
March cup (Leucojum vernum)
This delicate little plant belongs to the genus Leucojum, which takes its name from the Greek words leukos, "white," and ion, "violet," as the species belonging to it are not entirely dissimilar in appearance and fragrance to a white violet. The genus includes a total of 10 species that can be fo...
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Garlic (Allium sativum)
The white bulbs with their spicy aroma are not only an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine, but are also considered a panacea worldwide. Growing garlic is child's play. So get started, get those bulbs, and soon you'll be able to call your own supply your own!
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Cushion aster (Aster dumosus)
This versatile all-rounder is especially popular with perennial enthusiasts due to its wide range of colors and varieties. Belonging to the daisy family, this perennial species is particularly well-suited for low-maintenance natural gardens. It is also highly sought after by insects, butterflies,...
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rose hips
Red, red, red are all their colors! Roses are now adorned with red gems, creating pure delight. Discover the variety of rose hips—and your favorites for your own garden.
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Planting dahlia tubers
In summer, dahlias enchant us with their extraordinary variety and lush color splendor. Dahlia tubers are best planted in late April or early May. We'll tell you what you should keep in mind.
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Dahlia – the queen of late summer
The dahlia is the "grande dame" of bulbous plants, not only captivating with its incredible variety of color, size, and flower shape, but also brightening up dreary autumn days. With just a little attention, these late summer flowers unfold their fireworks of color from July until the first frost.
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Planting, caring for and harvesting beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) – Tips for bush beans and runner beans
Beans are among the easiest and most productive garden vegetables to grow—ideal for beginners and self-sufficient gardeners alike. Whether compact bush beans or space-saving pole beans that grow up trellises, both types of beans are easy to grow and provide aromatic pods for the kitchen for weeks...
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Pear (Pyrus communis)
The pear—everyone knows it, and almost everyone loves it! The history of the pear has long been intertwined with that of humanity. All the more reason to learn a little more about this delicious fruit. And who knows, maybe you'll even end up planting a pear tree in your garden?
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sweet potatoes
Would you have thought it? The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) isn't a potato at all; it's related to the field bindweed and morning glory. Its strong resemblance to the potato and its sweet taste earned it the name "sweet potato." Its distinctive color, ranging from red to brown, is its distingui...
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Apple thorn (Crataegus x lavallei 'Carrierei')
This candidate enchants us with its striking fruit display well into winter. But it also has much else to offer, from abundant blossoms in spring to lush green in summer and vibrant autumn color.
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Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
This herb for the home garden belongs to the genus Marjoram and comes from the mint family. Originally from Asia Minor, marjoram has now become firmly established as a spice in our region's kitchens and is increasingly found in cookbooks.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is probably better known to many as an ornamental plant rather than a spice. It is an easy-care and attractive perennial that thrives particularly in dry, sunny locations.
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Cress (Lepidium sativum)
Cress is the umbrella term for three very different species that are similar only in their culinary use: nasturtiums, garden cress, and watercress. Garden cress, as the name suggests, is the most common type of cress in our region, so we will focus primarily on it below. Garden cress is a particu...
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Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.), the often magenta-red or white stem bulb with green leaves, belongs to the brassica family. Despite its somewhat unusual appearance, it has a rather sweet and mild flavor when cooked. Kohlrabi is also easy to cultivate and grows quickly, making it ...
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Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
This tuber plant, a member of the nightshade family, is a highly versatile and nutritious vegetable. Whether simply cooked with a little butter, as a puree, casserole, or fries, there's truly something for every taste! Small, fresh potatoes from one's own garden, in particular, make many gardener...
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Japanese lavender heather (Pieris japonica)
The Japanese lavender heather appears much more delicate than others of its species. Especially as it matures, it rewards every garden enthusiast with its picturesque growth, which appears very natural and combines well with grasses and other evergreen plants.
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Spurge – Variety for the garden
Euphorbia – Spurge was the Perennial of the Year 2013. With this campaign, the Association of German Perennial Gardeners (BdS) aimed to draw attention to particularly interesting perennials. The genus Euphorbia, with over 2,000 species worldwide, is incomparably diverse: Spurge plants offer a mul...
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Trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides)
No other flowering tree blooms this late in the year, making it a popular shrub that makes a wonderful addition to a front door. Rubbing the leaves can produce a somewhat unpleasant odor.
