Renee's Garden
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Thyme – French – Renee’s Seeds
$3.79Softly mounding plants of cascading gray-green thyme leaves are a handsome accent in every cook’s garden. Intensely aromatic thyme is indispensable in all kinds of savory dishes throughout the classic Mediterranean cuisines of France, Italy and Greece and enhances both Cajun and Creole food. Use the spicy little leaves every day to combine and blend beautifully with the flavors of lemon, garlic, basil and parsley for seasoning vegetables, seafood and poultry. Thyme is easy to freeze or dry.
PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyBEST TO PLANT INDOORS
Sow thyme in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover seeds very lightly and keep evenly moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge in 14 to 21 days. Provide a good light source. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant clusters of 3-4 seedlings 8-10 inches apart.TO START IN THE GARDEN
Plant thyme after soil has warmed up in spring in a finely textured seed bed with good drainage in full sun. Sow very thinly, cover seed lightly and be careful to keep the seed bed evenly moist and well weeded. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin out, leaving clumps of 3-4 seedlings 8-10 inches apart so plants have room to grown and spread.GROWING NOTES
Given a sunny location with good drainage, easy-growing thyme plants are reliable productive and long-lived garden perennials. Little lilac flowers bloom in midsummer; cut back foliage halfway when the blossoms fade to keep plants looking fresh. Cut leafy thyme sprigs as needed once plants are well established.Add to cart1000 Seeds
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Basil – Mrs. Burns’ Lemon – Renee’s
$4.19Add to cartThis delightful heirloom, saved for generations for its scrumptious taste and fragrance, has a robust, carefree nature in the garden and bigger leaves than any other lemon basil variety. Chop or crush the foliage and release the heady perfume of basil commingled with a warm delicious lemon accent. Add Mrs. Burns lavishly to rice dishes, poultry, fish, potatoes and vegetables, use it in dressings and marinades or enjoy its abundant leaves for refreshing lemony iced tea. 275 seeds, Non GMO
TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
In late spring when night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), sow seeds 1 inch apart in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 6 to 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow thinly in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm and settled, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden.GROWING NOTES
Remember – it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed and water regularly to promote new growth. -
Lavender – Hidcote – Renee’s Garden
$4.79Add to cartOur wonderful Hidcote has the loveliest perfume of all the English lavenders. The long blooming plants with their soft narrow silvery foliage and vivid, deep purple velvety calyxes make beautiful landscape plants. Cut and hang the richly scented flower spikes upside down in a cool place for fragrant long-lasting bouquets and sachets, or leave the blooms to charm your senses and attract a flotilla of summer butterflies. 200 seeds, non GMO.
PERENNIAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost hardyBEST TO START INDOORS
In early spring, sow lavender seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 65°F (18°C). Keep container moist but not soggy until seedlings slowly emerge over 14 to 25 days, providing a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant 2 inches apart into deeper containers. Plant outside in a well-drained sunny spot when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 18 inches apart when large enough to handle.GROWING NOTES
Because perennial lavender’s small seeds germinate slowly and unevenly, we strongly recommend starting them indoors so you can tend them carefully. After seedlings are well established, plant them out in a sunny spot with excellent drainage and good air circulation or in big, well drained pots. If given excellent drainage and good air circulation, Hardy Hidcote lavender is perennial to Zone 5. Plants flower lightly the first season and come into full bloom by their second summer. After blooming season, prune and shape the plants while cutting off spent flower stalks. -
Basil – Sweet Green Heirloom – Renee’s Garden
$4.19These carefully selected, extra vigorous Sweet Green Basil strain yields delicious aromatic leaves. This fragrant basil is the soulmate of fresh sun-warmed garden tomatoes, and is good with onions, peppers, corn, potatoes, poultry and fish. Its delightful rich, spicy-sweet flavor with overtones of mint and cloves blends well with all other herbs. With our productive strain, you’ll have an abundance to use lavishly all summer long.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked, fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow 1 inch apart in seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and nights reach 50°F (10°C), acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden.GROWING NOTES
Remember — for success with this easy to grow herb, it is critical to sow or transplant basil into garden beds only when late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Harvest sprays of leaves by snipping stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to encourage lush foliage. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth.Add to cart500 Seeds
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Shiso – Bicoloured – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartWe import this unique and easy to grow shiso because it is aromatic, tasty, and really beautiful in the garden. The fringed 3 inch leaves are a striking blue-green on top and dark burgundy underneath, and absolutely glow in the sun. The fragrant, branching 2 1/2 foot plants bloom in profusion with pretty plumes of lavender-pink flowers. Shiso’s vibrant flavor is strongly herbaceous and citrusy. The leaves can be enjoyed in pickles, Asian salads, noodle dishes and sushi rolls. 500 seeds, Non GMO
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and night temperatures are solidly above 50°F (10°C ), acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Remember— it is critical to plant Shiso in the garden only after day and nights are solidly above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth.NOTE: Can self-sow aggressively. Keep plants from spreading by cutting spent flowers so they don’t drop seeds. Do not plant near natural areas.
