AquaPonics

AquaPonics Sharing info and posts that relate to aquaponics and hydroponics

22/09/2024
22/09/2024

Shade-Tolerant Herbs & Vegetables

22/09/2024

Shade-Tolerant Vegetables

22/09/2024

How to Grow Beans In Aquaponics

Aquaponics can grow a variety of plants, but one question that often comes to a beginner's mind is, can you grow beans in aquaponics? This article will discuss the intricacies of growing beans in aquaponics systems. From selecting the suitable bean varieties, fostering their growth, and harvesting the delicious rewards of your labor, we will discuss everything you need to grow to growing beans in aquaponics systems.

The Suitability of Beans for Aquaponics
When it comes to aquaponics, the question of what crops can thrive in this innovative system is often asked by many enthusiasts. Among the many plant options for aquaponics are beans, which are known for their rich nutritional value and culinary versatility. These vegetables have emerged as one of the plants that thrive in aquaponics systems for many reasons. Let's dive into why bean varieties, such as green beans, black beans, and pinto beans, are well-suited for aquaponics.

Factors to Consider in Selecting Types of Beans to Grow in Aquaponics
Your choice of bean variety is not merely a practical decision but an opportunity to weave your preferences and goals into your system. Here are the factors to consider in selecting a bean variety to grow in your system.

A. Bean Types
When it comes to growing beans, the journey begins with a selection of bean varieties that are suitable for aquaponics systems. Here are some common bean varieties that are well-suited for cultivation in aquaponics:

Green Beans (Snap Beans): These tender and crisp beans are popular for aquaponic systems. Green beans grow well in warmer temperatures and are known for their rapid growth and abundant yields.
Lima Beans: Also known as butter beans, lima beans thrive well in aquaponic setups. They require more space because of their bushy growth habit, but offer a flavorful and nutritious harvest.
Black Beans: These beans are versatile and can adapt to various growing conditions. With their dark color and earthy flavor, black beans can be a great addition to your aquaponic garden.
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are known for their kidney-shaped appearance and rich flavor. They do well in aquaponic systems, particularly when provided with the appropriate nutrient balance.
Pole Beans: These climbing beans are ideal for aquaponic systems with vertical support structures. They efficiently use space and can yield a substantial harvest.
Runner Beans: Similar to pole beans, runner beans are climbing varieties that can thrive in aquaponic setups. They produce vibrant flowers and long pods, adding visual appeal to your system.
French Beans (Haricot Verts): These slender and delicate beans are prized for their tenderness. French beans can be an excellent addition to your aquaponic garden.
Fava Beans: Fava beans, or broad beans, have a distinct flavor and nutritional profile and can be cultivated successfully in aquaponics systems.
Soybeans: Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing legumes, making them a valuable addition to aquaponic systems. They can be harvested in various stages, from young green pods to mature beans.
Scarlet Runner Beans: These beans produce vibrant red flowers, edible pods, and seeds. They are well-suited for aquaponic setups that allow for vertical growth.
B. Growth Habits and Space Requirements
Considering the growth habits of different bean varieties is important for the success of your system. Bush beans, for instance, are known for their compact stature, making them ideal for systems with limited vertical space. Pole beans exhibit vigorous climbing tendencies, making them excellent choices for taller aquaponic setups, where they can utilize vertical space effectively.

C. Climate Suitability
When selecting bean varieties, factor in your local climate and the microclimate created within your aquaponics system. This adaptability can extend the growing season or even enable year-round cultivation of beans that might not fare as well in traditional soil-based gardens. This is advantageous for regions with short growing seasons or challenging weather conditions.

D. Recommendations for Beginners
Selecting the suitable bean variety for those embarking on their aquaponics journey can set the stage for a successful experience. Beginners are advised to start with hardy and versatile bean types, such as bush beans or snap beans. These varieties typically have straightforward growth requirements, which are great for aquaponics systems. As you become more accustomed to the intricacies of your system, you can experiment with other varieties or expand your aquaponic system.

Challenges and Considerations of Growing Beans in Aquaponics
While beans can thrive in aquaponics systems, there are certain challenges that every grower must address. One of these challenges revolves around pH management. Beans prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range for optimal growth. Maintaining the appropriate pH levels in an aquaponic system, where fluctuations occur because of the interplay between fish waste and bacterial processes, requires careful monitoring and adjustment.

