Homegrown Blog

Jan 25, Latest issue of Homegrown is out

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:28:56 GMT

The latest issue of Homegrown is out. Find out about seed starting, storage onions, lemons, figs--and, as usual, cooking ideas.

Jan 21, Making Holubtsi

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:05:28 GMT

”This is delicious!" declared Emma after we made the filling for holubtsi (cabbage rolls). I think she was eating as much as she was putting into the cabbage leaves. I make the filling the way my great Aunt Anna taught me: rice, ground beef, onions, bacon, bacon fat...and the secret ingredient. The secret ingredient? Dill. And don't be stingy with the dill. GARDEN TIP: When dill is plentiful in the garden, I chop and freeze it. If you allow dill to self-seed in the garden, you'll probably have a nice crop for freezing in late summer.)

Jan 15, The Untamed Garden: Garden Book Review

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:52:26 GMT

The Untamed Garden. Vegetable gardening books reviewed by journalist, horticulturist, and garden coach Steven Biggs.

Jan 15, Readers Write: questions about growing vegetables and success in the edible gard

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:44:50 GMT

Readers write: questions about growing vegetables and success in the edible garden. Answered by Toronto horticulturist Steven Biggs on www.the-locavores-garden.com.

Jan 15, Adventures in the Childrens Garden: growing vegetables with kids

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:47:31 GMT

Adventures in the Childrens Garden. Get ideas and have a laugh reading about growing vegetables with kids, in Steven Biggs’ Toronto garden.

Jan 12, Kids Pick Crops

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:16:10 GMT

”Quinn, come and choose what to grow in your garden this year,” said Emma, coaxing him to the table. I gave Emma the catalogue, not sure how interested she would be, let alone her brother. But there she was, circling what she wanted and directing Quinn to do the same. Some of what the circled: carrots, gladiolus bulbs, strawberry plants, cherry tomatoes, and beets.

Dec 6, FREE Book in Time for Holiday Gifts

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:57:00 GMT

FREE BOOK. If you’re shopping online for gift books, but want to see them first, then check out the complete digital version of No Guff Vegetable Gardening for FREE. Send an e-mail to info@noguffpress.com with (1) “sampler” in subject line, and (2) your first name and last initial in the body of the e-mail. I’ll email you back with login details to view our great browser-based digital version for 1 month. No strings attached, and no unsolicited e-mail afterwards. I just hope you love the book enough to buy the print version as a gift!

Jul 18, Emma Teaches Transplanting

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:27:27 GMT

Last week I heard Emma (6) explain to Quinn (3) that tomatoes had self seeded in her garden from fruit that fell last year--and that there wasn't space for the tomato plants. Later, I found them transplanting the tomato plants into soil-filled pots that were dotted around their play house!

Jun 23, Red Currant Jelly

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:42:24 GMT

Last night I decided to use up the last of the frozen 2010 red currant crop. I made what I usually make--red currant juice concentrate--except I overcooked it. Today I have a pitcher full of red currant jelly! Not a bad mistake.

Jun 2, On the Radio this weekend

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:28:43 GMT

This Sunday, 11:05 Atlantic time (10:05 ET), tune in on www.news957.com or listen live online as I chat with Niki Jabbour on The Weekend Gardener. (It airs across the Maritime provinces on the three Rogers stations.)

May 20, Front Gardens Build Community

Fri, 20 May 2011 12:23:48 GMT

Front-yard gardening is an act of social engagement. An evening spent removing my front lawn and I met 2 neighbours, had 5 I know come over especially to chat, said hello to countless passersby...and sold 2 books! What's replacing the grass? Edibles...of course: saskatoons, honeyberries, nanking cherries, artichoke, tomatoes--and a few flowers for good measure.

May 20, Cardoon

Fri, 20 May 2011 12:23:48 GMT

One thing I love about giving talks is what I learn from the audience. I showed a slide of a cardoon at a talk yesterday, and came home with a few cooking ideas. I'm looking forward to cardoon stalk, breaded with garlic-infused coating and fried.

May 9, WIN A FREE COPY of No Guff Vegetable Gardening

Mon, 09 May 2011 13:47:25 GMT

Help other gardeners weed out silly advice by sharing your own! WIN A FREE COPY of No Guff Vegetable Gardening by sharing your favourite vegetable garden Guff on the Garden Coaches Chat Facebook Wall. http://www.facebook.com/GardenCoachesChat The authors of the 3 Guff postings with the most “likes” will win a copy of No Guff Vegetable Gardening. Garden Coaches Steve and Donna will tally up likes on May 2, 2011. (Maximum one book per Guff-poster.) Garden Coaches Chat: No Guff. Lots of Fun!

