Certified Organic
Certified Organic
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Heirloom Bush Bean Royalty Purple Pod
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Make additional sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Tender crispy garden beans are an easy and reliable crop to grow, but don't plant seeds too early as cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.
HARVEST AND USE
These vigorous plants produce strong harvests. The more you pick, the more the plants will produce, and the nitrogen fixing bacteria on the roots of bean plants actually improves your soil. Sow another crop about three weeks after your first planting and you’ll have a welcome second harvest in late summer. Tasty Royalty Purple Pod bean pods will turn green after a few minutes of cooking.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price / per -
Heirloom Oregano White Flowered Greek
TO START INDOORS
In early spring, sow seeds thinly in a container of moistened seed starting mix, but do not cover over; oregano needs light to germinate. Provide a good light source. Keep evenly moist as seedlings slowly emerge over 10 to 21 days.
TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
When warm spring weather arrives, sow in full sun in a well-worked, finely textured seedbed with good drainage. Sow thinly, then water very gently for good soil contact, but do not cover seeds. Tend carefully: keep soil evenly moist but not soggy and well weeded.
GROWING NOTES
Mix tiny seeds with dry sand to help space seedlings. Young plants grow slowly at first; a good hot spell encourages strong growth. Pick leaves lightly the first season; wait until the second summer to make bigger harvests, then cut leafy sprays often to enjoy in the kitchen. Given good drainage, this carefree Mediterranean native is hardy and long-lived.
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Heirloom Dill Leafy Diana
EASIEST TO PLANT OUTDOORS
In early spring, sow dill seed directly into well-drained garden soil 1 to 2 inches apart in rows 6 inches apart in full sun and cover seeds 1/4 inch deep. Make small sowings every few weeks to have successive harvests of fresh leaves. Keep seed bed evenly moist while awaiting germination in 7 to 14 days.
TO START INDOORS
Sow dill seed thinly in individual pots of seed starting mix. Cover 1/4 inch deep and keep moist as seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. Provide a good light source. Transplant when seedlings are about 2 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. Don’t let seedlings get crowded before planting outside.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space groups of 2 or 3 seedlings about 4 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Keep plants well watered and thinned; crowded seedlings won’t make the lush growth desired for fresh leaf harvests and will form seed heads too early. Make several successive sowings for plenty of leafy dill fronds followed by seed heads to use for pickles and other savory dishes.
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Nantes Carrots Yaya
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in finely worked, fertile soil. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in rows 8 inches apart, or broadcast thinly in beds and cover lightly. Keep seedbed evenly moist as carrots can be slow to germinate, emerging over 10 to 20 days. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away as seedlings catch up quickly. Be sure to thin young carrots several times so seedlings are about 2 inches apart and have room to size up.
GROWING NOTES
Carrots like well-worked soil and need consistent moisture to grow well. If your soil tends to dry out, cover seedbed with floating row cover or burlap to help retain moisture during the germination period and water right through it. Keep carrots well watered and thinned. For a late season crop, sow again 3 months before first expected frost.
HARVEST AND USE
Let young carrots size up and color fully to orange before harvesting for best flavor. Sauté or steam just until tender crisp and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, sweet butter and fresh dill; or try buttered and glazed with a little maple syrup or honey.
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Heirloom Bulbing Fennel Romanesco
STARTING SEEDLINGS
In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart and cover seed 1/2 inch deep. Carefully thin when seedlings are large enough to handle to stand 10 to 12 inches apart so bulbs have room to grow and mature. Or start seeds indoors in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 or 4 inches tall and ready to transplant as above.
GROWING NOTES
For tender, best quality bulbs, fennel needs rich soil and cool growing weather, so sow seeds as early as the ground can be worked and again in midsummer for fall harvesting. Be sure seedlings are thinned or transplanted 10 to 12 inches apart. Keep plants evenly moist throughout the growing season – mulching is a good strategy. Fennel is a heavy feeder, so fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks with a high nitrogen fertilizer such as fish emulsion.
HARVEST AND USE
When bulbs are full and plump, cut them off at soil level. Trim the feathery leaves down to the solid base. Slice the crispy bulbs and add to salads, or eat with dips, or grill or sauté. The leafy tops are a great seasoning for seafood, especially salmon. Fennel’s flavor is like sweet anise/ celery that becomes deeper and richer with cooking.
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Bonus Pack Gourmet Greens Cat Treats
FOR BEST RESULTS
Fill a 6 inch diameter or larger pot with moistened planting mix. Sprinkle seeds 1/4 inch apart over the surface, cover 1/2 inch deep with mix, and water gently. Keep pot moist but not soggy, and be sure to provide a good light source. The pot of grasses can be kept indoors for pets to graze on at their leisure. Fertilize every 2 weeks using a non-chemical fertilizer, such as fish emulsion.
