Our grandmothers, growing strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, were not particularly worried about mulching. But today this agricultural practice has become fundamental in achieving High Quality berries and reduce crop losses. Some might say it's troublesome. But practice shows that labor costs in this case pay off handsomely. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with the nine the best materials for mulching garden strawberries.

Succulents are very versatile. Despite the fact that “kids” have always been considered more fashionable, the assortment of succulents with which you can decorate modern interior, it is worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of pricklyness, influence on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article, we will talk about the five most fashionable succulents that surprisingly transform modern interiors.

Mint was used by the Egyptians as far back as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils with high volatility. Today, mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article, we will look at the most interesting varieties mint, and also talk about the features of growing this plant in open field.

People began to grow crocuses 500 years before the advent of our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the heralds of spring next year. Crocuses - one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, the timing of flowering may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article focuses on the earliest varieties of crocuses that bloom in late March and early April.

Shchi from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, fragrant and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. early cabbage it cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as the rest of the vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup is tastier than freshly cooked.

Looking at the variety of varieties of tomatoes, it is difficult not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. Even experienced gardeners he is annoying sometimes! However, it is not so difficult to understand the basics of selecting varieties “for yourself”. The main thing is to understand the peculiarities of culture and start experimenting. One of the easiest tomato groups to grow are varieties and hybrids with limited growth. They have always been appreciated by those gardeners who do not have much time and energy to care for the beds.

Once very popular under the name of room nettle, and then forgotten by everyone, coleuses today are one of the brightest garden and indoor plants. They are not in vain considered stars of the first magnitude for those who are looking primarily for non-standard colors. Easy to grow, but not so undemanding as to suit everyone, coleus require constant supervision. But if you take care of them, bushes of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.

Salmon backbone baked in Provence herbs is a "supplier" of delicious pieces of fish pulp for light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. The mushrooms are lightly fried olive oil and then drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Such mushrooms are tastier than ordinary pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Ramson and fresh dill coexist perfectly in one salad, emphasizing the flavor of each other. Garlic sharpness of wild garlic will saturate both the flesh of salmon and pieces of mushrooms.

Conifer tree or a shrub on the site is always great, and a lot of conifers is even better. Emerald needles of various shades decorate the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils, secreted by plants, not only flavor, but also make the air cleaner. Generally, most zoned adults coniferous plants, are considered very unpretentious trees and shrubs. But young seedlings are much more capricious and require competent care and attention.

Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the shade flowering trees have long been an integral attribute of the meeting of spring in the Country rising sun. Financial and academic year here begins on April 1, when the magnificent sakura blossoms. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese pass under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain types can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

It is very interesting for me to analyze how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and traded lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century BC. e. about 6 varieties of quince were known and even then the methods of its reproduction and cultivation were described.

Make your family happy and make themed Easter egg-shaped cottage cheese cookies! Your children will be happy to take part in the process - they will sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration as the pieces of dough turn into real ones. Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read in our step by step recipe!

There are not so many decorative and deciduous favorites among tuberous crops. And the caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of the interiors. Not everyone can decide to start a Caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all - to care. But still, the rumors about the unusual capriciousness of the Caladium never justify. Attention and care allow you to avoid any difficulties when growing caladiums. And a plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.

We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply elementary dish for you today. This gravy is one hundred percent universal, as it will suit every side dish: vegetables, pasta, and anything. Gravy with chicken and mushrooms will save you in moments when there is no time or you don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Grab your favorite side dish (you can make this ahead of time to keep it hot), add gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.

Among the many different varieties of these most popular vegetables, we will talk about three that are distinguished by excellent taste and relatively unpretentious growing conditions. Characteristics of eggplant varieties "Diamond", "Black Handsome" and "Valentina". All eggplants have a medium density pulp. In "Almaz" it is greenish, and in the other two it is yellowish-white. They are united by good germination and excellent yield, but in different time. Everyone's skin color and shape is different.

Momordica is one of the plants in which everything is beautiful: decorative foliage, delicate fragrant flowers and unusually useful outlandish fruits. And surprisingly, this exotic miracle can be successfully grown in our Russian latitudes in the garden, greenhouse and even on the windowsill.

Momordica - description

Momordica plant belongs to the gourd family, comes from South-East Asia. This is an annual herbaceous vine with beautiful carved leaves on long curly stems. Interestingly, before the fruit ripens, the foliage of the plant burns a little, later this property disappears.

