Good Companion Plants for Cabbage

 

The Bean Taylor Dwarf plant, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, is a popular choice among gardeners due to its compact size and high yield. This variety is particularly well-suited for small gardens or container gardening, making it accessible for urban gardeners and those with limited space.

One of the defining characteristics of the Bean Taylor Dwarf is its growth habit. Typically, this plant reaches a height of approximately 18 to 24 inches, which allows for easy harvesting without the need for extensive bending or stretching. The dwarf nature of this plant also means that it can be planted closer together than taller varieties, maximizing space efficiency in the garden.

In terms of productivity, the Bean Taylor Dwarf is known for its prolific output. Under optimal growing conditions, a single plant can produce an impressive yield of beans, often exceeding 1 pound per plant. This makes it an excellent choice for home gardeners looking to supplement their vegetable intake with fresh produce.

The growing requirements for the Bean Taylor Dwarf are relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sun exposure is essential, as this plant requires at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily to achieve optimal growth. Additionally, regular watering is crucial, particularly during dry spells, as beans are sensitive to drought conditions.

From a nutritional standpoint, beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The Bean Taylor Dwarf, like other bean varieties, contributes significantly to a balanced diet. It is particularly rich in folate, iron, and magnesium, making it a valuable addition to any meal plan.

When considering pest management, the Bean Taylor Dwarf may be susceptible to common garden pests such as aphids and spider mites. Implementing integrated pest management strategies, including the use of beneficial insects and organic pesticides, can help mitigate these issues while promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.

In conclusion, the Bean Taylor Dwarf plant is a versatile and productive option for gardeners seeking to grow their own food. Its compact size, high yield, and nutritional benefits make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. By understanding its growing requirements and potential challenges, gardeners can successfully cultivate this plant and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Click here to view our full Bean grow guide

Good companion plants: Cucumber, Pea, Rosemary, Thyme, Tomato

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BUSH BEANS
FAVA & BROAD BEANS
LIMA BEANS
POLE BEANS

A beautiful new variety which is smooth and shallow eyed. Magenta skin with matching flesh. Potatoes are ideal for frying, baking or mashing. Oblong tubers can reach 10 ounces in size.

We do not use chemicals to prevent our potatoes from sprouting. So the seed potatoes you order may have already begun to sprout when they arrive. This is okay-in fact some consider it desirable.

Quick Overview

Quick Overview

How to Plant Bulb Onions

Onion bulbs are quite hardy and can withstand 20° F frost. They should be set out 4-6 weeks prior to the last expected frost. When your plants arrive they should appear to be quite dry. DO NOT WET THEM NOR STICK THEIR ROOTS IN WATER. Unpack them and store them in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant. They should last about 3 weeks kept this way. Do not worry that your plants seem dry. They will "shoot" new roots and new, green tops as soon as they are planted. Be sure to specify on your order when you want your plants to arrive.

DETAILS

• Early-season 60-80 to maturity.
• Early season oval shaped tubers with bright yellow skin and medium yellow flesh.
• Smooth shallow eyes and nice uniform tubers.
• Great for roasting, steaming, baking or boiling.
• Excellent for storage.
• Drought tolerant and resistant to common scab, blight & black leg.

NOTE:  We do not use chemicals to prevent our potatoes from sprouting. So the seed potatoes you order may have already begun to sprout when they arrive. This is okay-in fact some consider it desirable.

• Basil sprouts are extremely easy to grow!
• Ready to eat in as little as a week.
  
• Great addition to many culinary creations.
• Excellent flavor and fragrance.

You may also be interested in:  Purple Basil Sprouts & Micro-greens

 

Crosby's Egyptian beet (Beta vulgaris) is a distinctive variety of beet that has garnered attention for its unique flavor profile and adaptability in various growing conditions. This heirloom variety is characterized by its flat, round shape and vibrant red color, making it not only a nutritious addition to the diet but also an attractive choice for home gardeners.

The young greens are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a nutritious side dish. The versatility of Crosby's Egyptian beet allows it to be enjoyed in a variety of culinary applications, from roasting to pickling.

