Vertical Gardening
-
Japanese Slicing Tomato Mandarin Cross
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 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant, then gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. When nights reach 55°F (10°C), transplant 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don't overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
HARVEST AND USE
For best flavor, pick fully ripe and don’t store in the refrigerator. These richly colored, meltingly tender tomatoes are hard to resist straight out of the garden. Cut into thick slices and serve with a little feta or goat cheese and chopped fresh dill or basil, then drizzle with olive oil for an irresistible summer treat.Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Mexican Tomatillos Two Color Fiesta
BEST TO START INDOORS
In early spring, start indoors about 6 weeks 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 containers of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy and very warm 75-80°F (24-27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4 inch individual pots. 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 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun once nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C).
GROWING NOTES
Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Provide strong stakes or wire cages at planting time, or tomatillos can spread over the ground if you have lots of space; they are vining plants similar to tomato vines. Mulch well to keep fruit clean and conserve moisture; don't overwater once fruits begin to ripen.
HARVEST AND USE
At first, tomatillo fruits look like little green balloons. As the fruit inside sizes up, they resemble cherry tomatoes surrounded by a papery husk. Pick when plump fruits fill out the husks and begin to break open, usually at 1 to 1 1/2 inches, but before fruits begin to turn yellow or soften.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Climbing Summer Squash Trombetta di Albenga
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C). Train vigorous Trombetta vines up 6 to 8 foot stakes or a fence or trellis where they will make a lush leafy arbor or canopy and save garden space. Plant in full sun, sowing groups of 2-3 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to the strongest seedling for each pole or to 12 inches apart along a fence.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Thin properly to get best quality fruits and highest yield. As young plants grow, tie them to supports.
HARVEST AND USE
Softly curved, lime-green Trombetta squashes are best harvested no longer than 10 to 12 inches long and as thick around as cucumbers. Sauté or stuff them, or use in any of your favorite summer squash recipes. Cook until just tender to enjoy their fine flavor and texture.Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
Heirloom French Zucchini Ronde de Nice
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Zucchinis need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart. When seedlings have 4 leaves, thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter, sowing 4 or 5 seeds in each hill. Thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 or 3 strongest plants.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly – you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest Ronde de Nice as delicate babies when they reach just 1 or 2 inches in diameter or let grow to no more than 4 to 5 inches to enjoy best flavor and texture. Cook the little globes until just tender in a little butter and chicken broth and add your favorite chopped fresh herbs. Hollow out bigger squashes and chop up flesh, then combine with your favorite stuffing ingredients, fill the shells and bake to savory perfection.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Beefsteak Tomato Big Beef
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 indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
HARVEST AND USE
For best flavor, pick these beauties fully red-ripe and don’t store them in the refrigerator. These big, juicy beefsteak tomatoes are memorable in sandwiches or simply slice and enjoy with a pinch of salt and drizzle of good olive oil.
Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price per -
Tricolor Pattypan Squash Summer Scallop Trio
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 1 1/2 feet apart in rows 2 feet apart. When several inches long, thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet apart. Sow 5 to 6 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in each hill. When seedlings are several inches long, thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 strongest plants so they have ample room to grow.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest scallops when no more than 2 to 3 inches across for best flavor and tenderness. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new squashes instead of maturing large, tough and pithy ones. Steam or stir fry the little pattypans and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like chives, basil, finely snipped dill or lemon basil. Cook and toss all 3 jewel-toned squashes with freshly ground pepper, butter and grated Parmesan.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with green plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.Regular price $4.39Sale price $4.39Unit price per -
Heirloom French Pumpkins Cinderella's Carriage
BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when night temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make circular soil mounds 3 feet across. Plant 6 seeds, 6 inches apart in center of each mound. Thin to the strongest 3 seedlings in each mound, so vigorous vines have room to grow and fruit.
GROWING NOTES
Plant pumpkins where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. Give vines ample water and feed several times for best yields.
