Hover fly The hover fly is a beneficial insect. It is also called the syrphid fly and sometimes the flower fly. Adult hover flies are pollinators. They are often seen hovering like hummingbirds over flowers as they drink nectar. Adult hover flies do not feed on pest insects. Hover fly larvae do feed on pest
Chickweed flowers Chickweed is an annual plant that competes vigorously with other plants. It is edible. Description and Life Cycle: Bright green, mat forming low grower with multiple branches from central crown. Stems 1½ to 3 feet long. Leaves oval and pointed at the tip, smooth and shiny, opposite in pairs on stem. White 1½
Dandelion Dandelions are perennial plants. They flower beginning in early spring and continue through the summer. Description and Life Cycle: Dark green leaves have slightly ragged edges to deep, saw-like teeth, pointed ends. Leaves form basal rosette. Flower stalk can grow to 12 inches tall or more. Brilliant yellow ray flowers to 2 inches across;
Grow herbs indoors: 60° is best and plenty of light. Here are common questions asked about growing herbs indoors: Do herbs grow well indoors? Herbs can be grown indoors if the conditions are right. Here are the basics: (1) daytime temperature of 70°F (21°C) is acceptable but 60° (15°C)  is better; night temperature of not
Young Canada thistle The Canada thistle is a broad-leafed weedy plant that invades gardens, orchards, vineyards, and roadsides. The Canada thistle is a perennial plant that grows wide and sends up new colonies as far as its tough horizontal roots can reach. Some species of thistles can also be annuals and biennials. Description and Life
Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop; they thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (16-21°C). Mature plants can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C). Brussels sprouts require a long growing season—90 to 120 days. Commonly Brussels sprouts are planted in late spring to mid-summer for harvest in fall. Brussels sprouts touched by frost just
Pepper seedlings Peppers are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start peppers indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the average night time temperature is expected to stay above 55°F (13°C) if you plan to transplant seedlings directly into the garden. Start seed indoors up to 14 weeks before the last spring frost if you plan to harden
Spinach seedlings Spinach grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Mature spinach plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 20°F (-12 to -7°C). Time spinach seed starting so plants come to harvest before or after the very warm and hot weather of summer. Hot weather will trigger bolting and seed-stalk
Sowing carrot seed Carrots are a cool-season crop; they are best grown in spring and fall. Grow carrots and other root crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones. This will ensure roots do not split or become malformed. Plant carrots for winter harvest and storage in late spring or early summer when you
Turnip seedlings Sow turnips in spring for an early summer harvest and use; direct sow in the garden 5 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring. Start a second crop in late summer for winter storage and use. Grow turnips and other roots crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones. This
