'INSPIRATIONS' Magazine Mini Herb & Veggie Gardening Guide

INSPIRATIONS Herb & Veggie Guide 2018

Four Season Solutions for Home & Garden

your food

starts here.

Your Guide to Herb & Veggie Gardening in the Chesapeake Bay Foodshed

your food starts here.

Naturally grown right here in the Chesapeake Bay Food Shed.

100% Biodegradable Fiber Container supports healthier root structure and reduces transplant shock.

Plant directly in the ground – pot and all! No recycling required!

50 varieties of locally grown, bay-friendly 3.5" herbs and veggies.

NEW for 2018 and available exclusively at Homestead Gardens!

For more information about Chesapeake Harvest plus recipes from local chefs and eco-friendly growing tips visit ChesapeakeHarvest.com.

INSPIRATIONS Herb & Veggie Guide 2018

Four Season Solutions for Home & Garden

A key to the success of our mission in growing sustainable agricultural practices in the Chesapeake region is aligning ourselves with other like-minded businesses. Homestead Gardens recognizes Chesapeake Harvest as a business with shared values. Located on the Eastern Shore, Chesapeake Harvest is a consumer brand for finished produce from local farmers who have committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Homestead Gardens has partnered with Chesapeake Harvest to introduce the brand to consumers like you in the form of live plants for planting and growing at home.

Why

CHESAPEAKE HARVEST?

Naturally Grown in the Chesapeake Bay Food Shed

by Tidal Creek Growers in Davidsonville, MD.

100% Biodegradable Fiber Container supports healthier root structure and reduces transplant shock.

One of benefits unique to Chesapeake Harvest herbs and vegetables is the 100% biodegradable pot made from recycled materials and natural fibers that they are grown in. The pot will naturally deteriorate in your garden or compost bin without any additional processing. This saves time, precious resources and reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in the landfill. Chesapeake Harvest herbs and vegetables will be exclusively available at Homestead Gardens’ Davidsonville and Severna Park stores this spring.

Flip through the pages of this guide for highlights of the vast selection of locally grown vegetables and herbs availabe at Homestead Gardens...

Davidsonville, MD 743 W. Central Avenue ph: 410.798.5000 Severna Park, MD 522 Ritchie Highway ph: 410.384.7966 HomesteadGardens.com

TOMATOE These quintessential summer fruits are the mainstay of many recipes, year-round. Here are some of our favorite tomato varieties grown for Chesapeake Harvest.

slices

sauces

Better Boy

Brandywine

Exposure: full sun

Exposure: full sun

Cage or Stake

Cage or Stake

10-12 oz fruits; juicy, firm flesh; heavy foliage protects from sun

Meaty flesh; very few seeds; thin skin easy for peeling

For more planting tips, visit ChesapeakeHarvest.com

ES salads

snacks

Sugar Rush

S ungold

Exposure: sun

Exposure: full sun

Cage or Stake

Cage or Stake

Super sweet; fast maturing; firm with crunch

Sweet, tropical taste; best flavor when deep orange

Did you Know? Harvesting a crop of homegrown

tomatoes is within reach for almost anyone, regardless of real estate. That’s because you can grow them in pots just about anywhere you have a sunny spot - deck, balcony, patio or rooftop!

For growing tomatoes in containers, the ideal pot size is 18-24” diameter depending on whether it’s determinate or indeterminate (ask a Homestead expert for help!). Smaller pots work, too, but stick with smaller, bush varieties like ‘Better Bush’.

success

When planting bury 2-4” of the plant, above the existing soil line, to encourage a strong root system.

Space tomato plants about 3’ apart for proper air circulation and room to expand.

STARTS HERE. For yields that last through the season, plant a new set of tomato plants 3 weeks after planting the first set.

Water from below rather than above to minimize soil borne diseases to which many varieties are susceptible.

sweet

spicy

California Wonder

JalapeĂąo

Exposure: sun

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest: 74

Days to harvest: 95

Sweet flavor; thick, crisp flesh; bears fruit thru summer

Best harvested green; hottest when red and are fully ripe

PEPPERS

Enjoyed ripe or immature, peppers are a delicious and healthy addition to any summer garden!

For more planting tips, visit ChesapeakeHarvest.com

SQUASH

Whether in the salad bowl or on the grill, in soup or in bread, squash can do it all.

You can even eat its blossoms!

yellow

green

Golden Zucchini

Zucchini

Exposure: full sun

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest: 55

Days to harvest: 52

Prolific bearer perfect for small spaces; best flavor at 6-8� long

Known for abundant yields; produces 8� long green fruit

STRAWBERRIES There is a remarkable difference between a commercial strawberry and one grown in your own backyard, and it is well worth the effort.

fresh

preserved

Chandler

Ozark Beauty

Exposure: full sun

Exposure: full sun

In-ground or containers

In-ground or containers

Sweet, intense flavor; yields in June & produces for 2-3 weeks

success

Honeysweet flavor; yields in June & again 6-8 weeks later

STARTS HERE.