One of the notable advantages of growing Crosby's Egyptian beet is its resilience to various pests and diseases. This variety exhibits a degree of tolerance to common beet pests such as aphids and leaf miners, making it an excellent choice for organic gardening practices. Additionally, the deep taproot of the beet allows it to access nutrients and moisture from deeper soil layers, contributing to its overall robustness.

Harvesting Crosby's Egyptian beet can begin as early as 50 days after sowing, depending on the desired size of the roots. It is advisable to harvest beets when they reach a diameter of 2 to 3 inches for the best flavor and texture. The greens can also be harvested throughout the growing season, promoting continuous growth of the roots.

In summary, Crosby's Egyptian beet is a valuable addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility. Its ease of cultivation and resistance to pests make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. By incorporating this heirloom variety into your gardening repertoire, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce while contributing to the preservation of traditional plant varieties.

Shop all Beet Seeds

📚 Beets Grow Guide

• Basil sprouts are extremely easy to grow!
• Ready to eat in as little as a week.
  
• Great addition to many culinary creations.
• Excellent flavor and fragrance.

You may also be interested in:  Green Basil Sprouts & Micro-Greens

NOTE:  We do not use chemicals to prevent our potatoes from sprouting. So the seed potatoes you order may have already begun to sprout when they arrive. This is okay-in fact some consider it desirable.

 

Medium Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a widely recognized cover crop that plays a significant role in sustainable agriculture and gardening practices. This leguminous plant is particularly valued for its ability to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to sustainable farming systems.

One of the primary benefits of using Medium Red Clover as a cover crop is its nitrogen-fixing capability. Clover plants have a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which allows them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is accessible to plants. Research indicates that clover can fix approximately 100 to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year, significantly reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting a more sustainable approach to soil fertility.

In addition to nitrogen fixation, Medium Red Clover also improves soil structure and health. Its deep taproot system helps to break up compacted soil layers, enhancing aeration and water infiltration. This can lead to improved root development for subsequent crops and increased resilience against drought conditions. Studies have shown that cover crops like clover can increase soil organic matter by 0.5 to 1.5 percent over several years, which is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and structure.

Furthermore, Medium Red Clover serves as an excellent weed suppressor. The dense foliage of clover can outcompete many common weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and manual weeding. This natural weed control mechanism not only saves labor but also minimizes chemical inputs, aligning with organic gardening principles.

Medium Red Clover is also beneficial for attracting beneficial insects and pollinators. The flowers of clover are a rich source of nectar and pollen, supporting a diverse ecosystem in the garden. This can lead to improved pollination rates for other crops and contribute to overall biodiversity in the agricultural landscape.

When incorporating Medium Red Clover into a garden or farming system, it is essential to consider the timing of planting and termination. Clover is typically sown in the late summer or early fall, allowing it to establish before winter. It can be terminated in the spring before planting the main crop, either through mowing or tillage, to incorporate its biomass into the soil, thus enhancing nutrient availability for subsequent crops.

In summary, Medium Red Clover is a valuable cover crop that offers numerous benefits, including nitrogen fixation, soil improvement, weed suppression, and support for beneficial insects. Its use in sustainable gardening practices can lead to healthier soils, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, and increased biodiversity, making it an essential component of modern agricultural systems.

How to Plant Garlic

Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall.  

Key Planting Info:

• Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove.
• Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun.
• Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up).
• Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge.

Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

Quick Overview

How to Plant Bulb Onions

Onion bulbs are quite hardy and can withstand 20° F frost. They should be set out 4-6 weeks prior to the last expected frost. When your plants arrive they should appear to be quite dry. DO NOT WET THEM NOR STICK THEIR ROOTS IN WATER. Unpack them and store them in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant. They should last about 3 weeks kept this way. Do not worry that your plants seem dry. They will "shoot" new roots and new, green tops as soon as they are planted. Be sure to specify on your order when you want your plants to arrive.

How to Plant Garlic

Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall.  

Key Planting Info:

• Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove.
• Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun.
• Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up).
• Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge.

Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->