Another consideration is providing adequate support for climbing bean varieties. Certain beans, like pole beans, are vining plants that require sturdy structures to climb upon. Designing an aquaponic system that can accommodate the vertical growth of climbing beans is essential to ensure proper support and space optimization.

Best Practices for Growing Beans in Aquaponics
Cultivating beans in an aquaponic system requires careful planning and, by following the best practices, you can unlock the full potential of growing beans in aquaponics.

1. Setting Up the Aquaponic System
Step 1: Establish a suitable aquaponic system consisting of fish tanks, grow beds, and a water recirculation system.

Step 2: Introduce fish species that align with the nutrient requirements of beans. Tilapia and catfish are examples of fish that can produce rich in nitrogen waste which is a crucial nutrient for bean growth.

Step 3: Set up the grow beds where the beans will be planted. These beds will receive nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks.

2. pH and Temperature Considerations
pH Range: Maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0, as this range is conducive to both bean growth and the health of the fish. Regularly monitor pH and make adjustments as needed.
Temperature: Aim for a water temperature of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), which provides an optimal range for both the beans and the selected fish species. Beans are sensitive to cold temperatures.

3. Choosing Compatible Fish Species
Select fish species: Opt for fish that generate waste that is rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen. This waste will serve as a vital nutrient source for the beans. Tilapia, trout, and perchare often suitable choices because of their waste production.
Monitor waste: Regularly test the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. These parameters show the system's health and whether the fish waste is efficiently converted into plant nutrients.

4. Supporting Climbing Bean Varieties
Structures: Incorporate vertical structures within the aquaponic setup for climbing beans like pole beans. These can be trellises, nets, or frames that allow the beans to climb and spread vertically.
Positioning: Strategically position the climbing structures within the grow beds to maximize space utilization while preventing shading of other plants.
Regular Maintenance: As climbing beans grow, guide their tendrils toward the structures to ensure they attach and climb properly.

5. Nutrient Management and Plant Care
Nutrient Levels: Monitor nutrient levels regularly to ensure a balanced supply for fish and plants. Adjust feeding rates and fish stocking densities as needed.
Pruning: Trim excess foliage and spent bean plants to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding.

Pest and Disease Control: Inspect plants regularly for pests and diseases. Introduce beneficial insects if necessary and consider organic treatments to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Preventing and Addressing Common Issues
Nutrient Deficiencies: Regularly observe plant foliage for signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Adjust fish feeding rates and monitor nutrient levels to rectify deficiencies. If necessary, introduce additional supplements to balance nutrient intake.

Pest and Disease Control: Inspect plants for pests and diseases that disrupt the system's harmony. Utilize beneficial insects, introduce biological controls, and consider organic treatments to curb infestations without harming the ecosystem.

System Imbalances: Address any imbalances in the system promptly. For instance, if the fish population grows too large, it might lead to excessive waste production and a strain on nutrient levels. Gradually adjust stocking densities to maintain equilibrium.

Harvesting Beans in Aquaponics
Beans Plant Development and Harvest Timing
The lifecycle of a bean plant unfolds through stages, each marked by its unique growth characteristics:

Germination: The initial stage where seeds sprout, sending tender shoots upwards. Vegetative Growth: Leaves develop, and the plant establishes its form and structure.

Flowering: During this stage, delicate blossoms emerge, heralding the imminent arrival of pods.

Pod Formation: Flowers transform into pods, swelling as beans develop inside.
Ripening: Pods mature and take on vibrant colors, showing their readiness for harvest.

The timing of bean harvest varies depending on the variety. Bush beans are ready for harvest around 50 to 60 days after planting, while pole beans, which take longer to establish, are typically harvested around 60 to 70 days. Harvesting at the right stage ensures optimal flavor and texture.

Proper Harvesting Tips
To ensure a bountiful and continuous bean harvest, follow these tips for proper harvesting:

Snap Beans: For snap beans, harvest when the pods are still young and tender before the beans inside fully develop. Gently snap or cut the pods from the plant to avoid damaging the stems.

Shell Beans: Shell beans, meant for their edible seeds, should be harvested when the pods are plump and the beans inside have reached a desirable size. Open the pods to extract the beans.

Dry Beans: Allow the pods to fully mature and dry on the plant before harvesting for dry beans. Once the pods turn brittle and the beans rattle inside, carefully harvest the pods and remove the bean.

Conclusion
Beans can be grown in aquaponics systems. However, its success depends on how you set up and manage your systems. Considering the factors of growing beans, regularly monitoring the water quality, and ensuring the nutrient balance of the system will help ensure the success of the whole system.

