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Gardening

Companion Planting 101

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Companion planting can help your garden flourish in ways it never has before.  You can have healthier plants and a better harvest (and even control some garden pests!) by choosing with care which plants go together and which plants to keep apart.  Companion planting isn’t difficult once you have a few basics down.  This is, however, a very broad subject, so we’ll cover the basics here to get you started!  Through companion planting you can:

  • enhance the flavor of your harvest (plants like herbs can enhance the flavor of nearby plants)
  • increase your yield (some plants help others grow better)
  • improve nitrogen (some plants can make nitrogen available to other plants)
  • repel pests (the biochemicals of certain plants can repel insect and other pests)
  • attract good guys (beneficial insects are attracted to or like to inhabit certain plants)
  • divert pests (certain plants attract pests, which can keep them away from your garden)
Companion Plants

{The list looks small, just click on it to enlarge!}

companion plants
Other highly beneficial plants to consider for your garden:
  • catmint: deters ants
  • chamomile: helps keep nearby plants healthy
  • foxglove: lends strength and longer life to nearby plants
  • lavender: attracts bees and deters caterpillars, mice, ticks & rabbits
  • marigolds: deter pests
  • marjoram: repels insect pests, attracts bees
  • mint: repels insects pests, attracts beneficial insects
  • nettles: a weed, but it excretes nutrients into the soil and protects against aphids, black fly & mildew
  • pennyroyal: deters ants & burrowing insects
  • soybeans: nourishes and reconditions soil, and deters corn pests
  • tansy: repels pests
  • tarragon: beneficial to nearby plants
  • yarrow: good for veggies & herbs, attracts beneficial bugs

Bruschetta squareOne of our favorite combinations for the garden is one of our favorite combinations for the kitchen…tomatoes and basil!  Basil will add subtle flavor to tomatoes, makes it more disease resistant, and repel aphids, fruit flies & house flies, and it will attract bees!  If you missed last week’s recipe for
bruschetta, a simple but amazing combination of tomatoes and basil,  be sure to pin it so you can make it this summer!  We will keep bringing you weekly garden-fresh recipes to give some kitchen inspiration for all those delicious fruits and veggies!

Happy planting!

Bruschetta

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One of our favorite ways to use tomatoes is in this simple, fresh & delicious bruschetta recipe.  It goes together fast and is beautiful enough to serve to guests.  This is a great way to use tomatoes when you have more than you can share with your neighbors (one of the best problems to have!).

Bruschetta mainToasting the bread in a hot griddle with butter adds even more flavor, and makes them brown beautifully.  This can be done with baguette (used here) for an appetizer size, or french bread for a main dish.

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DIY Solar Lantern

DIY Solar Lantern

Ingredients

  • empty small-mouth mason jar or other small decorative jar
  • inexpensive solar yard light
  • canning jar ring (optional)
  • hot glue

Instructions

  1. Remove the lid/ring from your small jar.
  2. Remove the solar light unit from the inexpensive solar light. Recycle the rest of the solar light or reserve for another project.
  3. Place the solar light unit (with solar cells facing up) on/into the top of the jar opening. Secure with hot glue.
  4. If desired, place a canning ring on top of the jar (around the solar light) and secure with hot glue.
  5. Place solar lights in your yard, they look great sitting on the porch or hanging from a shepherd's hook!
https://westerngardens.com/bruschetta/

One of the best parts about this bruschetta is its versatility.  If you like more salt, add more salt.  If you want more basil, add more!  You can adapt it to whatever your taste may be, and the wonderful flavors of the tomatoes and basil will always shine through.

How to Plant a Flower Pot

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Flower pots are an easy, beautiful way to dress up your porch and yard.  They add a great pop of color and a lot of interest, and you can try something new without a commitment to your landscape.  We’ve put together a few tips to make your planters really stand out and look their best this Spring!

flower pots

Choose Your Pot

  • Pick something that will match its surroundings…or stand out and make a statement!

