(Citrullus lanatus 'Yellow Crimson')
Genus: Citrullus
Species: lanatus
Variety: Yellow Crimson Watermelon
Native to: Africa
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 80 Days/July to August
Growing Habit: Vine
Hardiness: Very Tender. Melons can't tolerate cold weather.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot, Long days. Melons must have hot (ideally 90° F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds. I must emphasize that if Melons don't get enough heat they won't taste very good (even if they successfully produce fruit.)
Outdoor Growing Temp: 65°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Melon is a desert plant and needs full sun.
Water: Moderate. Melons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Feeder: Heavy. Not surprisingly for such a large and vigorous plant, melons are fairly hungry feeders. Melons don't need a lot of nitrogen as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit. They do like phosphorus (give them colloidal phosphate) and potassium (wood ashes), as well as boron and magnesium.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel. Most melons are too big to comfortably grow in containers, but a few of the smaller cultivars will work if the container is big enough (at least 18" wide and deep and preferably bigger). This is sometimes done in cool climates, where the plants are grown in greenhouses. When growing such large plants in containers you have to be particularly attentive to watering. You will probably need to support them too.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Forage: Rabbits.
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 10'
Sow Depth: 0.5-2"
Spacing: 36-60"
Produces: 10 lbs. dark green melons that have a striped rind and yellow flesh.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Soil Preparation
The ideal soil for Watermelons is loose (sandy loam is best), moist, fertile and well-drained with lots of organic matter. It should also be fairly neutral.
Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 2 handfuls, at transplanting, 1 time: Standard mix will supply additional phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients. Incorporate it into the planting hole when transplanting (or into the top 6" of soil if direct sowing). 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.
Compost (Nitrogen), 4 cups per plant, at transplanting, 1 time: Incorporate 1 quart of compost or aged manure (melons love old manure) into the soil that came out of the planting hole. Mix it, and then put it back in to create the mound (you will sow your seeds on the mound).
Lime (Calcium), 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Melons dislike acidic soil, so lime the soil if necessary (preferably with dolomitic lime as this also adds magnesium). The quantity required will vary according to the pH, but 5 pounds per 100 square feet would be a typical application.
Start Indoors
Soil temp for germination: 60°F to 100°F, optimal 70°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F.
Total weeks to grow transplant: 11 to 12 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
On last frost date: Start them indoors and warm the soil with black plastic or cloches before planting. Like most Cucurbits they dislike root disturbance, so should be started in cell packs, soil blocks or individual 4" pots (best).
1. Plant 2 seeds to a 4" pot.
2. Thin to the best one after both have emerged.
Don’t start your Melons too early, as you don’t want them to get rootbound. If it is too cold to put them out when they are ready, you will have to move them into larger pots.
Transplant Outdoors
1. Plant out the seedlings up to their first true leaves and water immediately.
2. When they have recovered from transplanting, give them a liquid feed to give the a boost.
In cool areas you might want to plant your melon seedlings under row covers until the weather warms up.
Warm, Hot, Long days: Melons must have hot (ideally 90Ż F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 80°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Spacing: 48.0"-72.0", (3 per 4'x4') plants per sq ft.
Hills: Melons are most often planted in hills, slightly elevated above the surrounding soil. This helps the soil warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). Make the hills 2' in diameter, and 4 to 6' apart, with 6 plants to a hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants per mound. This is the most recommended way to plant and gives plants space to sprawl.
Intensive Beds: Intensive gardeners plant Melons 15, 18, or 24" apart, depending upon the soil and the size of the variety. They are usually planted in rows to facilitate supporting them and grown upwards so they take up less space.
Rows: Space the plants 18 to 24" apart, in rows 72" apart.
Start Outdoors
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 80°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Seed Depth: 0.5"-2.0". Sow the seed 1/2" deep in cool soil, and 2" deep in warm soil.
Spacing: 48"-72", (3 per 4'x4') plants per sq ft.
Hills: Melons are most often planted in hills, slightly elevated above the surrounding soil. This helps the soil warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). Make the hills 2' in diameter, and 4 to 6' apart, with 6 plants to a hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants per mound. This is the most recommended way to plant and gives plants space to sprawl.
Intensive Beds: Intensive gardeners plant Melons 15, 18, or 24" apart, depending upon the soil and the size of the variety. They are usually planted in rows to facilitate supporting them and grown upwards so they take up less space.
