Planting Out Ranunculus, Growing Dahlias From Seed, & Have You Grown Bitter Melon? Northlawn
video description
Date: 2022-08-07
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 20
Mim
My mom grows and eats bitter melon. I just bought her that same seed packet from Baker Creek! The vine grows fast (we are in zone 4b) enough for a short season. It's fairly light weight; she just grows then along the 6' metal chain link fence in the garden. Sometimes my mom uses tree branches that she cleans off and creates a tripod or teepee with if she had extra plants. The branches are usually around 1-2- diameter.
She'll cook it a couple ways. 1- simple soup with pork or chicken and salt and pepper. 2- she cuts them in half, scoops out the inner stuff with seed and uses a sausage mix (choose your own) and stuffs the melon and bakes them, like stuffed bell peppers!
The flavor of the ones she grows can range from mild to very bitter. It's more of an after taste of bitter imo. If you just eat the flesh, and not the seed and inner, it's not as bitter. I prefer the stuffed method. When I was a kid, I hated the taste of it, but now that I'm older, I don't mind it: )
Hope this helps! Thanks for everything you do!
reply
My mom grows and eats bitter melon. I just bought her that same seed packet from Baker Creek! The vine grows fast (we are in zone 4b) enough for a short season. It's fairly light weight; she just grows then along the 6' metal chain link fence in the garden. Sometimes my mom uses tree branches that she cleans off and creates a tripod or teepee with if she had extra plants. The branches are usually around 1-2- diameter.
She'll cook it a couple ways. 1- simple soup with pork or chicken and salt and pepper. 2- she cuts them in half, scoops out the inner stuff with seed and uses a sausage mix (choose your own) and stuffs the melon and bakes them, like stuffed bell peppers!
The flavor of the ones she grows can range from mild to very bitter. It's more of an after taste of bitter imo. If you just eat the flesh, and not the seed and inner, it's not as bitter. I prefer the stuffed method. When I was a kid, I hated the taste of it, but now that I'm older, I don't mind it: )
Hope this helps! Thanks for everything you do!
reply
Xia
Growing bitter melon is pretty easy, clip the seed coat before planting for better germination. I've grown the Okinawa White variety from Baker Creek before with great success. I use cattle panel and let it vine up, the leaves are pretty and the flowers smell amazing before they set fruit. Bitter is just another taste profile but definitely an acquired taste, I grew up eating bitter melon so it's just another vegetable. I use it in soups, stirfrys and salads, if you're cooking it you can blanch it first so it's not so bitter. Sometimes I want a hint of bitterness but I don't want the bitterness to take over the dish. When I use it fresh I slice it thinly so I can get a bit of a crunch in salads but less is more in this case. Good luck!
reply
Growing bitter melon is pretty easy, clip the seed coat before planting for better germination. I've grown the Okinawa White variety from Baker Creek before with great success. I use cattle panel and let it vine up, the leaves are pretty and the flowers smell amazing before they set fruit. Bitter is just another taste profile but definitely an acquired taste, I grew up eating bitter melon so it's just another vegetable. I use it in soups, stirfrys and salads, if you're cooking it you can blanch it first so it's not so bitter. Sometimes I want a hint of bitterness but I don't want the bitterness to take over the dish. When I use it fresh I slice it thinly so I can get a bit of a crunch in salads but less is more in this case. Good luck!
reply
ZimN
When people ask me to describe the bitter taste, bitter melon is the only thing I can reference. It is bitter but earthy taste. I grow this on a cattle panel and the vine just grow straight up. Aside from cooking bitter melon, I also use bitter melon in my green juice with celery, green apple, cucumber. Put more green apple in and it can help with the bitter taste at the beginning until you get use to the bitter taste. This drink is great for energy, glowing skin, and just overall great health benefits. My neighbors would dry the leaves and make tea from it. Over all, you can use every part of the plant for consumption and reap many health benefits from it.
