When I was a child growing up in the countryside, my friends and I used to blow seeds from dandelion heads. This normal plant brought an exciting game.

Recently, I experienced food poisoning, and a friend recommended dandelion tea. Luckily, I had some growing in my garden.

After two weeks of daily use, my symptoms improved significantly. This experience changed my view of dandelions from mere weeds to valuable health herbs.

Dandelions are not only edible and healthy but also provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects early in the growing season.

 

About Dandelion

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a versatile and resilient plant. Also known as lion’s tooth, blowball, or cankerwort, it thrives primarily in temperate regions.

Native to Eurasia, it has naturalized across many areas, including North America, and is commonly found in meadows, lawns, gardens, and roadsides.

Its leaves, ranging from 2-10 inches, have toothed edges and a bitter taste. The yellow to orange flower heads, composed of ray florets, bloom vibrantly from spring to autumn.

The hollow stems contain latex and support the flower heads, which eventually develop into pappus and round seed heads, each containing numerous single-seed fruits.

 

Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelion is highly recommended for tea, salads, sautéing, soups, or juicing, offering an earthy and slightly bitter taste.

Research in 2014 suggests that dandelion greens rank among the most nutrient-rich available, surpassing spinach in dietary fiber, vitamins K, C, A, and E.

According to Jo Robinson in Eating on the Wild Side, dandelion leaves have “eight times more antioxidants, two times more calcium” than spinach.

They possess prebiotic fibers that stimulate beneficial gut bacteria and compounds like chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and taraxasterol, which combat obesity and high-fat diets.

A study in Oncotarget found that dandelion root extract slowed the spread of colon cancer cells in test tubes, contributing positively to an anti-cancer drug.

 

Propagation

Option 1: Sow Dandelion Seeds Indoors

1. Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date.
2. Use deep trays or pots filled with moist potting soil.
3. Sow seeds 1.5 inches apart and lightly cover with soil.
4. Place in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist.
5. Germination occurs within 7 to 21 days.
6. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they reach 3-4 inches tall.

 

Option 2: Sow Dandelion Seeds Outdoors

1. Plant seeds after the last hard frost when soil temperatures are at least 50°F.
2. Space seeds 6 to 12 inches apart or sprinkle on the soil surface and thin later.
3. For baby greens, sow or thin to 3 inches apart.

Notes: Sow directly from March to September. The ideal soil temperature for germination ranges between 50-75°

 

How to Grow and Care Dandelion

How to Grow Dandelion

1. Preparation

Choose a spot with loose, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Opt for high-quality seeds from reputable sources.

 

2. How to Grow Dandelion

Dandelions are easy to cultivate and thrive with minimal care. Allow them to grow naturally in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

 

How to Care Dandelion

Dandelions thrive in full sun but produce the best greens in part shade. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8 but can tolerate a range from 6.0 to 8.5.

Regular watering improves taste, but avoid mulching, as it prevents sunlight from reaching the seeds.

Dandelions rarely face pest or disease issues, though rabbits enjoy eating the leaves and flowers.

Harvest

Gather baby leaves in spring or pluck leaves and flowers throughout the growing season. Cut leaves near the roots and discard stalks.

Harvest roots from two-year-old plants. To reduce bitterness, grow in partial shade or cover rosettes before harvest. Use flowers for brewing beer or making best wine.

Preservation

Store fresh leaves and flowers in the fridge and consume them within three days.

Dry leaves by bundling and hanging them upside down in a shaded area. Dehydrate flowers at 86-104°F until crispy.

For long-term storage, chop roots into sections, air dry or dehydrate at 95°F until brittle, roast in a 200°F oven for four hours, grind, and use as a perfect coffee substitute.

Growing dandelions at home is an enriching experience. Try planting this superplant with your children this weekend. We’re happy to answer your questions!

Container gardening offers a practical solution for those with limited space, especially in urban settings.

Using containers allows you to control soil quality, moisture levels, and sunlight exposure, optimizing potato cultivation.

This method simplifies pest and disease monitoring, reducing the risk of crop damage. Growing potatoes in containers is accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.