Prepare Your Pot

  • The first thing to add to your pot is a coffee filter.  This will let water drain through the hole, but keep all that potting soil where it belongs…in the pot!  This is especially helpful if your planters will be on a porch or patio, or other area you want to keep clean.
  • Add a couple of inches of small rocks over the coffee filter.  This will help your soil drain better, which will keep your plants healthier.
  • If your pot is large and you worry that it will be too heavy when filled, try placing a smaller pot inside your large pot and upside down over the layer of rocks.
  • Once your rocks (and smaller inverted pot, if necessary) are in place, add some potting soil.  Fill the pot about 2/3 full.  This way you can set each of the plants in the pot without digging individual holes…you will fill soil in between the plants once they are all in place.

Add some Drama!

  • The three types of plants for your pot are “Thrillers, Fillers & Spillers.”
  • When you remove the plants from their containers, gently tear the roots away from the soil so they will begin to grow into the soil, instead of circling  their root ball.
  • Thrillers add height and dimension.  Place in the center of your pot.  Grasses are a great choice for a center plant, anything from Purple Fountain Grass to Dracaena Spikes.
  • Fillers add rich color and interest.  Place around your “thriller” plant.  Choose your favorite flowers…the possibilities are endless!
  • Spillers add a special, dramatic touch as they begin to cascade over the side of your pot.  They stay beautiful all season long.  Sweet Potato Vines and Creeping Jenny are always popular!

flower pot 4

Make it Odd

  • Use odd numbers when you are adding plants to your pot.  One of those basic design principles…odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye.  Add them in 1’s, 3’s or 5’s.

Keep it Happy

  • Be sure to give your flowers pot the water they need, but don’t over-water!  Feel the soil…if it’s still nice and moist, don’t water.  If the soil is just barely moist, it’s time for water.  {A good rule of thumb is to stick to your finger in the soil about two inches to feel how moist it is.  Let the soil become just moist between waterings, but don’t let it dry out.}  Plants in full sun will need water more frequently than plants in full shade.  You will figure out quickly how often to water your pots, then just make it part of your gardening routine!

Check out our video, Mike will show you how to put it all together!

Flower pots are a gorgeous addition to any yard.  We would love to see yours!  Email your pictures to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our Instagram account!  {Or use the hashtag #westerngardencenter}  Be sure to follow us @western_gardens if you aren’t already!

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Fruity Pasta Salad

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Looking for a fresh, colorful side dish for your Mother’s Day brunch this year?  Try this fruity pasta salad!  It’s versatile, flavorful, and easy to put together…perfect for busy moms and grandmas (and dads too)!

Fruity Pasta Salad mainYou can use any combination of soft fruits in this salad.  Here we used strawberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi and mandarin oranges.

Fruity Pasta Salad 4Peaches, nectarines, grapefruit, plums, all kinds of berries, bananas…add whatever combination sounds good!

Fruity Pasta Salad 5

 
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Strawberry Mango Salsa

Strawberry Mango Salsa

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strawberries, diced
  • 1 cup mango, diced (about 1 mango)
  • 1/8 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • juice from 1 lime

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl combine honey and lime juice.
  2. In a large bowl combine strawberries, mangoes, onions and cilantro.
  3. Toss with honey-lime mix.
  4. Chill until ready to serve.
https://westerngardens.com/fruity-pasta-salad/

 

Fruity Pasta Salad 2

Roasted Vegetable Salad

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If you are in a salad rut, including roasted vegetables is a great way to add color, texture, flavor and dimension…with minimal effort!  Roasting vegetables is not just easy to do, but it also brings out a wonderful flavor that is surprisingly delicious when paired with fresh lettuce and a cooked egg.

Roasted Vegetable Salad main

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Edible Flowers

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Edible flowers are a fun addition to a summer salad, are gorgeous when candied, and make beverages more beautiful.  They are easy to use and add a special flare to your dish!

Edible Flowers

Some of the flowers on our list may surprise you.  You might already have them growing in your yard without even realizing the culinary excitement that awaits!  There are a few things to remember when cooking with flowers:

  • use flowers that are grown organically
  • make sure the flowers you want to eat are edible, as some flowers can make you sick
  • eat flowers in moderation, they can cause digestive or allergy problems if overusededible flower anatomy
  • if you know you are allergic to a certain plant, avoid eating its flower
  • eat the edible parts (usually just the petals) of edible flowers–remove pistils and stamens
  • Do not use non-edible flowers as a garnish, guests may reasonably assume that if a flower is in their food, they can eat it

 Top Ten Edible Flower Picks

Borage is an annual herb (also known as starflower).  Borage flowers are usually blue, but can also appear pink or white.  They have a faint cucumber taste and are well-suited to salads, beverages and desserts.

