Great in Containers
Great In Containers
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Mini Cantaloupe Sugar Cube
STARTING SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS
Melons need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and settled and temperatures stay above 50° (10°C). In rows 4 feet apart, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds every 2 feet. After germination, thin to the strongest seedling per group, so you end up with one plant every 2 feet. Or make slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin to 3 strongest plants.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist, and provide a strong light source until weather warms enough to transplant outdoors.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Where summers are short or cool, lay down black plastic to retain heat, and plant into holes made in plastic. Where insects are a problem, cover seedlings with floating row covers to exclude them, removing when plants blossom. Keep young vines well watered and fed, tapering off water as fruits ripen up.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick when little melons are fully colored, fragrant and “slip” or pull easily from the vines. With their abundant fruits, small size and sweet, deep orange flesh, Sugar Cubes are true summer treats – the whole family will enjoy these delicious personal sized melons!Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price per -
Pollinator Flowers White Lace Orlaya
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frostBEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Broadcast seed thinly, 2-3 inches apart, into a finely textured garden bed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. Cover lightly, no more than 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil moist. Weed and water seedlings carefully. Thin to final spacing before they get crowded.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Sow seeds thinly in a container or individual pots of seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep evenly moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outdoors. Transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots.
GROWING NOTES
Space seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.
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Container Tomato Prairie Fire
STARTING SEEDLINGS
In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds ¼ 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, semi-determinate, early bearing vines 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Transplant one seedling per container; minimum pot size should be 18 to 20 inches in diameter and 18 inches high. Use fresh potting mix to prevent soil-borne disease. Water regularly: containers may need water daily in hot weather. Fertilize every other week with a liquid, all-purpose vegetable fertilizer for strong plants and good yields.
HARVEST AND USE
Plant seedlings several inches deeper than they were in seed starter. Provide strong 3 feet stakes or tall wire cages at planting time as plants get heavy with fruits and need support. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Pollinator Flowers Patio Pastels Lavatera
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom.
Frost tender.EASY TO PLANT OUTDOORS
After danger of frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in well-worked soil. Space seeds 2 inches apart, cover very lightly, gently firm soil and water carefully. Keep seedbed evenly moist. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to final spacing. For Containers: space 6 inches apart. In Garden Beds: space 14-18 inches apart.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover very lightly. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant when seedlings are several inches tall.
CONTAINER GROWING
Big framed, bushy Lavertera plants need sizable pots, 16-18 inches tall and 14-16 inches in diameter. Use fresh, moistened potting soil. Check often: in hot weather, plants may need daily watering.
GROWING NOTES
Give these bushy, 2-2 1/2 foot tall plants enough room to flower freely. Water regularly and support long blooming by feeding with an all-purpose flower fertilizer every few weeks. Lavatera’s cheerful pink and white chalice-shaped flowers attract and feed bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. They also make long-lasting bouquet flowers.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
Early Jalapeño Chile Bubba
STARTING SEEDLINGS
In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before night temperatures stay reliably 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 80-85°F (27-30°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 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 week until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Jalapeños need warm conditions. Don’t transplant outdoors until night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C). Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots. Mulch plants to maintain even soil moisture. Keep well weeded, watered and fertilized.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest, cut rather than pull fruits from the plants when deep glossy green or fully colored to red. Enjoy Jalapeños fresh or roast and remove skins. Use freely in all kinds of fresh salsas, sauces, fajitas and marinades. Jalapeños are great pickled or stuffed with cheese for chile “poppers.”Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price perNew -
Baby Turnips Pastel Duo
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded.
GROWING NOTES
Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart for successive harvests until summer heat comes on. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Be sure to sow again in late summer for productive harvests in cool fall weather.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest these sweet baby turnips from when they are as big as walnuts to when they are the size of ping-pong balls. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator. Turnips will be spicier in hot weather.
These pearly-white and pretty pink baby turnips are delicious sliced raw into green salads, or you can steam or sauté them briefly, or toss in oil and roast whole to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised.
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Petite Violas Fairyland
PERENNIAL GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring bloom
Can handle frostBEST TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
In Mild Winter Climates, sow seeds in fall and they will form deep roots over winter for a long spring bloom.
In Cold Winter Areas, sow in spring as soon as soil can be worked.
Violas can handle light frosts and bloom best when they get a good start in cool spring weather. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in well-drained soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Be patient; germination takes 14 to 21 days. When large enough to handle, thin or transplant seedlings to 4 to 5 inches apart.
