Vegetables
Set The Table From Your Garden
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Snacking Carrots Rotild
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 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.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
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.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Bush Beans Classic Slenderette
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures 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 several sowings 2 weeks apart until the end of June to provide continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Tender crispy garden beans are an easy 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
The vigorous plants bear strong harvests of top quality pods that hold well without getting stringy. 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. Slenderette beans are wonderful for quick cooking, they freeze well, or use them to make jars of tasty pickled dilly beans.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
French Baby Carrots Babette
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 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 these baby carrots color up to orange before harvesting for best flavor. Pull as babies or let fully size up. 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.
Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price per -
Early Bicolor Corn Bon Jour
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures 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 to 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of 4 side-by-side rows, each row at least 1 foot apart. Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart when several inches tall. Protect from marauding birds if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Make several sowings 2 or 3 weeks apart until early June to have successive harvests.
GROWING NOTES
There is no need to isolate Bon Jour from other varieties, but plant seeds in blocks of at least 4 parallel rows to ensure good wind pollination and well filled out ears. Corn is a heavy feeder, so add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil at sowing time, and then fertilize when young plants are 7 to 8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.
HARVEST AND USE
Well filled out ears of corn are ready to eat when the silks are very dark brown and dried out. Test by choosing a plump ear and peeling back the husk very slightly. The kernels should be tender and milky when slit with a fingernail. Bon Jour is a SE corn, so the tender crisp kernels will hold their sweetness after harvest.
Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price per -
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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Heirloom Eggplants Asian Mix
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 throughout the season.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick when fruits have sized up and are firm fleshed and glossy. Slice 1/2 inch thick, brush with olive oil and broil until tender. Then layer with a rich tomato sauce, fresh herbs and several cheeses to make Eggplant Parmesan. Bake whole in a hot oven, then scoop out flesh and mash with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and chopped parsley for a savory dip to serve on toasted pita bread.
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Fresh Soy Beans Edamame
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C), sow in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to final spacing of 6 inches apart. Make several sowings a few weeks apart until the end of June or early July to provide successive harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Edamame is easy and reliable to grow, but wait until weather warms before planting; cold and/or wet conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings catch up quickly. Be sure to thin to final 6 inch spacing for best pod production. Birds are often attracted to young seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row cover if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants when wet.
HARVEST AND USE
As edamame ripen, the beans swell in the pods. Pick promptly when pods are plump and beans are almost touching each other inside the pods but before the pods turn yellow. When ripe, harvest is concentrated over a short period. To prepare: cook unopened pods in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 to 4 minutes or just until the beans in pods are tender. Drain and serve hot or cold, sprinkled with coarse salt to taste.
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Portuguese Kale Tronchuda Beira
TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds, each group 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover 1/4 deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. Thin to one seedling per group when several inches tall. Sow again in mid to late summer for another cold-hardy crop.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, then plant outdoors. Space 12 to 18 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Kale can be sown in spring as early as the ground can be worked. A second mid to late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaves’ 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 large individual outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 big leaves. Enjoy sautéed, stirfried, braised or added to soups and stews. Portuguese kale pairs well with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice (reneesgarden.com/portuguese-kale-soup). Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom as the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.
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Dutch Beets Red Baron
START SEEDS DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
In early spring, when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 8 to 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Firming soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds will ensure best germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, sow more seeds as seedlings will catch up fast. When large enough to handle, carefully thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart so growing beets have room to size up.
GROWING NOTES
For best quality, tender roots, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in late summer to early fall — in cold climates, allow at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the season. Be sure to thin seedlings several times when plants are small, as beets grow best if given enough room.
HARVEST AND USE
These vigorous hybrids are fast growing. After thinning seedlings, use tender young tops for nutritious, flavorful steamed greens. Harvest baby beets at 1 to 2 inches in diameter, or let roots grow as large as desired. Garden fresh beets cook quickly. They are delicious steamed, boiled or baked whole in their skins like potatoes, then peeled for wonderful color and sweet concentrated flavor.
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Heirloom Slicing Cucumber Straight Eight
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. Or make slightly mounded hills 5 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants.
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, saves garden space and makes them easy to harvest.
HARVEST AND USE
Cut rather than pull fruits from vines before seeds are large inside. Harvest every few days for longest fruit production. These juicy, tender 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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Yellow & Orange Carrots Sunshine Mix
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 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 seedlings several times so they are 2 to 3 inches apart and have room to size up.
GROWING NOTES
Carrots like well-worked soil and need consistent moisture. If your soil dries out fast, cover seed bed 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 at least 5 to 6 inches and turn deep orange or golden yellow before harvesting for best sweet flavor. Eat raw, sauté, or lightly steam. Set off their flavor with fresh lemon or orange juice and a sprinkling of minced herbs. Or glaze with a little honey and ginger or cinnamon. Fresh mint leaves are a pretty and tasty garnish.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
Long Harvest Broccoli All Season Blend
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 ½ 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, transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, well-drained soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.