Rows: Space the plants 18 to 24" apart, in rows 72" apart.
Summer Crop:
3-4 weeks after last frost date: If your growing season is long and hot enough, you will probably want to direct sow your Melons. They will germinate and grow rapidly in warm (75˚ F) soil.
In moist climates watermelons are usually grown on hills from 3 to 12" high, as this helps the soil to warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). To make a hill remove 2 spade of soil, dump in 2 spades of compost or aged manure), then replace the soil. Mix it all together and shape it into a low mound.
In dry climates they may be planted in a slight depression (remove 2" of soil and use it to make a water retaining rim) to conserve moisture.
Whether sowing in hills or basins you usually sow 6 seeds in a circle, 1" deep and 4" apart. Plant the seeds ½˝ to 1˝deep. When all the seeds have germinated you should thin to the best 3 (pinch out the rest).
If the soil is warm and dry you might want to pre-soak the seeds overnight before planting, especially if you are sowing directly outside.
Support: Optional. Watermelons are most often allowed to run over the ground, but if space is limited they may be trained up a trellis, just as you would cucumbers (though they don't climb very well). However the fruits are much heavier than cucumbers and will need support (slings made from old panty-hose work well.) Also the trellis itself will have to be pretty sturdy. If a fruit is growing on the ground you can insert a board, tile or stone underneath it, to keep it off the soil.
Water Needs: Moderate. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Not surprisingly for such a large and vigorous plant, watermelons are fairly hungry feeders. Melons don't need a lot of nitrogen as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit. They do like phosphorus (give them colloidal phosphate) and potassium (wood ashes), as well as boron and magnesium.
Side Dressing, after sowing: Mulch, 2 inches, after sowing, 1 time. Mulch helps to conserve moisture in the soil in hot weather. Don’t apply it until the soil has warmed up however.
Thinning, after sowing: 18 inches apart, after sowing, 1 time. When all of the seeds have germinated, thin the plants to their final spacing.
Pruning, when 12" tall: when 12" tall, 2 times. The seedlings should be pinched back twice, so they produce a bushy plant with four growing tips. These are then allowed to grow and flower.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 2 cups per plant, at early fruit set, every 3 weeks. If the soil isn't very fertile you might want to feed the plants with compost tea regularly once the flowers start to set fruit. Side dressing should be done cautiously, as too much nitrogen may merely vegetative foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.
Watering, before fruit set: Water, 0.5 gallons per plant, before fruit set, 2 times a week. Melons are quite shallow rooted so they need a constant and even supply of water. 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 but never soggy 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.
Thinning, during fruit production: During fruit production. Ideally you want one fruit to develop simultaneously on each of the four shoots. If one shoot produces a fruit before the others, it should be pinched off, as it may prevent the plant from producing any more. Once you have four fruits developing, you should pinch off any others that form. The fewer fruit you allow to develop, the bigger they will all get.
Watering, during fruit production: Water, 2 gallons per plant, during fruit production, 1 time a week. Melons prefer a constant and even supply of water, especially when the fruits are sizing up. They should get all the water they can use at this time (in very hot weather this could be as much as 2 gallons a day). Ideally it should be lukewarm so it doesn’t cool the soil. When the fruits have reached full size you should ease up on watering, otherwise the fruit may split. The best way to water Melons is with a drip system, as they don’t like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Support: Optional. Watermelons are most often allowed to run over the ground, but if space is limited they may be trained up a trellis, just as you would cucumbers (though they don't climb very well). However the fruits are much heavier than cucumbers and will need support (slings made from old panty-hose work well.) Also the trellis itself will have to be pretty sturdy. If a fruit is growing on the ground you can insert a board, tile or stone underneath it, to keep it off the soil.
Harvesting
The first fruits should be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, about 55 to 85 days after pollination.
When a Watermelon is ripe the tendril closest to the fruit usually shrivels up and turns brown. The spot where the melon was resting on the ground will be whitish or yellow and the stripes will fade. If you tap the fruit it will sound hollow (learn what this sounds like by tapping every fruit before opening and remembering the sound of the good ones).
Storage
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-14 days
The fruit should be treated like tomatoes and kept at room temperature. Ideally they should be eaten as soon as possible, as they will only deteriorate over time.
Storage Req:
Storage Temp: 55-60°F
Storage Length: 1-7 days
Hand pollinating Watermelons isn't difficult, though the flowers are smaller than other Cucurbits. The flowers are most receptive to pollination before any fruit start growing. Once there are fruit maturing on the plant they become less inclined to produce more by pollinating successfully.
