Spending time outside is the best part about summer, but battling the mosquitos… not so much fun. Here are nine plants to grow that are not only beautiful or delicious, they also take the sting out of summer. Alliums (otherwise known as onions, garlic, leeks and chives) keep the buzzing at bay and also repel Japanese beetles. Try Chives, or the potent and delicious Garlic Chives. Basil will repels...

How You Can Help the Bees in Your Own Garden The following tips will help you create a beautiful garden that is helpful to bees and other beneficial insects. Create Diversity and Color: Some creatures may be color blind, but not bees. The more color and the wider variety of flowers in your garden, the better. Use Native Plants: Native bees will be most attracted to native plants that they are familiar with. Mix a few in with your favorite...

One of the best vegetables fresh from the garden is green beans. They are also surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. This recipe delivers on crunch and keeps the beans crisp, too! Ingredients: 1/2 pound fresh green beans 1-2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 eggs 1/4 cup canola or olive oil (may use more depending on number of batches) Directions: Pour flour into a plate, 2 eggs in another plate or bowl...

  Soil temperature is just as important as proper moisture to quickly achieve optimal germination rate. Without the right soil temperature range, germination can be delayed or prevented, and the germination rate will decrease. Temperatures below minimum can leave seed vulnerable to mold or hungry wildlife. Soil temperature generally lags behind air temperature in spring, which may require you to wait longer to sow, consequently eliminating...

Much like homegrown tomatoes and many other vegetables, beans’ flavor diminishes in storage, which is why fresh from the garden is notably more delicious than store-bought. If you were wondering how to grow beans from seed, you’ve come to the right place! General Information The most popular bean type in America, the snap bean or green bean, is eaten pod and all when the seeds are small and immature. SNAP beans used to be called...