Why Seeds Won’t Germinate: Reasons Seeds Aren’t Sprouting
Struggling with seeds not germinating? Learn the most common causes of low germination rates and practical solutions from full-time produce growers using real-life experience.
How to Grow Kale From Seed: A Planting and Harvest Guide
Kale plants are one of the most reliable crops we grow on our Iowa produce farm. Whether we’re transplanting kale seedlings in early spring, setting out a fall crop in late summer, or harvesting sweet leaves after a light frost, kale earns its place in our growing plan every year. We follow organic practices on…
Storing Winter Squash Long Term: A how to guide for storage
Winter squashes are one of the most reliable, low-maintenance, long-lasting foods you can keep on hand for the colder months. At Pleasant Grove Homestead, we love showing people how incredibly simple it is to store butternut squash, acorn types, spaghetti squash, sweet meat, hubbard squash, and many other types of squash—all without hours of canning…
What to Do With Too Many Cherry Tomatoes: Recipes & Ideas from the Farm
If you’ve ever grown cherry tomatoes, you already know how it goes. You plant one or two tomato plants in the spring, dreaming of sweet, juicy little tomatoes to snack on in the summer months. But then—suddenly—you’re swimming in them. Buckets, baskets, and bowls of plump cherry tomatoes cover your counter, and you’re left asking: What’s…
How To Grow Onions From Seeds – Beginner’s Guide
Onions are a staple crop in many diets. In this post we will cover how to grow your own onions from seed, what onion varieties will work best in your area and when it’s a good idea to start your onion plants! We will also discuss why you should grow them from seeds or buy…
Garlic Clove vs Garlic Bulb: Easy Guide to Garlic
Get ready to learn all about garlic! This post covers garlic cloves versus bulbs, how to use garlic to replace powder, how to store garlic and so much more! What is garlic? Garlic is a flowering plant that grows a bulb underground. As a member of the Allium family which also includes leeks, onions, and…
How To Grow Crops Year Round In a Greenhouse or High Tunnel
Winter poses a lot of challenges to those who love fresh foods! While the summer months are filled with loads of crops from a vegetable garden, there’s something very special about locally grown winter vegetables on the kitchen table! Back when we only had a home vegetable garden, eating with the seasons was something we…
What Potato Plants Look Like Through Their Growing Season
Learn how to identify a potato plant through its growing season and how to know when to harvest with this guide. Potatoes scientifically known as solanum tuberosum, are part of the nightshade family. It can be tricky to identify potato plants for home gardeners since the tubers grow underground and the green foliage on top…
Potato Varieties and Growing Guide for a Home Garden
One thing we’re known for around our part of Iowa is growing a variety of potatoes, and being able to make sure our customers are choosing the right potato for the right dish! Sometimes you may think Ashley is being nosey at a market asking “What ya makin’?” but it’s all to make sure you…
Best tips for growing onions: How to plant onions
Onions, allium cepa, are a kitchen staple among everyone! If you’ve ever dipped your toes into having a home garden you’ve likely added onions to your list of seed packets or plants to grab! In this post, we outline all the tips and tricks for the best results in your home garden for an onion…