You need to prepare to pollinate the flowers the night before, by finding some male and female flowers (the female has a tiny "Melon" behind the flower) that are about to open the following day. Tape them shut with a little piece of masking tape (don't tape it too well or it will be hard to remove without damaging the flower). This prevents them from opening and being pollinated before you get to them.
The next day pick a male flower and remove its tape and petals. Then carefully open a female flower (from a different plant), being very careful to not damage the petals. Insert the male flower into a female flower and brush the pollen from the anthers on to stigma. Finally tape the female flower closed again. The petals will soon fall off and if pollination was successful the tiny fruit will begin to grow.
If you are adventurous, you could collect the seed from any ripe fruit as you eat it (so long as it isn't an f1 hybrid) and see what grows. In the case of Melons, I would avoid hybrids for this reason, it seems a shame not to be able to use some of those seeds.
Seed Viability in Years: 2 - 4 years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Culinary
Juicy and refreshingly sweet.
Culinary Use:
Watermelon is best eaten fresh all by itself, however it can also be used in, salads, drinks, soup, sorbets, and Granita. The fresh flavor and water content make it perfect for experimenting in the summer heat. It pairs well with arugula and goat cheese for a crunchy summer salad.
You can also freeze flesh in a honey-based syrup. The rind can be pickled
Medicinal
Companion Planting
Problems
Cucumber Beetles
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
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.
Soldier Beetles: The adult stage of the soldier beetle eats aphids. The larvae live in the soil and help to control soil-borne pests. There are beetles that look similar to soldier beetles such as blister beetles and click beetles, so use care when identifying them. Soldier beetles are not commercially available.
Since Soldiers Beetles lay their eggs in the soil, all you have to do to is grow good nectar or pollen producing plants like Asclepias (milkweed), Solidago (goldenrod), and, while it’s not well understood, they seem particularly attracted to hydrangeas. Soldier Beetles can be found on flowers where they lie and wait for prey. They also feed on nectar and pollen but do not damage the plants.
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.
Aphids
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.
Soft-winged Flower Beetle or Collops Beetle: Collops beetles are commonly found on Alfalfa and Cotton plants in agricultural fields, landscapes and gardens. The adult eats aphids and the larvae are active predators in the soil. Two
abundant species in Utah are the two-spotted melyrid and the soft-winged flower beetle. Collops beetles are not commercially available.
Soldier Beetles: The adult stage of the soldier beetle eats aphids. The larvae live in the soil and help to control soil-borne pests. There are beetles that look similar to soldier beetles such as blister beetles and click beetles, so use care when identifying them. Soldier beetles are not commercially available.
Since Soldiers Beetles lay their eggs in the soil, all you have to do to is grow good nectar or pollen producing plants like Asclepias (milkweed), Solidago (goldenrod), and, while it’s not well understood, they seem particularly attracted to hydrangeas. Soldier Beetles can be found on flowers where they lie and wait for prey. They also feed on nectar and pollen but do not damage the plants.
Long-legged Flies: There are many species of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae), the adults of which are predators of soft-bodied pests such as thrips, aphids, spider mites, flea hoppers, booklice, flies, silverfish, small caterpillars, and a variety of other small insects. They also eat nectar from flowers. The adult is recognized by the long legs and tapered abdomen but also by the metalic green or blue color. Larvae of long-legged flies are maggot-like in appearance and develop in wet or dry soil, rotting vegetation, or under bark. They are not commercially available.
Syrphid, Flower, or Hover Flies: Syrphid flies are about the size of house flies and hover in flight. The adults, which sometimes resemble bees, are not predaceous, but the larvae are aphid predators. The larvae vary in color from green to brown, some with a stripe or two down the back. The body tapers to the mouthparts. Syrphid flies are not commercially available.
To attract Hover Flies to your garden try growing: 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).
Predaceous Midges: The larvae of these flies are very small (~1/10 inch long), but are generalist predators of mites, aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The larvae are yellow to orange in color. The adults are not predatory. Predaceous midges are commercially available.
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).
Big-eyed Bugs: Big-eyed bugs are small (~3/16 inch long), fast moving true bugs. They are generalist predators and are most commonly seen on the ground or in shorter growing plants. They prey on aphids, small caterpillars and caterpillar eggs, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies. They are distinguished by their very large eyes which are as broad as the width of their body. Big-eyed bugs are not available commercially.