Sweet peppers like to Peppers benefit Squash blossoms Strawberries are be mulched, unless from warm soils and require pollination prone to diseases planted in heavier shallow cultivation. from a male flower to affecting tomatoes, soils that hold water.

When planting, produce fruit. Plant in peppers, and eggHot peppers can space plants about groups to boost the plant. Avoid planting thrive without mulch.

18 inches apart. chances of success. in the same spot.

& MORE With 50 varieties of Chesapeake Harvest herbs and vegetables and countless more options available in store, we are just getting started.

Here are some of our own favorites...

fresh

pickled

Bush Champ

Talladega

Exposure: sun

Exposure: sun

Bush variety

Vining

Produces abundent straight, slender 8-10� fruit; compact

CUCUMBER

Extra early, extra heavy yields; 8-9� fruit with few spines

No summer garden is complete without this easy to grow, prolific vegetable.

For more planting tips, visit ChesapeakeHarvest.com

Did you Know? Fruits and vegetables from your own garden are higher in

nutrients than the ones that have traveled several thousands miles to get to your grocery store. In addition to the cost-savings and the satisfaction of enjoying the fruits of your labor, this fact makes growing-your-own an even more appealing option!

SNAP PEA & EGGPLANT

Sugar Snap Pea

Eggplant Classic

Exposure: full sun

Exposure: sun

Requires support of trellis

Days to harvest: 78

Produces sweet, cruchy pods; heavy yields of 3” pods on 6’ vine

Produces heavy yields of glossy, uniform 6-9” fruit

“Creative Commons Aubergine (eggplant) caviar with chives”

by Thomas Strosse, used under CC BY-SA 4.0

success

Cucumbers grow quickly, so harvest regularly. Leaving fruit on the vines may cause the plant to stop producing.

Cucumbers dislike having their roots disturbed, so care should be taken during transplant.

STARTS HERE. Eggplant is ready for picking when the flesh does not spring back after applying gentle pressure with your thumb.

Eggplant needs thorough watering all at once rather than little bits over several days.

BASIL

and beyond

Annual herbs are a culinary jackpot. With a ready supply of fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley, a cook has the potential to transform any dish from something mediocre to something spectacular.

Basil Sweet

Large, oval leaves full of flavor; short, bushy growth Exposure: sun Great for containers

For more planting tips, visit ChesapeakeHarvest.com

Chives

Cilantro Coriander

Exposure: sun

Exposure: sun

Great for containers

Harvest seeds for Coriander

Grass-like tubular foliage with mild onion flavor; edible flowers

success

Plant in well-drained Herbs prefer to dry soil in a sunny out from one waterlocation. Herbs need ing to the next, so about six hours of adequate drainage is sunlight per day. key to performance.

Flat parsley-like leaves with pungent, lemon-tinged flavor

STARTS HERE. Growth can be hindered if allowed to flower, so trim regularly to keep them delivering.

Annual herbs can be planted 2-3 times during the season for more consistent harvests.

TIPS FOR su

for container gardens

Homestead’s very own blend, Maryland Select Organic Potting Soil is 100% organic and OMRI listed! Worm castings increase the soil’s biology.

Check out the full selection of raised beds by VegTrug™ in our Modern Homesteading department.

Growing

organic starts in the soil

for in-ground gardens

Espoma Organic® Garden Soil, a rich, premium blend of the finest natural ingredients is enhanced with Myco-tone® and worm castings.

Countertop gardens offer true convenience! Pictured: SunBlaster™ Gow Light Garden. Retail $189.99

seed-starting

You don’t have to wait until the weather is right to get started on your garden – Homestead Gardens’ Modern Homesteading department features a vast selection of equipment and lighting for seed starting from the convenience of your kitchen!

4 Season

flavor

starts indoors year-round harvests

When you control the seasons, there’s no limit to when you can grow, harvest and enjoy fresh veggies and herbs. Visit our Modern Homesteading department for a full line of indoor gardening equipment – from countertop to large-scale.

uccess

Garden-tone® is a premium plant food formulated for herb and vegetable gardens. It’s made from natural and organic plant food ingredients – no sludges or fillers. This slow release formula breaks down gradually to feed all season. Bio-tone®, a proprietary blend of microbes is added to ensure superior plant growth.

• For all herbs & vegetables • More abundant harvests • For organic gardening

Espoma® Organic Garden Soil is a rich, premium blend of the finest natural ingredients. Sphagnum peat moss, peat humus, and earthworm castings help loosen heavy soils.

Myco-tone®, a proprietary blend of 11 strains of endo and ecto mycorrhizae is added to help grow larger, stronger roots.

• For in-ground plantings • Helps grow stronger roots • Enhanced with Myco-tone® & Worm Castings Tomato-tone®, a premium plant food for growing plump and juicy tomatoes, is made from natural and organic plant food ingredients – no sludges or fillers. This slow release formula breaks down gradually to feed all season. Bio-tone®, a proprietary blend of microbes, is added to enhance this plant food and ensure superior plant growth.