To Start Early Indoors: Sow seeds 1 inch apart in seed starting mix, 8 to 10 weeks before last frost. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source until ready to plant outside when weather warms up. Transplant 4 to 5 inches apart when large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
These carefree plants are covered with cheerful flowers throughout spring and early summer. After initial flowering, cut plants back to several inches tall for another flush of bloom if the weather is not too hot. The dainty edible blossoms taste of wintergreen. They make great garnishes and are also perfect for candying.Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price perNew -
Gai Lan/Chinese Broccoli Early Jade
START SEEDS DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
In very early spring as soon as ground can be worked, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, thin to stand 4 to 6 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Sow Gai Lan in cool early spring weather, about the same time as you plant turnips and radishes. Consistent moisture, early thinning and an adequate supply of nitrogen will encourage the quick growth needed to produce thick, juicy stalks of leaves and flower buds. Use non-toxic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) products to control caterpillar pests as necessary. Make several sowings a week apart for a continuous harvest. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest both leaves and flowering stalks at 7 to 8 inches tall, when stalks are still tender. After cutting, water plants and feed with fish emulsion solution to get a second harvest in a few weeks.
Enjoy the broccoli-like flavor of vitamin-rich Gai Lan by quickly stirfrying with ginger and garlic. Oyster or black bean sauce and a spritz of toasted sesame oil and hot sauce are other tasty additions..
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price perNew -
Baby Mesclun Lettuces Cut and Come Again
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 seedbed 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 mesclun mix 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
Begin harvesting by the “cut and come again” method when plants are 4 or 5 inches tall. Cut as much lettuce 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 enjoy the sweet flavor and juicy texture of these delicate young leaves at their best.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Round Baby Carrots Romeo
START SEEDS DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
In spring, once danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in a container of fresh potting soil. To have enough soil surface and volume, containers should be at least 16 to 18 inches in diameter and 8 to 12 inches deep. Sow seeds carefully 1/2 inch apart and then cover very lightly.
Keep the seedbed evenly moist as carrots can be slow to germinate, emerging over 10 to 20 days. Germinating carrots need consistent moisture; a good trick is to cover the soil surface with floating row cover to help retain moisture during the germination period and water right through it. Take off the cover as soon as you see sprouts.
GROWING NOTES
Thin carrots several times so seedlings are 2 inches apart and have room to size up for harvest. Keep well watered for best growth and flavor. For a late season crop, sow again 3 months before first expected frost.when plants are young. Mulch well to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest at about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter for best flavor. Steam whole, then toss with butter and fresh chopped dill, parsley or chives. Or toss with butter, salt lightly and add a little brown sugar or maple syrup.
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Container Eggplant Little Prince
BEST TO START INDOORS
In early spring, start indoors about six to eight weeks before night temperatures reach 55° (13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in containers of seed starting mix. Keep moist and warm, 80-85°F (27-29°C) and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4-inch pots. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm, then gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions.
Transplant In Pots: Plant 1 to a pot 12 inches across and deep, or plant several seedlings 8 inches apart in larger containers at least 16 to 18 inches across and deep.
In Garden Beds: Amend soil with compost or aged manure, then plant in full sun 2 feet apart.
GROWING NOTES
Transplant outdoors only when nights are securely above 55° (13°C). For containers, always use new, high quality potting mix. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch them well. Feed regularly every few weeks throughout the season with good all-purpose fertilizer.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick often from productive plants when fruits size up glossy and firm-fleshed and before skins get dull. Enjoy these handy-sized eggplants halved or in thick slices sautéed with garlic and herbs or grilled to succulence on the barbeque.
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Dutch Beets Baby Ball
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep in rows 8 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed in the rows as seedlings will catch up fast. Carefully thin when seedlings are large enough to handle to 3 to 4 inches apart so roots have room to grow and mature.
GROWING NOTES
For tender, best quality beets, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in early fall at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Be sure to thin beet seedlings carefully several times as they grow best when given enough room.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest baby beets at 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, or let some mature into full-sized beets. Briefly steam the tender-sweet tops for tasty greens. Freshly picked baby beets will cook very quickly; just steam, then peel and serve them with a little sweet butter and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh dill leaf. Or try your own pickled baby beets!
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Honey-Scented Alyssum Gulf Winds
HARDY ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Can handle frostEASIEST TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Plant in early spring in well worked garden soil in a sunny spot. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart and barely cover. Keep evenly moist while awaiting germination. Seedlings will grow into a carpet of fine textured leaves, followed by a blanket of soft flowers.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost in a large container. Broadcast seeds 1/2 to 1 inch apart. When seedlings are well established and the danger of frost is over, separate clusters of 4 to 5 seedlings and plant each cluster 3 to 5 inches apart in the garden.
GROWING NOTES
Given ordinary garden soil and even moisture, Gulf Winds grows and blooms quickly, but will stay compact. After the first flush of intense flowering is over, cut plants half way to re-bloom abundantly. In mild winter areas, sow again in the fall around bulbs, in containers, or to cover bare areas. Plants will grow and overwinter to bloom all spring in a pretty carpet of pastel shades.
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Honey-Scented Alyssum Summer Peaches
HARDY ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Can handle frostEASIEST TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Plant in early spring in well worked soil in a sunny spot. Sow 1/2 inch apart and barely cover. Keep evenly moist while awaiting germination. Seedlings will create a carpet of fine textured leaves, followed by a blanket of soft, airy flowers.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost in a large seed flat. Broadcast seeds 1/2 to 1 inch apart. To transplant, separate clusters of 4 to 5 seedlings and plant each cluster several inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Given ordinary garden soil and even moisture, Summer Peaches grows easily and blooms profusely just 6 to 8 weeks from sowing. Plants stay compact and don’t get rangy. After the first flush of intense flowering is over, cut plants back halfway to re-bloom abundantly. In mild winter areas, sow Summer Peaches alyssum in the fall around bulbs, in containers or to cover bare areas. Plants overwinter to bloom all spring in a pretty carpet of pastel shades.Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Signature Salads California Spicy Greens
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 to 1 inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/4inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water in 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 zesty flavored salad greens taste best given consistent moisture and mild weather. To extend the growing season into hot weather, sow in light shade or erect a canopy of loosely woven shade cloth over the bed and water regularly. 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 3 or 4 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. Mix these piquant baby greens with lettuces and fragrant herbs in proportions you prefer.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Pan-Pacific Greens Renee's Stirfry Mix
BEST TO START DIRECTLY 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 a half inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/2 inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water in with a fine spray. Keep seedbed evenly moist. Make small successive sowings until summer weather turns really hot for a constant supply. Plant again in late summer for fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
Our crunchy stir-fry mix tastes best given consistent moisture and mild weather conditions. Marauding birds are often attracted to tender young seedlings, so protect them if necessary with netting or floating row covers. Sown in a big container, these mixed leafy greens will make an ornamental and edible “color bowl” to snip and stir-fry as needed.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method, wait until plants are 6 to 7 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. Sizzle these crunchy, succulent Asian greens in a quick stir-fry, or pick them earlier at 3 to 4 inches for tender young additions to colorful salads.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Gourmet Mesclun Salad Asian Baby Leaf
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
This mix will thrive 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 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 several more cuttings. Dress with a simple vinaigrette to enjoy the sweet flavor and juicy texture of these delicate young leaves at their best. For this Asian mix, try using rice vinegar and a touch of soy sauce and garlic in your vinaigrette.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Greens Cut & Come Again Mustards
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
This mix will thrive 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 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 several more cuttings. Sauté leaves quickly in olive oil with a little chopped garlic or steam and finish with a splash of hot sauce or rice vinegar.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Greens Quick Stirfry Blend
BEST TO START DIRECTLY 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 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 seedbed evenly moist. Make small successive sowings until summer weather turns really hot for a constant supply. Plant again in late summer for fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
Our crunchy stir-fry mix tastes best given consistent moisture and mild weather conditions. Marauding birds are often attracted to tender young seedlings, so protect them if necessary with netting or floating row covers. Sown in a big container, these mixed leafy greens will make an ornamental and edible “color bowl” to snip and stir-fry as needed.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method, wait until plants are 6 to 7 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. Sizzle these crunchy, succulent Asian greens in a quick stir-fry, or pick them earlier at 3 to 4 inches for tender young additions to colorful salads.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Crunchy Lettuce Trio Blush Batavians
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool, early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart or broadcast thinly in beds and cover lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin seedlings to stand 10 to 12 inches apart to allow heads room to mature. Make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot for a constantly maturing supply. Plant again in late summer for fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives best in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and thin carefully for best quality heads. If birds are attracted to young seedlings, cover them with floating row covers or netting.
HARVEST AND USE
Savor earliest thinnings in spring salads. Then harvest by cutting entire mature heads or picking outside leaves after plants are well established. To extend planting into hotter weather, sow new seeds in containers in light shade. Transplant seedlings into the garden, shading for a few days and harvest heads while still young. Tasty French Batavian lettuces form heavy rosettes of big crunchy leaves that tolerate both hot and cold weather well. Enjoy them with any kind of dressing from a simple vinaigrette to a rich, creamy Gorgonzola. Their crispy texture is also perfect in sandwiches or tacos.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