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).
Minute Pirate Bugs: Minute pirate bugs are very small (~1/12 inch long) predators that are difficult to see without a hand lens or jeweler’s loupe. They are generalist predators that feed on small insect prey. Both the nymphs and adults are predaceous. The adults are identified by the black and white color and an X pattern across the back. The nymphs are tiny and red to orange in color. Minute pirate bugs are commercially available.
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).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Parasitic Wasps: There are several species of parasitoid wasps that parasitize aphids specifically. Parasitic wasps that specialize on aphids are very small (~1/8 inch long) and female wasps have a modified stinger for depositing eggs. The egg is injected into an aphid where the larva develops inside. Parasitized aphids are a light tan to gold color and have a bulbous look. A circular cut out on the rearend of the aphid indicates adult wasp emergence. Parasitic wasps are commercially available but there are abundant populations in the environment.
Hornets, Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Squash Bugs
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, dill, coriander, and buckwheat.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Spider Mites
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).
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).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Nutrition
The Health Benefits of Watermelon
Treats Kidney Disorders: Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning out the toxic depositions in the kidney. Moreover, they are helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi. In addition to this, being high in water content, watermelons induce urination, which is again helpful for cleaning the kidneys. Also, the antioxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.
Prevents Dehydration: Research published in Experimental and Clinical Sciences, International Journal, states that watermelon is made up of 92% water and is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. It also helps hydrate your body during the hot summer. People in tropical regions eat this fruit every day during the summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. The high amount of water in watermelons also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the form of sweat, which cools your body further during hot summer days.
Regulates Blood Pressure: The American Journal of Hypertension has published a study that states that watermelon extract plays a significant role in lowering blood pressure in obese people suffering from hypertension. Moreover, the amount of potassium and magnesium present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of lowering blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension on blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.
Prevents Cancer: A study led by Dr. Laura Bowers, Department of Nutrition, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA suggests that lower insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is important for treating cancer. Watermelon helps lower the insulin/IGF, which is often a major factor that worsens cancer.
Watermelons have gained a lot of attention in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. Lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C, anti-tumor properties of cucurbitacin E and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!
Controls Diabetes: Diabetics, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half-fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give them very few calories, since ninety-nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetics can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from watermelon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.
Heart Health: A 2014 study says that lycopene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. [4] Beta-carotene, known for its great antioxidant and anti-aging properties, keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in watermelon, along with vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from many dangerous conditions.
Prevents Macular Degeneration: Research at the School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, suggests that carotenoids help keep the vision health intact. Don’t worry about eye health and macular degeneration if you eat plenty of watermelons. Thanks to the beta-carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, your eyes are well protected. They ensure the protection of your eyes from age-related blindness and degeneration and prevent your eyes from ailments such as drying up of eyes and optic nerves, as well as glaucoma.
Cures Impotence: Arginine, present in watermelon, is beneficial in curing erectile dysfunction, and the stimulating nature of the chemical can boost the libido, reduce frigidity, and give your love life a fresh start after you enjoy a few slices of watermelon together!
Other Benefits: Watermelon seeds are rich in beneficial fats and proteins. Watermelons contain phytonutrients which have very good effects on the health and proper functioning of internal organs, eyes, and the secretion system.
Word of Caution: A new research study reveals pre-cut melons are a threat for the Salmonella outbreak. So, be cautious while consuming this otherwise healthy fruit.
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!
(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')
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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!
(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!
(Melissa officinalis ‘Lemon Balm’)
Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that is native to Southern Europe but can be commonly found growing throughout the northwestern, southcentral, and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a 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!
(Monarda fistulosa ‘Wild’)
Wild Bergamot is a native, perennial, clump-forming flower naturally found growing in dry, rocky woods and prairies 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 attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is edible and medicinal, is used as a cut flower, is drought tolerant, is used to flavor perfumes, makes insect repellents and essential oils, is resistant to deer, and self-sows!
(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.
(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!
(Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Cored')
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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.
(Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple')
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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.
(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.
(Daucus carota 'Lunar White')
Lunar White Carrot is a hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Europe, but is commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 16” and features a 6-8" long, white, 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.
(Daucus carota 'Rainbow Blend')
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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.
(Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes')
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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.
(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.
(Allium tuberosum ‘Garlic')
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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 a 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 flies, 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!
(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 a 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 flies, 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!