As you embark on your aquaponics journey, remember that the beans you cultivate are not merely a product of your efforts but a testament to the remarkable potential of sustainable growing of food., through aquaponics.

22/09/2024

Pumpkins are a great crop for those who love to grow them.
Here's how you can Grow Pumpkins at Home in Containers

What You’ll Need

Container:
At least 15-20 gallons with drainage holes.
Soil:
Rich, well-draining potting mix.
Seeds or Seedlings:
Compact varieties like ‘Jack Be Little,’ ‘Sugar Pie,’ or ‘Baby Bear.’
Fertilizer:
Balanced, slow-release type.
Support:
Trellis or stakes for vines.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select a Sunny Spot: Ensure your container gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the Container: Fill with well-draining soil rich in compost.
3. Plant Seeds or Seedlings: Sow seeds 1 inch deep or transplant seedlings carefully.
4. Water Regularly: Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
5. Fertilize Every 2-3 Weeks: Use a balanced fertilizer for healthy growth.
6. Support the Vines: Guide vines up a trellis or stakes.
7. Pollinate if Needed: Hand-pollinate flowers indoors or in low-pollinator areas.
8. Check for Pests: Monitor and remove pests like aphids and beetles.
9. Harvest When Ready: Cut pumpkins when their skin is hard, leaving some stem.

Tips for Success

Choose Large Containers:
Allows for better root growth.
Ensure Good Drainage:
Prevents root rot.
Prune Excess Vines:
Focuses growth on fewer, larger pumpkins.
Rotate Containers:
Ensures even sunlight exposure.

Growing pumpkins in containers is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy homegrown produce, even in small spaces. With a little care, you’ll soon have your own pumpkins for cooking, decorating, or carving!

22/09/2024

LIKE, FOLLOW & SHARE Aqua-Hydro Growers
18/09/2024

LIKE, FOLLOW & SHARE Aqua-Hydro Growers

Aqua-Hydro Growers
16/09/2024

Aqua-Hydro Growers

15/09/2024

15 Lettuce & Leafy Greens You Should Try Growing Hydroponically

Want to try growing hydroponically this year? Here's 15 of our most popular lettuce and leafy green varieties that are proven to grow extremely well using hydroponic systems (including aquaponics and Tower Gardens)!

1. Arugula

Arugula can usually be harvested as early as one month after planting. Arugula is an easy-to-grow green using any hydroponic setup you have. The leaves of the Arugula plant add a tangy/peppery flavor to any meal. Plant this variety all-year-round using hydroponics and grow lights.

2. Garlic Chives

A perennial plant that grows narrow, grass-like leaves that have a mild onion-like flavor. Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, contain trace amounts of sulfur, and are rich in calcium and iron. Used for many culinary creations. Plant this variety all-year-round using hydroponics and grow lights. The plant will grow to about 12" tall.

3. Green Curled, Endive

Endive is a healthy and delicious leafy green. The Green Curled Endive plant produces dark green curly leaves with large tender crisp ribs. Excellent on salads and sandwiches. Rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially in folate and vitamins A and K, and is high in fiber. Extremely easy to grow using any hydroponic setup you have. Plant this variety all-year-round using hydroponics and grow lights.

4. Lacinato, Kale

Old Italian heirloom, rather primitive open kale with blue-green strap leaves that are 3" wide by 10-18" long. Perfect for making Kale Chips! Extremely easy to grow using any hydroponic setup you have. The leaves of this extremely winter-hardy variety become sweeter after a hard frost or harvest leaves when young and tender. Delicious and tender when stir-fried or steamed.

5. Red Russian, Kale

Stems are purple with deep gray-green leaves. The plants mature medium-tall and leaves are tender compared to other kale varieties. Ideal for salads and light cooking. Extremely easy to grow using any hydroponic setup you have.

6. All Year Round, Lettuce

As its name suggests, this is a lettuce that can be grown throughout the year. In even some of the the coldest areas across the country, this variety can be grown with some protection with a cloche or cold frame in the cooler months.

7. Gourmet, Lettuce

A mixture of favorite lettuce seed varieties from across the spectrum of lettuce types. Plant heavy and start harvest early for young for baby greens then allow some to grow on for plenty of variety for salads. A great way to get a lot out of little space. Perfect for container gardening.

