Wholesale Vegetables (Renee's)
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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.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
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.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
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.
Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price per -
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.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit 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!
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
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 -
Heirloom Broccoli Raab Early Rapini
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 1/2inch 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 Broccoli Raab 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 tender juicy shoots with plump buds. Use non-toxic B.T. (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 and juicy with closed buds. After cutting, water plants and feed with fish emulsion solution to get a second harvest in a few weeks. Enjoy the hearty flavor of these vitamin-rich greens by briefly steaming or prepare traditionally by first blanching them quickly in boiling water and then sautéing them in olive oil with chopped garlic, just until tender.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Tricolor Carrots Circus Circus
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 the room they need 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
For best sweet flavor, let these pretty, different colored carrots size up and fully mature before harvesting. Enjoy these extra healthy carrots raw as snacks or grated into salads for great eye appeal. Sauté or steam just until tender crisp and serve with a little sweet butter and your favorite fresh chopped herb. Carrots go well with dill, tarragon, chives, cilantro or mint.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Japanese Cucumber Tasty Treat Slicer
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 1½ feet apart and 1 inch deep with 3 feet between rows. Thin to 1 seedling per group. 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 need no peeling. Slice and enjoy for refreshing snacks, in salads and sandwiches. Eat cucumbers within a day or two of picking for best taste and quality.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Mediterranean Cucumber Garden Oasis
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 age manure or compost. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds, 1 inch deep and 18 inches apart. When the baby seedlings are 2 inches long, thin out extras, leaving one strong seedling per group. After thinning, provide a 4 to 5 foot strong vertical support or individual tomato cage around each seedling and train the vines up the supports as they grow. Growing vigorous, heavy-bearing cucumber vines up supports or cages makes it easier to harvest the cucumbers, saves garden space and helps prevent disease.
GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow-rooted cucumbers need adequate and consistent moisture to produce sweet tasting, nicely formed cucumbers. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruits.
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.
Regular price $4.39Sale price $4.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Bush Beans Provider
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 1½ to 2 feet apart. Make several sowings 2 to 3 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
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. Enjoy tasty Provider beans cooked just until tender crisp. The pods also freeze well if blanched first.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
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 -
Jewel-Toned Beets Red, Gold & Candystripe
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 deep and 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly and evenly for bed planting. Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, replant more seed in the rows as seedlings will catch up fast. Carefully thin when seedlings are large enough to handle to stand 3 to 4 inches apart so roots have room to grow and mature.
GROWING NOTES
For best quality tender roots, 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 when plants are small as they’ll 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 wonderful color and sweet concentrated flavor.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
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 Cabbage Pixie
TO START INDOORS
Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 1 inch apart in 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 several inches tall, transplant seedlings 10 inches apart into rich soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.
TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
When all danger of frost is over, plant in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 10 inches apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to 1 strong plant every 10 inches. In mild winter climates, sow seeds again at midsummer for a fall crop.
GROWING NOTES
Cabbage needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce firm, sweet heads. To avoid stunting growth, don’t let seedlings get crowded before thinning or transplanting. Keep weeded and evenly watered. Feed monthly with fish emulsion or an all-purpose fertilizer. Use non-toxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests. Floating row covers provide a good barrier method to exclude pests. Remove covers when heads begin to form.
HARVEST AND USE
Cut the 5 to 6 inch heads when they are very solid and well-formed. Enjoy raw as a snack, in coleslaw or quickly stir-fry, sauté, or steam. Fresh dill is delicious with cabbage.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
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.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price perNew -
Napa/Chinese Cabbage Emiko
TO START INDOORS
Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 1 inch apart in seed starting mix, cover 1/4 inch deep and keep evenly moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When several inches tall, transplant seedlings 12-14 inches apart into rich soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.
TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
When all danger of frost is over, plant in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow clusters of 2 to 3 seeds 12-14 inches apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to 1 strong plant every 12-14 inches. In mild winter climates, sow seeds again at midsummer for a fall crop.
GROWING NOTES
Cabbage needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce firm, sweet heads. To avoid stunting growth, don’t let seedlings get crowded before thinning or transplanting. Keep weeded and evenly watered. Feed monthly with fish emulsion or an all-purpose fertilizer.
Use non-toxic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests. Floating row covers provide a good barrier method to exclude pests. Remove covers when heads begin to form.
HARVESTING
Harvest when these big, vase-shaped heads are heavy, plump, solid and well-filled out. Each head yields multiple meals!
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Grape Tomatoes Bronze Torch
STARTING SEEDLINGS
In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures have reliably reached 55°F (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°F (21°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 (13°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 firmly anchored strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; do not overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
HARVEST AND USE
Plants will grow tall and heavy with fruit clusters, so provide sturdy supports. For best flavor, pick only when fully ripened to rich red with gold-bronze streaks. Don’t refrigerate; these pretty fruits keep well in a countertop basket. Enjoy fresh, or try a quick sauté with garlic in good olive oil just until they burst, then sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price perNew -
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
