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(Zea mays 'Golden Bantam')

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Golden Bantam Sweet Corn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed in Greenfield by William Chambers and first offered by Burpee Seed Company in 1902. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60-72” and features 7-8" ears with irregular white kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is used to make cosmetics, fuel, glue, and paper, and is both edible and medicinal!

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  • General Information
  • Soil Preparation & Start Indoors
  • Transplant Outdoors & Start Outdoors
  • Crop Care
  • Harvesting & Storage
  • Seed Saving
  • Culinary & Medicinal
  • Companion Planting
  • Nutrition & Health Benefits
  • Other Uses
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Family: Poaceae

Genus: Zea

Species: mays

Variety: Golden Bantam Sweet Corn

Native to: Massachusetts

Ease of Growing: Easy

Grown as: Annual

Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 80 days
​
Hardiness: Tender. Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.

Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer

Growing Season: Long

Cultivar Type: Late

Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.

Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F

Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.

Start Indoors: Yes

Start Outdoors: Yes. 

Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.

Water: Medium. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.

Feeder: Heavy: Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best ​growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.

Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.

Small Gardens?: No

Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.

Attracts beneficial insects?: No


Maintenance: Medium

Plant Height: 60-72"

Spacing: 6-8"

Sow Depth: 1-4"

Produces: 7-8" slender ears with 8 rows of deep, broad golden kernels

Hardiness Zone: 3-11

Soil Preparation

Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 
5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.8. Corn will grow well in a variety of soils, but it is a hungry plant and needs a lot of nutrients for maximum production. The ideal soil is rich, moisture retentive and well drained.

Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2" in top 6" of soil, 1 time: 
Incorporate 2˝ of compost or aged manure into the top 6˝ of soil.


Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard Mix should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil along with the compost. It will supply any additional nutrients the plants may require. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:

  • 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
  • 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
  • 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
  • 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
  • 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
​
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.

Start Indoors

Seed Sowing Depth: 1.0" to 4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".

Soil temp for germination: 50°F to 105°F, optimal 60°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F

​Total weeks to grow transplant: 12 to 14 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)

Germinate:
3-4 weeks before last frost date: 
Very early Corn: Corn can be started indoors, in cell packs, soil blocks or plug trays. However this is only worthwhile for very early Corn, in exceptionally short or early cool growing conditions, or to avoid predators such as birds and mice. Sow 2 seeds in each cell or block and thin to the best one when they have all emerged. If germination is very good, you might just plant one seed per cell. The seedlings grow rapidly and will get root-bound if left in their containers for too long. Ideally they should be out of their pots and in the ground, within 3 to 4 weeks.

Transplant Outdoors

On Last Frost Date: A couple of weeks before planting out, you should prepare the planting bed and lay down black plastic to warm it up.  Plant the seedlings on the last frost date and cover with row covers, or cloches, to keep them warm until the weather warms up.

Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.

When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F

When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.

​
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.

Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).

Support:
 No

Start Outdoors

When Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.

When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F

When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.

Seed Depth: 1.0"-4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".

Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure​ good pollination ​ (which ​means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.

Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).

Spring Crop: 2-7 weeks after last frost date. Corn is almost always direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.

1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting.  For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1˝ deep.

Summer Crop: 8-12 weeks after last frost date. Corn is usually direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.

1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting.  For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, corn may be planted as deep as 4˝.

Support: No
Corn is fairly easy to grow if it has warm conditions and enough nutrients, light and water. You then just have to make sure it gets pollinated properly. You need to be growing enough corn plants in a block to ensure good pollination, a minimum block of 4 feet.

Water Needs: Moderate. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.

Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.

Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5 inches, regularly, 2 times a week. Sweet Corn is a thirsty plant so water it regularly. Water is especially crucial during tasselling and subsequent ear maturation, so make sure they get enough water at this time.  Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.

Weeding, after sowing: after sowing, every 2 weeks. It is important to weed the plants carefully until they reach 12" in height. You can use a hoe for this, as they don’t have shallow roots. Once the plants are growing well no weed on earth can compete with them.

Thinning, when 3" tall: 8 inches apart, when 3" tall, 1 time. Plant twice as many seeds as you need and thin to the recommended spacing when they are several inches high.

Side Dressing, when 12" tall: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., when 12in tall, 1 time. It is a good idea to give the young plants a boost of nitrogen, such as compost tea, when the seedlings are about 12˝ tall and growing rapidly. 