8. Romaine Classic, Lettuce

Large, upright, full-bodied heads with dark-green, slightly savoyed leaves that are mild and sweet. Plant reaches about 10 inches tall. Midribs are crunchy and juicy. Because of their higher chlorophyll content, romaine lettuces are among the most nutritious of all lettuces.

9. Romaine Red, Lettuce

Extremely easy to grow! Produces good yields of romaine type lettuce with red tips.

10. Green Salad Bowl, Lettuce

The Green Salad Bowl Mix is a really easy-to-grow lettuce variety. Extremely flavorful green leafs. Continues to grow as picked. As outer leaves are picked, inner leaves keep growing. Excellent addition for salads and garnishes. A great variety for many gourmet chefs around the world.

11. Red Salad Bowl, Lettuce

The Red Salad Bowl Mix is a really easy-to-grow lettuce variety. Extremely flavorful red leafs. Continues to grow as picked. As outer leaves are picked, inner leaves keep growing. Excellent addition for salads and garnishes. A great variety for many gourmet chefs around the world.

12. Little Gem, Lettuce

Crisp & refreshing lettuce variety. Sweet and crunchy. The leaves of this particular lettuce makes it idea for use in wraps and hors d'oeuvres. Easy to grow in compact spaces and smaller containers. A great variety for many gourmet chefs around the world.

13. Bloomsdale, Spinach

Bloomsdale Spinach will produce heavy, glossy, dark green leaves. Excellent flavor. Extremely easy to grow. Large, curly dark green leaves. Great flavor.

14. Hot Pink, Swiss Chard

The Pink Swiss Chard produces excellent yields of dark green shiny leaves with magenta/hot pink stalks and veins. Excellent for salads, juicing, and/or steamed with others greens. Extremely healthy. Easy to grow.

15. Gourmet Rainbow, Swiss Chard

A heirloom variety from Australia. The Rainbow Swiss Chard is a popular plant that produces some of the most amazing looking swiss chard leaves in shades of red, orange, purple, yellow, and white. Perfect for salads or steamed greens. One of this years most popular varieties to grow. Extremely healthy.

15/09/2024

PEPPERMINT

This Plant is a Blessing from God, It Drives Mice, Spiders and Other Insects Out of Your Home.

Ingredients:
(2 cups) of pure filtered water
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
A clean spray bottle

Instructions:
1.Pour the water into the spray bottle.
2.Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
3.Mix the solution thoroughly.
4.Spray the mixture in all rooms of your house, especially where you have noticed insects or mice.

15/09/2024

A complete guide to 20 edible flowers

Not all flowers are edible, but some lend themselves to being more than just something pretty to admire. Many varieties of edible flowers can be mixed into savoury or sweet dishes for a burst of unique flavour or used as a garnish to add a pop of colour. Use our complete guide to discover a range of edible flowers to use in your next culinary creation.

1). Cornflowers:
Cornflower is a lightly fragrant wildflower native to Europe and Asia. The most common variety boasts bright blue flowers and tall, sturdy stems, but there are several other varieties with colours ranging from pink and white to purple and black. Cornflowers are not only excellent cut flowers and stunning additions to garden beds, but its edible flowers make them a favourite among home cooks and professional chefs. This versatile, neutral flavoured flower goes well in all kinds of savoury and sweet dishes, and makes a stunning garnish when the petals are separated and sprinkles over desserts.

Flavour: slightly spicy, clove-like flavour with a subtle sweetness.

Best for: baked goods, cocktails or garnish.

2). Nasturtium:
Nasturtium is one of the most multi-functional plants you can grow. All parts of the nasturtium plant are edible and have a distinct peppery flavour varying in intensity. With an aroma similar to mustard, nasturtium flowers carry a slightly peppery flavour with hints of sweet nectar; the leaves have a heavier peppery flavour reminiscent of rocket, watercress or radishes, and the seeds have the strongest flavour, often used as a substitute for pepper.

Flavour: distinct peppery flavour varying in intensity with an aroma similar to mustard and hints of sweet nectar.

Best for: add flowers and leaves to salads or use them to decorate cakes or pickle nasturtium seeds.

3). Lilac
Lilac is one of the most versatile edible flowers you can use in your kitchen. It’s an easy-to-grow small hardy shrub that produces heavily scented purple flowers that are perfect for bringing indoors or using in culinary applications. The tiny purple edible flowers with sweet floral qualities make them ideal for decorating cakes or baking them right into your recipes.

Flavour: distinct lemon flavour with floral, pungent overtones.