Spectacular flowers of momordica are painted in rich yellow. Male and female inflorescences bloom simultaneously on the plant, exuding a pleasant aroma with hints of jasmine.

At first, the fruits of momordica have a green color and are similar in shape to a cucumber. As they ripen, they acquire a juicy bright orange color. The fruits are covered with a warty shell, giving them an outlandish appearance. Due to the unusual shape of the fruit, momordica is called "crocodile cucumber", "balsamic pear", "mad melon", "Indian pomegranate (or cucumber)".

When the fruit is fully ripe, it opens like a flower, and seeds fall out covered with a ruby ​​jelly-like pulp. The taste of the fruit is similar to a ripe pumpkin, but with bitterness, which gives the delicacies from momordica a piquant note. The pulp covering the seeds has a pleasant persimmon flavor.

Gardeners love momordica not only for its taste and benefits, but also for its decorative qualities. This is lovely decoration terraces, balconies, gazebos, decorative grilles, walls and fences. Momordica grows well in room conditions. In the climate of Russia, two types of plants are grown:

• guarantee;
• balsamic momordica.

Features of caring for momordica

Momordica, the cultivation of which is not difficult, requires the same conditions as all pumpkin. AT middle lane and to the north, it is cultivated in greenhouses or greenhouses. Successfully grows on a loggia, balcony or in winter garden. AT southern regions the plant is grown in open ground, planting its seedlings after the establishment of warm weather.

The shoots of the plant grow actively, reaching 4 meters in length. One bush is able to braid the entire balcony. To grow momordica, you need a support in the form of a vertical trellis.

Momordica: growing from seeds

The seeds of the plant differ in size up to 15 mm in length and have excellent germination. Interestingly, each seed of momordica is covered with a unique natural pattern, similar to an Indian ornament.

For planting choose seeds of a darker color. A light color indicates that the seed is not ripe. So, in early April, we sow momordica, adhering to the following algorithm of actions:

1. First, we carry out scarification. To do this, grind the sharp tip of the seed with a file or sandpaper. This procedure will allow the shell to swell and open faster.
2. Next, for several hours, soak the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate to disinfect and improve germination.
3. The treated seeds are placed in wet sawdust or soft paper, placed in warm place and maintain constant humidity. After about 12 days, the seed coat cracks and white roots appear.
4. Sprouted seeds are sown in peat pots with an earthen mixture of three parts of humus and one part of turf. We must warm up the soil before planting. We insert the seeds with an edge into the ground, deepening by 1 or 2 cm and sprinkled with sand a little.
5. We water the crops warm water, cover with glass or halves of plastic bottles and place in a warm place. The next watering is in two days.
6. After the emergence of seedlings, we remove the "greenhouse" and put the pots on the windowsill. We protect seedlings from drafts and do not forget to moisten periodically.
7. Seedlings that have reached 25 cm in height are transplanted into larger containers by transshipment. Momordica is poorly developed root system, so it must be transplanted carefully. In mid-May, we begin to harden the seedlings. To do this, on warm days, open the window for several hours.
8. With the establishment of warm weather in late May or early June, we plant momordica in a permanent place. When planting in the ground, we leave a distance of about 1 meter between the bushes.

Momordica Care

Momordica should not be planted in low-lying areas. She does not tolerate stagnant water. Under room conditions, the container with the plant must be provided with drainage holes and a layer of drainage 3 cm thick. Before flowering, watering is moderate - once every five days is enough. During fruiting, it is advisable to water the plant every two or three days.

Momordica prefers fertile and permeable soil, which must be prepared from autumn. During autumn digging for every square meter of land, half a bucket of rotted manure or compost, 20 g of potassium sulfate and 30 g of superphosphate are added. In the spring add 20 g nitrogen fertilizer. At home, the "balsamic pear" is fed with a complex mineral fertilizer for indoor plants.

Fruiting momordica

For the ovary of fruits, the plant needs pollination of flowers. In open ground, insects cope with this role. At home or in greenhouse conditions, you have to do pollination yourself. To do this, with the help of a brush, pollen from male flowers is transferred to female ones.

For cultivation excellent harvest provide the plant good lighting and do not allow thickening of the bush. Until a height of 50 cm is reached, all side shoots harvest, leaving three main stems. With a length of more than 50 cm, the shoots are removed after the first fruit is set. A good help is a vertical trellis, the lower crossbar of which is located at a height of 70 to 90 cm.