Side Dressing, at early fruit set:
 Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., at early fruit set, 1 time. Give them another dose of compost tea when the silks appear, for that final burst of growth.

Support: No

Harvesting

Ripening: More than any other crop, it is important to gather Sweet Corn at the right time. The ears mature from 17 to 23 days after pollination (depending upon the weather) and there are many indicators of maturity. To check if an ear is ripe, pull open the top of the husk and squeeze a kernel. If it is fat and spurts milky juice, it is ready. If it is dimpled and spurts watery juice, it's not yet ripe (just close up the husk). Be aware that the new super sweet varieties may have clear juice and still be ripe. If the kernel is fat and tough, the ear is probably over-mature and will be starchy and not very good.

There are several other indicators that sweet corn is ready to pick:
The silks wither and turn dark brown.
The ear feels fat.
The end becomes rounded rather than pointed.
The ear tilts away from the stem.

When and How:
Whole Fruit, 1-14 days after maturity:
When: More than any other crop, it is important to gather Sweet Corn at the right time. The ears mature from 17 to 23 days after pollination (depending upon the weather) and there are many indicators of maturity. Corn ripens quickly in warm 
weather so watch it carefully and harvest when it is ready (it is only really good for a few days). If you can’t use it immediately, freeze it, or give it away. If not harvested at the right time it will be wasted.

How:
 Snap the ripe ear from the plant by pulling it downwards. Be careful not to break the plant, or damage its neighbors.

Storage

Old fashioned open pollinated sweet corn starts to deteriorate as soon as it is picked, hence the (somewhat tongue in cheek) advice to have the water boiling before going out to pick. The best way to store sweet corn is to remove it from the husk and freeze it in plastic bags.

​Storage Req: Freezer 
Storage Temp: 32°F 

Storage Length: 1-360 days​
​

The newer super sweet hybrids stay sweet much longer and can be kept in the fridge for several days. Ears of corn in their husks can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple days. The sooner you eat them, the better.

Storage Req: Refrigerator 
Storage Temp: 35-40°F 
Storage Length: 1-5 days

Field corn or flower corn used for making corn meal and other corn products. The dry ears can be stored whole (they are quite decorative), but the seed takes up less space if you remove it from the ears. Make absolutely sure the seed is completely dry before storing it, otherwise it will go moldy.

Storage Req: Dry 
Storage Temp: 60-70°F 
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Saving Seed: Corn is wind pollinated. Separate varieties by 600' for home use, or 1/2 to 1 mile for absolute purity. Save at least 500 seeds from at least 10% of the plants to maintain vigor and genetic diversity of the variety. Saving corn seed is a little more complicated than most other crops, because you have to worry about inbreeding (Corn strains are very inbred). It is said that if you want to maintain a pure variety indefinitely you need to save seed from at least 50 plants (some say a minimum of 100), to keep sufficient genetic variability.

Hand pollination: This isn't difficult, but takes some time, especially if you are pollinating 100 plants. The first step is to put a bag over the female flowers before the silks emerge, to prevent them being pollinated by any stray pollen. This must be taped shut, to prevent any pollen entering. The next morning, after the dew has dried, you go out and gently shake pollen from the newly opened tassels into a paper bag. Then simply transfer a little pollen onto the silks of each plant with a brush. You then replace the bags and leave them on until the silks go brown. Mark the ears carefully so they don't get eaten accidentally.

​
Seed Viability in Years: 1 - 3 Years
Germination Percentage:
 75%

Culinary

​Taste: Sweet and very tasty with a pronounced "corn" taste.

Culinary Use: Corn is best and tastes freshest when shucked and cleaned of corn silk right before cooking. Corn can be boiled, grilled or used in soups and stews. You can slice the kernels off the cob to make dishes such as creamed corn, corn custard or use with other summer vegetables for a summer salsa. Corn says "summer" so bring it in from the garden and cook it soon thereafter for a gardener's indulgence and a cook's delight.

Seed: raw or cooked. Corn is one of the most commonly grown foods in the world. The seed can be eaten raw or cooked before it is fully ripe and there are varieties especially developed for this purpose (the sweet corns) that have very sweet seeds and are delicious. The mature seed can be dried and used whole or ground into a flour. It has a very mild flavor and is used especially as a thickening agent in foods such as custards. The starch is often extracted from the grain and used in making confectionery, noodles etc. The dried seed of certain varieties can be heated in an oven when they burst to make "Popcorn". The seed can also be sprouted and used in making uncooked breads and cereals. A nutritional analysis is available. The fresh succulent "silks" (the flowering parts of the cob) can also be eaten. An edible oil is obtained from the seed, it is an all-purpose culinary oil that is frequently used as a food in salads and for cooking purposes. The pollen is used as an ingredient of soups. Rich in protein, it is harvested by tapping the flowering heads over a flat surface such as a bowl. Harvesting the pollen will actually help to improve fertilization of the seeds. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. The pith of the stem is chewed like sugar cane and is sometimes made into a syrup.

