Our grandmothers, growing garden 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. Someone might say that this is troublesome. But practice shows that labor costs in this case are repaid a hundredfold. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with the nine best materials for mulching garden strawberries.

Succulents are very diverse. Despite the fact that "babies" have always been considered more fashionable, to the assortment of succulents, with which you can decorate modern interior, it is worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterning, degree of prickle, influence on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article, we will tell you about the five most fashionable succulents that amazingly transform modern interiors.

Mint was used by the Egyptians as early 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 consider the most interesting varieties mint, and also tell you about the features of growing this plant in open ground.

People began to grow crocuses as early as 500 years before the onset 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 are one of the earliest primroses that bloom 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 crocus varieties that bloom in late March and early April.

Cabbage soup from early young cabbage on beef broth - hearty, aromatic and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook a delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup in this broth. Early cabbage cooks quickly, so they put it in the pot at the same time as the rest of the vegetables, unlike fall cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready-made cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. The present cabbage soup is tastier than the freshly cooked one.

Looking at the variety of tomato varieties, it is difficult not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. Even experienced gardeners he sometimes confuses! 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 a lot of energy and time to care for the beds.

Once very popular under the name of room nettle, and then forgotten by everyone, Coleus 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 to suit everyone, Coleus require constant monitoring. But if you take care of them, the bushes of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.

Salmon ridge baked in Provencal herbs is a "supplier" of tasty pieces of fish pulp for light salad with fresh leaves of wild garlic. Champignons are lightly fried in olive oiland then sprinkled with apple cider vinegar. These mushrooms are tastier than regular pickled mushrooms and are better for baked fish. Ramson and fresh dill get along well in one salad, emphasizing the aroma of each other. The garlic pungency of wild garlic will saturate both salmon pulp and mushroom pieces.

Conifer tree or a bush on the site is always great, and a lot of conifers are even better. Emerald needles of various shades adorn the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oilssecreted by plants, not only aromatize, but also make the air cleaner. Typically, most zoned adults conifersare considered to be 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 become an integral attribute of the meeting of spring in the Country rising sun... Financial and academic year here it starts from April 1, when the magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese are marked by their blossoming. But sakura grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

I am very interested in analyzing how the tastes and addictions of people to certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and was an object of trade lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for over 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century BC. e. about 6 varieties of quince were known and even then methods of its reproduction and cultivation were described.

Delight your family and make themed Easter Eggs Curd Cookies! Your kids 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, with admiration, they will watch how the pieces of dough turn into real easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such an original cookie for Easter, read in our step by step recipe!

There are not so many decorative leafy pets among tuberous crops. And Caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of interiors. Not everyone can decide to start a Caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all - to care. But still, rumors about the extraordinary capriciousness of the Caladiums never justify. Care and attention will help you avoid any difficulty in 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 goes with every side dish: vegetables, pasta, or whatever. Sauce 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 do this ahead of time to keep everything hot), add the gravy and lunch is ready! A real magic wand.

Among the multitude different varieties We will tell you about three of these most popular vegetables, which have excellent taste and relatively unpretentious growing conditions. Characteristics of the varieties of eggplants "Almaz", "Black handsome" and "Valentina". All eggplants are medium-firm. For Almaz it is greenish, while for the other two it is yellowish-white. They are united by good germination and excellent productivity, but in different time... Skin color and shape are different for everyone.

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.

Momordika - description

The momordica plant belongs to the pumpkin family, comes from South-East Asia... It is an annual herbaceous vine with beautifully carved leaves on long curly stems. Interestingly, before the fruits ripen, the foliage of the plant burns a little, later this property disappears.

Spectacular Momordica flowers are painted in rich yellow... The plant simultaneously blooms male and female inflorescences, exuding a pleasant aroma with hints of jasmine.

At first, Momordica fruits are green and cucumber-like in shape. As they ripen, they acquire a juicy bright orange color. The fruits are covered with a warty shell, giving them an outlandish look. Because of 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 the seeds fall out, covered with a ruby \u200b\u200bjelly-like pulp. The fruit tastes like a ripe pumpkin, but with a bitter taste that gives the Momordica delicacies a spicy 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. it wonderful decoration terraces, balconies, gazebos, decorative grilles, walls and fences. Momordica grows well in indoor conditions... In the climate of Russia, two types of plants are grown:

• warranty;
• balsamic momordica.

Features of momordica care

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

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

Momordica: growing from seed

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

For planting, choose seeds of a darker color. A light color indicates that the seed is not ripe. So, at the beginning of 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. Then, for several hours, we soak the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection and improvement of germination.
3. We put the processed seeds in wet sawdust or soft paper, place in warm place and maintain constant humidity. After about 12 days, the seed coat cracks and white roots appear.
4. We sow the germinated seeds 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 it by 1 or 2 cm and sprinkling it with sand a little.
5. Watering 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 shoots, we remove the "greenhouse" and put the pots on the windowsill. We protect the seedlings from drafts and do not forget to periodically moisturize.
7. Saplings that have reached 25 cm in height are transplanted in larger containers using the transfer method. Momordica is poorly developed root system, so you need to transplant it 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 landing in the ground, 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. In indoor 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 in the fall. During autumn digging for each square meter of land, half a bucket of rotted manure or compost, 20 g of potassium sulfate and 30 g of superphosphate are introduced. Add 20 g in spring nitrogen fertilization... At home, the "balsamic pear" is fed with a complex mineral fertilizer for indoor plants.

Fruiting Momordika

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

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

The more often the crop is harvested, the more actively Momordica bears fruit. It is worth noting that Momordica fruits are delicious at any stage of ripeness.

The beneficial properties of momordica

Absolutely all parts of Momordica are edible, useful and contain a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. 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 with the most different ways: stew, fry, salt, pickle, pour over syrup and make 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. Fruits cut into pieces, sprinkled with flour and fried in vegetable oil are delicious!

IN medicinal purposes Momordica is used as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent. 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 consumed in case of individual intolerance, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.

Valentina Kravchenko, expert

Momordica diseases and pests

The cause of all Momordika diseases is improper care... Waterlogging of the soil is dangerous for her, from which all parts of the plant suffer. Also provoke disease high humidity, sharp drops temperatures, 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 off. Control measures - destruction of weeds, disinfection of the greenhouse, spraying with fungicides.
2. White rot - the root 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 cotyledons and true leaves brown, the fruits are deformed. Control measures - destruction of diseased plants, spraying with 1% Bordeaux liquid. Prevention of bacteriosis - disinfection of seeds.

The main pests of Momordica are the melon aphid and whitefly. Insects must be dealt with using 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 already tried growing Mormodica? Have you met any difficulties? Share your experience in the comments!

Useful properties of momordica, cooking recipes

Currently, on the market, you can increasingly find a kind of bright orange fruit, 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 Momordika is considered to be the region of Southeast Asia. The fruit has an interesting flavor and is also called Indian pomegranate. Among other things, momordica has a number of medicinal 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.

Momordica cultivation and care

The process of growing a plant is very similar to growing a cucumber. So, momordica can be safely planted in a greenhouse or greenhouse, even at home on a 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 must be watered, after which it is possible not to 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

It is surprising that 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, Momordica leaves contain 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 fruits, in particular, pantothenic and nicotinic acids, as well as a small amount of folic acid. The leaves of the plant can be used to prepare a variety of dishes - soups, snacks, salads and other goodies. The fruits themselves are eaten 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 pungency.

The calorie content of momordiki is as much as 19 kcal, which is quite a lot for a garden crop. The fruits of the plant contain 0.1 g of proteins and the same amount of fat, as well as 0.12 g of carbohydrates.

Momordica helps to increase the amount 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 useful properties of Momordica, scientists have been able to identify its ability to inhibit cancer cells. Momordica extract is a 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 irreplaceable useful product.

Contraindications and harm of momordica

The use of Momordica is absolutely safe, but there are some restrictions and contraindications regarding medicinal use... Momordica is not advised to be consumed during lactation and pregnant girls. Thyroid disease also limits the use of Momordica. It is not advised to use the fruits of the plant for ailments of the adrenal glands and stomach.

Medicinal preparations based on the plant can provoke an exacerbation of chronic and ulcerative diseases of the stomach, contribute to the occurrence of heartburn and increased salivation. Among the side effects, there is also an allergic reaction, very rare cases of poisoning. Actually, individual intolerance is another reason to refuse to use this vegetable.

Momordica culinary and healing recipes

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

Culinary recipes

Momordica snack... For cooking, you will need the following ingredients: green momordica fruits, water, salt, flour, turmeric (optional), vegetable oil (for frying).

We choose a hard fruit to the touch and only green, as in the photo. If there is already a slightly pink seed inside, it does not matter (but tastes better when it is white-green). Orange fruits are inedible. Cut into rings and fill with water and salt, put a lot of salt. While the rings are floating in the brine, they heated the oil in a frying pan. Dip the momordica in flour. Fried on both sides. They took it off the pan and put it on a couple of napkins to collect the oil, and covered it with a napkin on top too.

Momordica salad... 1 momordica fruit, beet greens, 1 onion, carrots, 1-2 large tomatoes, and a dressing with balsamic vinegar, or just 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Peel and soak Momordica in salt water for 2 hours from bitterness. Then rinse and cut into small cubes. Chop the rest of the vegetables, place them in a salad bowl with the momordica, mix and season with balsamic vinegar.

Healing recipes

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

Tincture of the fruits of Momordica 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.

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

Tincture of Momordica seeds is drunk at 50 mg, 3-4 times a day, for hemorrhoids and as a diuretic, for febrile diseases.

More about useful products:

Momordika, or as it is also called Indian pomegranate, bitter gourd, mad or indian cucumber, Chinese melon, is a herbaceous vine of the pumpkin family. India and China are considered the birthplace of this plant. There are one - and perennial plant types. There are almost 20 types of Momordica in total.

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 a summer residence. The fruits, seeds, leaves and even shoots of this vine are good for eating.Vine shoots are thin and strong, about 2-4 meters long, carved leaves, bright green color. Momordica flowers are heterosexual - the male flower is yellow, large, located on a long peduncle, female flower has a smaller size and a short pedicel.

The fruits reach 10-25 cm in length, about 6 cm in diameter, the color changes from green to orange depending on the degree of ripeness. The pulp of the fruit is red, juicy, has pleasant taste... Seeds of dark shades are covered with a dense shell, similar to pomegranate seeds. One Momordica fruit produces approximately 30 seeds.

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

Chemical composition and calorie content of momordica

The calorie content of Momordica is only 15 kcal per 100 g of 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. Vine root contains triterpene saponin.

All the aboveground and underground parts of Momordika have a healing effect, which we will discuss below.

The healing properties of Momordica

Scientists not so long ago began a deep study of Momordica and have already identified some of its medicinal properties, but clinical trials are being carried out further, 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 seeds can improve vision and general eye health.

Did you know? FROM latin the name momordica literally translates as "bite", since the young plant "stings" the skin like nettles.

Plant fruits are 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 mellitusadjusting chemical composition blood.

Drugs from this liana restore cells, with 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 year-round, for this it is necessary to stock up on time with the medicinal raw materials of this healing vine. 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 summer, and roots - in the fall.

The fruit and root are pre-cut into small pieces, and the seeds, shoots and leaves are first dried and already dried are crushed. Raw materials are dried in a darkened room with good ventilation. The dried fruits of Momordica retain their medicinal properties for 3-4 years, the roots - for 2-3 years, and the leaves and flowers - for 1-2 years. Store dry raw materials in a sealed glass container 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 using momordica in traditional medicine

An exotic plant can help a person to 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 vodka tincture: a glass container is filled with fruit pulp cut into small cubes, filled with vodka to the top and insisted for 10-15 days in a dark place.Take a tincture of 1 tsp. 30 minutes before meals for 3-4 days.

Momordica seed decoction treat hemorrhoids, prostatitis, sclerosis, fever, and 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 use 50 ml 3-4 times a day.

Chewing 3-4 Momordica seeds before meals for 10 days will relieve intestinal and stomach diseases.

Using Momordica root for bronchitis can alleviate the course of the disease as it has expectorant properties. ARI will pass faster if inhalation with leaves and shoots of momordica. Decoctions stems and leaves will relieve arthritis pain. Fresh pulpthe fetus will relieve itching and swelling after an insect bite.

The use of momordica in cosmetology

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

Decoctions from the leaves get rid of prickly heat and various skin rashes. Momordics are used for skin diseases, for this, the bandage is soaked in 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 scarring. With regular consumption of fresh leaves, the general condition of the skin will improve, it will become more velvety to the touch.

Did you know? In the Middle Ages, Momordica fruits were eaten only by members of the imperial families of Ancient China.

Cooking use

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