Chrysanthemums have a mild flavor.  Sprinkle the petals over a salad for a beautiful presentation.

Daylilies are slightly sweet with a mild vegetable flavor and work well for garnishes, desserts, or even deep frying!  Use only the orange daylily.

Lavender has a sweet floral flavor and lends itself well to both sweet and savory dishes.  Use it in desserts or stews, or simply use it as a beautiful garnish.

Nasturtiums are one of the most commonly used edible flowers.  They have a sweet, peppery flavor.  Beautiful as a garnish, in a salad, or even on an open-faced sandwich.

Pansies can be eaten whole (including violas and johnny-jump-ups).  They have a sweet flavor and are good for use in salads, drinks and desserts.

Dianthus has a clove-like flavor and adds lovely color to a salad.  Beautiful in an ice ring for a party, or freeze petals in individual ice cubes.

Roses are a staple in many yards, and perhaps soon in many kitchens!  All varieties are edible.  The flavor varies between types and colors, but they are generally fruity, with deep colors having a more pronounced flavor.  Great for salads, garnishes, beverages, and many other culinary uses.

Scented Geraniums are ideal in desserts, drinks, and even frozen in ice.  Flavor generally corresponds with variety.  The Citronelle variety may not be edible.

Squash is possibly the most surprising member of our list.  They can be eaten raw, sauteed in butter, or even deep fried!  This is a great way to prevent waste if your plants produce more than you (and all of your neighbors!) can use.

*Please note: this list is not exhaustive.  Many flowers are edible.  This list contains our ten favorites.  If you want to eat a flower that does not appear on this list, make sure to reference a reputable source to ensure its safety.  Some flowers can make you sick.

We are developing recipes for flowers and will begin posting when they are in season.  If you have a favorite flower recipe or idea that you would like to share, leave it in a comment!  We just might feature you in an upcoming post!

Avocado & Slow-Roasted Tomato Toast

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Roasting is one of my favorite ways to cook veggies, as I mentioned in my post about roasted asparagus.  Tomatoes are another reason why.  Slow roasting concentrates their flavors, making even so-so tomatoes wonderfully delicious and tender…similar to how a slow-cooker can turn a tough cut of meat into a tender and juicy dish. If garden-fresh tomatoes aren’t in season but you need a fix, this is a perfect way to prepare them to get maximum flavor from a less-than-flavorful store bought tomato!

slow roasted tomato toast 3 pin

The flavors of roasted vegetables are deep and rich.  The tomatoes come out juicy and soft and the garlic will spread right into the toast.  slow roasted tomato avocado toast collage

Slow-Roasted Tomato & Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium tomatoes, halved
  • 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 2-3 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • dried Italian seasoning (or 2 sprigs fresh herbs)
  • freshly ground sea salt & black pepper
  • 2 avocados
  • 1-2 tsp lime juice
  • 8 toasted french bread slices
  • balsamic reduction*

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Place the garlic cloves and tomatoes, cut-side up, in a baking dish.  Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.
  2. Roast for about 1 hour & 45 minutes (up to two hours). Tomatoes should be slightly reduced in size and skins should be puckered.
  3. Check the garlic after about 1 hour 15 minutes.  They might be done before the tomatoes.  Remove if done, continue roasting if not.
  4. Tomatoes can be served right away, or refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
  5. To assemble the toast, begin by toasting 8 slices of french bread.
  6. Peel and pit the avocado and mash with lime juice.
  7. Remove the peel from a clove of roasted garlic and spread it over a slice of toast.  Spread avocado mixture over the garlic.  Top the avocado with a roasted tomato, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

slow roasted tomato toast 6 square*To reduce balsamic vinegar, add 1 cup to a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir frequently for about 10 minutes, or until balsamic is reduced to desired consistency.  It will thicken as it cools, so remove it from the heat before it looks completely done.

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Tips for Early Spring Gardening

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Haven’t started thinking about your garden yet for this year?  Still deciding if you should start your very first garden?  Looking for some inspiration?  Now is a great time to start, and we want to make it easier by giving you a few tips we’ve learned over the years.  Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you should find something helpful!