(Trifolium incarnatum ‘Crimson’)
Crimson Clover is an annual flower native to Europe but grows across the U.S. in nearly every state. At maturity, this plant reaches a 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, attracts bees and butterflies, is drought and frost tolerant, and provides forage to livestock!
(Trifolium fragiferum ‘Strawberry Palestine’)
Strawberry Palestine Clover is a cool-weather perennial ground cover that is native to Eurasia but can be found growing in the Midwest and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 8-14” and features compound and alternate leaves with attractive teeth edgings and symmetrical aromatic flower heads that bare resupinate peduncles ranging from 3/4" to nearly 2" long. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is drought and light-frost tolerant, and provides forage to livestock!
(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 a 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!
(Zea mays 'Country Gentleman')
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the Connecticut River Valley area and was first offered in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-8' 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!
(Zea mays 'Golden Bantam')
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!
(Cosmos sulphureus ‘Bright Lights’)
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Bright Lights Cosmos Mix is an annual warm-weather flower 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 a height of 1-3' and features narrowly divided, slightly hairy green foliage and 2-3” yellow, orange, or red semi-double flowers with scallop-edged petals and yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Candy Stripe’)
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Candy Stripe Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower that is native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery-green foliage and white petaled with pink edged flowers with yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Radiance’)
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Radiance Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower 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 a height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery green foliage and 2-3” flowers with yellow centers and scallop-edged petals of medium pink that darken too 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 used as a cut flower!
(Cucumis sativus 'General Lee')
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General Lee Cucumber is a F1-hybrid, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California, where it was developed by L. Gautney and introduced by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1988. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-8' and features 8-8 ½” long, straight, dark green cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Lemon')
Lemon Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to India, but was introduced into the United States by Samuel Wilson in 1894. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features 2-4” round, yellow cucumbers that bare black spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Marketmore 76')
Marketmore 76' Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York, where it was developed in Ithaca by Henry Munger at Cornell University in 1976. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-6' and features 8-9” straight, dark green, slightly tapered, white spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'National Pickling')
National Pickling Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Michigan, where it was developed by George Starr of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station in 1924. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-48” and features 6” medium green, tender skin cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight')
Straight Eight Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1935. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12' and features 8” straight, dark green cucumbers with white spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Sumter')
Sumter Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina, where it was developed by W.C. Barnes of the Clemson Agricultural Experiment. Station and was first distributed by Asgrow Seed Company in 1973. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-48” and features blocky, slightly tapered, medium-green 5" cucumbers with white spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'White Wonder')
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White Wonder Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York and was first distributed by Burpee Seed Company in 1893. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-72” and features 6-7” albino white, white spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Wisconsin SMR 58')
Wisconsin SMR 58' Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Wisconsin, where it was developed by the University of Wisconsin in 1959. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-72” and features 4-6" dark green, black-spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(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 United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a 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!
(Calendula officinalis ‘English Marigold’)
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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 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, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, repels ants, tolerates rabbits, is both edible and medicinal, makes dye and insect repellent, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Foeniculum vulgare ‘Florence')
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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!
(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 a 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, is 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.
(Tagetes erecta ‘Naughty Marietta’)
Naughty Marietta Marigold is a 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 a height of 6-12” and features divided green foliage and aromatic flower heads with 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.
(Tagetes erecta ‘Sparky Mix’)
Sparky Marigold is a 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. This plant grows up to 9-12 inches tall and has green foliage that is divided. Its orange and yellow flowers have wavy petals and emit a pleasant aroma. 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.
(Asclepias curassavica ‘Blood Flower’)
Blood Flower Milkweed is a tender evergreen perennial flower that is native to South America but can be commonly found growing in moist areas and disturbed sites throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features upright stems, 6” lance-shaped leaves, and showy clusters of reddish/orange petals with yellow hoods. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, makes fabric, has medicinal properties, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Asclepias tuberosa ‘Butterfly Weed’)
Butterfly Weed Milkweed is a native perennial flower that grows in prairies, open woods, fields, and along roadsides throughout most of the United States. When mature, this plant can grow up to 2-3'. It is characterized by hairy, upright stems, lance-shaped leaves, and striking clusters of orangish-yellow flowers on top. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, self-sows, and has medicinal properties!