Summary:

• Container gardening is ideal for limited spaces, allowing precise control over soil, moisture, and sunlight.
• You should use well-draining soil mixed with compost and fertilizer and plant seed potatoes with eyes facing up.
• You should provide consistent watering, adequate sunlight, and periodic hilling as well as manage pests and diseases.

 

Preparation

Seed Potatoes

Here are some varieties of seed potatoes that thrive in container environments:

• Yukon Gold: Medium-sized potatoes with a creamy texture and buttery flavor.
• Red Pontiac: Red-skinned potatoes boasting smooth white flesh.
• Fingerling: Small, finger-shaped potatoes with colorful skins and firm flesh.
• Russet: Large, brown-skinned potatoes with starchy white flesh.
• Adirondack Blue: Distinctive blue-skinned and blue-fleshed potatoes.

Firstly, you should cut seed potatoes into pieces, making sure each piece has at least two eyes or growth nodes as they are essential for shoot emergence and robust growth after planting.

Also, let the cut pieces air dry for several days to form a protective callus, which helps prevent rot and disease.

 

Potting Mix

I suggest using high-quality, fast-draining soil.

You should mix commercial potting soil with compost in a 1:1 ratio to provide essential nutrients and avoid using garden soil to prevent contamination from pathogens.

Next, add an organic, slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio, like 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 to support healthy growth.

 

Container

I recommend choosing a container with ample drainage holes, made from food-safe materials. Containers between 2 and 3 feet deep will accommodate the roots adequately.

The size of your container impacts your yield. Small containers (5 gallons) can produce around 15-30 potatoes, while large containers (10+ gallons) can yield 70-100 potatoes.

Fabric potato grow bags are versatile and provide excellent drainage, while plastic buckets and bins work well if they have drainage holes.

I suggest avoiding containers made from materials like old tires due to potential chemical contamination. Instead, try using wooden half-barrels, plastic storage tubs, burlap sacks, or canvas tote bags.

Growing Potatoes In A Container

When growing potatoes in a container, you should fill the container with 4 to 6 inches of potting soil mixed with compost and fertilizer, leaving room at the top for hilling later.

Next, space the potato pieces 10 inches apart with their eyes facing up, then covering them with 3 to 4 inches of potting mix.

Make sure you maintain consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Care for Potatoes In A Container

Here are main requirements for taking care of potatoes in a container:

• Ensure your container receives at least eight hours of full sun daily.
• Use potting soil blended with compost and fertilizer to ensure proper drainage and nutrients.
• Space seed potatoes about 10 inches apart and leave 4 inches of space from the sides.
• Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
• Add soil around them every 2 to 3 weeks to encourage tuber formation and prevent greening.

 

Light

Potatoes thrive with at least 8 hours of full sun each day. You need this sunlight to promote photosynthesis, prevent leggy growth, and ensure healthy foliage and tuber development.

If you grow potatoes in partial shade, you might notice the plants becoming leggy and producing smaller yields.

 

Soil

You should use well-draining soil mixed with compost and fertilizer.

Potatoes thrive in slightly acidic conditions, so ensure the soil pH falls between 5.0 and 6.0. This pH level promotes nutrient uptake and supports healthy growth.

 

Water

Potatoes need around 1 to 2 inches of water each week. I recommend watering them in the morning to keep the soil consistently moist without becoming soggy.

You should check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top 1 to 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water.

 

Temperature and Humidity

Container-grown potatoes thrive best in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and are suitable for zones 3-9.

You should aim for moderate humidity levels to keep your plants healthy and avoid extreme humidity, which can lead to fungal diseases and negatively impact plant health.

 

Hilling

When your potato plants reach about 6 inches tall, you should gently mound soil around the base of the stems.

I recommend covering about one-third of the plant, including the lower leaves, to start the hilling process.

This process should be repeated periodically as the plants grow. You can stop when the soil reaches the top of the container.

 

Fertilizer

You can incorporate organic, slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix to support healthy growth without the risk of burning the plants.

Additionally, you should use a diluted liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, every couple of weeks as your potatoes mature.

Care for Potatoes In A Container

 

Pests and Diseases

Container-grown potatoes can face pests like aphids, potato beetles, and slugs, along with diseases such as late blight, which causes black, moldy foliage.

You should check the undersides of leaves for beetle eggs and larvae as infestations can stunt growth and reduce yield.

Also, use organic methods like hand-picking pests and applying neem oil as well as keep good soil drainage to prevent outbreaks and ensure a healthy harvest.

Pests and Diseases

Common Problems

Rot

Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to rot, causing soggy soil and diminished plant health.

You should ensure proper drainage in the container, use a well-draining potting mix and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

 

Wilting and Poor Production

Frequent soil dryness can result in wilting and reduced potato production.

You can monitor soil moisture regularly and water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist and consider adding mulch to help retain moisture.

 

Tuber Greening

Direct sunlight exposure on potato tubers can cause them to turn green.

As a result, you need to make sure plants receive full sun while shielding tubers from direct sunlight using mulch or hilling up soil around the base of the plants.

 

Harvest

Wait until the potato plants have flowered and the foliage begins to yellow and die back, typically around 70-90 days after planting, you can harvest your potatoes.

I recommend gathering a garden fork or shovel and a container for collecting them.

Carefully dig around the base of the plants, lift the plants and shake off any excess soil to reveal your fresh potatoes.

 

Preservation

After harvest, you should allow them to cure in a cool, dark, and ventilated area for 1-2 weeks to toughen their skin.

Next you can store the potatoes in a cool, dark place with good airflow but avoid refrigeration.

I suggest using breathable containers like paper bags or wooden crates and avoiding plastic.

You need to regularly inspect the stored potatoes for spoilage, removing any damaged ones promptly to keep the remaining potatoes fresh for a longer time.

FAQs

How do you increase the yield of a potato in a container?

You need to ensure you use a large enough container with proper drainage and use high-quality potting mix blended with compost.

 

Is compost or manure better for potatoes?

Both compost and well-rotted manure are beneficial for growing potatoes, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Compost improves soil structure, provides essential nutrients, and helps with moisture retention wheresas well-rotted manure also enriches the soil with nutrients.

 

Is it okay to eat potatoes that have sprouted?

You can eat potatoes that have sprouted, but you should remove the sprouts before cooking.

Sprouted potatoes may have higher levels of solanine, a naturally occurring toxin that can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.

Artichokes thrive as perennials in warmer climates and can be grown as annuals in cooler regions.

What sets artichokes apart are their edible flower buds, harvested before they blossom into purple thistles.

Besides their culinary appeal, artichokes are rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, folate, and magnesium, offering numerous health benefits.

With their silvery-green leaves and robust stems, these plants add elegance and resilience to any garden.

Summary:

• Artichokes thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. They need regular watering, good air circulation, and protection from strong winds.
• You can start seeds indoors eight weeks before the last frost or use cuttings from mature plants. 
• Harvest when buds are plump and firm. Preserve by freezing, pickling, canning, drying, or marinating.

Propagation From Cuttings

You can propagate artichokes from cuttings in the fall or winter by delicately uncovering the base of a mature artichoke plant to reveal its roots.

Them use a sharp knife, carefully detach offshoots along with their roots and ensure they are at least eight inches long for optimal growth.

Next, you need to plant the offshoots in well-draining soil, positioning them at least six feet apart from the parent plant to allow ample space for development.

 

Growing Artichoke

Preparation

When selecting artichoke varieties, consider factors such as climate, taste preferences, and growth habits:

• ‘Green Globe’: Renowned for its large, globe-shaped buds and robust growth, well-suited to various climates.
• ‘Imperial Star’: Ideal for cooler climates, with early harvests and compact size suitable for smaller gardens.
• ‘Purple of Romagna’: Boasting striking purple hues and tender, flavorful artichokes, adapted to Mediterranean climates.
• ‘Violetto di Chioggia’: Another purple variety prized for its delicate flavor and thriving in sunny, well-draining locations.

 

Growing Artichoke In Containers

Firstly, you should use large, deep pots with an 18 or 20-inch diameter, or a 20-gallon fabric grow bag and ensure the container has proper drainage holes at the bottom.