May 3, Potatoes planted

Tue, 03 May 2011 23:53:59 GMT

Potatoes planted. This year, I simply placed my seed potatoes on the garden, then covered them with a thick layer of semi-composted leaves. My reason for doing so were twofold: (1) laziness; and (2) the black walnut tree nearby, which adds juglone to the soil. Because potatoes don't like juglone, my reasoning is that not burying them will expose them to a bit less of this stuff.

Apr 19, Earth Day West End YMCA Toronto

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:29:38 GMT

This Saturday (April 23) I’ll be at an Earth Day event at the West End YMCA (College and Dovercourt) in Toronto from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Drop by to talk veggie gardening if you have any questions as the gardening season gets into full swing!

Apr 18, Average Frost Dates

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:17:44 GMT

On www.GardenCoachesChat.com Donna and I have posted averagle first and last frost dates for Alberta and Newfoundland. Other provinces soon to come...

Apr 14, Stop by at the Green Living Show

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:11:48 GMT

Stop by to say hi to me at the Sheridan Nurseries booth at the Green Living Show in Toronto, where I’ll hang out on Saturday and Sunday. The Sheridan booth is focused on growing vegetables and herbs (with a good selection of herb plants and veg seed)—and they are selling my book No Guff Vegetable Gardening. I’LL BE THERE to sign books and chat. Come by to say hi and ask questions! (The Green Living Show takes place April 15-17, at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Sheridan Nurseries is booth #1014.)

Apr 11, Town Crier interviews Steven Biggs

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:56:45 GMT

Steve Biggs' book is graphic novel meets veggie gardening guide

Apr 5, Roasted Caramelized Onions

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:31:19 GMT

There are sprouts coming from some of my onion braids in the cold room. That means it’s time to use them up. IN THE SPIRIT OF EATING UP AS MANY ONIONS AS POSSIBLE, last week I cooked a prime rib roast (which I rubbed with butter into which I’d blended rosemary, garlic, and sea salt.) Around the base of the pan ....

Apr 5, Kids in the Garden: Quinn Meets Rosemary

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:10:13 GMT

It’s my own fault: I left him unattended for a couple of minutes. Three years old, with a whirling, helicopter-like propeller powered by a pull-string—and left alone with dad’s rosemary plant, the temptation was too much. Quinn didn’t waste any time coming to find me. He was proud as a peacock as he explained that he had given the plant a haircut.

Apr 5, Q+A: Start Seeds Indoors

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:03 GMT

ANNE ASKED: When do you start your seeds? Response: Timing of seed starting is often a confusing thing for new gardeners, as not all books and seed packets say the same thing. The confusion is made worse by the fact that ....

Apr 4, Courgette Vignette

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:44:40 GMT

Out of the misty memories of childhood, only the occasional incident plays back in crystal-clear detail for me. While I have warm, if vague, childhood memories of my great-aunt and great-uncle, Peg and Percy—who came to visit a couple of times from England—there is one incident involving Aunt Peg that I recall quite vividly: It was in the backyard, sitting at the picnic table, when I remarked that she spoke differently from me—that she had a funny accent. She quickly retorted, “No, you’re the one with the accent.” At first, the expression on her face remained dead serious; then, she slowly cracked a smile....

Apr 4, Q+A: Veg for Partial Shade

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:23:50 GMT

JASON ASKED: Can you suggest vegetables not extremely sensitive to sunlight it the afternoon, as I don't get any sun after noon—when it passes over the building. (Note: Jason is growing a balcony garden.)

Apr 4, Kids in the Garden: Sneak a Leek

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:23:50 GMT

Kids Sneak the Leeks Emma and Quinn were delightedly playing in the snow, so I said they could stay out there while I started supper. When they came inside, Emma told me that they too had been cooking: stew. A bit of water from the downspout, some spruce needles, snow, mud…and “those onion things.” ....

Apr 4, E-book of No Guff Vegetable Gardening is born

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:09 GMT

The e-book of No Guff Vegetable Gardening is ready! Check out a sample here:

Apr 4, Root Parsley

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:56:43 GMT

I just pulled some root parlsey from the garden. This member of the parsley family has a carrot-like root that's nice in soups and stews. I grated it to use in bruschetta...since I haden't any fresh parsley.

Apr 4, Potato Latkes

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:54:25 GMT

My spuds sprouted into a spider-like mess of shoots. It’s my fault: my “cold” room isn’t really cold enough…and once I turned on the lights for seedlings in February, it was no longer very dark.

Mar 24, Canada Blooms 2011 CP Interview

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:12:41 GMT

Jan 2, Grow onions then make pickled onions

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 04:34:53 GMT

Grow onions, pickle onions for your own homemade traditional pickles.

Dec 31, Kids in the Garden: Windfall Apples

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:53:17 GMT

Keaton would look to see if I was watching, then, at full toddle, head for a windfall apple. At just over a year old, he desperately wanted to eat apples like his older siblings...