(Asclepias syriaca ‘Common’)
Common Milkweed is a native perennial flower that grows in open woods, fields, and along railroads and roadsides throughout the central and eastern United States. When mature, this plant can reach 3-4 feet tall. Its thick, upright stems support red-veined light green leaves and produce aromatic clusters of purplish-pink flowers in a dome-shaped formation. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make fabric, glue, paper, soap, and twine, self-sows, has medicinal properties, and is used as a cut flower!
(Asclepias speciosa ‘Showy’)
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Showy Milkweed is a native perennial flower that grows in open woods, along roadsides and streams, and on dry slopes throughout the central and western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-4' and features thick upright stems, 8” velvety oval-shaped greenish-gray leaves, and aromatic star-shaped light pink to pinkish purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make cordage and fabric, self-sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Asclepias incarnata ‘Swamp’)
Swamp Milkweed is a native clump-forming perennial flower that grows in wet areas such as swamps and river edges throughout most of the United States. When this plant reaches maturity, it typically grows to 3-4 feet. It has lance-shaped green foliage that measures 3-6 inches in length and produces small clusters of pink flowers that give off a pleasant aroma. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make cordage and fabric, self-sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(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!
(Mentha ‘piperita’)
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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!
(Mentha spicata ‘Spear’)
Spearmint is a perennial herb that is a native from Europe and China 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 24-36” and features erect, hairy stems, 3” aromatic, oval-shaped, sharply toothed pointed leaves and 4” tapering terminal spikes that bare pale purple or pink flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, butterflies, and damsel bugs, repels ants, aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, mice, squash bugs, and white flies, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, its leaves are used to repel rodents, is used to flavor toothpaste, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Tropaeolum minus ‘Empress of India’)
Empress of India Nasturtium is an introduced, cool-weather annual flower native to South America that grows in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach a 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, is used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!
(Tropaeolum minus ‘Jewel Mix’)
Jewel Mix Nasturtium is an introduced, cool-weather, annual flower native to South America that grows in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach a 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, is used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!
(O. vulgare subsp. hirtum)
Greek Oregano is a perennial herb that is native of the Mediterranean but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-30” and features woody-branched, square stems, 1 ½” aromatic, round to oval, slightly toothed leaves, and clusters of two-lipped, purplish-pink or white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and lacewings, repels Cabbage Butterflies and cucumber beetles, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought and frost, the leaves are used to repel insects, is used to flavor perfumes and soaps, is used to makes dye and essential oils, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Origanum vulgare ‘Italian’)
Italian Oregano is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-30” and features small, oval shaped, downy green leaves and white or pale purple flower clusters. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and lacewings, repels Cabbage Butterflies and cucumber beetles, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought and frost, the leaves are used to repel insects, is used to flavor perfumes and soaps, is used to makes dye and essential oils, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(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!
(Pisum sativum 'Alaska')
Alaska Pea is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to England, where they were introduced in Bedford by Thomas Laxton in 1881, but was quickly introduced into the United States by James J.H. Gregory in 1882. At maturity, the vines of this plant reach the length of 36” and features 6-8” light green pods that contain 5-7 peas. 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 a mosquito repellent, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Pisum sativum 'Early Frosty')
Early Frosty Pea is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Idaho, where it was developed and introduced by the Rogers Brothers Seed Company in 1966. At maturity, the vines of this plant reach the length of 24-36” and 3-4” dark green shelling pods that contain 7-8 seeds. 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 a mosquito repellent, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Pisum sativum 'Sugar Snap')
Sugar Snap Pea is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Idaho, where it was developed by Dr. Calvin Lamborn and introduced by the Gallatin Valley Seed Company in 1979. At maturity, the vines of this plant reach the length of 24-36” and 3-4” bright green pods that contain 3-8 seeds. 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 a mosquito repellent, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Penstemon strictus ‘Rocky Mountain’)
Rocky Mountain Penstemon is a native perennial flower that grows throughout the southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3' and features large lance-shaped green leaves, tall stems, and bluish/purple tubular flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, and is used as a cut flower!
(Limnanthes douglasii ‘Poached Egg Plant’)
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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 a 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!
(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!
(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!
(Cucurbita moschata 'Fairytale')
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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!
(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!
(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!
(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!
(Raphanus sativus 'German Giant')
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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!
(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!
(Raphanus sativus 'White Spear Sprouting')
(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!
(Cucurbita pepo 'Dark Green')
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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!
(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!
(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!
(Cucurbita pepo 'Grey Zucchini')
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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!
(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!
(Cucurbita maxima 'Vegetable Spaghetti')
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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!