reply
When people ask me to describe the bitter taste, bitter melon is the only thing I can reference. It is bitter but earthy taste. I grow this on a cattle panel and the vine just grow straight up. Aside from cooking bitter melon, I also use bitter melon in my green juice with celery, green apple, cucumber. Put more green apple in and it can help with the bitter taste at the beginning until you get use to the bitter taste. This drink is great for energy, glowing skin, and just overall great health benefits. My neighbors would dry the leaves and make tea from it. Over all, you can use every part of the plant for consumption and reap many health benefits from it.
reply
Isabelle
Hi Danielle, I am in zone 5b and I grow bitter mellon in my backyard every year for eating. It usually sprouts and take off fast so I find it best to direct sow after the frost has past which is around middle of May for me. I have also started indoors as well but wait until the start of May to do that since it germinates fast. I have it growing up a fence, and it works well. But you can also use branchs or sticks from your trees and make a teepee and grow it up that way too. I like it best stir fried and in chicken soup with tofu and lemon grass. It's definitely a taste you need to acquire at a young age to like it -
reply
Hi Danielle, I am in zone 5b and I grow bitter mellon in my backyard every year for eating. It usually sprouts and take off fast so I find it best to direct sow after the frost has past which is around middle of May for me. I have also started indoors as well but wait until the start of May to do that since it germinates fast. I have it growing up a fence, and it works well. But you can also use branchs or sticks from your trees and make a teepee and grow it up that way too. I like it best stir fried and in chicken soup with tofu and lemon grass. It's definitely a taste you need to acquire at a young age to like it -
reply
handmade
I love bitter melon. It-s just bitter. There-s really no other way to describe it. My mother would scoop out the seeds and stuff it with a pork and mushroom mixture and make a soup with it. It-s an acquired taste but I think it-s delicious. The picture looks like they harvested it overripe because the seeds in the photo look mature (red and slimy. I hear it becomes quite sweet like candy when mature. We pick it immature and green and the seeds are not at all slimy. I grew it on a trellis like you would cucumbers. It likes heat but cool roots. Happy Gardening!
reply
I love bitter melon. It-s just bitter. There-s really no other way to describe it. My mother would scoop out the seeds and stuff it with a pork and mushroom mixture and make a soup with it. It-s an acquired taste but I think it-s delicious. The picture looks like they harvested it overripe because the seeds in the photo look mature (red and slimy. I hear it becomes quite sweet like candy when mature. We pick it immature and green and the seeds are not at all slimy. I grew it on a trellis like you would cucumbers. It likes heat but cool roots. Happy Gardening!
reply
Kathryn
The architecture of your beds and paths show clearly now. Really lovely. I'm excited to see you plant the ranunculus and can't wait to see them bloom. My bachelor buttons are a little farther along since I garden in 8b Texas. Still no flowers though. My daffodils are blooming and the bluebonnets are beginning to flower. I'm still potting up seedlings from winter sowing and trying to get seeds treated like bells
of Ireland and foxgloves. The gomphrena are soaked. I'm depending on the special instructions in -Cool Flowers. -
reply
The architecture of your beds and paths show clearly now. Really lovely. I'm excited to see you plant the ranunculus and can't wait to see them bloom. My bachelor buttons are a little farther along since I garden in 8b Texas. Still no flowers though. My daffodils are blooming and the bluebonnets are beginning to flower. I'm still potting up seedlings from winter sowing and trying to get seeds treated like bells
of Ireland and foxgloves. The gomphrena are soaked. I'm depending on the special instructions in -Cool Flowers. -
reply
Serome
I am of East Indian descent originally from South America so bitter melon -carilla- is a huge part of our diet-it-s an acquired taste but very healthy-it needs a trellis to climb on-you can steam them before cooking them to remove some of the bitterness but not all variate as strong-the dark green colors are more stronger/bitter than the white ones-look up recipes and try in different ways you may find that you prefer it prepared a certain way better-we cook ours sometimes in coconut milk for a sweeter flavor
reply
I am of East Indian descent originally from South America so bitter melon -carilla- is a huge part of our diet-it-s an acquired taste but very healthy-it needs a trellis to climb on-you can steam them before cooking them to remove some of the bitterness but not all variate as strong-the dark green colors are more stronger/bitter than the white ones-look up recipes and try in different ways you may find that you prefer it prepared a certain way better-we cook ours sometimes in coconut milk for a sweeter flavor
reply
Brittany
Hello! I don't have any beds yet lol I just don't know what to go with but I keep up potting my seeds from milk jugs to there own lil pot, I have Benjamin buttons, holly hocks, and sun flowers and more! I just kept planting seeds in jugs putting the jug in my south bay window, I have 1 grow light 7ft I think. It don't cover the whole 72 cell self watering tray. How did you fill all your beds with soil? What lights do you use and what heat mats do you use please?