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Cilantro Vietnamese – Bac Lieu Heirloom – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartThe flavor of fast-growing Bac Lieu Vietnamese Cilantro is mild and delicate with an extra citrus twist. The plants resemble regular cilantro but the foliage is topped with fine cut, frilly leaves. Enjoy at every growth stage, as Bac Lieu plants hold their delicious flavor even as they mature and begin to flower. Sprigs of leaves are traditionally harvested while young and tender and served on a platter so individual diners can add to taste for extra savor throughout the meal.
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Can handle light frostsEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Vietnamese Cilantro doesn’t transplant well; plant seeds directly in the garden. For continuous harvests, start in early spring and make successive sowings every few weeks until summer heat comes on strong. Sow again in cooler fall weather, especially in mild winter areas. Sow seeds in well-drained fertile soil 1 to 2 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge. Thin seedlings 3 to 4 in. apart before plants get crowded.GROWING NOTES
Vietnamese cilantro leafs out and flowers quickly as plants mature; lushest, leafy growth is in cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Plants thrive when well watered and thinned early so they have room to grow. If hot weather arrives early, plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. The lacy flowers of these plants attract beneficial insects and pollinating bees.HARVEST AND USE
Vietnamese cilantro produces rosettes of leaves low on plants with more finely cut, serrated leaves towards the top. Harvest & use entire plant, including stems, leaves & even young flowers. Traditionally, Vietnamese cilantro is offered on a plate in the center of the table, so diners can help themselves. This delicious edible garnish & flavoring tastes similar to a delicate regular cilantro, but with an additional delicious hint of citrus spice. -
Sage – Heirloom Italian Aromatic – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartSalvia officinalis. Sun-loving sage’s soft gray-green leaves blend handsomely with all other plants, and its pretty light purple flower sprays attract constant attention from hummingbirds. In the kitchen, you’ll find fresh sage has a warm complex flavor that enhances vegetables like onions, beans, tomatoes and potatoes, meats like pork, turkey and sausage and most cheese dishes. Bunches of leafy sage branches dry easily to enjoy year-round. This easy and ornamental Mediterranean herb belongs in every garden. Approx. 55 seeds.
PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyBEST TO START EARLY INDOORS
In early spring, sow seed 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant 12 to 18 inches apart when seedlings are about 2 or 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions.TO PLANT OUTDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in well-drained fertile soil in full sun in spring once weather is warm and settled. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil over seeds and keep seedbed evenly moist. Germination takes 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 12 to 18 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Sage plants are resilient and drought tolerant once established. Cut leafy sprigs once plants are well leafed out. After flowers stop blooming, cut them well down the branch to encourage more leaf growth. Add a small pinch of crushed fresh sage to vegetables, casseroles, pork, poultry stuffing and cheese dishes. Combine fresh sage with chopped parsley to mellow its pungency. To dry, hang leafy branches upside down in a cool airy place.