GROWING NOTES
This generous packet provides more than enough seed for 10 to 12 sowings for consistent fresh greens. The grasses are ready for pets to nibble when the blades are at least a few inches tall, normally in about 10 to 14 days after sowing.
If grasses get too tall and fall over, "mow" them down to 3-4 inches with a pair of scissors. For a constant supply, try sowing 1 pot a week for 2 weeks. Give your pet access to only one pot of grass at a time, and switch pots each week.
When grass does not re-grow vigorously after cutting down and fertilizing, discard and start again with more seeds and soil mix.
DINING IDEAS
Most cats will recognize the grass as a treat right away. To encourage finicky eaters, place the pot beside the kitty's food and spritz it with water. This usually does the trick and cats who newly discover this treat delight in it!
Regular price $8.99Sale price $8.99Unit price / per -
Heirloom Slicing Cucumber Patty’s Marketmore
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat loving cucumbers only when weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 1/2 feet apart and 1 inch deep with 3 feet between rows. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group.
GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow rooted cucumbers need ample and consistent moisture. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruit. Growing cucumber vines up vertical supports gives you long, straight fruits and saves garden space.
HARVEST AND USE
Cut rather than pull fruits from vines before seeds are large inside. Harvest every few days for longest fruit production. These crunchy, sweet cucumbers are perfect to slice and enjoy for refreshing snacks, in salads and sandwiches. Eat within a day or two of picking for best taste and quality.
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Heirloom Container Tomatoes Tasmanian Chocolate
STARTING SEEDLINGS
In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous, early bearing vines 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
TO GROW IN CONTAINERS
Use pots at least 15-18 inches in diameter and 18 inches tall. Use fresh potting mix to prevent soil borne disease. Transplant one seedling per pot. Water regularly: in hot weather, pots may need daily watering. Fertilize every other week with a low nitrogen fertilizer for strong plants and good yields.
GROWING NOTES
Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of full sun every day. Provide strong stakes or wire cages at planting time as plants get heavy with fruit. Mulch plants well to maintain even moisture. Pick fully ripe. Don’t store tomatoes in the fridge.
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Heirloom Turnip Purple Top Milan
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. Carefully thin seedlings early to stand 4-6 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture.
GROWING NOTES
Make a second spring sowing 10 days later, before summer heat. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Sow again mid to late summer for fall harvest.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting when the turnips reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator.
Note: Turnips are always spicier when the weather turns hot. Slice and sauté or steam; use in soups and stews, or (and this is our favorite) just cut them in quarters or large chunks, toss with olive oil, then roast in the oven until tender to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised.
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Red Shallots
(Allium cepa)
Red Shallots reliably produce plump, juicy, teardrop shaped red-skinned bulbs with shiny, coppery-red skins and white flesh with faint red rings. They have a delicious sweet, nutty flavor that shines when sauteed in butter or olive oil, caramelizes beautifully, and they will cook down to add subtle notes that enhance every dish without ever dominating it. Red shallots are nice in cooking with wine and/or a great addition to homemade vinaigrette. These are long keepers: Stores 6-9 months
Smoother and sweeter than either onions or garlic, shallots add special savor and a distinctive finish to dishes that subtly enhances and blends favors without overwhelming them. If onions cause digestive upset, you'll find sweet, nutty, red shallots easier on the stomach. Each individual planting shallot multiplies to produce a large cluster of plump, succulent shallots.
See All Garlic and Shallots
1/2 lb. bag (4-6 full heads)Regular price $17.95Sale price $17.95Unit price / per -
Pole Filet Beans French Emerite
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In late spring, once night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis. Or grow around tripods or stakes, planting 4 to 6 seeds about 4 inches from each pole, then thinning seedlings to 3 best plants per pole.
GROWING NOTES
Beans are an easy and reliable crop, but don’t plant seeds too early; cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are attracted to young seedlings; watch carefully and protect with netting if necessary. Avoid harvesting beans in wet conditions.
HARVEST AND USE
For the best yields, pick beans frequently, at least every 2 or 3 days. Filet beans are meant to be eaten when slender, so harvest pods early, when they are still pencil-thin. These elegant gourmet beans taste best freshly picked and quickly steamed or sautéed. For a delicious salad, quickly cook the beans until just tender crisp, then combine with salad greens and Italian parsley and toss with a simple herb vinaigrette.
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Heirloom Pole Beans Rich Purple Pod
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1½ to 2 feet apart. Make additional sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Tender crispy garden beans are an easy and reliable crop to grow, but don't plant seeds too early as cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.