Start Small

  • If you have never planted a garden before, start small so you don’t overwhelm yourself and give up.  Choose 3-5 of your favorite veggies or fruits.  If you have more favorites than that, choose the produce that is the most expensive to buy at the store or farmer’s market!

Make it Easy

  • If you are starting your garden from seed, you want to avoid regular soil, which can carry diseases that your tiny seedling won’t be able to combat well.  Use a seedling starter mix.  We like to add some water to the mix before pulling it out of the bag!  This way it stays evenly moist during the germination process.
  • Mike from our Sandy store demonstrated this on a great gardening segment for our local news channel.  You can see him adding the water here before they pull any potting mixture out of the bag.  We are working on getting a link to the actual video so we can show you his other great tips!

gardening news spot

Protect

  • If you want to get your veggies outside and into the ground right now, just be sure to protect them from frost.  A wall o’ water is a great way to protect individual plants, the wall of water surrounding the plant will insulate it from any cold nights that will hit.  The average last frost date in Utah is May 15th, so a good rule of thumb is to protect your tender plants until about Mother’s Day.
  • Ever tried to fill a wall o’ water?  It can be tricky!  Check out our quick video tip to see a fast & easy way to do it.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great gardening tips!

Grow Boxes

  • If you are trying your hand at container gardening/grow boxes/raised beds, make sure they are the right size for you!  You should be able to reach into the middle with your hand…so when you are building them, measure with the span of your arm.  This is so when you are weeding, caring for your plants, and harvesting, you will be able to reach comfortably into the center of the bed.
  • If you are doing a vertical container garden, make your boxes a few inches smaller than this so you can reach the fruits & veggies that are growing up high.
  • Try to get 8-10 inches of soil in your grow box.  The roots of your plants will be happier if they can get this far down into the soil.

Compost

  • Add a 2-3 inch layer of compost to your garden beds, the nutrients will seep down into your soil, and weeds will be kept at bay.

Pace Yourself

  • Try to do a little gardening every day, rather than saving it all for the weekend.  Weekly gardening can seem overwhelming, but 15 minutes a day will keep the weeds down and spirits up!

There are as many good gardening ideas as there are gardeners.  If you have a great tip you want to share with us, please leave us a comment!  We might just feature you in an upcoming blog post!

Happy Planting!

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Roasted Asparagus

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Roasting vegetables is one of the best things you can do in your kitchen.  It preserves more of the nutrients than boiling or steaming, and it caramelizes the natural sugars to bring out a lovely hint of sweetness.  The first time I roasted asparagus, I was a convert for life!

Asparagus 2
Use asparagus that has thick stalks.  They are better for roasting than the thin stalks.  Cut off the bottom inch and a half of the stalks.  You can snap off the tough bottom portion by hand (as seen below in the top left picture), but all of mine tend to break off at about an inch and a half, so I save time by just cutting them.
Asparagus Collage
Toss your asparagus and oil in a zip top bag, or drizzle it over the asparagus right on the pan, then toss to coat.  Sprinkle with freshly ground sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, and it’s ready to roast!
Asparagus 11
Pop it in a 425 degree oven for about ten minutes. Don’t overcook it, or it will be bendy and floppy.  You want it to still have some substance to it…mushy veggies=blah veggies.
Asparagus 10

Asparagus square

Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 3-4 Tbsp avocado oil
  • kosher salt or freshly ground sea salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Wash and dry asparagus.
  3. Coat in avocado oil, arrange in a single layer on baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast for 10 minutes

*Avocado oil has a smoke point of 500 degrees, so I like to use it for high heat roasting, grilling & sauteing.

Asparagus 9

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~Becky

Cowboy Caviar

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If you are looking for something a little different, really simple, and super quick, look no further!  It’s a fabulous appetizer served with chips, or as part of a main meal…like a taco bar topping.  Whether your ingredients are straight from the garden, or came from the produce section, you will impress your guests with this flavorful treat!

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15.25 oz) supersweet yellow corn
  • 1 can (15.25 oz) white corn, drained
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix (dry)
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and gently combine.  Delicious right away, but even better once the flavors have had a chance to mingle.  Serve with chips, or in a taco bar.

Cowboy Caviar square

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Becky

  

~Becky

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