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves and roots is used in the treatment of strangury, dysuria and gravel. The corn silks are cholagogue, demulcent, diuretic, lithontripic, mildly stimulant and vasodilator. They also act to reduce blood sugar levels and so are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus as well as cystitis, gonorrhea, gout etc. The silks are harvested before pollination occurs and are best used when fresh because they tend to lose their diuretic effect when stored and also become purgative. A decoction of the cob is used in the treatment of nose bleeds and menorrhagia. The seed is diuretic and a mild stimulant. It is a good emollient poultice for ulcers, swellings and rheumatic pains, and is widely used in the treatment of cancer, tumors and warts. It contains the cell-proliferant and wound-healing substance allantoin, which is widely used in herbal medicine (especially from the herb comfrey, Symphytum officinale) to speed the healing process. The plant is said to have anticancer properties and is experimentally hypoglycaemic and hypotensive.
Source
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Companion Planting

Allies: The benefits of planting corn with beans has been upheld by scientific research, which showed increased yields when corn was grown with a legume. One study points out that an interplanting of soybeans encourages parasitic Trichogramma wasps, which help control corn earworms. Soybeans or peanuts also increase populations of predatory insects, which help reduce the number of corn borers. Beans and corn are mutually beneficial: Beans help keep fall armyworms in check on corn, notes one study, while corn minimizes leafhoppers on bean plants. Alternate rows of corn and bush beans, two rows of corn to one row of beans. Or plant pole beans to climb corn rows.

Companions: Sunflower borders were a tradition in American Indian gardens. British research indicates that strips of sunflowers alternated with corn will increase yields and ​decrease infestations of all armyworms. Squash and pumpkins do well in the shade of the corn rows.

​
Enemies: The weed quack grass (Agropyron repens) appears to make nitrogen and potassium unavailable to corn, even when the area is heavily fertilized. Leached toxins from wheat straw mulch reduced corn yields in farm research by 44-94 percent.

Problems

The most common pests include corn borers, flea beetles, and cutworms. Animal pests can be serious once ears develop. Clean garden practices, crop rotation, and planting resistant strains are generally the best defense.

Corn Borers

Beneficial insects such as Green lacewings, Ladybugs, Damsel bugs, Spiders and Hover fly larvae all prey on Corn Borers.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.

To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.

Ladybug: Preys on Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Leafhoppers, Whitefly, Spider mites, Fleas, Mealybug, and Colorado potato beetles.

To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.

​Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.

To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.

To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.


Hoverflies: Prey on aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and Thrips.

To attract Hoverflies to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans),  Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia), Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).

Flea Beetles

Beneficial insects such as Braconid wasps, Tachinid flies, Lacewings larvae, Damsel bugs, and Big Eyed Bug all prey on Flea Beetles.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.

To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.


Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.

To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.

Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.

To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.


Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.

To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).


Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies. 

To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Cutworms

Beneficial insects such as Ground Beetles, Tachinid Flies, Braconid Wasps, Spiders, Minute Pirate Bugs, Damsel Bugs, Lacewing Larvae, and Birds all prey on Cutworms.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado potato beetles, and Cutworms.

To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.

Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.

To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.


​​Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.

To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.

Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.

To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.

Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips


To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

​Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
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To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow:
 Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

​Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.

To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.

Nutrition

Sweet Corn is rich in carbohydrates, as well as soluble fiber, folate, niacin, thiamin, phosphorus and various useful phytochemicals. Yellow Corn contains vitamin A.

Health Benefits of Corn

Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it’s richness in phytochemicals provides protection against a number of chronic diseases. The well-researched and widespread health benefits are listed below.

Prevents Hemorrhoids: The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4% of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to maize being a whole-grain.  A study by Dr. Arthur Schatzkin, former chief of the nutritional epidemiology branch at the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) concludes, “Total dietary fiber intake is not associated with colorectal cancer risk, whereas whole-grain consumption is associated with a modestly reduced risk.” Dietary fiber can help bulk and soften stools, promoting regular elimination and decreasing straining. This process is done by stimulating the peristaltic motion and the production of gastric juice and bile. By adding bulk to loose stools, the chances for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea can be greatly reduced.