The more often the harvest is harvested, the more actively the momordica bears fruit. It is worth noting that the fruits of momordica are tasty at any stage of maturity.

Useful properties of momordica

Absolutely all parts of momordica are edible, useful and hide a storehouse of vitamins and microelements. The leaves are rich in iron, calcium, sodium and phosphorus. Shoots and fruits are a source of vitamins C, A, B, E, and F, selenium, silicon, potassium, zinc, as well as folic, nicotinic and pantothenic acids. Ruby seeds are rich in carotene and contain about 55% essential oils.

The fruits are also unique in that they can be prepared by the most different ways: stew, fry, salt, marinate, pour syrup and cook jam from them. Here are just a few recipes for using "Indian pomegranate":

1. The leaves are brewed as tea (3 leaves per teapot).
2. It is useful to apply fresh root plates to the gums to relieve inflammation.
3. Cut into pieces, sprinkled with flour and fried in vegetable oil, the fruits are very tasty!

AT medicinal purposes Momordica is used as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It also stimulates the production of insulin, helping in the treatment of diabetes. The plant increases hemoglobin, strengthens the immune system and is used in the treatment of colds and stomach diseases. However, it should not be used for individual intolerance, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.

Valentina Kravchenko, expert

Diseases and pests of momordica

The cause of all diseases of momordica is improper care. For her, waterlogging of the soil is dangerous, from which all parts of the plant suffer. They also cause disease high humidity, sharp drops temperature, drafts, watering with cold water.

1. Powdery mildew - white spots appear on both sides of the leaves, after which they lose color, curl and die. Control measures - destruction of weeds, disinfection of the greenhouse, spraying with fungicides.
2. White rot - the basal parts of the stems are covered with a white bloom, soften, become slimy. Control measures are the same as for powdery mildew.
3. Bacteriosis - ulcers and spots appear on the cotyledon and real leaves Brown fruits are deformed. Control measures - the destruction of diseased plants, spraying with 1% Bordeaux liquid. Prevention of bacteriosis - disinfection of seeds.

The main pests of momordica are melon aphids and whiteflies. Insects must be dealt with by traditional methods.

Momordica is a plant that requires care and attention. Its decorativeness, fertility and beneficial features speak for themselves. A little work and patience - and an outlandish plant will give you a rich and tasty harvest.

Have you tried growing mormodica yet? Have you encountered any difficulties? Share your experience in the comments!

Useful properties of momordica, cooking recipes

At present, it is increasingly possible to find a peculiar fruit of bright orange color on the market, on the surface of which small suckers are visible, and inside it contains red and tasty fruits. Once exotic plant now it grows in our region, and this plant is called momordica.

The homeland of momordica is considered to be the region of Southeast Asia. The fruits have an interesting taste, it is also called Indian pomegranate. Among other things, momordica has a number of healing and medicinal properties, so it is widely used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. In this article, we will look at useful and medicinal properties momordiki, cooking recipes and medicinal recipes.

Cultivation of momordica and care

The process of growing a plant is very similar to growing cucumbers. So, momordica can be safely planted in a greenhouse or greenhouse, even at home on the windowsill. As a rule, plant seeds are planted, but propagation by cuttings is also found.

Someone is planting momordica as ornamental plant and someone as a vegetable garden culture. Momordica seeds are planted in the ground, to a depth of 1.5-2 cm. At the same time, the seeds are immersed in the ground with an edge. Immediately after planting, the place needs to be watered, after which you can not water for 2-3 days. The first shoots will appear in 10-15 days, and then grow the plant like cucumbers.

The benefits and composition of momordica

Surprisingly, not only the fruits of the plant are useful in momordica, but also the rest of its parts - leaves, stems and even roots. So, for example, in the leaves of momordica there is a huge number of useful elements. Here you can find calcium and phosphorus, as well as sodium, iron, etc. The fruits and shoots of momordica contain abundant amounts of potassium and silicon, selenium, zinc and, of course, vitamins:

- group of vitamins "B";

- vitamins "A" and "E";

- vitamin " F" and "C".

Polyunsaturated acids are present in the fruits, in particular, pantothenic and nicotinic acid, as well as a small amount of folic acid. The leaves of the plant can be used to prepare various dishes - soups, snacks, salads and other goodies. The fruits of momordica are consumed ripe or slightly green. In principle, there is no difference in benefits between ripe and slightly unripe fruits - they both taste good, and differ only in astringency and spiciness.

