- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb.
These are only a few of the perennial veggies -- most other perennials fall under the "edible plant" category, such as dandelions, violets, bamboo, etc. Carrots, on the other had, are one of the vegetables that are biennial (requiring two years to complete their life cycle).
Q: What are the advantages to a raised-bed vegetable garden as opposed to growing vegetables in the dirt that's in my yard?
A: Well, there are several advantages -- and really very few disadvantages other than the fact that you will have to put some effort into initially building a raised bed. But once the work is done, you'll reap the benefits for a long time. Among the benefits are the following:
Soil amending is easy to do in a raised bed.- The dirt warms earlier.
- Gardening in a raised bed if certainly easier on the back than gardening in a regular in-ground bed.
- Raised beds just look good!
Q: I love fried okra and would like to try my hand at growing the vegetable in my own garden. Do you have any hints for me?
A: Yes, here are a few tips that may come in handy:
- Okra plants need lots of heat, so don't plant them until the ground is at least 65 degrees.
- Harvest when the pods are between 2" and 3" long (larger pods wont' be as tasty as smaller ones).
- Use a knife to harvest the okra, and wear gloves and long sleeves: the texture can irritate skin.
- Cut the pod on the stem close to where they meet.
- And finally, when you're ready to cook the okra, make sure the oil is very hot before you put the okra in. If the oil isn't hot enough, the okra will get soggy before the oil gets hot enough to cook it.
Time-Saver Tip: When planting from seed, use a pencil or a pen to poke holes in the soil. Premark it to the depth the seed needs to be planted.
