Renee's Garden
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Basil – Queenette True Thai – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartThis tropical-looking ornamental basil has dense 1/2 inch leaves that grow in clusters around distinctive purple stems. Imported directly from our best Thai seed producer, Queenette’s exotic flavor combines aromatic mild sweet spices with clove/mint basil flavor. It is a critical ingredient in Southeast Asian dishes and marvelous in stirfries, chutneys and marinades. An eye-catching herb to interplant with flowers for “edible landscaping.” Plant Queenette basil to enjoy growing and cooking with authentic Thai ingredients.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has reached the 50°F (10°C) range day and night, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart so plants have room to grow.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in containers 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 stay above 50°F (10°C), acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in garden beds or into large pots.GROWING NOTES
Remember, for success with this easy to grow but cold-sensitive herb, it is essential to sow and/or transplant basil only when weather is warm 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 if you want to extend harvesting. Feed regularly to promote new growth. -
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. -
Zinnia – Moulin Rouge – Renee’s Seeds
$4.79Add to cartZinnia elegans. Our own sizzling hot blend of cutting zinnias in bright scarlet, rich true crimson and deep dark red, all knockout red shades that enhance and augment each other for gorgeous bright garden color and absolutely stunning centerpiece bouquets. You will love the fully double, big flowers that bloom strongly on vigorous, branching 3 to 3 1/2 foot tall plants. These stunning and long-lasting red flowers are guaranteed to attract native pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Seed Count: 90-95.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderEASY TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about 1/2 inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 8 to12 inches apart when large enough to handle so plants have good air circulation and enough elbow room to grow and bloom freely.GROWING NOTES
Zinnias grow readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large and abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, even watering help keep zinnias productive and discourages mildew. Pick when flower blossoms first open and petals are tight for longest vase life. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing best blooms for summer long bouquets. -
Squash Winter – Baby Spaghetti – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cartExtremely productive vines bear dozens of 4-5 inch, little “mini” spaghetti squashes. The semi-compact vines can be trained up a fence/trellis so the little golden squashes hang like ornaments. These little minis cook up quickly, making it fast and easy to fork out their spaghetti like flesh to top with pizza sauce or a little butter and grated cheese for a quick, nutritious and low-calorie dish. After harvest, these little squashes store very well to enjoy for many good meals.
Seed Count: Approx. 30BEST TO START OUTDOORS
Winter squash needs 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 2 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or make slightly mounded hills 2 to 3 feet across and 6 feet apart and plant 4 to 5 seeds in each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, thin to the strongest 3 seedlings per hill.GROWING NOTES
Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. To make picking easier and save space, vines can be trained up trellises or tepees.HARVEST AND USE
All winter squashes need to mature properly, so wait to pick until rinds are fully colored up from dark green to bright yellow-orange. 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.In the kitchen, cut Baby Spaghettis in half and scoop out the seeds, then bake until tender. Fork up the spaghetti-like strands of tender, nutty squash, then top with your favorite sauce or a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of salt.
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Beans Pole – Rich Purple Pod – Renee’s Garden
$6.89Add to cartTreasured purple pole beans renowned for flavor, yield and reliability. These crunchy deep purple pods stand out against the green leafy vines, making them fun and easy to pick. Antioxidant rich. Seed Count: 50.
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 1½ to 2 feet apart. Make additional 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, 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. Tasty Royalty Purple Pod bean pods will turn green after a few minutes of cooking. -
Celery – Amsterdam Seasoning – Renee’s
$5.19Add to cartA traditional Continental favorite, seasoning celery resembles big Italian parsley plants. This useful kitchen herb is grown for its sprays of glossy, celery-flavored leaves; it does not form thick stalks. The savory leaves have an intense celery taste that adds a rich, mellow undercurrent of flavor to stews, soups, casseroles or any slow cooking dish. Use the leafy sprigs in everyday cooking or just air dry the leaves to keep their sweet pungent flavor for long-term use. 670 seeds, Non GMO.
BIENNIAL, GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost HardyTO PLANT DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
Start leaf celery in spring, when weather is settled, but still cool. In mild winter climates, seed can also be started in fall. Plant in full sun or, in hot areas, where plants will get afternoon shade. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart into well worked, fertile soil. Cover 1/4 inch deep. Be patient and be careful to keep seedbed evenly moist while awaiting germination which can be uneven. Thin groups of 3 to 4 seedlings 8 inches apart when several inches tall.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start in early spring 6 weeks before night temperatures will warm up to 50°F (10°C). Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Barely cover. Keep evenly moist but not soggy until germination takes place over 3 weeks.Provide a strong light source as soon as seedlings emerge. Plant out groups of 3 to 4 seedlings when 2 to 3 inches tall, spacing groups 8 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Water regularly and fertilize monthly with a high nitrogen source. Seasoning celery forms sprays of attractive leaves rather than thick stalks. Harvest sprays of leaves as needed once plant is well established. Hang leafy bunches upside down in a cool, well ventilated place to easily air dry for future use. -
Lettuce – Farmer’s Market Blend – Renee’s Garden
$4.19These tender, sweet and beautiful lettuces draw raves at our local farmers market where baskets of the young leaves tempt the eye and appetite. After careful evaluation, we’ve blended the most delicious varieties for a balanced palette of colors, shapes and textures. Includes frilly, lime-green Tango, upright green Little Gem, crimson and green Cimarron and burgundy Outredgeous. Cut young leaves often for scrumptious salads that are pretty as a picture in the garden and at the table. Little Gem, Tango, Outredgeous, Cimarron.
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
Mixed lettuces 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 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.Add to cart1900 Seeds
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Cucumber – Suyo Long Organic – Renee’s Garden
$6.89Asian heirloom cucumber producing lots of long, slender and ribbed, burpless deep green cukes with a fine delicate flavor and crispy texture that cucumber lovers will treasure. Harvest in 62 days.
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 in groups of 2 to 3 seeds 18 in. apart and 1 inch deep.When seedlings are 2 in. tall, thin out extras, leaving one strong seedling per group. After thinning, put 4–5 ft. vertical supports or individual tomato cages around each seedling and train vines up supports as they grow. This method makes it easier to harvest straight fruits, saves garden space, and helps prevent further disease.
GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow-rooted vines 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 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.Add to cart33 Seeds
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Beets – Chioggia Heirloom – Renee’s Garden
$6.89Italian heirloom with bright, candy-red exteriors and interior flesh beautifully marked in alternating rings of cherry red and white. Delicious sweet flavor and fine texture. Great tasting leafy tops.
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
Mixed lettuces 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 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.Add to cart580 Seeds