Promotes Growth: Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially thiamin and niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Niacin deficiency leads to pellagra; a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis that is commonly observed in malnourished individuals. It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, which is an essential vitamin for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism in the body. The deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns. Corn provides a significant percentage of the daily folate requirement, thus preventing this condition. The kernels are also rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is essential for the growth and protection of the body from illness and diseases.

Weight Gain: Corn, especially the yellow variety, is a rich source of calories and is a staple in many places. The calorific content of sweet yellow and white corn is 96 calories per 100 grams. This is why it is often turned to for quick weight gain.

Provides Essential Minerals: Corn contains abundant minerals that positively benefit the body in a number of ways, says a study conducted by Dr. Phil Warman, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Canada. Phosphorus, along with magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper are some of the essential nutrients that are found in all varieties of corn. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most diets. Phosphorus is essential for regulating normal growth, bone health, and optimal kidney functioning. Magnesium is necessary for maintaining a normal heart rate and for increasing bone mineral density.

Protects Your Heart: According to research, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, in particular, is the best way to improve heart health and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination. This allows omega-3 fatty acids to strip away the damaging LDL or bad cholesterol and replace them at the binding sites. This can reduce the chances of arteries becoming clogged, lower blood pressure, and minimize the risk of heart attack and stroke. 
​According to a study by Dr. Robert Nicolosi, University of Massachusetts, US, consumption of corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL or bad cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body. As mentioned earlier, this reduction in LDL cholesterol does not mean a reduction in HDL or good cholesterol, which can have beneficial effects on the body. They include the reduction of heart diseases, prevention of atherosclerosis, and general scavenging of free radicals throughout the body.

Prevents Anemia: Corn helps prevent anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. It also contains iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency of iron is one of the main causes of anemia as well. Many studies also connect vitamin A and beta carotene with increased absorption of iron. 

Eye & Skin Care: Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. As per a study published in the Science journal, beta-carotene is a great source of vitamin A because it is converted into the body according to the amount required. Vitamin A can be toxic if too much is consumed, so deriving it through beta-carotene transformation is ideal. It may also benefit the health of skin and mucous membranes, as well as boost the immune system. The amount of beta-carotene in the body that is not converted into vitamin A acts as a very strong antioxidant, like all carotenoids, and can combat diseases like cancer and heart disease. That being said, people who smoke need to be careful about their beta-carotene intake, because some studies suggest that smoking and high beta-carotene levels are more likely to contract lung cancer, while non-smokers with high beta-carotene content are less likely to contract lung cancer.

Manages Diabetes: In recent decades, the world has seemed to suffer from an epidemic of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism for this cannot be pinpointed, it is generally related to nutrition. According to a study published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness in 2018 have shown that consumption of whole grains is related to a decreased risk in the development of type 2 diabetes. According to the Journal of Medicinal Food, consumption of its kernels assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn. Phytochemicals can regulate the absorption and release of insulin in the body, which can reduce the chance of spikes and drops for people with diabetes and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle, as per the British Journal of Nutrition.

Cosmetic Benefits: Cornstarch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Its products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which are major components of many cosmetic preparations. Many of the traditional skin creams contain petroleum jelly as a base material, which can often block pores and make skin conditions even worse. Furthermore, cosmetic use of corn oil in skin cleansing and wrinkle-reducing cream has been patented by Dr. Donald E. Barker, professor of surgery, Department of Surgery, for the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, US.
Source
A glue is made from the starch in the seed. This starch is also used in cosmetics and the manufacture of glucose. A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed. It has many industrial uses, in the manufacture of linoleum, paints, varnishes, soaps etc. The corn spathes are used in the production of paper, straw hats and small articles such as little baskets. A fiber obtained from the stems and seed husks is used for making paper. They are harvested in late summer after the seed has been harvested, they are cut into usable pieces and soaked in clear water for 24 hours. They are then cooked for 2 hours in soda ash and then beaten in a ball mill for 1? hours in a ball mill. The fibers make a light greenish cream paper. Be careful not to overcook the fiber otherwise it will produce a sticky pulp that is very hard to form into paper. The dried cobs are used as a fuel. The pith of the stems is used as a packing material.