HARVEST AND USE
These big plump beauties need to mature properly before harvest. Wait to pick until their rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving good stem handles. Let cure in the sun for 10 days then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months. Steam or bake the rich orange flesh for baked goods, soups or casseroles. Or hollow out the inside and use the ornamental pumpkin whole as a show-stopping serving dish for soup or stew.Regular price $4.39Sale price $4.39Unit price per -
Holiday Mix Pumpkins Autumn Gold & Spookie
BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Wait to plant until temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) day and night. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group to give vines room to spread.
Or, make slightly mounded hills 2 to 3 feet across and 8 ft. apart and plant 4 to 5 seeds of one variety in each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, thin to 3 seedlings per hill. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before young plants get crowded.
HARVEST AND USE
All pumpkins need to mature properly, so wait to pick until rinds are fully colored and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail and vines have died back. Then cut, leaving a good stem handle. Let them cure for 10 days in the sun, then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months.
Carve Autumn Gold into happy or scary holiday faces and use Spookie pumpkins for smaller Jack O’Lanterns or bake them up into sweet spicy pie or savory soups.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Sweet Winter Squash Delicata
BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Make slightly mounded growing hills 2 to3 feet apart. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 8 inches apart, 4 seeds per hill. Thin seedlings to leave the 2 strongest plants per hill so vines will have room to grow and mature.
GROWING NOTES
Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded.
HARVEST AND USE
Delicata needs the full growing season to mature properly. When rinds are tough enough to resist a fingernail, cut fruits from vines with a good stem. Let them cure for 10 days in the sun, then store in a cool dry place. Delicatas should be eaten within 6 weeks of harvest for best flavor. To prepare, simply cut in half and bake, or skin and sauté the sweet flesh to serve with butter and a sprinkling of salt. Add a pinch of sage or thyme for an herbal accent. Or bake with a little butter, cinnamon and honey.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Carving & Pie Pumpkins Spookie
BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Wait to plant until temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) day and night. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group to give vines room to spread. Or, make circular soil mounds 2 to 3 feet across and 8 ft. apart and plant 4 to 5 seeds in each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, thin to 3 seedlings per hill. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before young plants get crowded.
HARVEST AND USE
Pumpkins need to mature properly, so wait to pick until rinds are fully colored and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail and vines have died back. Then cut, leaving a good stem handle. Let pumpkins cure for 10 days in the sun, then store in a cool dry place and they'll keep for months. Carve Spookies into happy or scary holiday faces or bake them up into sweet spicy pies, cakes, cookies or savory soups.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Pumpkins Rouge Vif d'Etampes
BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make circular soil mounds 3 feet across. Plant 6 seeds, 6 inches apart in center of each mound. Thin to the strongest 3 seedlings in each mound, so vigorous vines have room to grow and fruit.
GROWING NOTES
Plant pumpkins where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. Give vines ample water and feed several times for best yields.
HARVEST AND USE
These big plump beauties need to mature properly before harvest. Wait to pick until their rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving good stem handles. Let cure in the sun for 10 days then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months. Steam or bake the rich orange flesh for baked goods, soups or casseroles. Or hollow out the inside and use the ornamental pumpkin whole as a show-stopping serving dish for soup or stew.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Italian Zucchini Romanesco
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Summer squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart, in rows 3 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter and 3 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. When seedlings are several inches long, thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 strongest plants per hill.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with green plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.
HARVEST AND USE
For succulent texture and best flavor, pick Romanesco when no more than 6 to 8 inches long. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits over a longer season. Slice lengthwise, brush with olive oil and grill until tender, then sprinkle with your favorite chopped herbs. Or combine chunks of Romanesco, onion, peppers and whole garlic cloves, toss with a little oil and bake in the oven until tender.Regular price $4.39Sale price $4.39Unit price per -
Winter Squash Duo Early Butternut & Delicata
BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Squash needs full sun, rich, fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Make slightly mounded growing hills 2 to 3 feet apart. Plant varieties separately, 1 inch deep, 8 inches apart, 4 seeds per hill. Thin seedlings to leave the 2 strongest plants per hill so vines will have room to grow and mature.
GROWING NOTES
Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded.