Best for: make syrup or lilac sugar, add flavour to cakes, or decorating cakes and cocktails.

4). Rose
Roses are not only one of the most romantic edible flowers to cook with, but its delicate flavour also makes it one of the most versatile. With a slight flavour reminiscent of green apples and strawberries and a soft floral scent, rose petals can be used in many savoury and sweet dishes. In the Middle East and North Africa, rose petals are commonly incorporated into spice mixes which can be used as a rub for various meats, but in western cultures, they’re mostly used in sweet dishes.

Flavour: slight flavour reminiscent of green apples and strawberries with a soft floral scent.

Best for: sweets, baked goods, spice mixes, syrups and garnishes.

5). Echinacea
Echinacea is herbaceous perennial with a relatively long blooming season extending from late spring to late summer. This beautiful plant produces unique cone-shaped flowers that not only look stunning in the garden or a vase, but you can use the blooms to make a healing herbal tea or decorate baked goods.

Flavour: strong earthy floral favour

Best for: dry flower heads and steep in hot water to make tea or decorate baked goods or cocktails.

6). Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb with a white daisy-like flower and yellow centre that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions. These include improved sleep and digestive health and being high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It is also well known for its soothing effects and for being a gentle relaxant. The dainty flowers are commonly dried and used to make tea, but this edible flower also makes a beautiful garnish for cakes and cocktails.

Flavour: pleasant light apple flavour

Best for: dry flower heads and steep in hot water to make tea or decorate baked goods or cocktails.

7). Snapdragons
Snapdragons are beautiful edible flowers that are best used only for decorative purposes. Most people know of this old-fashioned cottage garden favourite, but many people aren’t aware that snapdragon flowers are edible. This edible flower has flown under the radar because it tastes quite bitter. But what it lacks flavour, it makes up for in ornamental value and looks particularly special on iced cakes and cupcakes.

Flavour: bitter

Best for: add to iced baked goods or cocktails.

8). Violas
Vibrant, cheerful violas are a lovely edible flower that instantly transforms cakes and makes them look like delicious treats you will usually find at fancy cafes. They’re not only pretty to look at, but they’re also delicious to eat, making them one of the most popular edible flowers used in the kitchen.

Flavour: subtle spearmint and perfumed buttery flavour.

Best for: used to garnish savoury and sweet dishes as well as fancy drinks.

9). Pansies
Pansies are one of the most beautiful edible flowers and have long been sprinkled over salads or added to desserts. Often pansies are mistaken for violas as they look very similar, but pansies are slightly larger, and the centre of the flower is usually darker than violas. These delicate and perfumed buttery flowers have a fresh, slightly spicy flavour with a faint, aromatic scent.

Flavour: fresh, slightly spicy flavour with a faint, aromatic scent.

Best for: salads and to decorate baked goods and cocktails.

10). Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants produce beautiful ornamental edible flowers that grow in tropical and subtropical climates. Although you can eat the flowers straight from the plant, you will often find hibiscus flowers in jams, tea, syrup, relishes, and salads or used as decorations on cakes. There are hundreds of hibiscus varieties, but the most popular edible variety is roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Flavour: tart, sour cranberry-like flavour with citrus overtones

Best for: jams, tea, syrup, relishes, and salads or used as decorations on cakes.

11). Dandelion
The dandelion is one of the most common and recognisable weeds that grows profusely around the country, but did you know you can eat its flowers and leaves? In fact, dandelions are one of the most nutritious plants that have ever been tested. The yellow petals from the dandelion flower and the leaves are great mixed in salads. The leaves can also be cooked and eaten like spinach. Dandelion leaves and mature petals have a unique earthy and bitter flavour whereas young dandelion petals have a slightly sweet, honey-like flavour.

Flavour: mature petals and leaves are bitter and earthy. Young petals are slightly sweet.

Best for: Dandelion flowers and leaves can be eaten in salads, and the leaves can be cooked like spinach. Flowers can be used to decorate baked goods.

12). Lavender
Lavender flowers are one of the most widely recognised flowers due to its distinct fragrance. You only need to brush past a lavender bush to release its floral aroma. Technically, most lavender is safe to eat, but culinary lavender that is cultivated from Lavandula angustifolia plants is much better for cooking as it has a lot less oil than the varieties used in perfumes or soaps. Cooking with culinary lavender will prevent your food from tasting and smelling like soap. This fragrant flower is mainly used to add flavour to desserts, oils and syrups.