Suggested Varieties

(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')

Love, Lies, Bleeding Amaranth is a heirloom annual leaf vegetable that is native to South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features erect, deep red stems, 6” oval, light green leaves and 12” bright red, drooping tassels. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is used to make dye, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower! 

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(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')

Perfecta Amaranth is a heirloom upright, busy annual leaf vegetable that is native to India and tropical Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and feature s erect stems, 10” oval-shaped, green to purple leaves that have yellow and red blotches, and 1” green to red flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is edible, and its foliage is a addition to cut flowers! 

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(Amaranthus cruentus 'Red Garnet')

Red garnet Amaranth is a heirloom, warm weather annual leaf vegetable that is native to Mexico and South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-7' and features erect stems, oval-shaped, burgundy red leaves, and large dark red flower spikes. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, tolerates drought, and it's edible!  

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(Melissa officinalis ‘Lemon Balm’)

Lemon Balm is perennial herb that is native to the Southern Europe but can be commonly found growing throughout the northwestern, south central, and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2' and features 3” oval, medium green, wrinkled, lemon scented leaves, and tiny white flowers that have two lips. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, repels ants and flies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, self sows, and is also both edible and medicinal!

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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle')

Black Turtle Bean is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico and Central America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, green 5-6” bean pods that turn yellow when mature, and tiny purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake #274')

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Blue Lake Bush Bean #274 is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was developed and introduced in 1961 by Asgrow Seed Company in the Blue Lake District. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-16” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, green 5-6” snap bean pods, and tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender')

Contender Bush Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina where it was developed by the Southeastern Vegetable Breeding Laboratory in Charleston and introduced in 1961. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-7” green snap bean pods, and tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Gold Rush Yellow Wax')

Gold Rush Yellow Wax Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was developed and introduced in 1977 by Asgrow Seed Company. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” long yellow wax bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder')

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Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was introduced in 1940 by Ferry-Morse Seed Co. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 72-96” and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, 7-10” green snap bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Lazy Housewife')

Lazy Housewife Pole Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Pennsylvania where it first appeared in W. Atlee Burpee’s 1888 catalog. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-9' and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, 4-5” medium green bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Pinto')

Pinto Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Mexico where it was developed by Manrique Gonzalez between 1913-19. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 3-4” flat green bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis)

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Red Yard Long Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Africa, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 96-144” and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, deep red snap beans that average 18" in length but are able to reach 36", and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and birds, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Royalty Purple Pod')

Royalty Purple Pod Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Hampshire where it was developed by the University of New Hampshire, and introduced by Billy Helper Seed Company in 1957. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” bright-purple bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Monarda fistulosa ‘Wild’)

Wild Bergamot is a native perennial clump forming flower that is naturally found growing in dry rocky woods and dry prairies all across the United States. At maturity this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features a square like stem, aromatic greenish gray leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped lavender flowers. This plant is best known for its ability to attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but it also is both edible and medicinal, can be used as a cut flower, is drought tolerant, is used to flavor perfumes, make insect repellents and essential oils, is resistant to deer, and self sows!

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(Brassica oleracea 'Early Jersey Wakefield')

Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to England, but was first grown in the United States in 1840 by Francis Brill of Jersey City. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features dark-green, conical heads averaging 5" in diameter and weighing 2 to 3 lbs. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbits safe (in moderation), can be used as a trap crop for aphids, tolerates frost, and is edible.

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(Carum carvi ‘Caraway')

Caraway is a biennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but can be commonly found growing in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features feathery fronds and umbrella shaped clusters of tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, damsel bugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, and is also both edible and medicinal! 

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(Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Cored')

Chantenay Red Cored Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, but is commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 7" long, orange, nearly coreless carrots. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.

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(Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple')

Cosmic Purple Carrot is a hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Wisconsin, where it was developed in Madison by Dr. Philipp in 2005. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features 7" purple skinned carrots with orange and yellow flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.

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(Daucus carota 'Danvers')

Danvers Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed in Danvers and was first marketed by Burpee Seed Co. in 1886. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 7" long, nearly coreless orange carrot. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.

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(Daucus carota 'Rainbow Blend')

Rainbow Blend Carrot is a heirloom seed mix consisting of Cosmic Purple, Atomic Red, Lunar White, and Solar Yellow Carrots which are hardy, cool weather annual vegetables that are grown in the United States. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.

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(Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes')

Scarlet Nantes Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, but are commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 16” and features a 7" long, bright red-orange, fine-grained fleshed carrot. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.