The calorie content of momordica is as much as 19 kcal, which is not enough for a garden crop. The fruits of the plant contain 0.1 g of protein and the same amount of fat, as well as 0.12 g of carbohydrates.

Momordica promotes an increase in the number of enzymes in the body, especially in the pancreas. This has a positive effect on many functions of the body, the production of insulin, which helps control normal blood sugar levels.

Among the beneficial properties of momordica, scientists were able to identify its ability to inhibit cancer cells. Momordica extract is part of medical preparations intended for the prevention of prostate tumors. The components of the plant are also effective against sarcoma and melanoma, in the fight against liver cancer or leukemia.

Momordica is able to remove from the body harmful substances, toxins and pathogens that affect the immune system. Therefore, for the most part, it remains an indispensable useful product.

Contraindications and harm of momordica

The use of momordica is absolutely safe, however, there are some restrictions and contraindications regarding medicinal use. Momordica is not advised to use during lactation and pregnant girls. Thyroid diseases also limit the use of momordica. It is not advised to use the fruits of the plant for ailments of the adrenal glands and stomach.

Plant-based medicines can provoke an exacerbation of chronic and peptic ulcer diseases of the stomach, contribute to the occurrence of heartburn and increased salivation. Among the side effects, an allergic reaction is also found, and there are very few cases of poisoning. Actually, individual intolerance is another reason to refuse to use this vegetable.

Culinary and medicinal recipes for momordica

Earlier it was said that there are recipes for cooking momordica of a culinary nature and as a medicinal preparation. Therefore, we will consider in turn the recipes for preparing this wonderful vegetable.

Cooking recipes

Snack from momordica. For cooking, you will need the following components: green fruits of momordica, water, salt, flour, turmeric (optional), vegetable oil(for frying).

We choose a solid fruit to the touch and only green, as in the photo. If there is already a slightly pinkish seed inside, it does not matter (but it tastes better when it is white and green). Orange fruits are inedible. Cut into rings and pour water with salt, put a lot of salt. While the rings are floating in the brine, heat the oil in a frying pan. Rolled momordica in flour. Fried on both sides. They removed it from the pan and put it on a couple of napkins to collect the oil, and also covered it with a napkin on top.

Momordica salad. 1 momordica, beet greens, 1 onion, carrot, 1-2 large tomatoes, and balsamic dressing, or just 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Peel and soak the momordica in salt water for 2 hours to remove bitterness. Then rinse and cut into small sticks. Chop the rest of the vegetables, put together with the momordica in a salad bowl, mix and season with balsamic vinegar.

Healing recipes

Momordica fruit tincture. Cut the fruits of momordica without seeds into small pieces. Fill them up tightly three-liter jar. Pour vodka (0.5 l) into a jar, close the lid. Keep for two weeks in a dark cool place.

Tincture of momordica fruits is drunk for three days on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals), 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. Momordica fruit tincture is effective for colds (cough, runny nose, fever), psoriasis and rheumatism. And also it is used as a means to strengthen the body's immunity.

Decoction of momordica seeds. About 15-20 crushed seeds of momordica are poured with 1 cup of boiling water, kept on low heat for 10 minutes. Then insist for an hour and filter.

Momordica seed tincture is drunk 50 mg, 3-4 times a day, for hemorrhoids and as a diuretic, for febrile diseases.

More useful products:

Momordica, or as it is also called Indian pomegranate, bitter gourd, mad or Indian cucumber, the Chinese melon, is a herbaceous vine in the gourd family. This plant is native to India and China. There are annual and perennial types of plants. In total, there are almost 20 types of momordica.

Momordica is a rather exotic plant in our area, but practice has shown that it can quite successfully grow and bear fruit on personal plot or cottage. The fruits, seeds, leaves and even shoots of this creeper are edible. The shoots of the creeper are thin and strong, about 2-4 meters long, the leaves are carved, bright green in color. Momordica flowers are heterosexual - the male flower is yellow, large, located on a long pedicel, female flower has a smaller size and a short pedicel.

The fruits are 10-25 cm long, about 6 cm in diameter, the color changes from green to orange depending on the degree of maturity. The pulp of the fruit is red, juicy, has pleasant palatability. Seeds of dark shades are covered with a dense shell, similar to pomegranate seeds. One fruit of momordica gives about 30 seeds.

Important! You can get rid of staphylococci and streptococci by using momordica extract.