Flavour: strong floral flavour subtle hints of mint and rosemary.

Best for: desserts, fragrant oils and syrups.

13). Elderflower
You may have heard of elderberries which grow on the elder shrub and are often used in jams, sauces and cakes, but did you know elderflowers are also edible? These beautiful clusters of tiny cream-coloured flowers, which bloom in summer for only a few short weeks, have been used for centuries in cooking and as a medicinal herb. The blossoms slight vanilla flavour with creamy floral notes lends itself to being used in a range of culinary creations from liquors to cakes, but traditionally it’s used to make refreshing elderflower cordial.

Flavour: slight vanilla flavour with creamy floral notes.

Best for: mainly used to make elderflower cordial or tea, or can be mixed into desserts and baked goods such as cakes, tarts, and trifles. It pairs particularly well with tart fruits such as rhubarb and berries.

14). Sunflowers
One of the most loved flowers in the world, sunflowers are not only wonderful to look at, but the entire plant is edible from root to petals, even the stalk. Sunflower buds can be cooked and eaten like artichokes; stalks can be eaten like celery; the leaves can be added to salads or boiled like spinach; the petals can be used for a garnish, and the seeds can be roasted and added to a range of dishes.

Flavour: bittersweet and slightly nutty.

Best for: a range of sweet and savoury dishes depending on the part of the flower you use.

15). Chive Blooms
Chives is a common easy-to-grow herb with a soft onion flavour that pairs well with most savoury dishes. When the plant matures, it produces pretty purple edible flowers that are perfect for adding a splash of colour and flavour to your meals. You can use the whole flower as a garnish, or you can pluck out the tiny purple petals and sprinkle them over your dish.

Flavour: delicate onion-garlic taste.

Best for: great for garnishing savoury dishes including eggs, soups, sauces, and potatoes.

16). Calendula
Calendula flowers have long been used for culinary, medicinal, and celebratory purposes. Its tangy, peppery taste pairs well with savoury dishes and its bright orange petals offer a vibrant garnish.

Flavour: tangy, peppery taste.

Best for: savoury dishes such as salads and soups.

17). Zucchini
Zucchini blossoms, the edible flowers of the zucchini plant, are among the more commonly used flowers in the kitchen. Their delicate flowers offer a subtle flavour reminiscent of summer squash, making them perfect for light savoury dishes. Stuffed zucchini flowers – a traditional Italian street food, is the most popular method for cooking these flowers, but you can also use them in savoury bread, tarts, soups, salads and pasta dishes.

Flavour: soft, delicate texture and a flavour that’s reminiscent of summer squash.

Best for: stuffed zucchini flowers, savoury bread, tarts, soups, salads, and pasta dishes.

18). Marigold
Most marigold varieties look the same, but not all are edible. For the best flavour, use French, Gem or Mexican Mint varieties. To cook with marigolds, pull off the petals, remove any green or white parts, and add the petals to your dish.

Flavour: slightly spicy and bitter flavour similar to rocket but with hints of mint and tarragon.

Best for: marigold petals are a delicious addition to salads, stir-fries, quiches, dressings, bread, basic biscuits or used as a garnish.

19). Borage
Borage, also known as starflower or bee bush, is a beautiful plant with delicate blue flowers that bees love. It is one of the lesser-known herbs to cook with, but it has long been used in the Mediterranean for culinary and medicinal purposes. Its leaves, flowers, and stalks are edible and have a mild cucumber flavour that is perfect for using in savoury dishes. Its bright blue star-shaped flowers also add an elegant touch to desserts and cakes.

Flavour: crisp, mild cucumber flavour.

Best for: used in savoury dishes or garnishes.

20). Carnations
The use of carnation petals in culinary applications dates back to the 17th century when the monks used them as part of the 130 ingredients to make the cinnamon-tasting French liqueur known as Chartreuse. The petals are the only part that should be used when cooking with this flower. The soft and delicate look of carnation petals not only offers a beautiful garnish for baked goods and desserts but provide subtle hints of spice and nutmeg.

Flavour: peppery and spicy with a light clove-like or nutmeg scent.

Best for: use as a garnish for desserts or add to salads.

Disclaimer: The contents of this post is for educational purposes only. Before eating any plant or flower(s), you should make sure it is organic, suitable for human consumption, and never sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. Please consult a physician before consuming any herb(s) or flower(s).

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Boksburg

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
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Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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