Nightshade Plant Family

Nightshade Plant Family

The Solanaceae or the Nightshade Family includes many of my favorite veggies.  Some people are allergic to some of the members of this family.  Thankfully, I am not. Drum roll please. . . now presenting some of the nightshade family members: Veggies:  Peppers (sweet and hot), tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant and potatoes – Now don’t get all […]

Carrot Plant Family

Carrot Plant Family

The formal name of the carrot family is Umbelliferae which refers to the upside down umbrella shape of the flowers of these plants.  This family could also be called the Umbrella Family!  Here are some of the family members: Veggies:  Celery, celeriac (celery root), carrot, parsnip and parsley root Herbs:  Anise, caraway, chervil, cilantro, coriander, […]

Cucurbit Plant Family

Cucurbit Plant Family

The formal name for this veggie family is Cucurbitaceae – try saying that three times fast!  Most gardeners call it the Cucurbit or the cucumber family.  While this family does not include just cucumbers, see below for some of the members: Veggies:  Cucumbers, summer squash (yellow squash and zucchini), winter squash (acorn, blue hubbard, butternut, delicata, […]