Sage is quite a hardy plant and grows in a variety of soils, even dry, barren and stony soils. Sage grows best in sandy, calcareous soils with very good drainage that warm up in early spring. Sage is resistant to both low and high temperatures, meaning we can plant it in hot and cold areas. Prefers places with sun both in the garden and on the balcony.
When planted in the shade, it shows stunted growth and can show rot in the shoots and the root. Incorporating organic matter in the form of digested manure and compost when planting sage is beneficial for its growth.

The chard, the beet’s cousin! Swiss chard is not grown for its underground part, the root like beetroot, but for its tasty leaves, which we eat cooked or boiled in various recipes. A fall planting vegetable, Swiss chard is an easy crop with no particular requirements, and very healthy as it helps regulate sugar. It is grown as an annual vegetable, as it blooms in the second year. There are many varieties of chard, with light green to dark green leaf color and red or white stems and veins, depending on the variety.
Varieties of Swiss chard with red veins make them visually similar to beets. Note that due to its impressive foliage, the chard also adds decorative value to our autumn vegetable garden. The chard prefers cool weather. Although it does not tolerate high temperatures, the chard seeks sunny or semi-dark places, while it is also relatively resistant to light frost. It wants deep fertile soils, enriched in organic matter that also have good drainage.

Cucumber is a thick, ground-growing annual vine that grows on scaffolding or any other supporting framework, wrapping thin, spiraling stems around the nerve. The plant has large, spiny, hairy triangular leaves that form a canopy over the fruits, and yellow flowers that are mostly either male or female. Female flowers are identified by the swollen ovary at the base, which will become the edible fruit.

Chamomile, the beautiful plant with its characteristic aroma and unique beneficial properties. Chamomile is a favorite herb found naturally in the Greek countryside and often picked to be enjoyed as a relaxing tea. All of us chamomile fans can grow it in the garden, as well as in a pot in our yard or balcony, to make wonderful drinks at home. Chamomile is a low-growing, low-maintenance herbaceous plant that is extremely easy to grow. In addition to the beneficial properties it has at our disposal and our health, chamomile also has a special decorative value due to the impressive numerous small flowers with white petals and a characteristic yellow color in the center of the flower that resemble small daisies. There are 2 main varieties of chamomile, the German or wild chamomile, an annual or biennial plant that is taller and the Roman or tame or garden chamomile that is shorter growing and perennial. Let’s see what care chamomile needs to grow it in the garden and in a pot on our balcony and to enjoy beautiful flowers and healthy drinks at home.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium): Anthriscus cerefolium is an aromatic plant and is closely related to parsley. Grows to a height of 50cm. It has flat lacy leaves, which have an anise-like aroma. Light green color that gradually turns red brown as the plant matures. Blooms in mid-summer.

What are the most popular radish varieties to grow? There are many species and varieties of radish to choose from and grow. First, the wild radish with its bitter taste and characteristic green jagged leaves that turn red at the base. Stamnagathi is also a variety of wild radish. And then there is the tame radish with the upright, wider leaves, lighter at the base and with less bitterness. Also, the Italian radish with its upright toothed leaves, spicy bitter taste and many harvests. Let’s not forget radicchio, the radish variety with crimson leaves and white nerves that close like lettuce leaves. Radizio has a strong spiciness when eaten raw that fades with cooking. Radish is a horticultural plant that loves the cold environment and that is why it is planted in the autumn season when we have low temperatures, humidity and few hours of daily sunshine. After all, at high temperatures, the radish blooms prematurely and is unsuitable for consumption. We plant radishes in sunny or semi-shady places and we prefer rich, fertile and cool soils that ensure good drainage. If we plant in the ground, we incorporate organic matter in the form of compost and digested manure for better root development. To plant it in a pot, we use potting soil special for horticulture, rich in organic matter and nutrients, and place the pot on a balcony with western or eastern exposure for the radish culture to thrive.