reply
Hello! I don't have any beds yet lol I just don't know what to go with but I keep up potting my seeds from milk jugs to there own lil pot, I have Benjamin buttons, holly hocks, and sun flowers and more! I just kept planting seeds in jugs putting the jug in my south bay window, I have 1 grow light 7ft I think. It don't cover the whole 72 cell self watering tray. How did you fill all your beds with soil? What lights do you use and what heat mats do you use please?
reply
Zel
Some bitter melon varieties are even more bitter than others. I dunno abt this white variety. But a sure fire way to cut the bitterness is to soak the sliced bitter melon half moon shapes in brine. Easiest way to cook them is to stir fry them with garlic, onion & tomato, add a couple of eggs and scramble them with the veggies. Quite a common breakfast with rice in the Philippines. I dunno much about gardening but it's usually hot and humid where they are grown here.
reply
Some bitter melon varieties are even more bitter than others. I dunno abt this white variety. But a sure fire way to cut the bitterness is to soak the sliced bitter melon half moon shapes in brine. Easiest way to cook them is to stir fry them with garlic, onion & tomato, add a couple of eggs and scramble them with the veggies. Quite a common breakfast with rice in the Philippines. I dunno much about gardening but it's usually hot and humid where they are grown here.
reply
Evolving
Filipinos love bitter melon. We call it ampalaya. I just sowed my seeds today I got from baker creek as well but I have the green one. I don-t know how the white bitter melon tastes if it-s any different than the green variety, but yes it is bitter. We usually cook it with eggs and tomatoes but to minimize the bitterness, we slice it up, then soak it in water with salt maybe at least an hour or so. I miss eating it so I decided to grow it this year.
reply
Filipinos love bitter melon. We call it ampalaya. I just sowed my seeds today I got from baker creek as well but I have the green one. I don-t know how the white bitter melon tastes if it-s any different than the green variety, but yes it is bitter. We usually cook it with eggs and tomatoes but to minimize the bitterness, we slice it up, then soak it in water with salt maybe at least an hour or so. I miss eating it so I decided to grow it this year.
reply
Szu-Ping
Bitter melon just taste like a melon that is bitter. - We usually slice it and blanched them in the hot water for like one to two minutes. After that you can stirred fry the melon with chicken, pork or beef. It-s supposed to be good for your health. Love your videos! Oh, the funny thing is that the red part outside the seeds are edible and very sweet. You don-t have to cook them. You just need to be brave the first time if you want to try them. -
reply
Bitter melon just taste like a melon that is bitter. - We usually slice it and blanched them in the hot water for like one to two minutes. After that you can stirred fry the melon with chicken, pork or beef. It-s supposed to be good for your health. Love your videos! Oh, the funny thing is that the red part outside the seeds are edible and very sweet. You don-t have to cook them. You just need to be brave the first time if you want to try them. -
reply
Mrs.
I have not grown bitter melon but I've tried the green one and it's bitter. The darker the green, the bitter it is. So I'm not sure if the white one is not as bitter as the green one. Cut one in half and slice it thinly across and mix it w/ a light vinegar, pinch of salt, pepper + sugar to taste, you can eat it raw like pickled stuff. It's supposed to be good for diabetic people.
reply
I have not grown bitter melon but I've tried the green one and it's bitter. The darker the green, the bitter it is. So I'm not sure if the white one is not as bitter as the green one. Cut one in half and slice it thinly across and mix it w/ a light vinegar, pinch of salt, pepper + sugar to taste, you can eat it raw like pickled stuff. It's supposed to be good for diabetic people.
reply
Jason
I'm planting some ranunculus for the first time this year so this video was super helpful for me. I'm curious, you mentioned having aphids on your ranunculus last year- how did you get rid of them? I also had some aphids in my garden last year and ended up using a spray to get rid of them but I would like to know if there is a way to be proactive about keeping away aphids.