HARVEST AND USE
These vigorous plants produce strong harvests. The more you pick, the more the plants will produce, and the nitrogen fixing bacteria on the roots of bean plants actually improves your soil. Sow another crop about three weeks after your first planting and you’ll have a welcome second harvest in late summer. Tasty Royalty Purple Pod bean pods will turn green after a few minutes of cooking.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price / per -
Early Heading Broccoli Batavia
BEST TO START INDOORS
Start seeds 4 or 5 weeks before last expected spring frost and again in midsummer for a fall crop. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover 1/2 inch deep and keep evenly moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions, then transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, well-drained soil in full sun.
TO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Space rows 18 inches apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group so plants have room to mature and grow.
GROWING NOTES
Broccoli needs rich, fertile soil and cool growing weather to produce big heads. Prepare soil well and do not let seedlings get too crowded before thinning or transplanting or the heads will be stunted. Keep well watered and weeded. Feed at least monthly with all purpose fertilizer. Use nontoxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) products to repel caterpillar pests as necessary.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest the main head before florets open by cutting about halfway down the stalk. This will encourage numerous side shoots to form for extended picking from each plant.
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Colorful Salad Mustards Ruby & Emerald Streaks
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, sow seeds in finely-worked soil in full sun. Shake seeds from the palm of your hand, broadcasting them about 1/2 inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/4 inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water with a fine spray. Keep seedbed evenly moist. Make small successive sowings until summer weather turns hot for a constant supply. Plant again in late summer for fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
These feathery, lacy plants grow easily in cool weather with consistent moisture and will produce a fast leafy harvest. To extend the sowing season into hot weather, sow in light shade or erect a canopy of loosely woven shade cloth over the bed. Birds are often attracted to tender young seedlings, so protect them if necessary.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method, wait until plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. Cut as much as you need, using scissors to shear off a patch of leaves about 1 to 2 inches above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for more cuttings before summer heat comes on. Enjoy Ruby Red and Emerald Green’s beautiful colors and delicious, mildly spicy mustard flavor in spring and fall salads, on cheese plates and add the pretty, savory leaves to sandwiches and Panini.
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Cut & Come Again Lettuces Renee's Baby Leaf Blend
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, sow seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Shake seeds from the palm of your hand, broadcasting them about a half inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/4 inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water in with a fine spray. Keep seed bed evenly moist. Make small successive sowings until summer weather turns hot for a constant supply. Plant again in late summer for ample fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
This baby leaf blend thrives in mild weather with consistent moisture. To extend the sowing season into hot weather, sow in light shade or erect a canopy of loosely woven shade cloth over the seed bed. Birds are often attracted to tender young seedlings so protect them if necessary.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method, wait until plants are 4 or 5 inches tall. Cut as much as you need, using scissors to shear off a patch of leaves 1 to 2 inches above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more cuttings. Dress with a simple vinaigrette to set off the wonderful colors, diverse fresh flavors and delicate textures of this delicious salad mix.
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Pole Filet Beans French Gold
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In late spring, once night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis. Or grow around tripods or stakes, planting 4 to 6 seeds about 4 inches from each pole, then thinning seedlings to 3 best plants per pole.
GROWING NOTES
Beans are an easy and reliable crop, but don’t plant seeds too early; cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are attracted to young seedlings; watch carefully and protect with netting if necessary. Avoid harvesting beans in wet conditions.
HARVEST AND USE
For the best yields, pick beans frequently, at least every 2 or 3 days. Filet beans are meant to be eaten when pods are slender, so harvest early, when still pencil-thin. These gourmet beans taste best freshly picked and quickly steamed or sautéed. For a beautiful and delicious. salad, blanch beans and toss them with an herbed vinaigrette, then combine with greens and Italian parsley.
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Heirloom Radishes German Giant
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart, in wide rows 6 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.
GROWING NOTES
Sow this quick cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive with crisp flesh and mild flavor when given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.
HARVEST AND USE
Pull young round roots at large marble size. If weather turns hot, harvest, cut off tops and store in fridge. Radishes’ flavor is mildest in cool weather, spicier in hot conditions. Picked young and tender, radishes make crispy snacks and add appealing color and crunch to green salads. Delicious sliced and used for dipping with hummus or other creamy spreads.
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Heirloom Herbs Garlic Chives
PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyTO PLANT DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
In the cool weather of early spring, sow clusters of 7 to 10 seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in well-worked, fertile soil in sun or part shade. Cover 1/4 inch deep and press soil firmly over seeds. Keep evenly moist as seeds germinate slowly over several weeks. Emerging seedlings have slender, straight leaves.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
In early spring, sow seed thinly in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1/2 Inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings slowly emerge and provide a good light source. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before transplanting clusters of 7 to 10 seedlings, planting each cluster 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Garlic chives grow slowly at first, but soon mature into sturdy bright green mounds crowned with pretty white edible blossoms. After bloom finishes, shear entire plant back to 4 inches to encourage regrowth of tender new leaves. These hardy, self-sufficient plants are attractive additions to the flower or herb garden.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price / per -
Heirloom Italian Eggplant Violetta Lunga
BEST TO START INDOORS
In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and warm 80-85°F (27-30°C) and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into deeper individual containers. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Don’t transplant these heat-lovers outdoors until nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C). Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well. Fertilize plants regularly, at least monthly, throughout the growing season.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick when fruits have sized up and are firm fleshed and glossy. Slice and quickly sauté, or cut in half lengthwise, brush with good olive oil and a little chopped garlic, and then roast or grill until soft and succulent. Serve sprinkled with fresh chopped herbs like basil, dill or thyme and grated fresh Parmesan.