• Enriched with calcium • Helps prevent blossom end rot • For all tomatoes & vegetables

www.Espoma.com

for inspirational ideas and organic growing tips!

CALENDAR SUNDAY

EASTER

1

MONDAY

2

TUESDAY

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

3

4

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

FRIDAY

5

6

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Veggie Gardening: 101

8

9

Small But Mighty: Unleash the Power of Landscape Plugs 1p Severna Park

HERB & VEGGIE WEEKEND

15

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

10

11

1p Severna Park

22

16

29

11a Severna Park

13

10a Davidsonville

HERB & VEGGIE WEEKEND

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

17

11a Davidsonville

NIGHT 18 GIRLS OUT 6-9p 19 Severna Park

23 30

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

24

April

25

11a Davidsonville

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

26

11a Severna Park

10a Davidsonville

21

20

Pollinator Club: Gardening for MD Butterflies

11a Severna Park

ARBOR DAY

27

14

Grow a Better Food Garden

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Chicken Dust Baths: 101

Pollinator Club: The Humane Gardener 1p Severna Park

details online

12

7

Small But Mighty: Unleash the Power of Landscape Plugs

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Herbs on the Deck with EarthBox®

Let’s Grow it Instead of Mow it EARTH DAY

11a Davidsonville

ONE DAY DEAL

SATURDAY

CHICKS on the LOOSE

10a Davidsonville

Early Bird Sale 7-9

details online

28

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS DIY Woodland Retreat Terrarium

Design a Tree Friendly Space

11a Davidsonville

10a Davidsonville

11a Severna Park

WORKSHOPS, MEETUPS & MORE HomesteadGardens.com/events

HERB & VEGGIE WEEKEND | April 14-15 | Education, Demos & Tastings Join us to explore the many uses for edible gardening – from garden to kitchen and beyond!

garden rewards EXCLUSIVE OFFERS Not a member? Not a problem!

Sign up for our FREE Rewards program to take advantage of these offers AND earn 2% back with every purchase!

Join in-store or online: HomesteadGardens.com/rewards

of events SUNDAY

MONDAY

May 1 6

TUESDAY

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

To learn more & se HomesteadGa e the full curriculum: rdens.com/aca demy

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

1

2

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

FRIDAY

3

7

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

8

9

11a Davidsonville

GIRLS NIGHT OUT 6-9p Davidsonville

10

13

14

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

15

16

11a Davidsonville

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

17

11a Severna Park

11

11a Severna Park

18

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Container Water Gardening

21

20 Pollinator Club: Planning your Pollinator Garden

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

22

23

11a Davidsonville

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

24

11a Severna Park

25

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Natural Moss Hanging Basket

1p Severna Park

28 27 MEMORIAL DAY

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

29

30

11a Davidsonville

ONE DAY DEAL

details online

31

learn more online

11a Davidsonville

10a Davidsonville

12

Early Bird Sale 7-9 learn more online

19

Pollinator Club: Planning your Pollinator Garden 10a Davidsonville

26

Early Bird Sale 7-9

11a Severna Park

1

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Good Gardening Practices

Military Discount

5 Landscaping with Roses

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS How to Plant a Rose so it Grows

1p Davidsonville

SATURDAY

4

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Mixed Medley Containers

DIY Teacup Fairy Garden Workshop MOTHER’S DAY

featuring...

11a Severna Park

learn more online

2

Top Perennials for Mid-Atlantic Gardens 10a Davidsonville

FOR even MORE EVENTS: HomesteadGardens.com/events Visit us online to learn more and pre-register for educational events.

10

valid thru

$

April

30, 201 8

00

.

OFF

$50 Herb/Veggie Purchase

Redeem this coupon for $10 OFF a $50 purchase of herbs and/or vegetables. Exclusions may apply. See complete offer details at bottom of page or visit homesteadgardens.com/offers.

788916180041

10

valid thru

April

30, 201 8

%

OFF

Espoma® Organic Products Redeem this coupon for 10% OFF your purchase of any Espoma Organic garden or lawn products. Exclusions may apply. See complete offer details at bottom of page or visit homesteadgardens.com/offers.

788916180042

Limit one coupon per customer per transaction. Coupons must be surrendered to cashier at time of purchase. Coupons cannot be combined with any other offer. Discounts apply to regularly priced merchandise only unless otherwise noted. Not applicable towards previous purchases or special orders.

Coupons may not be reproduced. No cash value. These coupons are exclusive to Homestead Gardens ‘Garden Rewards’ members. If you are not a ‘Garden Rewards’ member you may sign up for free in store or online.

Visit www.homesteadgardens.com/offers for more information.

here.

A Guide to Herb & Veggie Gardening

starts

your food

Homestead Gardens, Inc. P.O. Box 189 Davidsonville, MD 21035