Next, fill the container it with a combination of high-quality potting mix and compost in a 50:50 ratio to provide the necessary nutrients.

Also, incorporate a slow-release organic vegetable fertilizer into the growing media to ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.

Now, you can plant the artichoke in the center and ensure the crown is level with the soil surface.

Then, you should water the plant regularly and place the container in a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

 

Care for Artichoke

Here are main requirements when caring for artichoke plants:

• Thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Plant artichokes in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Space artichoke plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and prevent overcrowding.
• In cooler climates, provide protection for overwintering plants by mulching around the base and covering them with frost blankets.

 

Light

Artichokes flourish in full sun, their growth optimized with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. While they can endure partial shade, it may hinder flower bud development.

 

Soil

You should opt for loamy soil with excellent drainage to prevent root rot, especially crucial in overwintering areas.

In addition, balance is key; so you should aim for a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and amend the soil pre-planting, especially for perennial growth.

 

Water

Water artichokes consistently, providing 1 to 2 inches per week. You can water in the morning to reduce evaporation and ensure optimal absorption.

You should utilize drip irrigation for efficient watering, and mulch heavily with organic materials to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

 

Temperature and Humidity

Artichokes, typically grown in USDA zones 7-11, flourish in the Mediterranean and California.

As perennials, they thrive in areas with mild winters (50-60°F) and cool, moist summers (70-80°F). Mulching is essential to prevent early flowering caused by overly hot soil.

 

Pruning

You should remove dead or damaged foliage to promote airflow and prevent disease.

Then, trim back spent flower stalks to redirect energy towards new growth and encourage continued production of tender buds.

 

Fertilizer

Prioritize nitrogen-rich fertilizer by applying 2 teaspoons of a 21-0-0 formula per plant every 4 weeks, beginning 4 weeks post-transplanting.

You need to apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, then place the fertilizer beside each plant and irrigate into the soil to ensure robust growth.

 

Pests and Diseases

You need to watch out for pests as slugs can be troublesome during damp conditions, particularly for young, tender leaves.

If you notice aphids, you should wash them off before an infestation occurs. Besides, providing ample airflow around the plants helps deter aphids.

In addition, gray mold or Botrytis can affect leaves and flower bracts, especially on damaged foliage. You need to promptly remove affected leaves and use a fungicide like neem.

Also, viruses transmitted by aphids can cause a decline in plant health and yield. Controlling aphids is crucial to prevent virus spread.

 

Common Problems

Artichoke Curly Dwarf

This viral disease causes stunted growth and distorted, curled leaves, often transmitted by aphids. To manage, you can control aphid populations and promptly remove infected plants.

 

Bacterial Crown Rot

This soil-borne disease affects the crown and roots, causing wilting and yellowing. Don’t worry because you can improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply copper-based fungicides.

 

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing may indicate nutrient deficiencies or overwatering. Adjust fertilization and watering practices accordingly for healthy foliage.

 

Harvest

Artichoke harvesting typically begins in late July or early August and lasts until frost. Wait until the buds are plump and firm, typically 3-4 inches in diameter, with tightly closed scales.

Next, you use sharp garden shears to cut the stems 1-2 inches below the base of the bud, then continue regular watering and feeding to support plant growth.

 

Preservation

To keep your artichokes for later, try freezing them after blanching the trimmed hearts and packing them into containers.

Alternatively, you can pickle them by slicing them thinly and placing them in sterilized jars with brine.

If you prefer, can them by packing the trimmed hearts into jars and processing them in a pressure canner.

Another tasty option is to marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, then store them in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for future enjoyment.

 

FAQs

How many artichokes do you get from one plant?

You can typically expect to harvest 6 to 10 artichokes from one plant each growing season. However, the exact number can vary depending on growing conditions and care.

How many times can you harvest artichokes?

Artichokes can be harvested multiple times during the growing season.

The primary harvest occurs in late spring or early summer, and a secondary, smaller harvest can happen in the fall if conditions are favorable.

 

Why are artichokes so expensive?

Because they require specific growing conditions, regular maintenance, and careful handling to ensure high quality.

Additionally, their relatively short harvest window and the need for significant space contribute to higher costs.