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Bonus Pack Heirloom Cilantro
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Can handle light frostsSTART OUTDOORS DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
In early spring, sow cilantro seed directly into well-drained fertile soil 1 to 2 inches apart in wide rows in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seed bed evenly moist as seedlings emerge over 10 to 20 days. Make new sowings every few weeks until mid summer for continuous harvests of fresh leaves. Plant again in cool fall weather. Thin plants 3 to 4 inches apart before they get crowded so seedlings have room to grow.
GROWING AND HARVEST NOTES
To have a consistent supply of fresh leaves, sow wide rows of cilantro seeds successively every 2 weeks from early spring through early summer. Keep your cilantro patch at its best tasting leafy stage longer by thinning seedlings early and keeping plants well watered. Plant again when weather cools for a quick and tasty fall crop. Cilantro plants will inevitably flower and then set seed quickly when plants get mature. Their lacy white blossoms attract beneficial insects, butterflies and pollinating bees to the garden. The fragrant round seeds that follow the flowers are called coriander, a wonderfully aromatic spice used in baking.Regular price $8.99Sale price $8.99Unit price / per -
Gourmet Bibb Lettuce Matilda
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart and cover lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin out extra seedlings, leaving remaining plants standing 10 to 12 inches apart so they have room to size up and mature into full heads. For a constant supply, make several sowings 10 days apart before summer heat comes on. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and be sure to thin carefully to proper spacing so seedlings have room to grow into full size heads. If birds are attracted to young seedlings, cover with floating row covers or netting. Make a shade structure in hotter climates to extend the growing season.
HARVEST AND USE
Keep growing plants evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. Savor young lettuce thinnings in your first spring salads. Harvest mature heads of these sweet crunchy leaves when they feel firm and well-filled out. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as leaves turn bitter at this stage.
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Pole Beans Early Spanish Musica
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles, or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis, or if planting around tripods or stakes, plant 4 to 6 seeds 4 inches from each pole, thinning seedlings to 3 best plants.
GROWING NOTES
Tender, crispy beans are an easy, reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant too early, as weather under 50°F (10°C) prevents good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.
HARVEST AND USE
Musica vines are heavy bearing, so harvest often: the more you pick, the more beans plants will produce. Harvest when beans are 7-9 inches long, but before seeds are swelled in pods. Slice up and cook just until tender to enjoy their sweet nutty flavor and juicy texture. Serve hot, or let the cooked beans cool, then toss with herbed vinaigrette for a delicious green bean salad.
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Heirloom Kale Lacinato "Dinosaur"
TO START SEEDS DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, plant in well-drained, fertile garden soil in full sun. Sow seeds 2 in. apart in rows 12 in. apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist. When seedlings are 3 in. tall, thin to 10-12 in. apart. Sow again in late summer.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds 2 in. apart and 1/2 in. deep in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings reach 3 to 4 in. tall, then plant outdoors 10 to 12 in. apart.
GROWING NOTES
Kale tastes best in cool weather, so sow spring crops early. A late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaf color, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 leaves. Vitamin-rich kale is delicious with stems removed and leaves cut in very thin strips for fresh salads with nuts and fruit. Braise with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Enjoy in hearty winter soups, stews and sautés. Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom as flowering plants get tough and bitter.
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Chantenay Carrots Short Stuff
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in finely worked, fertile soil. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in rows 8 inches apart, or broadcast seeds thinly in beds and cover lightly.
Keep seed bed evenly moist as carrots can be slow to germinate, emerging over 10 to 21 days. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away as seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young carrots several times so seedlings are 2 to 3 inches apart and have room to size up.
GROWING NOTES
Carrots like well worked soil and need consistent moisture to grow well. If your soil tends to dry out, cover seedbed with floating row covers to help retain moisture during the germination period. Keep carrots well weeded throughout the growing season. Plant again 3 months before first expected fall frost for a late crop.
HARVEST AND USE
Let carrots size up to 4 to 5 inches long before pulling for best sweet flavor. Enjoy raw, sliced up as tasty fresh snacks, or sauté, steam, stirfry or braise. Cut in chunks and toss with oil, then roast until tender and sprinkle with fresh herbs, just before serving.
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