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(Daucus carota 'Tendersweet')

Tendersweet Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Europe, but are commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-18” and features a 9-10" coreless, deep orange carrots. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.

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(Allium tuberosum ‘Garlic')

Garlic Chive is a clump-forming annual herb that is native to Asia but can be found growing throughout the Midwest, and along the southern and eastern coasts of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 10-18" and features 12” tapering, soft textured, cylindrical leaves, leafless stems, and 2” violet scented, star-shaped, white flowers that have brown striped tepals. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, repels aphids, carrot fly, Japanese beetles, and moles, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought and frost, is used to make fungicides and insecticides, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows! 

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(Allium schoenoprasum ‘Onion')

Onion Chive is a native clump-forming perennial herb that can be found growing throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 20” and features 12” dark green grassy-like leaves and 16” stems that are topped with aromatic pale purple clover-like flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and pollinating moths, repels aphids, carrot fly, Japanese beetles, and moles, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought and frost, is used to make fungicides and insecticides, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows! 

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(Trifolium incarnatum ‘Crimson’)

Crimson Clover is an annual flower that is native to Europe, but can be found growing across the U.S. in nearly every state. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-3' and features hairy rosette unbranched stems, 1/2-1” heart shaped leaflets, and 1-2 1/2” cylindrical flower heads that bare ½ vibrant red florets. This plant can be grown in a container, it attracts bees and butterflies, is both drought and frost tolerant, and provides forage to livestock!

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(Dalea purpurea ‘Purple Prairie’)

Purple Prairie Clover is a native perennial flower that can be found growing in prairies throughout the United States. Growing to the height of 1-3' tall, this beautiful plant features tiny purple flowers that grow densely on a cone-like head. This cultivar is a gardening powerhouse due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, it attracts bees and butterflies, it provides forage to birds and livestock, it is both edible and medicinal, it tolerates drought, as well as being gorgeous as a cut flower!

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(Coriandrum sativum ‘Leisure')

Leisure Coriander is a warm weather annual herb that is native to the western Mediterranean and southern Europe but can be found growing throughout meadows and fields in the coastline and border states of the U.S. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features fern-like, finely-divided upper leaves, lobed lower leaves that resemble Italian Parsley, and 2” compound umbels that have white to pale lavender flower blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, repels aphids and spider mites, is horse and rabbit safe, is used to flavor perfume and soap, tolerates light frost, is used to make fungicides, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Cosmos sulphureus ‘Bright Lights’)

Bright Lights Cosmos Mix is an annual warm-weather flower is that is native to Mexico, but can commonly be found growing in fallow fields, and along roadsides and railroads throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-3' and features narrowly divided, slightly hairy green foliage and 2-3” yellow, orange, or red semi-double flowers with wide, scallop-edged petals and yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower! 

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(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Candy Stripe’)

Candy Stripe Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower is that is native to Mexico, but can commonly be found growing throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery green foliage and 2-3” flowers with yellow centers and wide, scallop-edged white petals edged with dark pink. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower! 

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(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Radiance’)

Radiance Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower is that is native to Mexico, but can commonly be found growing along roadsides and railroads throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery green foliage and 2-3” flowers with yellow centers and wide, scallop-edged petals of medium pink that darkens to bright pink or fuchsia at the center. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower! 
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(Anethum graveolens ‘Dukat')

Dukat Dill is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean and Asia but can be commonly found growing throughout the Midwest, northeastern, and west coast of the Untied States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-5' and features stiff hollow stems, sweet scented, bluish green, feathery foliage and compound 10” umbrella-shaped umbels that are topped by yellow aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, repels aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs, is rabbit safe, tolerates deer, its leaves are used as an insect repellent, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to flavor soaps, is used to make insecticides, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows! 

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(Calendula officinalis ‘English Marigold’)

English Marigold is an aromatic annual flower that is native to Spain and is commonly found growing along roadsides in the eastern and western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches of the height of 1-2' and features narrow, slightly hairy pointed leaves and bright orange 3-4” double blooms. This plant can be grown in containers, it attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs as well as repelling ants, tolerates rabbits, is both edible and medicinal, makes dye and insect repellent, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!

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(Foeniculum vulgare ‘Florence')

Florence Fennel is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean but can be commonly found growing throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-5' and features a rounded, branching, celery-like stalk, yellowish-green, feathery foliage and umbrella shaped heads of tiny yellow flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, damsel bugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, tolerates deer, is used to flavor air fresheners, perfumes, soaps, and toothpaste, the leaves are used to repel insects, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to make dyes, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows! 