TO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant groups of 2-3 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 yield.
GROWING NOTES
Broccoli needs rich soil and cool growing weather to produce big heads. Prepare soil well and do not let seedlings get too crowded before transplanting or you will stunt heads. Keep well watered and weeded and feed 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 smaller side shoots to form for extended picking from each plant.
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French Bush Bean Roc d'Or
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 11/2 to 2 feet apart. Make successive 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. The nitrogen fixing nodules on the roots of bean plants actually improve your soil. Sow another crop about three weeks after your first planting and you’ll have a welcome second harvest in late summer.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Bicolor Corn Luscious
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures 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 to 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of 4 side-by-side rows, each row at least 1 foot apart. Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart when several inches tall. Protect from marauding birds if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Make several sowings 2 or 3 weeks apart until early June to have successive harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Corn is a heavy feeder, so add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil at sowing time. There is no need to isolate Luscious from other varieties, but plant seeds in blocks of at least 4 parallel rows to ensure good wind pollination and well filled out ears. Fertilize when young plants are 7 to 8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.
HARVEST AND USE
Well filled out ears of corn are ready to eat when the silks are very dark brown but not dried out. Test by choosing a plump ear and peeling back the husk very slightly. The kernels should be tender and milky when slit with a fingernail. Luscious is a SE corn, so the tender crisp kernels will hold their sweetness after harvest.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Beets Traditional Chioggia
START SEEDS DIRECTLY 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 8-10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Firming soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds will ensure best germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, sow more seeds as seedlings will catch up fast. When large enough to handle, carefully thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart so growing beets have room to size up.
GROWING NOTES
For best quality, tender roots, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in late summer to early fall — in cold climates, allow at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the season. Be sure to thin seedlings several times when plants are small, as beets grow best if given enough room.
HARVEST AND USE
After thinning seedlings, use tender young tops for nutritious, flavorful steamed greens. Harvest baby beets at 1 to 2 inches in diameter, or let roots grow as large as desired. Garden fresh beets cook quickly. They are delicious steamed, boiled or baked whole in their skins like potatoes, then peeled for concentrated flavor. Chioggia beets are especially mild and sweet tasting.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Italian Heirloom Kale Lacinato
TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. Sow again in late summer for another cold-hardy crop.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall then plant outdoors. Space 10 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature.
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 leaves’ 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 in hearty winter soups, stews and sautés; or braise the beautiful leaves with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom since the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.
Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit 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 -
Gourmet Collards Green Flash
TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds, each group 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover 1/4 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. When several inches tall, thin to 1 seedling per group so plants have growing room. Mulch growing plants well to retain moisture. Keep well weeded and watered. Sow again in mid to late summer for another cold hardy crop.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall then plant outdoors when danger of frost is over. Transplant seedlings into rich, fertile soil 12 to18 inches apart.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting large individual outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 big leaves. Enjoy tasty and highly nutritious collards cooked up in traditional Southern style. Or, chop the leaves and wilt them briefly in hot olive oil with garlic, then add little stock and cook until just tender, sprinkling with fresh lemon juice before serving.
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Tricolor Bush Beans Gold, Purple & Green
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures 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 several sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Tender crispy garden beans are an easy 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
Pick beans frequently to encourage plants to continue making new blossoms and pods. For best eating, harvest beans when they are slender and before the seeds inside the pods have filled out. Enjoy tender-crisp beans quickly steamed or sautéed to serve hot, or toss all three colors in an herbal vinaigrette. Cooked beans combine well with squash, carrots, or corn, accented with fresh chopped dill or thyme for pretty summer meals.
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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.
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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.
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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 -
Crafter's Gourds Bottles & Bowls
BEST TO START SEEDS INDOORS
Several weeks before last spring frost date, sow seeds 1 inch deep in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist while awaiting germination and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are well-established and night temps. stay above 50°F (10°C), acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant at sunny garden edges to ramble, or 12 inches apart along a sturdy fence or trellis to form a lush canopy.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Start seeds outdoors only in areas with a very long growing season. Plant after night temps. stay above 50°F (10°C). In full sun, sow 2 or 3 seeds 1 inch deep and in groups spaced 12 inches apart and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to 1 or 2 strongest seedlings per group. Or plant 6 to 8 seeds in hills 8 feet apart, thinning to 3 or 4 per hill and allowing vines to ramble.
GROWING NOTES
Gourds need full sun, very rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. For earliest and best yields, hand-pollinate gourds: break off a blooming male flower and dust pollen onto fresh female flowers (the ones with small fruits at the base). Repeat as new flowers appear. Pollinated fruits start growing larger within several days.
HARVEST AND USE
Gourds are mature when the tendril next to stem has turned brown and rinds are tough. Harvest with several inches of stem. Dry gourds in a well-ventilated place. Once fully cured, (which can take several months) gourds are light for their size and seeds will rattle inside. Molds often develop on the surface, but do no harm. Discard gourds that rot or are soft and wrinkled.
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