The chemical composition and calorie content of momordica

The calorie content of momordica is only 15 kcal per 100 g of the product, while the fat content is 0.1 g, carbohydrates - 3 g, proteins - 0.8 g, water - 90 g.

The composition of the momordica fruit includes many useful substances: vitamins A, B, E, F, C, PP, as well as organic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and alkaloids. Oil and momordicin, an alkaloid, were found in the seeds. Liana root contains triterpene saponin.

All ground and underground parts of momordica have a healing effect, which we will discuss later.

Medicinal properties of momordica

Scientists have recently begun a deep study of momordica and have already identified some of its medicinal properties, but clinical trials are ongoing, perhaps soon there will be new information about a medicinal plant.

Momordica seeds have the ability to relieve swelling, and also have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-febrile properties. These berries-seeds are able to improve vision and the general condition of the eyes.

Did you know? With Latin The name momordica literally translates as "bite", because the young plant "stings" the skin like a nettle.

plant fruits unique, they inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Momordica extracts have a positive effect on the treatment of sarcomas, leukemia and melanomas. Momordica is able to heal from hepatitis, liver cancer, advanced cases of infectious diseases, improves the activity of the pancreas, removes toxins from the body and increases its immunity, and also helps to maintain the health of patients diabetes, adjusting chemical composition blood.

Preparations cells are restored from this vine, in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system have a beneficial effect.

Procurement and storage of medicinal raw materials from momordica

You can use the beneficial properties of momordica for treatment all year round, for this it is necessary to stock up on time with the medicinal raw materials of this healing liana. Leaves it is better to harvest at the end of spring, then the concentration of nutrients in them will be maximum, fruits and seeds- after the final ripening in the summer, and roots- in autumn.

The fruit and root are preliminarily cut into small pieces, and the seeds, shoots and leaves are first dried and the dried ones are crushed. Dry raw materials in a darkened room with good ventilation. Dried fruits of momordica retain their medicinal properties for 3-4 years, roots - 2-3 years, and leaves and flowers - for 1-2 years. Store dry raw materials in airtight glass containers or in cloth bags.

Important! The substances that make up momordica are able to speed up the metabolism, so its fruits are used for weight loss.

Recipes for the use of momordica in folk medicine

An exotic plant can help a person cure many diseases, the main thing is not to exceed the therapeutic dose.

Momordica is able to cure colds and flu, for this they prepare tincture of vodka: a glass container is filled with fruit pulp cut into small cubes, filled with vodka to the top and infused for 10-15 days in a dark place. Take tincture of 1 tsp. 30 minutes before meals for 3-4 days.

Decoction of momordica seeds treat hemorrhoids, prostatitis, sclerosis, fever, and it is also used to obtain a diuretic effect . Pieces of 20 seeds are crushed, poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. Insist for several hours, filter and consume 50 ml 3-4 times a day.

Chewing 3-4 seeds of momordica before meals for 10 days will relieve diseases of the intestines and stomach.

Using momordica root for bronchitis, you can alleviate the course of the disease, since it has expectorant properties. ARI will pass faster if carried out inhalation with leaves and shoots of momordica. Decoctions stems and leaves will relieve the pain of arthritis. fresh pulp fruit will relieve itching and swelling after an insect bite.

The use of momordica in cosmetology

Asian women have long used momordica for cosmetic purposes. Various decoctions, infusions and creams, which contain this marvelous plant, improve the condition of the skin, nourish it with vitamins and oils, and smooth out wrinkles, as a result, the face will look younger and fresher.

Decoctions leaves get rid of prickly heat and various skin rashes. momordica is used for skin diseases, for this, the bandage is soaked with juice and applied to the affected area several times a day. Decoction leaves and shoots will speed up the healing of the burn and reduce the likelihood of a scar. With regular use of fresh leaves, the general condition of the skin will improve, it will become more velvety to the touch.

Did you know? The fruits of momordica in the Middle Ages were eaten only by members of the imperial families of ancient China.

Use in cooking

Unripe momordica seeds are poisonous and can be eaten when they are fully ripe when they become sweet. Momordica fruits are harvested in an unripe form. The pulp of the fruit is watery, tastes like a cucumber, it is eaten in an unripe state. When ripe, the fruit becomes soft and changes color to orange, while it becomes bitter in taste. You can remove bitterness from a ripened fruit by soaking it in salt water for 3-4 hours, after which it is ready for boiling or stewing.