Dec 31, Repurposing Runner Beans

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:53:17 GMT

My painted lady runner beans took off up the apple tree, well beyond my picking reach by the time fall arrived, so I didn’t get around to picking the high-up beans until late October, when I was on the ladder picking apples. They were no longer green beans: By then, the large, mottled beans inside the pods were dry—and ideal for making baked beans.

Dec 31, Kids in the Garden: Quinn Meets Rototiller

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:53:17 GMT

Quinn loves tractors. He loves any loud, moving machinery. So when I told him that I was getting our tractor out of the shed, I had his undivided attention. That’s rare for a two year old...

Dec 31, Q+A: Seed Suppliers

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:53:17 GMT

SUE ASKED: Are seeds from a local retailer best? Response: In our book, Serving Up…No-Guff Vegetable Gardening, Donna and I explain the rationale for buying locally or domestically—or not...

Oct 8, QA: Rotating Tomatoes

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:53:20 GMT

THERESA ASKED: I grew tomatoes this year using two methods: the double-pail system described by Montreal Rooftop Garden Project; and in a garden bed. I know you aren't supposed to grow tomatoes in the same soil two years running, so, given my very limited space, I am wondering: •Can I reuse the soil from the pails somehow (1/3 garden soil, 1/3 compost, 1/3 manure)? •Is there something I can do to the soil in the outdoor garden bed so that I can I plant tomatoes in the same garden bed next year? It's really the only garden space I have. CLICK LINK TO SEE ANSWER

Oct 8, Kids in the Garden: Train Tracks

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:53:20 GMT

“Choo choo, Daddy, choo choo,” exclaims my two-and a half year old Quinn as he entreats me to follow the line where the edge of the sidewalk meets grass. For him it’s more than grass meeting sidewalk: it’s a train track. We regularly follow the same routine as we walk home from the playground. Trains are at the forefront of his thoughts these days. So I figured that trains might just be the ticket in the vegetable garden. Now, when we go into the garden to pull carrots or pick tomatoes, I say, “Remember, stay on the track.” It’s working—and we have fewer footprints in the planted beds.

Oct 8, Make Sauerkraut

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:53:20 GMT

THE COARSE SALT GRATES against my white knuckles as I pack down the shredded cabbage, punching it until a film of juice arises to cover it. After beating a further two heads of cabbage into the heavy, glazed, clay crock I lug it to the basement, where the transformation begins. Two weeks later my wife Shelley matter-of-factly informs the furnace repairman to disregard the smell, “I’m sorry, it’s my husband, he’s making sauerkraut.” CLICK LINK TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE SAUERKRAUT

Aug 7, Parmesan Eggplant Rounds

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:04:43 GMT

Growing up, I don’t think I ever tasted eggplant. And the first time I tasted it—at a cafeteria once I had moved away from home—it was positively revolting. I avoided it like the plague for years as a result of the trauma caused by that supposed eggplant parmesan. I know a lot of people have been traumatized by poorly cooked eggplant. It’s a pity, because it’s not difficult to prepare it well. Here’s a simple recipe that’s bound to win over people formerly traumatized by eggplant...

Aug 7, QA: Zucchini Aborting

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:52:20 GMT

AT MY JUNE TALK FOR THE BEACHES GARDEN SOCIETY, ONE LISTENER ASKED:
“I see young zucchini starting to grow, but then they drop off. What causes this?” Response:
There are a couple of possible reasons.

It could be that the plant is under some sort of stress such as inadequate water or excessive heat.

But it could also be poor pollination. Let’s step back a moment so I can explain why....

Aug 7, Kids in the Garden: Happy Faces and Self-Serve Veggies

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:35:36 GMT

The Mexican gherkins, which look like mini cucumbers, have been a huge hit around here. So much of a hit, that I often look out to see the kids grazing on them. I wasn’t too surprised, because last year Emma loved them. But I’ve been surprised by Quinn snacking on raw yellow wax beans. I’ve caught him a couple of times crunching away on them. There’s a simple reason for the enthusiasm...

Jun 26, Crawly Composters Feed Gardens

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:54:42 GMT

It sounded so mature: “Wait for me, Dad! I’m really interested in those worms,” five-year-old Emma admonished as I carted the pound of worms to the basement without her. She zipped past me on the stairs and scurried to our new worm composter, a three-tiered apartment-like affair also known as a vermicomposter. Quinn tagged along too, though I didn’t know what reaction to expect from him: at two years old, he’s quick to protest when his hands are dirty. Read the rest of this article about Emma and Quinn and worm composting in Edible Toronto magazine. Just click the link below..

