This master gardener’s Arkansas roots run deep Story by Dwain Hebda Memphis-born Joellen Beard, president of Pulaski County Master Gardeners, can trace her love for the beauty of growing things all way back to her childhood. “My grandparents lived in St. Charles (Arkansas County),” she said. “I always loved Arkansas. We came in the summers and …
Growing one of Arkansas’ most popular vegetables Story by Lisa D. Martin Banana pepper, also known as yellow wax pepper or banana chile, is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum. Along with their close relatives bell peppers and jalapenos, banana peppers are among the most popular vegetables grown in the United States. Banana peppers are believed …
Common problems in Arkansas warm-season vegetable gardens Story by Lisa D. Martin Gardening is a very popular hobby in Arkansas. The thrill of growing fresh vegetables coupled with the success of being able to not only feed a family, but have produce to share with extended family and friends or sell at farmers’ markets and …
Growing cherry tomatoes in your Arkansas garden Story by Lisa D. Martin Cherry tomatoes, like their large-fruited siblings, are members of the nightshade family, related to Irish potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. While originally grown for ornamental purposes, since they were thought to be poisonous, an estimated ninety to 95 percent of today’s home gardens grow …
A quick guide to summer vegetable gardening in Arkansas Story by Lisa D. Martin, Photos by Bob Westerfield Arkansas can be a gardener’s paradise, thanks to long spring and summer seasons. In general, many of the popular garden crops can be planted and harvested through at least six months of the year (April through October). …
Worms are his secret weapon Story and Photos by Dwain Hebda There’s not a whole lot that meets the eye at Ed and Pat Griffin’s sprawling gardens that the couple didn’t build, plant, or tend themselves – from the gurgling water feature to the rows of vegetables to the riotous color of their daylilies. And …
Bringing up a crop of nature lovers Story and Photos by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon The other day, my brother and I were reminiscing about the wonderful experiences we had as children when we spent time with Mom and Dad in the garden. In today’s hustle-bustle world, many children don’t have the opportunity to delight in …
Seasoning of the South Story and Photos by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey Celery (Apium graveolens) is a well-known element of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Along with bell pepper and onion, it is a member of the “Holy Trinity” seasoning mix. You don’t have to be French to appreciate the distinctive earthy aroma of homegrown celery. Jambalaya and …
A vegetable deeply rooted in the South Story and Photos by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey Turnips may not be the most glamorous vegetable in garden, but they have a loyal list of followers. The Scots carved them for Halloween before pumpkins took the job. Farmers used them for livestock fodder. Vermont even named the turnip as its …
Growing lettuce in your Louisiana fall garden Story and Photos by A.J. Heinsz-Bailey As fall approaches both the temperature and the insect populations are decreasing, making it a great time to plant lettuce. Lettuce is easy to grow and is available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and tastes. These are qualities that make …
