Here you can follow our blogs as well have access to a wide variety of organic hydroponic gardening supplies, tools and educational resources.

Live, Learn and Grow Organically!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tamara_Gerber
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Chicken Sorrentino Fusilli by Buddy Valastro

As we enjoy our garden, I became very anxious to taste the fruits of my labor and began searching the cooking shows to find just the right recipe for the first harvest of basil. I found Buddy Valastro’s new show called Kitchen Boss. The dish he made yesterday looked so good I had to try it for myself, and I must say it was a hit! My husband gave it an 8 out of 10 on the yumalishious scale, and that says a lot. Below is this wonderful recipe which I highly recommend. It’s very easy to make and will be a big hit for that perfectly romantic dinner or with the entire family. Enjoy!

Chicken Sorrentino Fusilli
by Buddy Valastro
Browse the recipe Chicken Sorrentino Fusilli
VIDEO: See Buddy in action as he shares his family favorite Italian dishes on Kitchen Boss.
INGREDIENTS
2 halves boneless, skinless chicken breast (approx 6-7 oz. each), trimmed
1 crushed clove garlic
1 small eggplant, 1 pound or less
2 thin slices prosciutto
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (see recipe)

2 large egg
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
2 cups marinara sauce (see recipe)

1/4 pound fusilli pasta, cooked al dente
Few leaves torn fresh basil
PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Sprinkle the chicken breast halves with salt, pepper, drizzle with olive oil and turn to coast with the crushed garlic. Let rest while you prepare the sauce and eggplant.
3. In a small saucepot, heat the tomato sauce and warm through.
4. Peel the eggplant and slice across the width into 1/4 inch rounds – you will only need four pieces for this recipe. Place the breadcrumbs and the flour each in two shallow plates. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat. Dip each piece of eggplant first into the flour, tapping off excess, then into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then lastly, coat in crumbs. Heat a large (12”) skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup oil. When oil is shimmering gently lay in the eggplant and fry until golden brown on each side. Place on a plate lined with a paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside while finishing the chicken.
5. Heat a cast iron grill pan (or other grilling device) over medium high heat. Grill the chicken breasts on each side until nicely marked but not cooked through. Set aside.
6. In a bowl, toss the fusilli with 1/2 of the marinara sauce – enough to coat well and sprinkle with a little grated parmesan. Place in the bottom of a small, lightly oiled baking dish. Place the chicken pieces side by side on top of the pasta. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of prosciutto, two pieces of eggplant and the sliced mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through – approx 10 minutes. You can brown the cheese with a quick turn under the broiler, if desired. Top with remaining sauce and fresh basil.
This recipe appears in: Italian

Reference:
Valastro, Buddy. "Chicken Sorrentino Fusilli" 18 January 2011. HowStuffWorks.com. 02 February 2011.