Week 7, Lesson 1
Hi students! Welcome to week 7 of your gardening course. Did you know that different plants grow in different ways? Some plants grow on a vine, like cucumbers and tomatoes, and some grow on a bush, like squash. Plants that grow on a vine can get really heavy from the weight of the veggies, and one way you can help support your vine-growing plants is by building a trellis! You can trellis the cucumbers and the tomatoes in your kit for best growing results. You can build a simple trellis using clothes hangers, sticks, and string!
TRELLISING
- Plant Habits: Vine vs. Bush
Gardening Know How - Bush Vs. Vining Plant Types
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Vertical Gardening: Beginner’s Guide
DIY Trellis
Greenhouse Planter - DIY Trellis for Vegetables
Youtube - The Rusted Garden: 10 Trellising Options for Containers & Earth Beds
This week, we’ll also harvest basil from our gardens, then head to the kitchen to make a yummy basil pesto! Basil pesto is delicious and can be used on so many different things! Get all your supplies ready and go harvest some basil to get started.
HARVESTING BASIL
- Basil can be harvested in small portions throughout the season or harvested completely. If you are harvesting as the plant grows, remember to only pick one third of the plant at a time to prevent shock. To harvest, remove the leaves by cutting the side shoots and leave the main stem intact. Pick the largest leaves at the bottom first. Pinch off the flowers of the plant to extend your harvest and allow more leaves to grow
Originating in Asia and Africa, basil has been used for centuries for many different remedies. Today, it is one of the most popular herbs to cook with as it has a bold flavor and is packed with Vitamin K, which is an excellent nutrient aiding heart, blood, and bone health!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil (rinsed and dried)
1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan-Reggiano cheese (about 2 ounces)
1/3 cup pine nuts (or try substituting with walnuts)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil3 teaspoons of minced garlic
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of salt (to taste)1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper