At this time of year, weeds are novel. One of the first signs of spring. As daffodils and tulips emerge from the ground, so do shot weed, dandelion, and spurge to name a select few.
The sun actually feels warm as I putter around the garden. It's been several months since I've been able to saunter and see what's going on in my garden. In the winter, it's usually a mad dash to get out, take care of a few pressing tasks, and rush back inside before my fingers fall off! Today I didn't even need to wear liners under my gloves. This last week of sunny days has been luxurious. Forecasts threatened rain, but we managed just a misting here and there.
Early in the season, I don't mind filling up my bucket with weeds. The ground isn't frozen any more. The friable earth gives way to my dandelion weeder as I pluck these green culprits from the ground.
So for now, I don't mind the weeds. I have time to get everything ready for spring planting.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Seed Stash
Admit it. I know you have one. Those seed packets you've saved over the years thinking that you'll plant them next year. Maybe you have a small paper bag in the basement or refrigerator.
I just found a packet of forget-me-nots in my sock drawer. How did that get there?
Seed packets accumulate just like any other clutter around the house. Somehow, I feel less guilty about not cleaning out my seed stash. I could grow something from these seeds. You can grow anything from dust and paper clutter except maybe more dust.
But, being the responsible gardener that I am--or at least try to be--I am going through my seed stash right now. With you!
Packet #1 Haricot verts (green beans in French) collected in fall 2006 from a friend who collected them off a few vines I gave him that summer. We concluded these may actually be Bush Beans. I have a planter box that is mounted to the fence that these can go in. Definitely worth a shot.
Packet #2 Cucumbers from 2005. No idea where I got these. They still look good. Worth a try? Sure!
Packet #3 San Marzano tomatoes. These I grew in the summer of 2005 and 2006. I bought the seed in Venice, Italy from a florist. There aren't any nurseries in Venice like we have here. Instead, you find racks of seed packets outside flower shops. I've been rationing out the seed. They get bottom brown rot if they're not watered enough during the season. But it's worth the extra effort since they make such a great sauce.
Packet #4 Poppy. These are a black, double flowering form that is quite striking. Poppies are easy to just scatter the seed and watch them come up so I'll hold onto these, too.
Packet #5 Beets 'Winter Keeper' from Ed Hume. These I acquired in the "free to a good home" seed pile when I worked at the Center for Urban Horticulture. I'm such a sucker. That was 2004 and I still haven't planted these. I had planned on sowing them late summer, for the last 4 years. But I've either forgetten, or I've run out of room. I promise I'll sow them this year! Promise!
Packet #6 Corn Salad from Ed Hume acquired with the packet of beet seeds. Hmmm...Its germination rate tends to be low according to the directions on the packet. Anything remotely salad-like will get slugs. This one is going in the garbage.
I was given several packets of seeds by way of a friend's mom from Heirloom Seeds in W Elizabeth, PA. They're from 2006.
I meant to plant them out last year, but once again I ran out of time and room. There were 20 packets. I narrowed it down to:
Walla Walla Onion--these take 100-125 days, but I can sow them directly in spring.
Mini Red and Mini Yellow Bell Peppers--I can grow these in containers.
Sweet Banana Pepper--I don’t have high hopes for these, but since I'm growing the minis, I'll give these a try, too
Certified Organic Utah Celery--the cutting celery was a success and these germinate in 21 days; hard to pass up.
'Cherokee Purple' Tomato--these are one of Eldon's favorites. Plus, it's less work than adding another apple tree to the yard.
I need to find my shoehorn before spring arrives. Otherwise, I'm going to have a hard time finding space for all these crops!
I just found a packet of forget-me-nots in my sock drawer. How did that get there?
Seed packets accumulate just like any other clutter around the house. Somehow, I feel less guilty about not cleaning out my seed stash. I could grow something from these seeds. You can grow anything from dust and paper clutter except maybe more dust.
But, being the responsible gardener that I am--or at least try to be--I am going through my seed stash right now. With you!
Packet #1 Haricot verts (green beans in French) collected in fall 2006 from a friend who collected them off a few vines I gave him that summer. We concluded these may actually be Bush Beans. I have a planter box that is mounted to the fence that these can go in. Definitely worth a shot.
Packet #2 Cucumbers from 2005. No idea where I got these. They still look good. Worth a try? Sure!
Packet #3 San Marzano tomatoes. These I grew in the summer of 2005 and 2006. I bought the seed in Venice, Italy from a florist. There aren't any nurseries in Venice like we have here. Instead, you find racks of seed packets outside flower shops. I've been rationing out the seed. They get bottom brown rot if they're not watered enough during the season. But it's worth the extra effort since they make such a great sauce.
Packet #4 Poppy. These are a black, double flowering form that is quite striking. Poppies are easy to just scatter the seed and watch them come up so I'll hold onto these, too.
Packet #5 Beets 'Winter Keeper' from Ed Hume. These I acquired in the "free to a good home" seed pile when I worked at the Center for Urban Horticulture. I'm such a sucker. That was 2004 and I still haven't planted these. I had planned on sowing them late summer, for the last 4 years. But I've either forgetten, or I've run out of room. I promise I'll sow them this year! Promise!
Packet #6 Corn Salad from Ed Hume acquired with the packet of beet seeds. Hmmm...Its germination rate tends to be low according to the directions on the packet. Anything remotely salad-like will get slugs. This one is going in the garbage.
I was given several packets of seeds by way of a friend's mom from Heirloom Seeds in W Elizabeth, PA. They're from 2006.
I meant to plant them out last year, but once again I ran out of time and room. There were 20 packets. I narrowed it down to:
Walla Walla Onion--these take 100-125 days, but I can sow them directly in spring.
Mini Red and Mini Yellow Bell Peppers--I can grow these in containers.
Sweet Banana Pepper--I don’t have high hopes for these, but since I'm growing the minis, I'll give these a try, too
Certified Organic Utah Celery--the cutting celery was a success and these germinate in 21 days; hard to pass up.
'Cherokee Purple' Tomato--these are one of Eldon's favorites. Plus, it's less work than adding another apple tree to the yard.
I need to find my shoehorn before spring arrives. Otherwise, I'm going to have a hard time finding space for all these crops!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Cook's Garden--Where are you?
I'm waiting for my last batch of seed. Sure, it's a couple of months before the last frost, but I still would like them. Then, I can look at them all together and dream about what they will grow into.
I ordered from Cook's Garden with a little regret. I jumped at leafing through Cook's Garden first The cover looked very different from last year's cover--a colorful woodblock print of a gardener painting in her packed veggie garden. Woodblock illustrations instead of photos were used throughout the catalog. This year's was all photos. Then, I looked through Burpee's catalog, which I never requested. I did a double take. Some of the same exact photos I saw in Cook's Garden were in Burpee's catalog. I looked at the return addresses of the catalogs and sure enough, they're the same. I felt like someone was trying to trick me. Especially, since some of the cultivar names are changed in one catalog from the other.
After a little research, I found out that Burpee bought Cook's Garden in 2004, but everything was to remain the same. The Odgens (original owners) were hopeful that not too much would change and it wouldn't expand much. Does this ring a bell with any of you who love(d) Heronswood? I thought so. If you wish, Garden Rant gives a personal account of another Cook's Garden customer.
The main reason why I did order seed from Cook's Garden is because they offer mixes of many different crops. I want to try growing eggplant for the first time this year. Because my space is limited, a mix will let me compare them side by side and evaulate which ones will do best next year. Or, if I'm even able to grow eggplants at all. I really wanted the 'Fingerling Mix' but when I ordered online, they weren't available so I took the mix of what they offered.
'Kaleidoscope Mix' carrots are another item on my list. These carrots come in a range of colors: red, purple, orange, and yellow. I couldn't resist thoughts of how wonderful they would look in summer salads.
Beets are another crop I will try for the first time this year so I opted for the 'Rainbow Mix'. Of course, no seed of 'Bull's Blood' will be included, but that's okay. As I thin out the planting, I can use the leaves for micro-greens in spring salads. I can also sow a batch later in the summer for fall.
'Pistou' basil is the one herb I bought from Cooks. The leaves are supposedly so fine you won't need to chop them. I have many different dishes that call for basil both dried and fresh, including pesto of course.
I am trying a different tomato this year called 'Lady Bug'. The fruits are 1" in diameter which will be a good size for ripening. Last year, the 'Pantano Romanesco' tomatoes (from Baker Creek) were too large that by the time they stopped growing, there wasn't enough sun to ripen them up. I got just a few that were amazingly delicious. So, if we have a summer like we did last year...well, let's just plan on that not happening!
I did purchase one packet of flower seed: 'Matucana' Sweet Pea. Yes, I was suckered in by the bold-looking burgundy and purple flowers. I've got my bamboo poles ready for trellising these vines up against the fence to create a striking background. They will also compliment the allium and Spanish lavender later in the spring.
Think of my order from Cook's as an experiment in figuring out where I should purchase those great performers for next year. I'll let you know who will be invited back next year.
Stay tuned...I tell you what seed I found in the refrigerator. It's only a couple of years old, and may not produce anything. But, it's worth a try, right?
The Cook's Garden Seeds I received a week later. Finally!
I ordered from Cook's Garden with a little regret. I jumped at leafing through Cook's Garden first The cover looked very different from last year's cover--a colorful woodblock print of a gardener painting in her packed veggie garden. Woodblock illustrations instead of photos were used throughout the catalog. This year's was all photos. Then, I looked through Burpee's catalog, which I never requested. I did a double take. Some of the same exact photos I saw in Cook's Garden were in Burpee's catalog. I looked at the return addresses of the catalogs and sure enough, they're the same. I felt like someone was trying to trick me. Especially, since some of the cultivar names are changed in one catalog from the other.
After a little research, I found out that Burpee bought Cook's Garden in 2004, but everything was to remain the same. The Odgens (original owners) were hopeful that not too much would change and it wouldn't expand much. Does this ring a bell with any of you who love(d) Heronswood? I thought so. If you wish, Garden Rant gives a personal account of another Cook's Garden customer.
The main reason why I did order seed from Cook's Garden is because they offer mixes of many different crops. I want to try growing eggplant for the first time this year. Because my space is limited, a mix will let me compare them side by side and evaulate which ones will do best next year. Or, if I'm even able to grow eggplants at all. I really wanted the 'Fingerling Mix' but when I ordered online, they weren't available so I took the mix of what they offered.
'Kaleidoscope Mix' carrots are another item on my list. These carrots come in a range of colors: red, purple, orange, and yellow. I couldn't resist thoughts of how wonderful they would look in summer salads.
Beets are another crop I will try for the first time this year so I opted for the 'Rainbow Mix'. Of course, no seed of 'Bull's Blood' will be included, but that's okay. As I thin out the planting, I can use the leaves for micro-greens in spring salads. I can also sow a batch later in the summer for fall.
'Pistou' basil is the one herb I bought from Cooks. The leaves are supposedly so fine you won't need to chop them. I have many different dishes that call for basil both dried and fresh, including pesto of course.
I am trying a different tomato this year called 'Lady Bug'. The fruits are 1" in diameter which will be a good size for ripening. Last year, the 'Pantano Romanesco' tomatoes (from Baker Creek) were too large that by the time they stopped growing, there wasn't enough sun to ripen them up. I got just a few that were amazingly delicious. So, if we have a summer like we did last year...well, let's just plan on that not happening!
I did purchase one packet of flower seed: 'Matucana' Sweet Pea. Yes, I was suckered in by the bold-looking burgundy and purple flowers. I've got my bamboo poles ready for trellising these vines up against the fence to create a striking background. They will also compliment the allium and Spanish lavender later in the spring.
Think of my order from Cook's as an experiment in figuring out where I should purchase those great performers for next year. I'll let you know who will be invited back next year.
Stay tuned...I tell you what seed I found in the refrigerator. It's only a couple of years old, and may not produce anything. But, it's worth a try, right?
The Cook's Garden Seeds I received a week later. Finally!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Barker Creek Heirloom Seeds...Shipped!
I love it when I get a little email letting me know my seeds have been shipped. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds did just that today. Hooray!
Before I begin the review of my Baker Creek order, I have a confession to make. I did get a little carried away with looking at the photos in this catalog. But, the price per packet is such a deal with Baker Creek that I don't feel too guilty (plus they have a flat $3 rate for shipping and handling).
Nasturtium 'Alaska Mix' is a repeat from last year. It is a great performer and I was mean to it. Days without water, baking in the sun, this annual just kept going. Eldon requested this to use the variegated leaves as little dinner plates for our fancy Thanksgiving feast. Alas, we never used the leaves because we went to Tanzania instead (more stories and another blog to come). 'Alaska Mix' is not an aggressive climber, but is more of a trailing annual. I tried to train it. It didn't work so I just let it do its thing along the edge of the veggie bed. The flower colors run the range of traditional colors: hot oranges and reds to subdued peach and cream.
I chose the French Breakfast radish. I know I can grow radishes well. I just have to be on top of thinning them out. The French Breakfast radish has an elongated shape compared to the typical globe-shaped root you see in the grocery store. Yes, that's a root you're eating! Another veggie request from Eldon for when he makes "Chilled Asparagus with Vinaigrette and Eggs Mimosa" from Thomas Keller's Bouchon cookbook. I'm hoping the radishes are as bright as they are in the photos of the catalog.
I am a sucker for edible flowers. When I saw the 'Shungiku' edible chrysanthemum, I had to try it out. Who could resist these cute white daisies with yellow centers? They will be great in summer salads. The leaves are also said to be great in salads and stir fry. At $1.50 per packet it's worth a try.
I already admitted to my two "Zonal Denial" purchases: Pepino Melon and Thai Red Roselle. For those who are not familiar with "Zonal Denial," it's when you are in total denial of what climate, or zone, you live in. The USDA categorized the country into 11 Zones, and Sunset Western Garden uses 24. The Pepino Melon is from the Andes and grows well in New Zealand. Thai Red Roselle, as the name suggests is from Thailand. Yes, I'm taking my chances. But, I can't resist the challenge. I am still dreaming of the Pepino melon's taste and texture. And the Roselle is striking and has edible flowers--I'm sold!
*The seeds were received on Jan 30th. And they threw in a free packet of European Mesclun Salad. Yippee!
Before I begin the review of my Baker Creek order, I have a confession to make. I did get a little carried away with looking at the photos in this catalog. But, the price per packet is such a deal with Baker Creek that I don't feel too guilty (plus they have a flat $3 rate for shipping and handling).
Nasturtium 'Alaska Mix' is a repeat from last year. It is a great performer and I was mean to it. Days without water, baking in the sun, this annual just kept going. Eldon requested this to use the variegated leaves as little dinner plates for our fancy Thanksgiving feast. Alas, we never used the leaves because we went to Tanzania instead (more stories and another blog to come). 'Alaska Mix' is not an aggressive climber, but is more of a trailing annual. I tried to train it. It didn't work so I just let it do its thing along the edge of the veggie bed. The flower colors run the range of traditional colors: hot oranges and reds to subdued peach and cream.
I chose the French Breakfast radish. I know I can grow radishes well. I just have to be on top of thinning them out. The French Breakfast radish has an elongated shape compared to the typical globe-shaped root you see in the grocery store. Yes, that's a root you're eating! Another veggie request from Eldon for when he makes "Chilled Asparagus with Vinaigrette and Eggs Mimosa" from Thomas Keller's Bouchon cookbook. I'm hoping the radishes are as bright as they are in the photos of the catalog.
I am a sucker for edible flowers. When I saw the 'Shungiku' edible chrysanthemum, I had to try it out. Who could resist these cute white daisies with yellow centers? They will be great in summer salads. The leaves are also said to be great in salads and stir fry. At $1.50 per packet it's worth a try.
I already admitted to my two "Zonal Denial" purchases: Pepino Melon and Thai Red Roselle. For those who are not familiar with "Zonal Denial," it's when you are in total denial of what climate, or zone, you live in. The USDA categorized the country into 11 Zones, and Sunset Western Garden uses 24. The Pepino Melon is from the Andes and grows well in New Zealand. Thai Red Roselle, as the name suggests is from Thailand. Yes, I'm taking my chances. But, I can't resist the challenge. I am still dreaming of the Pepino melon's taste and texture. And the Roselle is striking and has edible flowers--I'm sold!
*The seeds were received on Jan 30th. And they threw in a free packet of European Mesclun Salad. Yippee!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Seed Order...Done!
I filled out each garden catalog form extensively and realized that my eyes were bigger than my garden. I needed to narrow down my choices. I went through my seed catalogs one by one to whittle down my lists. But, all those wonderful pictures of red-ripe tomatoes and perfect eggplant made it way too difficult to choose. And don't even get me started on the flowers!
I remembered an article my husband, Eldon, pointed out to me on Slate.com last year. Constance Casey gave free advice to the home gardener in "What to look for in gardening catalogs." After which, Eldon sent away for the catalog she said was her favorite: Kitchen Garden Seeds. Yay another one. Little did he know I had already ordered seeds for myself and friends by then, but I digress.
You'll get a glimpse of what I'm talking about just by looking at the cover of Burpee's catalog at the beginning of the article. Armfuls of tomatoes the size of grapefuits--very tempting! Constance says to go through the catalogs, fill out that order form and then tear it up.
I more or less did this. I put aside the order forms, and wrote down what I wanted to grow on a blank piece of paper.
I keep in mind these criteria as I make my wish list:
1. Can I find this in the market pretty easily and for a good price?
2. Is it aesthetically interesting?
3. Is it easy to grow?
4. How many days until harvest?
The ultimate, automatic criteria is whether Eldon requested it. Either that or he'll convert the garden into an apple orchard.
I then chose three seed companies I would go with. Kitchen Garden Seeds easily made the cut since I didn't get a chance to order from them last year. The other two were Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Cook's Garden because their seeds were good performers last year.
From Kitchen Garden Seeds I ordered Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights,' Fennel 'Fino,' Kale 'Tuscano Lacinato,' and Fava Beans 'Supersette.' Swiss Chard Bright Lights, meets all the criteria. It's pretty, easy to grow, and takes around 60 days to mature. Eldon requests this for his dried fig and squab dish he makes at Thanksgiving.
Some of you may cringe at my choice with fennel. Yes, it can be a weed, but I am hoping I can harvest the flowers for different dishes. If I harvest the flowers, it will never go to seed and I'll prevent a fennel forest from forming along my street. I also like the feathery look of fennel. I am growing it mostly for the bulb. I saw one at the store this week for $3.99. Granted it was organic, but c'mon!
'Tuscano Lacinato,' also known as Dinosaur Kale, is wonderfully sweet and nutty; not at all bitter. The dark green leaves have an rippled texture and striking light green veins. It will be a great alternative when we get burnt out on the Swiss Chard. Another crop that will take 60 days to harvest.
I know. I know. Fava beans take about 100 days to mature so I may not produce a crop. But, when they're $3.99/lb at the market, I'll pay $3.50 for 50 seeds and take my chances. The description boasts white and purple flowers yielding 7-9 beans per pod. Plus, how can you argue with when the cultivar is 'Supersette'!?
Stay tuned for when I review my orders for Baker Creek Heirloom Seed and Cook's Garden.
I remembered an article my husband, Eldon, pointed out to me on Slate.com last year. Constance Casey gave free advice to the home gardener in "What to look for in gardening catalogs." After which, Eldon sent away for the catalog she said was her favorite: Kitchen Garden Seeds. Yay another one. Little did he know I had already ordered seeds for myself and friends by then, but I digress.
You'll get a glimpse of what I'm talking about just by looking at the cover of Burpee's catalog at the beginning of the article. Armfuls of tomatoes the size of grapefuits--very tempting! Constance says to go through the catalogs, fill out that order form and then tear it up.
I more or less did this. I put aside the order forms, and wrote down what I wanted to grow on a blank piece of paper.
I keep in mind these criteria as I make my wish list:
1. Can I find this in the market pretty easily and for a good price?
2. Is it aesthetically interesting?
3. Is it easy to grow?
4. How many days until harvest?
The ultimate, automatic criteria is whether Eldon requested it. Either that or he'll convert the garden into an apple orchard.
I then chose three seed companies I would go with. Kitchen Garden Seeds easily made the cut since I didn't get a chance to order from them last year. The other two were Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Cook's Garden because their seeds were good performers last year.
From Kitchen Garden Seeds I ordered Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights,' Fennel 'Fino,' Kale 'Tuscano Lacinato,' and Fava Beans 'Supersette.' Swiss Chard Bright Lights, meets all the criteria. It's pretty, easy to grow, and takes around 60 days to mature. Eldon requests this for his dried fig and squab dish he makes at Thanksgiving.
Some of you may cringe at my choice with fennel. Yes, it can be a weed, but I am hoping I can harvest the flowers for different dishes. If I harvest the flowers, it will never go to seed and I'll prevent a fennel forest from forming along my street. I also like the feathery look of fennel. I am growing it mostly for the bulb. I saw one at the store this week for $3.99. Granted it was organic, but c'mon!
'Tuscano Lacinato,' also known as Dinosaur Kale, is wonderfully sweet and nutty; not at all bitter. The dark green leaves have an rippled texture and striking light green veins. It will be a great alternative when we get burnt out on the Swiss Chard. Another crop that will take 60 days to harvest.
I know. I know. Fava beans take about 100 days to mature so I may not produce a crop. But, when they're $3.99/lb at the market, I'll pay $3.50 for 50 seeds and take my chances. The description boasts white and purple flowers yielding 7-9 beans per pod. Plus, how can you argue with when the cultivar is 'Supersette'!?
Stay tuned for when I review my orders for Baker Creek Heirloom Seed and Cook's Garden.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Year, New Plants
Right on cue, seed catalogs are clogging my mailbox. Within a few days I have received Baker Creek Heirloom Seed, Burpee Seed (I don't remember signing up for this one), The Cook's Garden (who are now Burpee), Kitchen Garden Seed, Osbourne Seed (how did they get my name?), and Johnny's Seed.
My eyes get bigger and bigger as I browse each catalogue, pen in hand to mark the ones I can't live without. The glossy photos shout at me endless possibilities! Do I want repeats of good performers? Or should I through caution to the wind and try all new crops this year?
I decided to do a little of both. I will select those crops that have shorter days for maturation. Remember my Brussels sprouts? I learned just a couple weeks ago 'Falstaff' requires 100-150 days. I live in Seattle where summer can be a gamble. I may be jipped out of another summer and would rather not be disappointed again.
However, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds tempts me with their catalogue. They are in Missouri where it's more hot and humid than the Pacific Northwest. And, they collect seed from Thailand, Mexico, and other lovely warm places. One new crop I will try this year is Pepino Melon. I tried a slice from the salsa guy at the Columbia City Farmers' Market. It was so delicious! It was like eating a pear-flavored mango: the texture of mango but the flavor of pear. I asked Amando (of Tierra Bonita: Olympia's Salsa) to write down the scientific name for me: Solanum mauricatum. It's surprisingly related to tomato, eggplant, and potato--all memebers of the Nightshade family.
The other crop I will try this year is Thai Red Roselle. Techincally a hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), it is recommended by the folks at Baker Creek for making cranberry-flavored beverages, jelly, and pie. The plant is strikingly red and they claim there are too many uses for them to list. Zonal denial has set in and I'm sold.
Over the next few weeks, I will keep you up-to-date with my wish list and from where I will be buying the seed to complete my veggie garden. I'm already dreaming of peppery radishes, purple eggplant, and ruby-red tomatoes.
My eyes get bigger and bigger as I browse each catalogue, pen in hand to mark the ones I can't live without. The glossy photos shout at me endless possibilities! Do I want repeats of good performers? Or should I through caution to the wind and try all new crops this year?
I decided to do a little of both. I will select those crops that have shorter days for maturation. Remember my Brussels sprouts? I learned just a couple weeks ago 'Falstaff' requires 100-150 days. I live in Seattle where summer can be a gamble. I may be jipped out of another summer and would rather not be disappointed again.
However, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds tempts me with their catalogue. They are in Missouri where it's more hot and humid than the Pacific Northwest. And, they collect seed from Thailand, Mexico, and other lovely warm places. One new crop I will try this year is Pepino Melon. I tried a slice from the salsa guy at the Columbia City Farmers' Market. It was so delicious! It was like eating a pear-flavored mango: the texture of mango but the flavor of pear. I asked Amando (of Tierra Bonita: Olympia's Salsa) to write down the scientific name for me: Solanum mauricatum. It's surprisingly related to tomato, eggplant, and potato--all memebers of the Nightshade family.
The other crop I will try this year is Thai Red Roselle. Techincally a hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), it is recommended by the folks at Baker Creek for making cranberry-flavored beverages, jelly, and pie. The plant is strikingly red and they claim there are too many uses for them to list. Zonal denial has set in and I'm sold.
Over the next few weeks, I will keep you up-to-date with my wish list and from where I will be buying the seed to complete my veggie garden. I'm already dreaming of peppery radishes, purple eggplant, and ruby-red tomatoes.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Autumn Cleaning
I don't know where the idea of "Spring Cleaning" came from, but in my house and garden, I do most of my cleaning during Autumn. Clearing the chard's old leaves, composting pepper plants past their prime, and yanking out stray tomatoes are some of the many tasks for putting the garden "to bed." It makes everything look tidier, and will cut down the slime factor when that first frost hits (WARNING: forecast for November 18 in Seattle). Plus, it reminds you of the space available for spring planting.
This year I am experimenting with a crimson clover cover crop. The seeds are available in bulk from City People's Garden Store. A deal at $3.99/lb I decided to give it a try. I broadcasted the seed by hand, and had tons of little seedlings sprouting after 10 days. The seed was mainly scattered in the designated veggie plot (10x6) and another small bed (5x3). The rest of the garden is mulched with leaves from the cherry tree. I know some people like to use straw on their veggie gardens. Straw can be used in homemade compost teas since it contains beneficial amoebas. Although I like the idea of compost tea more so than synthetic fertilizer, I also want to keep my garden low maintenance as possible. I don't fertilize at all in my garden, but I don't want to deplete the soil of its beneficials. The cover crop seemed like a good means of naturally adding nitrogen to the soil.
I'm also keeping busy with the weeds. Yes, I do have a couple of those, too. Let's not dwell on those too long. I've planted my winter annuals: 'Redbor' Kale, Viola 'Penny Lane White,' Pansy 'Fama True Blue,' and Viola 'Peach Shades'. A few herbs were rescued from their containers and planted in the garden: my French tarragon and Chinese chives.
With the shorter days and longer nights, I am transitioning into an "Armchair Gardener". I'll be reflecting on the best performers from last season, dreaming of new varieties for next year, and scouring catalogues for seeds. Time for hot cocoa!
This year I am experimenting with a crimson clover cover crop. The seeds are available in bulk from City People's Garden Store. A deal at $3.99/lb I decided to give it a try. I broadcasted the seed by hand, and had tons of little seedlings sprouting after 10 days. The seed was mainly scattered in the designated veggie plot (10x6) and another small bed (5x3). The rest of the garden is mulched with leaves from the cherry tree. I know some people like to use straw on their veggie gardens. Straw can be used in homemade compost teas since it contains beneficial amoebas. Although I like the idea of compost tea more so than synthetic fertilizer, I also want to keep my garden low maintenance as possible. I don't fertilize at all in my garden, but I don't want to deplete the soil of its beneficials. The cover crop seemed like a good means of naturally adding nitrogen to the soil.
I'm also keeping busy with the weeds. Yes, I do have a couple of those, too. Let's not dwell on those too long. I've planted my winter annuals: 'Redbor' Kale, Viola 'Penny Lane White,' Pansy 'Fama True Blue,' and Viola 'Peach Shades'. A few herbs were rescued from their containers and planted in the garden: my French tarragon and Chinese chives.
With the shorter days and longer nights, I am transitioning into an "Armchair Gardener". I'll be reflecting on the best performers from last season, dreaming of new varieties for next year, and scouring catalogues for seeds. Time for hot cocoa!
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