HARVEST AND USE
Winter squash needs the full growing season to mature properly so it will keep for winter eating. When rinds are tough enough to resist a fingernail, cut fruits from vines with a good stem. Let them cure for 1 week in the sun, then store in a cool dry place. Enjoy Delicata first as they don’t store as long as Early Butternut, which stay in excellent eating condition for several months. Simply cut in half and bake or skin and sauté the sweet flesh to serve with a little butter and a sprinkling of salt or add a pinch of sage or thyme for an herbal accent.
Regular price $4.39Sale price $4.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Watermelon Moon & Stars
STARTING SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS
Melons need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and nights stay above 50°F (10°C). Make slightly rounded hills 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart. Sow 5 or 6 seeds 1 inch deep in a small circle in top of each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, be sure to thin them out, leaving only the 3 strongest plants to grow and mature in each hill.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
No more than 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 (see above).
GROWING NOTESAmend soil well with aged manure or compost. If summers are short or cool, put down black plastic to retain heat, then 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 as fruits ripen up for best sweet flavor.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. Watermelons keep well in the refrigerator, even after being cut open.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Shelling Peas Sabre
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, and 2 feet apart. Provide supports at planting time; vines grow 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. Protect seedlings from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet, cold early spring weather may affect germination, so if first sowing doesn’t come up evenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest only when peas are well developed in their pods. Crack open the pods by pushing on the edge of the pod to open, then scoop out the delectable peas. When garden fresh, peas really are at their most delicious simply eaten raw right from their pods–kids especially love them! Or briefly steam the shelled peas just until tender, then serve with a dollop of butter or sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint, dill or lemon thyme.
GROWING NOTES
Provide netting, trellis or short stakes at planting time to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ash into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Snow Peas Oregon Sugar Pod II
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as soil can be worked, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Sow seeds in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.GROWING NOTES
Use netting or wire trellis or short tree branches stuck into the ground to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered, and mulch to conserve moisture.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick peas frequently when pods are fully formed but still flat with tiny immature peas. Snow peas are delicious in stir-fries with ginger, soy sauce and garlic, but cook very quickly, just until they turn a deeper green color. Or enjoy the juicy pods as you pick them fresh from the vines.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Sugar Snap Peas Super Sugar Snap
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 5 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest only when peas are mature and round in the thick-walled, juicy pods for the best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, pull strings from pods and sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green color.
GROWING NOTES
Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Snap Peas Sugar Daddy
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2 to 3 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.HARVEST AND USE
Harvest only when peas are mature and round in the thick walled, juicy pods for the best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green color.GROWING NOTES
Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Watermelon Doll Babies
STARTING SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS
Melons need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and nights stay above 50°F (10°C). Make slightly rounded hills 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart. Sow 5 or 6 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in a small circle in top of each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, be sure to thin them out, leaving only the 3 strongest plants to grow and mature in each hill.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
No more than 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 (see above).
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. If summers are short or cool, put down black plastic to retain heat, then 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 as fruits ripen up for best sweet flavor.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. Watermelons keep well in the refrigerator, even after being cut open.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Edible Pod Snow Peas Oregon Giant
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as soil can be worked, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Sow seeds in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2-3 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.
GROWING NOTES
Use netting or wire trellis or short tree branches stuck into the ground to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered, and mulch to conserve moisture.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick frequently when pods are fully formed but still flat with tiny immature peas. Snow peas are delicious in stirfries with ginger, soy sauce and garlic. Cook very quickly, just until pods turn a deeper green color. Or simply enjoy the juicy pods fresh off the vines.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Icebox Watermelons Rainbow Sherbet
STARTING SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS
Melons need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Plant only after night temperatures are above 55°F (13°C). Make slightly rounded hills 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart. Sow 5 or 6 seeds 1 inch deep in a small circle in top of each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, Be Sure To thin to the 3 strongest plants in each hill.
TO START EARLY INDOORSNo more than 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 (see above).
GROWING NOTESAmend soil well with aged manure or compost. If summers are short or cool, put down black plastic to retain heat, then 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 as fruits ripen up for best sweet flavor.
Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. These small watermelons keep well in the refrigerator. Cut juicy wedges of all 3 colors for summer parties and picnics.
HARVEST AND USERegular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price per
