Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers are also called green peppers, red peppers, and yellow peppers. They change color as they grow ranging from green, orange, yellow, red, purple, brown, or even black. They are not hot, some are even sweet when grown long enough. If you wait for them to turn red, orange or yellow you end up with the sweetest peppers. 

All bell peppers are rich with powerful antioxidants, vitamins A and C but the yellow, orange and red peppers have the most nutrients. They are also the most expensive due to the longer growth time needed to reach full maturity. The green ones are the cheapest ones because they are quicker to harvest and get to market. Red bell peppers contain only about 30-40 calories and provides one of the best source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. This same serving also provides a good source of fiber and vitamin E. This diet-friendly vegetable has no fat, cholesterol or sodium and very little carbohydrates


When growing these peppers they should be planted when the weather is warm, they do not tolerate cold weather well. Peppers love slightly acidic soil and the easiest way to do this is by adding a few matches in the hole under the plant, when your planting it. The height of the plant should reach around 18- 24 inches and they should be planted 18- 24 inches apart. Fruit roughly 4 – 6 inches will grow. You cannot tell the difference in peppers when they are still young because they are all green, they grow into their colors.

Gardening Tips for Beginers

Knowing when to plant, water, and pick, can be a lot to know when just starting out. Get your garden growing and each year you will learn a few things to make next year better. Because a garden will never be done. A good resources for tips on growing yourself is the good old Farmers Almanac. People have been getting help from this book for ages now and it’s generally a safe reliable source of information, and is on the web. You can set a schedule of when you should be watering or fertilizing, and set up automatic timers and drip hoses. Starting your own compost bin can be very beneficial and cost effective. It can cut down on costs of purchasing the compost while cutting down on your garbage output in the home.

Choosing how and where you place your plants is a very important step in a successful garden. Set up your plants where they will get the best production. Making sure you have the proper soil amendments, watering schedules, and that everything will get as much sun or shade as it needs. There are different modes of weed and pest control to have your yard remain as organic as you choose.

 From planter boxes to fences, you can design a layout that not only works for you but will be productive and beautiful at the same time. Turn your ideas of a well manicured yard into a reality. You can be looking into the eyes of a sweet, tasty, lush yard right outside your door in no time at all. 

Surreal Gardening for more information

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Broccoli helps fight Cancer

There is scientific verification at the National Cancer Institute that shows Broccoli is chock-full of vitamins and minerals and can help support your health by combating cancer-causing bacteria, boosting your immune system, and building stronger bones.

To receive the full benefits and to conserve the nutrients of fresh vegetables you should stir fry it, or steam it, but do not boil it. Most people cook away the benefit of their vegetable.

Broccoli is easy to grow and likes temperatures of 65-85. It should be planted in early spring and again in late fall for a second harvest. Water your broccoli regularly and feed every two weeks to promote good growth. Cut the heads when they are tight and firm. This will happen about 55-85 days after seedling appears.

If the yellow flowers begin to appear, the broccoli is past its peak but still edible. Side shoots sometimes appear after cutting for another nice crop. For more information See Surreal Gardening

Thrifty and Green

Surreal Gardening will be blogging on an online magazine Thrifty & Green. You can see our first ever syndicated blog here. https://thriftyandgreen.com/food-health

We would appreciate it if you all would show your support and visit our new partners Thrifty and green. Where we working to save money an live green!

Oakdale Farmers Market

Went to Oakdale farmers market last night, I didn't take much money because I went with the thought "what would they have that I cant grow in my own garden". Well as it turned out there is a lot, I learned a lot from our local farmers. I now know honey comes in flavors. Burch Bees was there with manzanita, orange blossom, wildflower, and sage honey.  I have to say until last night honey was honey and you buy it in the store. I had no idea it is flavored by the type of crop the bees pollinate. The bees have a fly radius of three miles, so they need three miles or more, of one crop to flavor the honey.We were able to taste test the different honey flavors. I wanted to purchase wild flower honey, but she suggested I get the manzanita. She told us it is the most difficult honey for them to retrieve and would not be around long. We were pleased with our manzanita honey purchase and vowed to bring more money next week. What a great place to meet people and learn things about their products.

Benefits of Vegetable & Herb Gardening

Gardening is fast becoming a necessity during these hard times. One large garden can feed several families and they are easy to grow in your yard, or in containers for those who have no yards. If you have a place and know someone out of work or just getting by, think how much you could help them and yourself.

When you grow your own garden your produce is always fresh, and you know where it comes from. You will eat more healthy, feel much better and save money at the grocery store. Imagine having fresh salad full of  herbs and vegetables of your choice on the table every night, for free! Your children will develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. Fresh green vegetables should be an important part of every one's daily diet.

Your garden can provide you a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to help improve and maintain your health. They also have antioxidants which help protect your immune system. They are low in fat and calories and are filling, what more could you ask for? Studies have shown eating fresh vegetables daily helps fight off some cancers and ailments. Green vegetables are a weapon against some cancers, cauliflower and broccoli for instance, contain cancer fighting substances, they are the most potent cancer fighting foods. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, the warm tone yellow, orange and red bell peppers have the most nutrients. Vitamin A &C being very important antioxidants.See More @ Surreal Gardening

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is safe to use with children, and they enjoy the lemony taste. Instead of making lemonade make Lemon Balm. Its great for treatment of colds and flu even with fever.

Lemon Balm relieves spasms in the digestive tract, and is used in cases of stomach pain, or cramps. Because of its mild anti-depressive properties, it is used when there are stomach issues caused by anxiety or depression. The sedative oils of Lemon Balm relieves tension and stress, so it lightens depression symptoms.


The tea is used for restlessness because it is known as an herb to fight free radicals, and one that has powers of longevity. Lemon balm has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system lowering blood pressure. It may be used for migraines that are associated with tension and it works great treating insomnia

The fresh leaves can also be made into a salve used to sooth insect bites, or help cold sores heal. See more about Lemon Balm

 

Chamomile Tea

A cup of Chamomile Tea in the evening is a wonderful way to relax after a long day at work. Chamomile flowers contain natural sedative properties making it a warm, soothing drink. Drinking the tea after dinner can also help aid the digestive system, it is known to ease indigestion and can help soothe the stomach.

Add 2-3 tsp dried German Chamomile flowers to a cup, add some hot water, steep for about 3 minutes, strain the flowers out, drink, and Enjoy! Add honey or lemon juice if you prefer, either way its a healthy relaxing tea to drink in the evening after dinner. See more at Surreal Gardening

Herbs can interact with medicines, it is important to know of possible interactions. Always consult with your doctor especially if pregnant or nursing.

Herbs

Herbs are plants that may be used for its culinary, medicinal, or fragrant properties. They are a wide group of plants that may be growing anywhere. Some grow as wildflowers, some are ground covers, and others are weeds that grow in our driveways. They are used fresh, dried and in the most purest form the Essential Oils of the plants. To see more information on growing or using herbs visit our website http://www.SurrealGardening.com.