reply
I'm planting some ranunculus for the first time this year so this video was super helpful for me. I'm curious, you mentioned having aphids on your ranunculus last year- how did you get rid of them? I also had some aphids in my garden last year and ended up using a spray to get rid of them but I would like to know if there is a way to be proactive about keeping away aphids.
reply
Shilpa
One way to grow the bitter melon is overhead on a bamboo or wooden trellis, so that the fruit hangs down and is easier to pick, similar to the way loofa is grown. In India salt is sprinkled on to slices of the bitter melon to draw the bitterness out with the water, then it is cooked. Also, scarification will speed up germination of the seeds.
reply
One way to grow the bitter melon is overhead on a bamboo or wooden trellis, so that the fruit hangs down and is easier to pick, similar to the way loofa is grown. In India salt is sprinkled on to slices of the bitter melon to draw the bitterness out with the water, then it is cooked. Also, scarification will speed up germination of the seeds.
reply
onetwocue
Bitter melon, it's bitter like medicine. I bought one at the Asian store just to try. I stir fried it with onions, garlic, pork and soy sauce. It wasn't for me. I love bitter like a bitter IPA and I love black coffee. But bitter melon was beyond my taste. In Asian diets, they say bitter is great for your health though.
reply
Bitter melon, it's bitter like medicine. I bought one at the Asian store just to try. I stir fried it with onions, garlic, pork and soy sauce. It wasn't for me. I love bitter like a bitter IPA and I love black coffee. But bitter melon was beyond my taste. In Asian diets, they say bitter is great for your health though.
reply
Susan
I just planted mine today some in raised bed and some in straw bales. They took forever to sprout. Just planting without soaking- nothing happened so I re sprouted in 2 inch soil blocks- it took almost 3 weeks in soil blocks outside in Fl temps 70-80-s to spout- a couple of months to be transplanted.
reply
I just planted mine today some in raised bed and some in straw bales. They took forever to sprout. Just planting without soaking- nothing happened so I re sprouted in 2 inch soil blocks- it took almost 3 weeks in soil blocks outside in Fl temps 70-80-s to spout- a couple of months to be transplanted.
reply
handmade
I-m always glad to watch your videos because I learn a lot from you. I-m extra glad today, though, because you reminded me that I harvested dahlia seeds last fall. I want to try growing them from seed and see how they do. So today I say thanks for the informative video AND the reminder!
reply
I-m always glad to watch your videos because I learn a lot from you. I-m extra glad today, though, because you reminded me that I harvested dahlia seeds last fall. I want to try growing them from seed and see how they do. So today I say thanks for the informative video AND the reminder!
reply
Kathy
I am a first time grower of dahlia's. I started the decorative double blend seeds from Botanical Interest. They have about 3 sets of true leaves. Should I pinch them? Here in zone 8b, I plan on starting to harden them this coming week. I am very excited to see how they grow here. -
reply
I am a first time grower of dahlia's. I started the decorative double blend seeds from Botanical Interest. They have about 3 sets of true leaves. Should I pinch them? Here in zone 8b, I plan on starting to harden them this coming week. I am very excited to see how they grow here. -
reply
Ohiogardengoddess
Thank you for another wonderful video. I see you mulched around the raised beds, looks nice - I just put out my Ranunculus as well. Unfortunately it's my second round because the first round all became moldy lol. These ones are looking much better -
reply
Thank you for another wonderful video. I see you mulched around the raised beds, looks nice - I just put out my Ranunculus as well. Unfortunately it's my second round because the first round all became moldy lol. These ones are looking much better -
reply
PaintByNumber
Spring! Something to look forward to for gardeners everywhere. We had 16deg C temp one day this week in Ontario Canada 5b and was able to do a bit of gardening - Enjoyed this relaxing video so much. I need to find dahlia seeds!
reply
Spring! Something to look forward to for gardeners everywhere. We had 16deg C temp one day this week in Ontario Canada 5b and was able to do a bit of gardening - Enjoyed this relaxing video so much. I need to find dahlia seeds!
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