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Black salsify
The lesser-known salsify (Scorzonera hispanica), also known as winter asparagus, is one of the most valuable winter vegetables. It is closely related to oat root, but has an even more delicate flavor. In contrast to its dark skin, its flesh is white, tender, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
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Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
If you have three to four months to spare and enjoy its sweet and spicy flavor, beetroot is the ideal plant for your vegetable garden. This easy-to-grow plant comes in many different varieties and can be eaten raw or cooked. The young tubers have a mild, sweet flavor: a true delight that's worth ...
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Common hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet')
The common hawthorn is a widely cultivated and thus well-known large shrub or small tree. Its fruits add a beautiful, crimson color accent to house, park, or street trees even in autumn.
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rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinales) is definitely one of those herbs that no kitchen should be without. If you want to know why and what to look out for when growing it, as well as later when harvesting or preserving it, then read on.
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Passionflower (Passiflora caerula)
Passion flowers are Mediterranean climbing plants from the tropics that are also conquering German gardens and terraces. They belong to the passionflower family, which includes more than 500 species. They are very robust and resilient.
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Oregano – aromatisches Würzkraut für Garten und Küche
Culinary circles say oregano is the most important herb in Mediterranean cuisine. Since there are many different varieties, there is a wide variety of cultivation options, but all oregano varieties have the same aromatic leaves.
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zucchini
The zucchini plant, a member of the squash family, offers a wide variety of preparation options and is particularly popular among home gardeners due to its ease of cultivation. With proper care, you too can soon harvest bountiful zucchini in your garden!
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Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa)
Gooseberries are often sold sour at the market, making them less suitable for direct consumption. However, cooked and sweetened beforehand, they are a true highlight in cakes, jams, or crumbles. These seemingly unassuming green berries definitely deserve a place in the garden.
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Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus)
They're very undemanding in terms of soil requirements and will certainly thrive on your property. Just make sure you have plenty of space, because sour cherries need it! Even the pits of these small fruits have a lot to offer: Boiled and dried, they make an excellent filling for cherry pit pillows.
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Plum (Prunus domestica)
The plum is probably one of the most tempting fruits. With its juicy sweetness and the multitude of possibilities for processing it, from cakes and compotes to countless and, above all, irresistible desserts, who could say no to that?
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Medlar (Mespilus germanica)
The medlar is certainly not a familiar name these days. It is a deciduous tree with a curved trunk and broad crown that bears edible fruit. In the Middle Ages, this species was widespread throughout much of Europe; today, it is mostly found growing wild.
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Mirabelle plum (Prunus domestica)
In addition to the original name Mirabelle, this subspecies of plum is also known as “yellow plum”.
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chard
Native to the Mediterranean region, chard (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) is highly decorative, but is primarily cultivated for culinary purposes. Its bright red, yellow, or orange stems make it a real eye-catcher in the vegetable garden. Thanks to its low maintenance requirements, chard is a produ...
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head cabbage
A wide variety of varieties and colors makes this robust vegetable an interesting addition to your garden. Whether cooked or grated, cabbage offers a wide range of preparation options for soups, stews, or regional dishes.
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Planting, caring for & harvesting fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – tips for cultivation and use in the garden
Fennel is trending – thanks in particular to Mediterranean cuisine, this aromatic bulbous vegetable has become increasingly popular in German gardens. The cultivated form of sweet fennel not only scores points with its mildly spicy, slightly aniseed flavor, but also with its versatile uses in the...
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Planting, caring for and harvesting cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) – how to grow it successfully in the garden
Cauliflower is one of the most popular types of cabbage – delicate in flavor, easy to digest, and versatile in the kitchen. However, cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is considered somewhat more challenging to grow. With proper preparation, site-appropriate varieties, and a little pat...
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Planting, caring for and harvesting basil (Ocimum basilicum) – how to grow this popular culinary herb properly
Whether with tomato and mozzarella, in fresh summer salads, or on pizza: basil has become an essential part of German cuisine. The most popular herb in Germany delights with its spicy, peppery aroma and can be found in almost every household – whether on the windowsill, in a balcony box, or in th...
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Planting, caring for and harvesting eggplants – how to grow them in your own garden
The eggplant ( Solanum melongena ), also known as the "eggplant," is a true star of Mediterranean cuisine—whether in moussaka, ratatouille, or grilled. But did you know that you can also successfully grow eggplants in your own garden or greenhouse? With a little patience, warmth, and care, you'll...
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