Heirloom veggies are harder to come by since the advent of hybrid veggies, which are prettier and more disease-resistant. But most agree that heirlooms taste the best.

Kale and collards are members of the mustard family, but lettuce actually is the head of its own household. Members of the lettuce family include romaine, endive and dandelion.

Peppers and tomatoes both like warmer weather, but cauliflower can take on the frost. Plus, it tastes much better in cooler months.

Companion planting is often employed by organic gardeners to protect plants from harmful pests and attract beneficial insects. But the only way to stop weeds from growing is to pull them out.

Tomatoes repel the asparagus beetle, which is the main destroyer of asparagus crops. Dill attracts tomato horn worms, and black walnuts actually inhibit the growth of all nightshades.

The last frost date is a guideline for planting vegetable gardens and varies from climate to climate.

Tabasco sauce will burn your tongue and smoking may eventually kill you, but belladonna is a poisonous plant that was used to murder enemies in ancient times.

Banana peels are great for adding phosporous and potassium, but spent coffee grounds pack a mighty nitrogen punch. Save the sugar for tea time in the garden.

Manure from animals who eat meat generally isn't recommended for use in your vegetable garden, because parasites or other disease organisms can be easily transmitted to humans. Stick to the manure from herbivores, like cows and horses.

Clay is so compact that it needs smaller amendments that make it looser and improve its permeability. While vermiculite does have high permeability, it's usually used because of its water retention properties, which clay already has.