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(Tagetes erecta ‘Naughty Marietta’)

Naughty Marietta Marigold is an compact annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing on banks and slopes throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features divided green foliage and aromatic flower heads that have yellow petals with mahogany streaks at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids. 
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(Tagetes erecta ‘Sparky Mix’)

Sparky Marigold is an compact annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing on banks and slopes throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9-12” and features divided green foliage and aromatic orange and yellow flower heads which have wide, wavy petals. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids. 
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(Tagetes Erecta ‘Kilimanjaro White’)

Kilimanjaro White Marigold is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18” and features divided green foliage and 2-4” white/light yellow flower blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, resistant to deer, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, is used to make dye and insecticides, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids. 

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(Mentha Pulegium ‘European’)

European Pennyroyal is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Northern Africa but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features hairy stems, mint scented, lance-shape, toothed leaves, and small lilac to pinkish-purple colored flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, makes essential oils, leaves are used as a rodent repellent, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Mentha ‘piperita’)

Peppermint is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and central Asia but can be commonly found growing in wetlands and along streams throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-2' and features 1-2” dark green, toothed, lance-shape, aromatic leaves and terminal spikes that bare small pinkish/lavender flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees and butterflies, repels ants, aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, squash bugs, and white flies, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is sued to make essential oils and potpourri, its leaves are used to repel rodents, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows! 

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(Tropaeolum minus ‘Empress of India’)

Empress of India Nasturtium is an introduced, cool weather, frost tender annual flower that is native to South America that can be found growing in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach the height of 12” and features rounded light green leaves and 2 1/2” 5 petaled bright red aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, repels squash bugs, self sows, is resistant to deer and rabbits, used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!

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(Tropaeolum minus ‘Jewel Mix’)

Jewel Mix Nasturtium is an introduced, cool weather, frost tender annual flower that is native to South America that can be found growing in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach the height of 12” and features rounded light green leaves and 2 1/2” 5 petaled peach, pink, yellow, orange, and red aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, repels squash bugs, self sows, is resistant to deer and rabbits, used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!

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(Petroselinum crispum 'Hamburg Rooted')

Hamburg Rooted Parsley is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 10-16” and features flat green leaves and white, carrot shaped roots up to 10" long. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and repel insects, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Petroselinum crispum 'Italian Giant')

Italian Giant Parsley is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-16” and features flat, dark, glossy green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and repel insects, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Penstemon strictus ‘Rocky Mountain’)

Rocky Mountain Penstemon is a native perennial flower that can be commonly found growing in the southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3' and features large lance-shaped green leaves, towering stems, and bluish/purple tubular flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and lady bugs, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, and is great as a cut flower! 
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(Limnanthes douglasii ‘Poached Egg Plant’)

Poached Egg Plant is a native annual flower that can be found growing throughout wet grassy areas of California and Oregon. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6” and features green fern-like foliage, and aromatic 5 petaled white flowers that are yellow at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!  

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(Cucurbita pepo 'Connecticut Field')

Connecticut Field Pumpkin is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico, but has been growing in gardens throughout the United States since the 1700's. At maturity, the vines of this plant reaches the length of 8-10' and features rounded, lightly ridged orange pumpkins averaging 20-30 lbs. This plant attracts bees is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita argyrosperma 'Cushaw Green Striped')

Cushaw Green Striped Pumpkin is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Southern Mexico, but has been growing in gardens throughout the United States since the early 1800's. At maturity, the vines of this plant reaches the length of 10-25' and features cream and green striped, long necked pumpkins with pale orange flesh averaging 10-20 lbs. This plant attracts bees is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita moschata 'Fairytale')

Fairytale Pumpkin is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Central and South America but has been growing in gardens throughout the United States since the 1899. At maturity, the vines of this plant reaches the length of 10' and features 12-18" deep orange flesh pumpkins that are deeply lobed and weight up to 15 lbs. This plant attracts bees, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita maxima 'Jack O' Lantern')

Jack O' Lantern Pumpkin is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South America, but has been growing in gardens throughout the United States since the 1800's. At maturity, the vines of this plant reaches the length of 8-10' and features rounded, lightly ridged orange pumpkins averaging 20-30 lbs. This plant attracts bees is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Raphanus sativus 'Early Scarlet Globe')