Jun 23, Looking for a fox

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:59:50 GMT

Last week I spoke at a Beach Garden Society meeting about growing vegetables here in the city. And I came home wanting a fox. Why a fox? Anyone growing edibles in the city knows that squirrels are sometimes a bit naughty. And they’re usually very naughty. So I made a point of forewarning any would-be veggie growers to accept that squirrels would probably vandalize the tomato patch…and other parts of the garden too. In the Q+A session afterwards, one gardener told us that a fox had moved into her neighbourhood…and the squirrels are afraid to come out of the trees. It’s snacked on at least 20 of them!

Jun 23, Baby Beets are here

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:50:05 GMT

I had my first feeding of beet root last week. We’ve been eating beet greens for a while, with a hearty helping of greens every time I thin the beet patch. But last week was the first time I had a feed of baby roots this year. Here’s a simple way to cook baby beets: Cook them on the barbeque in a covered foil dish, with a dab of butter and some chopped dill. Yum.

Jun 23, Pawpaw catastrophe

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:50:05 GMT

Catastrophe struck my pawpaw patch. Actually, it’s not yet a patch—as I only have one tree. But I’m intending to get a couple more, as two or more genetically distinct trees are required for fruit production. A recent windstorm brought down a bough from the towering black walnut above and split my pawpaw in two. What a disappointment: I’ve been nurturing this tree for four years! It’s ironic that the walnut should be the agent of destruction, as I purposely placed the pawpaw patch under the walnut tree. The reason is that black walnut trees give off a compound called juglone…and a lot of plants don’t like juglone. Pawpaw trees are not only tolerant of juglone—they’re an understory tree, meaning they grow well underneath larger trees with only partial sun.

Jun 14, Grilled Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:47:57 GMT

If you grow asparagus, you might be tiring of steamed asparagus by now, as we approach the end of asparagus season. Here’s a simple asparagus recipe that can be served either warm or cold...

Jun 14, Kids in the Garden: If You Know a Hot Place

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:47:57 GMT

We’re seeing some territorial behaviour here in the Biggs household. There’s more than one avid gardener here now…and garden space is in demand. “Dad, if you know a hot place in the backyard, that’s where we should put the plants because they like water, they like light, and to be hot,” Emma advised me. At five years old, she is an authority on gardening now. I knew of just the hot place she was talking about. It was near ...

Jun 14, Arugula and Spinach in June

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:47:57 GMT

CLIFF ASKED:
”Is it too late to plant arugula or spinach seeds in June?” Response:
Great question. The answer is no, no, no. It’s true that both of these crops prefer cool weather....but

May 18, Branding Gardening as Fun

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:35:28 GMT

If you’re looking for a reason to involve kids in gardening and healthy food, I’ve got it. Just check out the photo of my daughter Emma’s play kitchen. See a big, yellow M? Yup, you guessed it, she was pretending to run a McDonalds restaurant. Yikes. I don’t like McDonalds, so have never taken her there—but Shelley has on occasion. (Emma is also quick to spot a Tim Horton’s—and that’s my fault.) We’re not fast food junkies—so these are very occasional visits. That’s why it was a shock to me to see what powerful brand recognition the fast food chain has with kids. So back to how I began, gardening for kids.......

May 8, Using Pressure Treated Wood with Edibles

Sat, 08 May 2010 15:19:11 GMT

SUSAN ASKED: ”I have a newly constructed outdoor planter I'd like to use for veggies/herbs but it is constructed from pressure treated wood. Are there health hazards associated?” RESPONSE: Great question. I'm no expert on pressure treated wood...but the industry association website says...

May 8, Time for Sorrel Soup

Sat, 08 May 2010 15:19:11 GMT

If you don’t already grow sorrel, I recommend you try it. It is an overlooked plant. The arrowhead shaped leaves are delicious fresh, making a good garnish or mixed into salads. And when cooked, they add a tangy flavour to soups and sauces. From a gardener’s perspective, nothing could be easier. It’s a hardy perennial that comes back on its own year after year—yet does not get aggressive and take over the garden. Here’s a simple recipe for a creamy, lemony sorrel soup…

May 8, Gooey Yellow Clay

Sat, 08 May 2010 15:19:11 GMT

As the wheelbarrow filled with sticky yellow clay subsoil, the kids meandered over, looking bored. Still not done digging post holes, I hoped the kids would amuse themselves for another few minutes. “Why is the soil yellow,” asked Emma. So I told her about topsoil and subsoil…and how clay was sticky, and used to make pottery—not unlike the Play-Doh they use in the house. She touched it. “Quinn,” she said, “touch this, it’s sticky.” And so it began. Two kids delightedly squealing while squishing wet clay in a wheelbarrow. And how did it end? (OK, this is my fault…) Yellow clay rolled into pretend dog dirt, as a surprise for mom.