Winter Garden Color and Beauty: Cabbage {SWEET}

I really, really, did I say REALLY love this flowering plant and I plant this every year in my front garden to liven up the yard and add beauty to the dreary landscape. I first came across it a my bank, it was breathtaking and I researched on the internet so I could start creating the same look at my house.

It's called Purple cabbage, also known as Flowering Kale. This flower is a versatile plant that adds color to the cool weather garden. Also great as container plant that can be used for holiday decorations and a lovely edible food garnish. Attractive finely-fringed deep pinkish red center with flattened deep greenish purple outer foliage on a low growing 10-12" plant habit. Colors turn brilliant once temperatures reach approximately 60 degrees and cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Protect from extreme heat. This annual grows best in cool weather with at least 6 hours of sunlight and moist, well-draining soil.

Be Sweet!

- Sweetest Haute

DIY Organic Vegetable Garden

How to make a vegetable garden:
Here is a fantastic "Do it Yourself" Organic Vegetable Garden project. I really wanted to plant an organic veggie garden in our backyard because I was always going to the grocery store for the same vegetables and I don't like when produce goes bad. Picking vegetables fresh from my garden has been ideal! I constantly cook with the same types of vegetables for our meals so our garden has been a lifesaver. Now you too can grow your favorite vegetables and fruits by follow this step-by-step tutorial! These are the steps I took to accomplish my organic veggie garden.

Step 1: Dig up the area of soil to prepare for planting. (EX. Grass removal). Make sure soil is managable and free of weeds.

Step 2: Assemble your garden planter box/border. You can make one or buy one. I picked up a wood border from Lowe's, all I had to do it assemble the brackets. There are many idea options for borders. (My husband picked the 'brown log' looking one...)

Step 3: Add a layer of composted manure.

Step 4: Add a layer of Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Flowers and Vegetables, 2 Cu. Ft. bag. Adjust number a bags you will need for the size of garden.

Step 5: Insert any wire supports for the type of vegetable growth you have. Dig hole, water hole, plant seedling, firmly press soil, & water seedling again.

Ready, set, GROW!

Step 6: Water garden 2 times a day in spring/summer. Do not water during direct sun light. It's best to water in early morning & at dusk hours.

My little garden helper! She is ready to water...

Week 1. My other garden helper keeping an eye on all the veggies!

Week 1.

Month 1. I planted vegetables that were able to grow easily in my area's climate. Check your zone map for the veggies you want.

Month 1.

Month 1.

Month 2.

And WOW, now you have your very own fresh organic vegetable garden!

Be Sweet!

-Sweet Haute