Early Scarlet Globe Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Southern Europe, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features 1" round red radish with crisp white flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Raphanus sativus 'French Breakfast')

French Breakfast Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Southern Europe, but was first offered by James J. H. Gregory of Marblehead, Massachusetts in 1875. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-7” and features 3" red oblong radish with white tips. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Raphanus sativus 'German Giant')

German Giant Radish is an Amish heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Germany, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6” and features 3-4" red skinned, round radishes with white flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Raphanus sativus 'Watermelon')

Watermelon Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Northern China, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features large globes that are greenish white on the outside and have a bright red/pink inside. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Raphanus sativus 'White Spear Sprouting')

White Spear Sprouting Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Japan, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features large white globes that are mildly pungent. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
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(Cucurbita pepo 'Dark Green')

Dark Green Zucchini is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico but can be found growing throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features 4-7" small, uniform, high-quality fruit that has dark green with light fleck skin. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Cucurbita pepo 'Black Beauty ')

Black Beauty Zucchini is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Storrs, Connecticut where it was bred at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station by John Scarchuk in the 1920's. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features 6-8" shiny black-green zucchini with creamy, white flesh. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Cucurbita pepo 'Early White Bush Scallop')

Early White Scallop Bush Summer Squash is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico but can be found growing throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-48” and features creamy white, 7” across and 3” deep scalloped squashes. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal! 

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(Cucurbita pepo 'Early Yellow Crookneck')

Early Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico but can be found growing throughout in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features 5-6" light yellow, crookneck squashes with slightly warted skin. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita pepo 'Grey Zucchini')

Grey Zucchini is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico but can be found growing throughout in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features 7-9" zucchini with mottled grayish green skin. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita pepo 'Scallop Yellow Bush')

Yellow Bush Scallop Summer Squash is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico but can be found growing throughout in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features 2-3" bright yellow, rounded patty pan squashes with scalloped edges. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita maxima 'Sweet Meat')

Sweet Meat Winter Squash is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the United States and was first offered in Portland, Oregon by the Gill Brothers Seed company in 1947. At maturity, the vines of this plant reach the length of 6-10' and features rounded, pale bluish gray squashes that average 10-20 lbs. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita maxima 'Vegetable Spaghetti')

Vegetable Spaghetti Winter Squash is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to China, but was introduced into the United States by Burpee Seed Company in 1936. At maturity, the vines of this plant reach the length of 8' and features 9-12” oval, cream colored squashes that average 5-7 lbs. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Cucurbita maxima 'Waltham Butternut')

Waltham Butternut Winter Squash is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts where it was bred by Bob Young in Waltham, Massachusetts. At maturity, the vines of this plant reach the length of 6-9' and features 8-12” long. pale tan squashes that have yellowish-orange flesh and average 3-6 lbs. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is horse and rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!

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(Helianthus annuus ‘Autumn Beauty’)

Autumn Beauty Sunflower is a native annual flower that can be commonly found growing in dry areas of meadows, plains, and prairies throughout every region of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 5-6' and features hairy stems, hairy heart-shaped green leaves, and 4-6” flowers that bloom in autumn colors such as yellow, orange, red, bronze, or mahogany. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, is resistant to rabbits, is a great trap crop for aphids, is both edible and medicinal, tolerates drought, makes dye, and is great as a cut flower! 

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(Helianthus annuus ‘Mammoth’)

Mammoth Sunflower is a native annual plant that can be commonly found growing in dry areas of meadows, plains, and prairies throughout every region of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-12' and features hairy stems, hairy heart-shaped dark green leaves, and 12-24” yellow flower heads. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, is resistant to rabbits, is a great trap crop for aphids, is both edible and medicinal, tolerates drought, and makes dye! 

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(Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Mexican’)

Mexican Sunflower is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing throughout Louisiana and Florida. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-6' and features 3-12” lobed dark green leaves, and 3” orange-red flowers that have orange-yellow disks. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, and is great as a cut flower! 

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(Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’)

Velvet Queen Sunflower is a native annual plant that can be commonly found growing in dry areas of meadows, plains, and prairies throughout every region of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features hairy stems, hairy heart-shaped dark green leaves, and 4-6” flower in shades of bronze, red, and mahogany with dark centers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, is resistant to rabbits, is a great trap crop for aphids, is both edible and medicinal, tolerates drought, and makes dye! 

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